Daebak Korean Actors

Min Nam-koong was born on 12 March 1978 in Seoul, Korea. He is an actor, known for My Dearest (2023), Remember: War of the Son (2015) and Good Manager (2017).

Versatile and Charismatic, Jun Ji-Hyun is one of the most loved and respected actresses in her homeland of South Korea. She has won numerous accolades, including two Grand Bell Awards for Best Actress and a Baeksang Art Awards Daesang (Grand Prize) for Television. Jun Ji-Hyun's success in film and television has established her as a top Hallyu star. She is also called one of "The Troika," along with Kim Tae-Hee and Song Hye-Kyo, collectively known by the acronym "Tae-Hye-Ji."

South Korea's Seoul is where Jun was born. Her brother is five years her senior. Because of her height and trim figure, her mother and her mother's friends urged her to pursue a career in modeling or acting. She had always wanted to work as a flight attendant, but after one flight, she had second thoughts. She started her career as a model for Ecole Magazine in 1997 at the age of 16, following in the footsteps of her high school senior classmate. On the advice of a producer, she made her acting debut in 1998 and took on the stage name Jun Ji-현.

Her movie debut came in White Valentine (1999). This was followed by a role in Il Mare (2000), which proved to be a success. However, Jun's biggest breakthrough was in My Sassy Girl (2001), a romantic comedy that won her the Best Actress award at the Daejong Film Festival in 2002 nonetheless sparked an international breakthrough for Korean cinema and became an enormous sensation throughout Asia. Her reputation as one of the top actresses of her generation was cemented by the movie, which gave her the title "Nation's First Love." Decades after the movie that catapulted her to new heights in her career came out, she has kept growing under this label.

Kim Nam-gil is a South Korean actor, producer, singer and philanthropist. He is best known from leading roles in disaster blockbuster Pandora (2016); crime thriller The Shameless (2015); adventure film The Pirates (2014); period drama Portrait of a Beauty (2008) and the crime-comedy television drama The Fiery Priest (2019). His breakthrough role was Bidam in the hit television period drama The Great Queen Seondeok (2009).

Kim Nam-gil first debuted on television with a minor role in the 1998 KBS drama "School 1" (as the character Min-soo). Five years later, Nam-gil would win the 31st audition for MBC Television. He then performed in various minor roles for MBC. Meanwhile, in 2005, Kim Nam-gil changed his name to the seemingly more exotic name of "Lee Han." In 2006, Kim Nam-gil made the bold decision to accept his first lead role in the controversial, but critically praised independent film, No Regret (2006). Kim Nam-gil played the homosexual character Song Jae-min in "No Regret". Although the film "No Regret" received high praise from movie critics & film festivals, it failed to boost Kim Nam-gil's popularity or lead to immediate stardom. Instead, Kim Nam-gil took more supporting roles in television dramas and commercial films. Prior to the release of the film Public Enemy Returns (2008), Kim Nam-gil stopped using his stage name "Lee Han" and reverted back to his birth name. Nam-gil made this decision after receiving advice from Kang Woo-suk (the director of "Public Enemy Returns"). In 2009, Kim Nam-gil was cast in the MBC drama The Great Queen Seondeok (2009) as Bidam. The production company felt the character of Bidam was somewhat the secret weapon in securing the success of the television series. The production company proceeded to promote his character to Korean media outlets and press agencies. Eventually, the drama series became the most watched drama series of 2009, regularly receiving ratings in excess of 40%. With the runaway success of The Great Queen Seondeok (2009), Kim Nam-gil's popularity also skyrocketed. He was frequently voted the sexiest man by Korean women, received many commercial endorsement offers, and flooded with scenarios for various upcoming films and drama series.

Kim is also the founder and CEO of a non-profit organization Gilstory that focuses on preserving cultural heritage, promoting arts and raising special purpose relief funds.

Lee Hanee was born on 2 March 1983 in Seoul, South Korea. She is an actress, known for The Rebel Hong Gil Dong (2017), Extreme Job (2019) and The Fiery Priest (2019).

Kim Won-hae was born on 6 April 1969. He is an actor, known for Are You Human Too? (2018), The Ghost Detective (2018) and Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017).

He made his debut in 2014 after his military service in the TV drama Bride of the Century, after an appearance in the music video "Moya" in 2013.

His popularity started to grow, in 2016, with a special appearance in the drama Goblin, as Choi Tae-Hee, the first love of the female lead, Ji Eun-Tak ( the actress Kim Go Eun). In the same year, he appeared in a more relevant role in the drama White Nights, as Tak.

In 2017, his outstanding performances in the dramas While You Were Sleeping and Prison Playbook made him more and more popular amongst the insiders.

Jung Haein's achievements did not come overnight. In the first years of his career, he worked on strengthening his acting skills by appearing in several independent and short films. He got every possible chance to closely watch the performances of prominent actors. Every experience was precious to him to build up his career.

In Spring 2018, his popularity impressively rose thanks to the JTBC drama Something in the Rain, in which he acted beside Son Ye-Jin as the lead character.

In the second half of 2018, he joined actress Kim Go-Eun and director Jung Ji-Woo in the movie Tune In For Love, released on August 28, 2019.

In 2019, he appeared in the lead role - as Yoo Ji-Ho - with Han Ji-Min in the MBC drama One Spring Night - written and directed by the same team who created Something In The Rain - and as Sang-Pil, the co-lead in the movie Start-Up, directed by Choi Jeong-Yeol.

In March 2020, starred in tvN drama A Piece Of Your Mind in the lead role of Moon Ha Won, an AI programmer gifted and sensitive.

Something In The Rain, Tune In For Love and One Spring Night - all available on Netflix - have been three consecutive box office hits, loved by the audience and the critics. Jung Hae-In received reviews for always showing the character itself with emotional acting, delicate and intense.

August 2021, with the D.P. release on Netflix, marks a turning point in Jung Haein's career. With his intense Ahn Junho, the young man assigned to the deserter pursuit unit while serving in his military service puts the versatility of his talent to the test and comes out highly successful. The webtoon this series is based on, written by Kim Bo-tong, garnered over 10 million views for its realistic portrayal of the brutal violence and human rights violations committed in the military. D.P.'s international success and the praise he received for his outstanding performance led him to represent South Korea in Netflix's celebratory event, Tudum.

The year 2021, which also saw him starring in the short film Blue Happiness directed by his friend Lee Je-hoon as part of the Unframed project, comes to a close with the release of Snowdrop, Disney's first original Asian series launched by the Disney Plus platform and the Korean JTBC. Thanks to the powerful and multifaceted performance of Jung Haein in the leading role, Lim Sooho, the series allows Disney a significant debut in the Asian market, ranking as the most-watched in several regions. Acclaimed Japanese director Takashi Miike casts him in the lead role, Ha Dong Soo for his first Korean project, the Connect series, expected in December also on Disney Plus. Meanwhile, 2022 sees Jung Haein busy filming the second season of D.P., renewed by Netflix in December 2021 in light of its incredible success.

After triumphing as Best Actor in the eighth Apan Awards, Jung Haein headlined the 27th Busan International Film Festival with the world premiere of Connect, which generated excitement and expectations thanks to the actor and the director. With the release of the series, in December 2022, the actor once again showcased his acting skills, proving that no genre is beyond his reach. His performances have made history in the romantic genre, and they have left a profound mark with the intensity of his characters even in the dramatic, action, and thriller genres.

In July 2023, he led the cast once more in the second season of the Netflix series "D.P.," reprising the role of Ahn Junho. Following the success of the first season, both critics and the audience had immense expectations even before the series' release. Jung Haein did not disappoint, portraying Ahn Junho with a range of expressive nuances, an intensity, and a depth even richer than those expressed in the first season. His performance has garnered enthusiastic reviews worldwide from critics and the public alike. Director Han Junhee calls him "The Face of D.P.," and creator and screenwriter Kim Botong stated that when he enters a room, it's the Ahn Junho he had always imagined who enters.

Jung Haein's established fame as an actor with the potential to embody any character across various genres was solidified by his dazzling performance in "12.12: The Day," Kim SungSu's remarkable success at the end of 2023. Portraying Major Oh JinHo, in just 8 minutes of screen time, Jung Haein infused his intensity into the character, the hero opposing the military insurgency of December 12, 1979, further endearing himself to critics and audiences.

It comes as no surprise that director Ryoo SeungWan, known for his works "Veteran" and "Escape From Mogadishu," chose him for the role of Park SunWoo, the co-lead in "I, The Executioner," the sequel to the "Veteran" saga, alongside Hwang JungMin. Expected to hit theaters in the latter half of 2024, the film is the only Korean production invited to the 77th Festival de Cannes, in the Official Selection.

Summer of 2024 sees Jung Haein's return to the romantic drama with his debut as Choi SeungHyo, a young and esteemed architect, both professionally and personally appreciated, grappling with embarrassing memories and a disruptive return from the past, his childhood friend Bae SeokRyu, portrayed by Jung SoMin, who leads a very different life. The series, acquired by Netflix, will be available for streaming in the summer of 2024 under the title "Golden Boy" (broadcasted in Korea on the tvN network under the title "Mom's Friend's Son").

Soo-Hyun Kim is one of the brightest stars in East Asia. He became a household name in South Korea in 2011, playing a country bumpkin who turned out to be a musical genius in the teen-age drama 'Dream High'.

His popularity sky-rocketed in 2012 when he starred in as the young king Lee Hwon in the drama 'Moon Embracing the Sun', which achieved a peak recorded viewer rating of 42.2 per cent and earned the 'national drama' status.

In 2014, Soo-Hyun Kim enjoyed so much popularity all over East Asia after playing the leading role of Do Min Joon in the drama 'You Who Came from Star', which got an average viewer rating of 24.02 per cent in South Korea, and had over two billion hits on the Chinese streaming site Iqiyi.

Seo Ye-ji was born on 6 April 1990 in Seoul, South Korea. She is an actress, known for It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020), By Quantum Physics: A Nightlife Venture (2019) and Recalled (2021).

Taecyeon is the main rapper of South Korean boy band, 2PM. Taecyeon started his career as a musician, actor, MC, and CEO. He starred in Dream High, Who Are You, and Cinderella's Stepsister. Taecyeon was born in Busan, South Korea but moved to Bedford, Massachusetts at the age of ten. He originally auditioned to be a model at JYP Entertainment, but was chosen as a member of One Day which later split into 2AM and 2PM. Taecyeon speaks fluent Korean, English and Japanese.

Kang Ki-young was born on 14 October 1983. He is an actor, known for Crazy Romance (2019), Moment at Eighteen (2019) and The Point Men (2023).

Park was born on December 16, 1988 in Seoul as the oldest of three brothers. After graduation from An-Nam high school, he attended Seoul Institute of the Arts and enlisted for mandatory military service in 2008.

Park made his entertainment debut in 2011 by appearing in the music video of Bang Yong-Guk's single "I Remember." He has then appeared in television dramas Dream High 2 (2012), Pots of Gold (2013), and Witch's Romance (2014). From October 2013 to April 2015, he became the host of Music Bank.

His breakout role came in 2015 as the male lead of the television series She was Pretty.

He had a role in Bong Joon-ho's blockbuster comedy-thriller Parasite (2019).

So Ji-seob was born on 4 November 1977 in Seoul, South Korea. He is an actor, known for Rough Cut (2008), Ghost (2012) and Cain and Abel (2009). He has been married to Jo Eun-Jung since 7 April 2020.

Dong Ha was born on 14 January 1992 in Korea. He is an actor, known for Good Manager (2017), Suspicious Partner (2017) and KBS Drama Special (2010).

Park Hae-jin was born on 1 May 1983. He is an actor, known for Cheese in the Trap (2016), Bad Guys (2014) and Doctor Stranger (2014).

Lee Junho, a South Korean singer and actor who is best known for being a member of the K-pop boy group 2PM.he broke into entertainment after he won the reality competition "Superstar Survival" in 2006. In 2008, Lee Junho competed in the reality show "Hot Blood Men," in which the 13 contestants trained to form the boy band One Day but instead formed the two groups 2AM and 2PM. Since his debut with 2PM in 2008, Lee Junho has written many of the songs for the group, as well as solo releases in both Korea and Japan, and for the soundtracks of television dramas. He officially debuted as a solo music artist with the release of his first Korean mini-album "Canvas" in 2017. Lee Junho made his acting debut in a minor role in the 2011 film "White: The Melody of the Curse" and went on to appear in a few other films. In 2016, he made his small-screen debut in the television drama "Memories" and also starred in the dramas "Chief Kim" (2017) and "Just Between Lovers" (2017-2018). Lee Jun Ho Movies and TV Shows: After starring in the 2011 film "White: The Melody of the Curse, Lee Junho appeared in several other films such as the comedy film "Twenty" (2015), a South Korean coming-of-age film directed by Lee Byeong Heon. In 2018, Junho played a double role in his first Japanese movie, "Rose and Tulip" (2018) written by popular manga artist Akiko Higashimura. He was critically acclaimed for his role of Nero, a famous modern artist, and Daewon, a Korean student living in Japan. He was then cast in the SBS romantic comedy "Wok Of Love" (2018), playing a talented chef that works at a popular Chinese restaurant in a hotel. The next year, Junho played a lovely young man in the historical romantic comedy "Homme Fatale" (2019). The film was well-received by worldwide audiences and Lee Junho continued his meteoric rise. Lee Junho's drama list continues to grow with his latest hit drama "The Red Sleeve" (2021), a historical romance set in the 1700s where he plays the protagonist opposite Lee Se Young.

Jung Kyung-ho, born August 31, 1983, is a South Korean actor and singer. Jung passed the KBS audition, and was soon signed by leading talent agency SidusHQ. Along with four other newcomers from the agency, he made his acting debut in 5 Stars, a mobile drama produced by SidusHQ and broadcast over SK Telecom, followed by a few minor roles on KBS. Jung's first major break came in 2004 melodrama series I'm Sorry, I Love You, playing the supporting role of an actor who belatedly falls for his childhood friend (Im Soo-jung) and has an unusually close relationship with his mother. It was a critical and commercial hit, which led to his being cast in two films in 2005: he played the pop singer crush of a novice nun (Yoon Jin-seo) in the ensemble romantic comedy All for Love, and the more proactive assistant of a shy photographer (Kim Joo-hyuk) in When Romance Meets Destiny. After playing his first leading role in the little-seen Gangster High (2006), Jung returned to television in the well-received action drama Time Between Dog and Wolf (2007), in which he and Lee Joon-gi played NIS agents. Back on the big screen, his turn as a policeman who unknowingly becomes interested in an autistic young woman (Kang Hye-jung) in Herb netted him a Best New Actor award at the Chunsa Film Art Awards. Jung then played a 1980s-era college student tutoring a high school girl (Cha Soo-yeon) in surreal romance For Eternal Hearts, the opening film of the 2007 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival. Director Lee Joon-ik then cast Jung in Sunny (2008) as a double bassist in a "consolatory band" who helps the heroine (Soo Ae) find her husband during the Vietnam War. The year after, he played a fugitive who faces off against a small town detective (Kim Yoon-seok) in Running Turtle (2009).

For his first role in a historical drama, Jung played a Goguryeo prince torn between love and duty in Ja Myung Go (2009), based on the folktale Prince Hodong and the Princess of Nakrang (Princess Jamyung was played by Jung Ryeo-won). After Ja Myung Go's lackluster ratings, Jung bounced back with popular family drama Smile, You, in which he and Lee Min-jung stars as a couple from different backgrounds. Of playing an endearing "beta male," Jung said, "I am glad to be able to play a fun character and work on a fun script."

After that, Jung chose the low-key The Great Gye Choon-bin (2010), a one-act Drama Special episode where he played an art therapist who meets a quirky kindergarten teacher who helps him get over his fear of the dark.

Cable series Heartless City (2013) was Jung's first acting project post-army, a noir crime drama. He received the best reviews of his career yet for playing the dark, conflicted antihero.

He next starred as an arrogant Hallyu star on a rough flight from Tokyo to Seoul in the comedy Rollercoaster (released internationally as Fasten Your Seatbelt). It was the directorial debut of actor Ha Jung-woo, Jung's friend and fellow college alumni/agency mate in Fantagio. In 2014, he appeared in the 1970s-set period drama Endless Love, followed by the role of a psychopathic serial killer in Manhole. Jung next starred in Beating Again, a romantic drama about cellular memory after a heart transplant. In 2018, Jung was cast as the lead role in Korean remake of British crime drama Life on Mars.The series received acclaim from viewers, and Jung was praised for his convincing portrayal of a dazed detective.

Jung Il-woo was born on 9 September 1987 in Seoul, South Korea. He is an actor and composer, known for Diary of a Night Watchman (2014), Haechi (2019) and High Kick! (2006).

Kwon Yuri was born on 5 December 1989 in Gyeonggi, South Korea. She is an actress, known for Fashion King (2012), No Breathing (2013) and Defendant (2017).

Im She-mi was born on 29 May 1987. She is an actress, known for Closed (2020), When the Weather is Fine (2020) and The Worst of Evil (2023).

Won Bin, born November 10, 1977 in Jeongseon County, Gangwon Province, South Korea, is a popular actor. He is the youngest of five siblings (two older brothers and two older sisters). While growing up in Jeongseon County, Won Bin initially planned to become a car mechanic, but in 1996 entered an audition for cable TV company Je-il Broadcasting and won. In 1996, Won Bin made his television debut on the KBS Super Sunday variety show "Our Story". Won Bin's acting career then began in earnest with the KBS drama series "Propose" - Won Bin played a character on the short end of a one-sided love affair. His popularity quickly increased while appearing in several more youth orientated dramas - MBC's "Ready, Go!" and KBS's "Kwangki". His appearance in the 2000 KBS weekend drama "Tough Guy's Love" further gained more fans for Won Bin. He then shot to stardom with his popular role as Tae-seok in KBS's "Autumn in my Heart" - with his famous line "Eolmamyeon Doae?" (How Much?) becoming a much imitated slogan by his fans. Won Bin then made his move acting debut in the 2001 film "Guns and Talks" (Killerdeului suda). Three years later Won Bin would star in the action / war blockbuster "Taegukgi," which still ranks as one of the all time highest grossing films in South Korea. Won Bin then placed his acting career on hold while serving his two year mandatory military requirement, beginning in November, 2005. Won Bin was discharge early on June, 2006 due to an ACL injury to his knee. Won Bin would go through a year of rehab. His acting career then resumed in Joon-ho Bong's highly anticipated 2009 film "Mother". Won Bin played Do-jun, a young man with limited mental capacity who becomes accused of a murder. The film would screen at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival before opening #1 at the South Korean box office on May 28th, 2009.

Hyun Bin, born in 1982, had a typical childhood as the youngest son of a family with loving parents and a strong older brother. In high school, he fell in love with the allure of acting in a theater club he joined on the advice of a senior, but he was opposed by his father, who wanted him to pursue a normal life. His father, unable to oppose his son's desire, set a condition that he would root for him if he was admitted by the Theater and Film Department of 'Chung-Ang University,' which was coveted by aspiring actors at the time. Hyun Bin was firmly accepted and demonstrated his enthusiasm.

After debuting in a minor role in the 2003 drama 'Bodyguard,' Hyun Bin began his acting career earnestly. The same year, he played an attractive college student in the sitcom 'Nonstop 4,' which dealt with campus life and began gaining popularity. He shot to fame in 2004 after delivering an outstanding performance in the drama 'Island.' His subtle emotional portrayal of the role was sufficient to announce the advent of a new star.

He reached the pinnacle of his career for the first time in 2005 with 'My Name is Kim Sam-soon,' a smash drama that achieved a record audience rating of 50%. He did not settle for being a romance star but continued experimenting with different genres and characters. He continued to feature in dramas such as 'The Snow Queen(2006)' 'Friends: Our Legend(2009),' and 'The World that They Live In(2008),' as well as films such as 'I Am Happy(2008),' 'Late Autumn(2010),' 'Come Rain, Come Shine(2011),' and so on, widening his acting range and cementing his place as a character actor.

Hyun Bin reached the peak of his career for the second time in 2011 when he won the grand prize at the renowned Baeksang Arts Awards for the hit drama 'Secret Garden,' which caused Asia to succumb to the 'Hyun Bin Syndrome.' However, when at the top, he volunteered to join the Marine Corps to complete his national military duty responsibilities. This enthralled the fans even more, as he resumed his life sublimely and silently rather than clinging to the 'climax' moment that had come to him.

After being discharged from the military, he pursued more public-friendly works and chose paths that other actors did not. From 'The Fatal Encounter(2014),' about the young days of King Jeongjo, who is regarded as the last sage in Joseon history, to the 'Confidential Assignment(2017)' series, about inter-Korean cooperation, and 'Rampant(2018),' about a zombie dystopia in the Joseon Dynasty, he captivated the audience with a variety of entertaining films. As a result, Hyun Bin cemented his reputation as an actor who values both popularity and excellence, not only in TV shows but also on the big screen.

He reclaimed the top spot in 2020. He had a worldwide smash hit with the drama 'Crash Landing on You,' which became a hot issue as he reunited with actress Son Ye-jin, with whom he previously collaborated on the film 'The Negotiation(2018).' Hyun Bin portrayed Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean soldier who falls in love with a female protagonist who crash-lands in North Korea. The drama has been dubbed the 'Hyun Bin Genre,' since he demonstrated a diverse range of acting in romance, melodrama, and action, demonstrating his potential as a global star.

Following COVID-19, he demonstrated his unequaled influence by rejuvenating the moribund Korean film business by participating in a string of blockbusters, including 'Confidential Assignment 2: International' and 'The Point Men.' He recently announced plans to meet the public with the hit film 'Harbin,' based on the life of Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun.

Park Min-young was born on 4 March 1986 in Seoul, South Korea. She is an actress, known for The Good the Bad the Weird (2008), Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010) and Healer (2014).

Lee Je-hoon was born on 4 July 1984 in Hyoja-dong, Jongno-gu District, Seoul, South Korea. He is an actor and director, known for Secret Door (2014), The Front Line (2011) and Phantom Detective (2016).

Kim Hye-Soo is a South Korean actress and one of the most popular teen stars of the 1980s and 1990s. She is known for her headstrong independence and regularly playing strong-willed, sophisticated women. During the height of her fame, Kim was referred to as the "Pencil Board Star" of the 1980s due to the popularity of pencil boards printed with her image. She has also been named a part of the "Troika of the 1990s" in Korea along with her contemporaries Kim Hee-Sun and Shim Eun-Ha for their nationwide fame. In 1993, Kim led the main role in the film First Love and gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of the archetypal innocent girl, winning a Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Leading Actress and earning her the title "Nation's First Love" although the film was a box-office failure.

n 1985, Kim was featured in a commercial for Nestlé Milo and as well as the first K-pop music video, Cho Yong-Pil's title song Empty In The Air. In 1986, Kim made her film debut on Kambo when she was a first-year high school student. She also won Best New Actress for Kambo at the 23rd Baeksang Arts Awards. Kim went on to play the leading roles in the television series Samogok (1987), Sun Shim-Yi (1988), and Senoya (1989). She co-starred with Roh Joo-Hyun in When The Flowers Bloom And The Birds Cry (1990). In 1991, she landed the main role in Lost Love.

Over two decades, she amassed a massive filmography of leading and supporting roles, notably in the television series Did We Really Love? with Bae Yong-Joon and Revenge and Passion with Ahn Jae-Wook, as well as the film Tie a Yellow Ribbon (1998). In the 2000s, Kim focused more on her career in film rather than television, featuring in Kick the Moon, YMCA Baseball Team, and Three. At this time, she reinvented her image as a glamorous and confident Femme Fatale in Hypnotized (2004).

Park Hyung-sik was born on 16 November 1991 in Yongin, South Korea. He is an actor, known for Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017), The Juror (2019) and High Society (2015).