Han Suk-kyu (born November 3, 1964) is a South Korean actor. One of the leading actors of Korean cinema, Han's notable works include ''

Green Fish ''Green Fish'' () is a 1997 South Korean film. It was the first feature-length film directed by Lee Chang-dong, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Lee had previously been known as a novelist and high school teacher. The film stars Han Suk-kyu in ...

'' (1997), '' No. 3'' (1997), '' Christmas in August'' (1998), '' Shiri'' (1999), ''

The Scarlet Letter ''The Scarlet Letter: A Romance'' is a work of historical fiction by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850. Set in the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony during the years 1642 to 1649, the novel tells the story of Hester Prynne, ...

'' (2004), and ''

The President's Last Bang ''The President's Last Bang:'' ()The original title (in English, "''The People of Those Days''") refers to a famous Korean song of a similar title – "That Man of those Days". According to official sources, this song was performed by Sim Soo-bon ...

'' (2005). He won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2011

SBS Drama Awards The SBS Drama Awards (), also known as SBS Awards Festival, is an awards ceremony presented annually by Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) for outstanding achievements in Korean dramas aired on its network. It is held annually on December 31. The hi ...

, for his lead role as

King Sejong Sejong of Joseon (15 May 1397 – 8 April 1450), personal name Yi Do (Korean: 이도; Hanja: 李祹), widely known as Sejong the Great (Korean: 세종대왕; Hanja: 世宗大王), was the fourth ruler of the Joseon dynasty of Korea. Initial ...

in the historical drama ''

Deep Rooted Tree ''Deep Rooted Tree'' () is a 2011 South Korean television series starring Han Suk-kyu, Jang Hyuk and Shin Se-kyung. Based on the novel of the same name by Lee Jung-myung, it aired on SBS from 5 October to 22 December 2011 on Wednesdays and Thu ...

'' (2011). He won the Grand Prize (Daesang) Award again in 2016, for his performance as Master Kim in the hit medical drama '' Dr. Romantic'' (2016). In 2019, he played the role of police in the drama ''Watcher''. And, he reprised his role in '' Dr. Romantic 2'' (2020).

Life and career

While a student at the Theater and Film department of

Dongguk University Dongguk University (Korean: 동국대학교, Hanja: 東國大學校) is a private, coeducational university in South Korea, fundamentally based on Buddhism. Established in 1906 as Myeongjin School (명진학교; 明進學校) by Buddhist pioneers ...

, he sang in an amateur folk rock band. He took a brief, year-long contract as

voice actor Voice acting is the art of performing voice-overs to present a character or provide information to an audience. Performers are called voice actors/actresses, voice artists, dubbing artists, voice talent, voice-over artists, or voice-over talent ...

at KBS, before moving on to TV and film acting. After a debut in the 1990 MBC campus drama ''Our Paradise'', Han rose to stardom as "Hong-shik" in ''The Moon of Seoul'' (1994), a charming gigolo from the slums determined to attain wealth at all cost in the big city. "Choon-seop", an old friend from hometown played by

Choi Min-sik Choi Min-sik (born April 27, 1962) is a South Korean actor. He received critical acclaim for his roles in '' Oldboy'' (2003), ''I Saw the Devil'' (2010) and '' The Admiral: Roaring Currents'' (2014). For his role in ''Oldboy'', he won the Best ...

, struggles hopelessly to stop "Hong-shik" from his self-ruin. The partnership of Han and Choi as uneasy allies or foes, parlayed into two flagship films of the 1990s: '' No. 3'' and '' Shiri''. Both the series and "Hong-shik" character have since become beloved icons, as part of the Korean television's golden era before the advent of Korean Wave. Before the end of the 20th century, Han headlined films that were critically acclaimed (''

'', '' No. 3'') and commercially successful ('' The Contact'', '' Christmas in August'', '' Shiri'' — the latter two making particular impact in Japan). Han's experience in the early stages of Korean cinema renaissance in the 1990s, cemented his belief in a script-driven model for movie-making. Thus the founding of "Makdong Script Festival" (named after his role in ''

''), with co-sponsor film magazine ''Cine 21''. Winners may claim two cash prizes funded by Han, with the potential to launch directing careers based from their own scripts. The annual contest is now extant over 10 years, with two titles produced so far: the comedy ''2424'' (2002) and '' Private Eye'' (2009) starring

Hwang Jung-min Hwang Jung-min (born September 1, 1970) is a South Korean actor. He is one of the highest-grossing actors in South Korea, and has starred in several box office hits such as '' Ode to My Father'' (2014), ''Veteran'' (2015), '' The Himalayas'' (20 ...

Return

Han went into an extended hiatus in 1980 declining several lucrative opportunities with name directors as he suffered disc problem. Han returned in 2003 with espionage film ''

Double Agent In the field of counterintelligence, a double agent is an employee of a secret intelligence service for one country, whose primary purpose is to spy on a target organization of another country, but who is now spying on their own country's organ ...

''. The film, which add one million admissions, was seen as a success for a star labeled by the media as "box office guarantee." This was followed by a sizable

backlash Backlash may refer to: Literature * '' Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women'', a 1991 book by Susan Faludi * ''Backlash'' (Star Wars novel), a 2010 novel by Aaron Allston * Backlash (Marc Slayton), comic book character * ''Backla ...

from

netizen The term netizen is a portmanteau of the English words ''internet'' and ''citizen'', as in a "citizen of the net" or "net citizen". It describes a person actively involved in online communities or the Internet in general.

s and the press, who rushed to bury the co-self-produced spy thriller as the public disgrace of a former golden boy. His press and image took further beating in the next two, even more polarizing films: the unforeseen tragedy surrounding ''

'', and the incendiary political content of ''

''. Nonetheless, these controversial works screened at Cannes, and were featured in a tribute to the actor at the Austrian FilmAsia festival. fewccect, which he filmed as a keepsake for his children. In spite of this rocky return to feature films, Han remains well regarded by such major directors as

Park Chan-wook Park Chan-wook ( ; born 23 August 1963) is a South Korean film director, screenwriter, producer, and former film critic. He is considered as one of the most prominent filmmakers of South Korean cinema as well as world cinema in 21st century. ...

, dong Joon-ik, Kang Woo-suk and

Jang Jin Jang Jin (born February 24, 1971) is a South Korean film director, theatre director, playwright, screenwriter, film producer, actor and TV personality. Considered one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from the 1990s Korean cinema renaiss ...

. Compared to his peak popularity in the 90s, his work may seem an acquired taste for general audiences, although some cult following ensued for his ultra-sadistic turn in ''A Bloody Aria''. He remained self-managed until as late as 2006, before joining the KM Culture agency due to increased regimentation of the industry. Making 2006 a busy year, Han starred in period sex comedy ''

Forbidden Quest ''Forbidden Quest'' () is a 2006 South Korean period drama film about a scholar during the Joseon Dynasty who begins to write erotic novels, and becomes the lover of the King's favorite concubine. The film has not been released in Europe or Amer ...

'', followed by black comedy film ''

A Bloody Aria ''A Bloody Aria'' () is a List of South Korean films of 2006, 2006 South Korean black comedy film written and directed by Won Shin-yun, Won Shin-Yeon, that starred Han Suk-kyu, Han Suk-Kyu, Lee Moon-sik, Lee Moon-Sik, Oh Dal-su, Oh Dal-Soo, Lee By ...

'' and melodrama film '' Solace''. Stylish thrillers followed, where Han starred alongside Cha Seung-won in '' Eye for an Eye'' and

Son Ye-jin Son Ye-jin (born Son Eon-jin on January 11, 1982) is a South Korean actress. She rose to fame in 2003 for '' The Classic'' and '' Summer Scent'', which were followed by the commercially successful ''A Moment to Remember'' (2004) and ''April Snow ...

in the adaptation of

Keigo Higashino is a Japanese author chiefly known for his mystery novels. He served as the 13th President of Mystery Writers of Japan from 2009 to 2013. Higashino has won major Japanese awards for his books, almost twenty of which have been turned into films a ...

novel of '' White Night''. Han then starred in ''

Villain and Widow ''Villain and Widow'' (; lit. "Villain on the Second Floor") is a 2010 South Korean film written and directed by Son Jae-gon about a depressed widower who rents out a room to a suspicious man who claims to be a novelist. Plot Yeon-joo, a depresse ...

'' with Kim Hye-soo.

Resurgence

Han returned to the spotlight with his performance in historical drama ''

'', where his performance of

earned him the Grand Award at the 2011

. In 2013, Han starred in the action thriller film ''

The Berlin File ''The Berlin File'' (; lit. "Berlin") is a 2013 South Korean action thriller film written and directed by Ryoo Seung-wan. Ha Jung-woo stars as a North Korean agent in Berlin who is betrayed and cut loose when a weapons deal is exposed. Together ...

'', playing a South Korean agent. He then starred in musical film '' My Paparotti'', playing a music teacher who is stuck in a rut until he meets a delinquent teenager. He returned to the small screen in historical drama ''

Secret Door Michael "Mike" Morhaime (born November 3, 1967) is an American video game developer and entrepreneur. He is the chief executive officer (CEO) and founder of Dreamhaven, located in Irvine, California. Morhaime is best known as the co-founder and th ...

'', playing

King Yeongjo Yeongjo of Joseon (31 October 1694 – 22 April 1776), personal name Yi Geum (Korean: 이금, Hanja: 李昑), was the 21st monarch of the Joseon dynasty of Korea. He was the second son of King Sukjong, by his concubine Royal Noble Consort Suk ...

. This was followed by period film '' The Royal Tailor'', about a rivalry between two tailors at the Sanguiwon. However, both projects were less successful. Han bounced back with the hit medical drama '' Dr. Romantic'', written by acclaimed screenwriter Kang Eun-kyung. The drama garnered over 20% viewership ratings, and Han received positive reviews for his performance. He also won the Grand Prize (Daesang) Award at the 2016 SBS Drama Awards. Han returned to the big screen in crime drama film '' The Prison''. Han is slated to star in upcoming thrillers ''

Idol Idol or Idols may refer to: Religion and philosophy * Cult image, a neutral term for a man-made object that is worshipped or venerated for the deity, spirit or demon that it embodies or represents * Murti, a point of focus for devotion or medit ...

'' and ''Father's War'', and period drama film ''Astronomy''. In 2019, Han starred in OCN's thriller drama '' Watcher'' as a detective. In 2020, Han reprised his role of Teacher Kim in '' Dr. Romantic 2''.

Image and influence

Known for his distinctive voice and

diction Diction ( la, dictionem (nom. ), "a saying, expression, word"), in its original meaning, is a writer's or speaker's distinctive vocabulary choices and style of expression in a poem or story.Crannell (1997) ''Glossary'', p. 406 In its common meanin ...

, Han has been a long-time mentor to Kam Woo-sung, including coaching the latter's

enunciation Elocution is the study of formal speaking in pronunciation, grammar, style, and tone as well as the idea and practice of effective speech and its forms. It stems from the idea that while communication is symbolic, sounds are final and compelli ...

for his film debut in '' Marriage is a Crazy Thing''. Actors of the younger generation also continue to cite him as an influence; among them:

Ryoo Seung-bum Ryoo Seung-bum (born August 9, 1980) is a South Korean actor. He made a name for himself in his older brother director Ryoo Seung-wan's eclectic films, notably '' Die Bad'' (his acting debut in 2000), ''Arahan'' (2004), '' Crying Fist'' (2005), ...

Kim Myung-min Kim Myung-min (, born October 8, 1972) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his leading roles in the television series '' Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-shin'' (2004), '' White Tower'' (2007), ''Beethoven Virus'' (2008), ''Six Flying Dragons'' ...

Kim Joo-hyuk Kim Joo-hyuk (3 October 1972 – 30 October 2017) was a South Korean actor. He was known for his leading roles in the films ''My Wife Got Married'' (2008), '' The Servant'' (2010), and '' Yourself and Yours'' (2016), his supporting roles in ''Co ...

of '' Blue Swallow'', Kim Ji-soo of '' This Charming Girl'',

Tsuyoshi Kusanagi is a Japanese actor, singer, television host, and a former member of SMAP, one of the best-selling boy bands in Asia. Early life Kusanagi grew up in Kasukabe, Saitama, Japan. Career Music In 1987, at age 13, Kusanagi auditioned to enter Joh ...

(who famously began a second career in Korea after seeing Han in '' Shiri''),

Rain Rain is water droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then fall under gravity. Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the Earth. It provides water ...

, Lee Sung-jae of ''

Barking Dogs Never Bite ''Barking Dogs Never Bite'' ( ko, 플란다스의 개, also known as ''A Higher Animal'' and ''Dog of Flanders'') is a 2000 South Korean independent dark comedy film directed and co-written by Bong Joon-ho in his directorial debut. The film's Kor ...

'', TV heartthrob

Lee Jin-wook Lee Jin-wook ( Korean: 이진욱; born September 16, 1981) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his leading role in the romance series ''Glass Castle'', the time-traveling series '' Nine'' (2013), romance series ''The Time We Were Not i ...

, and the current darling of independent films, Im Ji-kyu. He also remains well respected among major peers for his distinctive style (a cerebral and intricate minimalism driven by

semantics Semantics (from grc, σημαντικός ''sēmantikós'', "significant") is the study of reference, meaning, or truth. The term can be used to refer to subfields of several distinct disciplines, including philosophy, linguistics and comp ...

and implosive restraint): Kim Hye-soo,

Song Kang-ho Song Kang-ho (born January 17, 1967) is a South Korean actor. Song made his film debut in '' The Day a Pig Fell into the Well'' (1996), and came to national prominence with a series of critically acclaimed performances, including ''No. 3'' (1997 ...

Oh Dal-su Oh Dal-su (born 15 June 1968) is a South Korean actor. Career Oh Dal-su began his acting career in theater in Busan, and since 2001 has been the head of theater company ''Singiru Manhwagyeong'' ("Mirage and Kaleidoscope"). His rich experience ...

(especially for their collaboration in ''

'' and ''A Bloody Aria''),

Sol Kyung-gu Sol Kyung-gu (born May 14, 1967) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in ''Public Enemy'' film series, ''Peppermint Candy'', ''Oasis'', '' Silmido'', ''Hope'' and '' The Merciless''. Career Sol was born in Seocheon on May 1, 1 ...

, and

. For his part, Han has cited influences by legendary Korean actor Kim Seung-ho, Al Pacino,

Ken Takakura , born , was a Japanese actor and singer who appeared in over 200 films. Affectionately referred to as "Ken-san" by audiences, he was best known for his brooding style and the stoic presence he brought to his roles. He won the Japan Academy Prize ...

, ''

The Godfather ''The Godfather'' is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo's best-selling 1969 novel of the same title. The film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caa ...

'' trilogy, and

Hayao Miyazaki is a Japanese animator, director, producer, screenwriter, author, and manga artist. A co-founder of Studio Ghibli, he has attained international acclaim as a masterful storyteller and creator of Japanese animated feature films, and is widel ...

Filmography

Film

Television

Web series

Awards and nominations

References

External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Han, Suk-kyu 1964 births Living people South Korean male film actors South Korean male television actors South Korean male voice actors Male actors from Seoul Dongguk University alumni 20th-century South Korean male actors 21st-century South Korean male actors Best New Actor Paeksang Arts Award (film) winners