‘Ganghodong-neighborhood Bookstore’ Fighter Kim Dong-hyun Unveils His “Dream Notebook,” Turning School Bullying Into a UFC Run… Even Kang Ho-dong Gets Choked Up

Coupang Play’s variety show 〈Ganghodong-neighborhood Bookstore〉 spotlighted the dramatic life story of “Stun Gun” Kim Dong-hyun, delivering both a wave of emotion and nonstop belly laughs. In Episode 3, released on the 20th (Friday), Kim Dong-hyun—Kang Ho-dong’s “clingy little brother” energy—laid bare his path from a childhood as gentle as plants in a greenhouse to landing at No. 6 on the UFC world rankings.

“I’ve said all I need to say?”… Kim Dong-hyun’s odd charm left veteran Kang Ho-dong speechless

〈Ganghodong-neighborhood Bookstore〉 is a talk show where “Hokratese” (Kang Ho-dong), the owner of an INFP bookstore, lets guests’ life stories unfold like books. That day, Kim Dong-hyun kicked things off by introducing 〈The Marshmallow Story〉, a book that helped him make it through the days he spent in the shadows.

But the heavy mood didn’t last. As Kang Ho-dong tried to get the full conversation going, Kim Dong-hyun cut him off on the spot, saying, “I’ve said all I need to say?” and throwing the entire scene into chaos. His offbeat banter—so surprising it left Kang Ho-dong visibly flustered—along with his sudden confession about a beauty treatment, sent viewers into a frenzy.

From school-bullying victim to No. 6 in the UFC… the “Dream Notebook” miracle that started in his teens

Behind the laughs, Kim Dong-hyun’s real feelings were even stronger. He revealed that he started training in fighting during his school days as a way to overcome school bullying, and he also shared the ‘Dream Notebook’ he wrote himself in high school, back when he was dreaming of making it into the UFC—leaving everyone stunned.

He then traced the path that led to his historic achievement of becoming the first Korean to reach No. 6 in the UFC welterweight world rankings. In particular, when asked about the first knockout he ever took—at the hands of Carlos Condit—he said, “I wasn’t even hurt. I don’t remember it. I wonder what I was so scared of,” and explained what viewers dubbed ‘Dong-hyun-Style Thinking’: “As long as I’m conscious, I’ll do my best,” bringing tears to Kang Ho-dong’s eyes.

“Win or Learn”… the intense sense of sameness connecting athletes and entertainers

Beyond being a fighter, Kim Dong-hyun also showed off his side as an author, having published 〈Kim Dong-hyun’s Mindset Training〉, which reflects his own philosophy. His catchphrase, “Win or Learn,” formed a deep bond with Kang Ho-dong, who has lived fiercely in the world of competition—an aftertaste that goes beyond ordinary entertainment.

〈Ganghodong-neighborhood Bookstore〉, where two men reinvent themselves—one stepping from fighter to variety personality—airs every Friday at 4:00 p.m. on Coupang Play. Both Coupang Wow subscribers and general members can watch for free.