Yoo Hae-jin

Yoo Hae-jin (; born January 4, 1970) is a South Korean actor. After graduating with a Theater degree from Seoul Institute of the Arts, he became a member of Theater troupe The Mokwha Repertoire Company. He has established himself as one of the top actors in the country, playing both supporting and lead roles.

Early life

Yoo's passion for acting started in childhood when he would sneak into a nearby cultural center in Cheongju to watch performances. In eighth grade, he experienced a monologue play that inspired him to pursue acting, marking a significant moment during his adolescence. Although he aspired to attend an arts high school, financial constraints and a lack of support from his conservative parents prevented him from doing so. Nevertheless, he pursued his passion by joining a theater troupe after participating in a summer acting camp during high school. Initially, he assisted other actors and observed their techniques, gradually honing his skills despite his introverted nature.

Yoo applied to university acting and film programs for two consecutive years but failed the auditions due to his appearance. He initially planned to enlist in the military, but his father encouraged him to explore other options. Yoo chose to study fashion, believing it would benefit his acting career. Apart from his mandatory military service, he prioritized theater over his fashion studies, resulting in a challenging academic experience. However, his father's advice proved advantageous, as a special selection process for college graduates allowed admission based solely on grades. This led to his acceptance at the Seoul Institute of the Arts in 1995.Asiae Interview:
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Career

In 1997, a pivotal moment in his life occurred in New York, USA when he accompanied his professor, Professor Kang Man-hong, and Ryu Seung-ryong to the La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. The performances they saw in New York included shows like '' Stomp'', ''Blue Man Group'', and ''Tube''.

After graduating with a Theater degree from Seoul Institute of the Arts, he was active in Dongrang Repertory Theater Company and became a member of Theater troupe The Mokwha Repertoire Company. Met in a bakery by chance, Yoo received a part-time job offer from a bidet factory owner. Yoo mentioned that he was asked to bring a friend for that job because he seemed inadequate. He then brought along his fellow theater group member, Ryu Seung-ryong. Later, they rented a room in country side for a month and assembled bidets together.

Yoo then began doing bit roles in films, graduating to supporting roles where he acquired a reputation as a scene stealer. Despite a short screen time, his performances made a strong impression on audiences and critics. As Korean films became more diverse in terms of genre, Yoo found opportunities in increasingly weighty roles, and now has become a bonafide marquee name in the box office. He has since established himself as one of the top character actors in the country, notably in '' King and the Clown'', '' Small Town Rivals'', '' Jeon Woo-chi: The Taoist Wizard'', ''Moss'', '' The Unjust'', '' The Pirates'', '' The Classified File'', '' Minority Opinion'', ''Veteran'', and ''Public Enemy'' and its sequels.

Yoo also began to take up lead roles. His first lead starring film, ''Luck Key'', was released in 2016 and surpassed 5 million viewers. 2017 was a successful year for Yoo - he had co-lead in '' Confidential Assignment'', and had supporting roles in '' A Taxi Driver'' and '' 1987: When the Day Comes''. All three were among the highest grossing Korean films of that year. In addition, ''A Taxi Driver'' earned him a Best Supporting Actor award at the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards and a nomination at the Asian Film Awards.
In 2018, he starred in family comedy '' Love+Sling'', and '' Intimate Strangers'', a remake of the Italian comedy film '' Perfect Strangers''. That year, he also was cast in the historical war film '' The Battle: Roar to Victory''. He reprised his role in '' Confidential Assignment 2: International'', which was the third highest grossing Korean film in 2022.

He has also appeared as a regular cast member in two reality shows: ''2 Days & 1 Night'' from March to November 2013, and ''Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village'' in January 2015.

In November 2023, Yoo signed with new agency Awesome ENT.

Endorsements

Yoo Hae-jin has become a popular choice as an advertising model for the food industry following the success of his film with 10 million viewers. Nongshim chose Yoo and Song Kang-ho as models for their new Shin Ramyun commercial. In the commercial, Song Kang-ho is seen boiling the noodles while singing about their enhanced flavor, and Yoo is shown enjoying the ramen with a humorous expression.

Personal life

Yoo and actress Kim Hye-soo first met in 2001 after shooting the movie '' Kick the Moon'' and became close in 2006 after appearing together in '' Tazza: The High Rollers''. Rumors of the two dating surfaced starting 2008 although both continuously denied any romantic involvement until early 2010 when paparazzi photographs of the two were released, and the couple officially confirmed their relationship. Yoo and Kim broke up in 2011.

Filmography

Film

Television

Television show

Music video

Theater

Accolades

Awards and nominations

State honors

Listicles

References

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Yoo, Hai-jin
Living people
1970 births
South Korean male television actors
South Korean male film actors
South Korean male stage actors
Seoul Institute of the Arts alumni
20th-century South Korean male actors
21st-century South Korean male actors
Best Supporting Actor Paeksang Arts Award (film) winners
Male actors from Cheongju