The Power of In-Person Connection and the Magic of Mobility

Sung has been incredibly active lately—more than ever, it seems! I’ve always thought of him as a natural traveler, likely because that’s how we first crossed paths. Back in 2007, he was on a grassroots promotional tour with director Justin Lin, visiting cities across the U.S. to connect directly with fans. Since then, I’ve often seen him doing exactly that: traveling from city to city, engaging in Q&As, and sharing genuine moments with audiences and hosts alike.

In today's world, if we just want to watch a movie, we are spoiled for choice with streaming services and on-demand entertainment. In fact, as AI becomes a regular part of our daily lives, a massive chunk of the entertainment industry is shifting toward technology (honestly, it’s not just entertainment, but that’s a topic for another day!). But here is the silver lining: the more digital our world becomes, the more valuable our offline time feels. We crave real, in-person connection.

Somehow, Sung’s roles—especially Han from the Fast & Furious franchise—are so captivating that they make us dream of meeting the man behind the character. We want to know if Sung is truly as cool as Han. Of course, I already know the answer: he is even better than Han. And I am certain that anyone who has ever met him in person would wholeheartedly agree.

It’s an exciting time to be a fan, though it also makes you reflect. I don’t seek out celebrities just because I enjoy their work, but when there’s an official event to meet a performer or an author, why not seize the opportunity? I’ve attended a few book signings myself, grateful for the chance to speak with authors whose writing moved me. It sometimes makes me wish that I, too, could publish something one day that shifts a reader's perspective or leaves a positive impact. I don't see myself as anyone extraordinary, but you never know—perhaps a few people out there might find value in my words, or simply feel a bit better knowing someone else shares their worldview.

Of course, we can’t all be famous authors or movie stars, nor should we be. But when it comes to someone like Sung, we can all appreciate that he chose this path and generously continues to show up for fans at in-person events worldwide. He makes me incredibly proud because he brings together such a diverse, global community.

As he often says, cars connect us all. Vehicles might not always be the trendiest topic for high-level tech investors, but mobility is a fundamental human need. And let’s be honest—we all want our ride to look reasonably cool! It’s a feeling that a massive majority of people on this planet can relate to.

Coming from Japan, a country whose modern economy was built on the automobile industry, this connection feels like no coincidence to me. The automotive ecosystem is on the brink of massive renewal, but our emotional connection to mobility—and the desire for a vehicle that reflects who we are—isn't going anywhere. Through it all, Sung remains at the center of it, driving nothing but good vibes for everyone who cares about cars.