I assure you it's just a really old habit. Being overpolite, I mean.

[ he's not sure how to bring up that he used to be a famous actor without... coming across as bragging or showing off. So as usual, he'll avoid it. ]

We'll start off simple.
Did your understanding come with basic understanding of Hangeul, as well, or just speaking?

If it is easier with words first, and then learning the alphabet later...