In the heart of Beverly Hills, California, lies a story unlike any other – the journey of Eric Hyon, a young man who transitioned from a sitcom actor to a dedicated Beverly Hills cop. This isn’t your typical Hollywood story; it’s a testament to unexpected turns and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
The path to becoming a police officer wasn’t always clear for Hyon. He is the son of Korean immigrants who owned a Mexican restaurant. After a college summer trip to South Korea that stretched into three years, he earned a business management degree, became an international model, and even landed a recurring role on a popular South Korean sitcom. According to Behind the Badge, Hyon has a knack for finding himself in unexpected situations.
After the sitcom’s cancellation, Hyon and his wife moved to Los Angeles, where he initially pursued a career as a financial planner. He secured a respectable position and achieved a degree of success, but the work left him unfulfilled. The monotony, the constant need to hustle for clients, and the rigid dress code clashed with his adventurous and intellectually curious nature.
“My mom saw that I was miserable,” Hyon recalled. His parents’ restaurant, Jose Bernstein’s, was conveniently located near the theaters in Westwood, often used for movie premieres. Retired LAPD officers would regularly manage traffic during these events, and one of them became a regular at the restaurant. “My mom befriended him, and one day, she told him, ‘My son is so unhappy.’ The guy told her, ‘Tell him to become a cop,’” Hyon said.
The officer suggested exploring opportunities in smaller departments like Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, where the pay and benefits were reportedly better than at the LAPD. Hyon initially dismissed the idea, but fate intervened. “I happened to have a client meeting in Beverly Hills shortly after that conversation, and it was not a good meeting,” Hyon said, laughing. “I was just done with this career. I’m driving on Santa Monica Blvd., and lo and behold, there’s City Hall. I remembered what my mom told me, so I parked and walked in there. As it turned out, they were accepting applications.”
The application process was highly competitive. As reported by Behind the Badge, Hyon found himself among 300 other hopefuls vying for just two positions with the Beverly Hills Police Department. Many applicants had lifelong aspirations of becoming police officers, with family histories steeped in law enforcement. Hyon, on the other hand, had limited experience with law enforcement beyond the occasional parking ticket. He questioned his place among them.
Recently, Hyon received the department’s Allen H. Karlin Award for Exemplary Police Work. In nominating Hyon, Officer Jesse Perez highlighted his unique qualities, stating, “It is rare to come across such a dynamic and multi-purpose law enforcement officer, such as Sgt. Hyon.”
Hyon’s unusual life experiences helped him stand out. He was among the select few granted an interview. The interview date coincided with his long-delayed honeymoon to Cancun. Undeterred, Hyon made arrangements to attend the interview before heading to the airport. “My best friend and my wife were waiting outside in the car, with the engine running,” he said. “When I walked in for the interview, they could tell that something was going on and asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ I told them. It was the perfect icebreaker.”
Seventeen years later, Hyon remains passionate about his work. “The last 17 years have gone in a blur. I’m just happy that I found something that I love to do,” he said. “I come in every day with the same amount of eagerness and enthusiasm and wanting to help someone in need as I did 17 years ago.”
Serving in Beverly Hills has exposed Hyon to a range of unique cases, including his role as the lead homicide detective in the Whitney Houston death investigation. He also served on the Special Tactics Unit, providing security for visiting dignitaries, including President Barack Obama. However, he finds the most fulfillment in assisting ordinary people during their most difficult times.
“No one calls the police when they’re having a great day, so we see people at the lowest points of their lives,” he said. “Knowing that I have a chance, a moment, to help steer this person’s life in a better direction and to be that difference is something I don’t take lightly.”
Hyon’s dedication inspires his colleagues. Perez noted Hyon’s “work ethic, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to doing things at his highest ability. He leads by example and challenges both his subordinates and peers to reach their highest potential.”
Despite his own fulfilling career, Hyon expressed reservations when his teenage daughter considered following in his footsteps. “Society has changed in how they view our profession,” he said. “I don’t want her to go through that.”
Ultimately, Hyon is grateful he didn’t walk out of that ballroom years ago. “Every day is different, and you’re seeing stuff that most people go their whole lives without seeing,” he said. “Even after 17 years, every day I can’t believe that they pay me to do what I do, catch bad guys and put them in jail.”