Han Suk-kyu

South Korean actor From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Han Suk-kyu

Han Suk-kyu (Korean: 한석규; born November 3, 1964) is a South Korean actor. One of the leading actors of Korean cinema, he rose to prominence in the 1990s with a string of critically acclaimed films, including Green Fish (1997), No. 3 (1997), The Contact (1997), Christmas in August (1998), and the action thriller Shiri (1999), which was a major box office success and marked a turning point for the Korean film industry. Following this successful period, Han took a hiatus from acting due to a herniated disc.

Quick Facts Born, Education ...
Han Suk-kyu
Thumb
Han in 2019
Born (1964-11-03) November 3, 1964 (age 60)
Seoul, South Korea[1]
EducationDongguk University - Theater and Film
OccupationActor
Years active1990–present
Spouse
Im Myung-Ju
(m. 1998)
Children4
Korean name
Hangul
한석규
Hanja
韓石圭
Revised RomanizationHan Seok-gyu
McCune–ReischauerHan Sŏkkyu
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Upon his return, Han re-established himself as a versatile actor with roles in both film and television. His notable later works include the historical drama Deep Rooted Tree (2011),[2] the espionage thriller The Berlin File (2013), and the crime drama The Prison (2017). He is also well known for his portrayal of Teacher Kim in the popular medical drama Dr. Romantic (2016–2023).[3][4] In addition, he appeared in the thriller series Watcher (2019) and the psychological drama Doubt (2024).[5]

Career

Summarize
Perspective

1990–1994: Early work and breakthrough

While a student at the Theater and Film department of Dongguk University, he sang in an amateur folk rock band. He took a brief, year-long contract as voice actor at KBS, before moving on to TV and film acting.[6]

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, 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.[7]

1995–1999: Prominence

Before the end of the 20th century, Han headlined films that were critically acclaimed (Green Fish, No. 3) and commercially successful (The Contact, Christmas in August,[8] Shiri — the latter two making particular impact in Japan).[9]

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 Green Fish), 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.

2000–2010: Hiatus and career fluctuations

Han went into an extended hiatus in 1999 declining several lucrative opportunities with name directors as he suffered disc problem.

Han returned in 2003 with espionage film Double Agent.[10] The film, which netted one million admissions, was seen as a failure for a star labeled by the media as "box office guarantee." This was followed by a sizable backlash from netizens and the press, who rushed to bury the co-self-produced spy thriller as the public disgrace of a former golden boy.[citation needed]

His press and image took further beating in the next two, even more polarizing films: the unforeseen tragedy surrounding The Scarlet Letter, and the incendiary political content of The President's Last Bang.[11][12] Nonetheless, these controversial works screened at Cannes, and were featured in a tribute to the actor at the Austrian FilmAsia festival.[13]

Despite this rocky return to feature films, Han remains well regarded by such major directors as Park Chan-wook, Lee Joon-ik, Kang Woo-suk and Jang Jin. 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.[14]

He remained self-managed until as late as 2006, before joining the KM Culture agency[15] due to increased regimentation of the industry. Making 2006 a busy year, Han starred in period sex comedy Forbidden Quest, followed by black comedy film A Bloody Aria and melodrama film Solace.[16][17][18] Stylish thrillers followed, where Han starred alongside Cha Seung-won in Eye for an Eye[19] and Son Ye-jin in the adaptation of Keigo Higashino novel of White Night.[20] Han then starred in Villain and Widow with Kim Hye-soo.[21]

2011–2015: Resurgence and return to small screen

Han returned to the spotlight with his performance in historical drama Deep Rooted Tree, where his performance of King Sejong earned him the Grand Award at the 2011 SBS Drama Awards.[22]

In 2013, Han starred in the action thriller film The Berlin File, playing a South Korean agent.[23] He then starred in musical film My Paparotti, playing a music teacher who is stuck in a rut until he meets a delinquent teenager.[24]

He returned to the small screen in the historical drama Secret Door, playing King Yeongjo. This was followed by period film The Royal Tailor, about a rivalry between two tailors at the Sanguiwon. However, both projects were less successful.[25][26]

2016–present: Established actor

Han bounced back with the hit medical drama Dr. Romantic, written by acclaimed screenwriter Kang Eun-kyung.[27] The drama garnered over 20% viewership ratings, and Han received positive reviews for his performance.[28] 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.[29] Han is slated to star in upcoming thrillers Idol and Father's War, and period drama film Astronomy.[30][31][32]

In 2019, Han starred in OCN's thriller drama Watcher as a detective.[33]

In 2020, Han reprised his role of Teacher Kim in Dr. Romantic 2.[34]

Image and influence

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Perspective

Known for his distinctive voice and diction, Han has been a long-time mentor to Kam Woo-sung, including coaching the latter's enunciation 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: Hwang Jung-min, Ryoo Seung-bum, Kim Myung-min, Kim Joo-hyuk of Blue Swallow, Kim Ji-soo of This Charming Girl, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (who famously began a second career in Korea after seeing Han in Shiri), Rain, Lee Sung-jae of Barking Dogs Never Bite, TV heartthrob Lee Jin-wook, and the current darling of independent films, Im Ji-kyu.[35][36][37][38][39] He also remains well respected among major peers for his distinctive style (a cerebral and intricate minimalism driven by semantics and implosive restraint): Kim Hye-soo, Song Kang-ho, Oh Dal-su (especially for their collaboration in Forbidden Quest and A Bloody Aria), Sul Kyung-gu, and Choi Min-sik.[40][41][42][43]

For his part, Han has cited influences by legendary Korean actor Kim Seung-ho, Al Pacino, Ken Takakura, The Godfather trilogy, and Hayao Miyazaki.[citation needed]

Personal life

On November 22, 1998, Han married KBS 21st voice actor Im Myung-ju, whom he dated from the days of the KBS Voice Actor Association.[44] The couple have two sons and two daughters.[45][46]

Filmography

Film

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1995 Mom, the Star, and the Sea Anemone Special appearance
Doctor Bong Bong Joon-soo
1996 The Ginkgo Bed Soo-hyeon/Jong-moon
1997 Green Fish Kim Mak-dong
No. 3 Seo Tae-ju
The Contact Kwon Dong-hyeon
1998 Christmas in August Jung-won
1999 Shiri Yoo Joong-won
Tell Me Something Detective Jo
2003 Double Agent Rim Byeong-ho
2004 The Scarlet Letter Lee Ki-hoon
2005 The President's Last Bang KCIA Chief Agent Joo
Quiz King Jo Jin-man
2006 Forbidden Quest Kim Yoon-seo
A Bloody Aria Lee Moon-jae
Solace Shim In-gu
2008 Eye for an Eye Baek Seong-chan
2009 White Night Han Dong-soo
2010 Villain and Widow Kang Chang-in
2013 The Berlin File Jeong Jin-soo
My Paparotti Na Sang-jin
2014 The Royal Tailor Jo Dol-seok
2017 The Prison Jung Ik-ho
2019 Idol Goo Myeong-hoe
Forbidden Dream King Sejong
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Television series

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1990 Our Paradise Hyun Chul
1991 Eyes of Dawn Young Man from Seobuk
1992–1993 Sons and Daughters Suk Ho
1993 Pilot Park Sang-hyun
1994 The Moon of Seoul Hong Shik
Challenge
Kareisky
1995 Hotel Im Hyung-bin
2011 Deep Rooted Tree Lee Do / King Sejong
2014 Secret Door King Yeongjo
2016–2023 Dr. Romantic Teacher Kim / Boo Yong-joo Season 1–3 [47]
2019 Watcher Do Chi-kwang
2022 Recipe for Farewell Kang Chang-wook [48]
2024 Doubt Jang Tae-su
TBA When the Day Breaks
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Accolades

Awards and nominations

More information Year, Award ...
Year presented, name of the award ceremony, category, nominated work and the result of the nomination
Year Award Category Nominated work Result
1984MBC Gangbyeon Song FestivalEncouragement AwardWon
1993MBC Drama AwardsBest New ActorPilot, Sons and DaughtersWon
199430th Baeksang Arts AwardsBest New Actor (TV)Sons and DaughtersNominated
MBC Drama AwardsTop Excellence Award, ActorThe Moon of SeoulWon
TV Journal Star of the YearExcellence AwardWon
199531st Baeksang Arts AwardsBest Actor (TV)Nominated
16th Blue Dragon Film AwardsBest Leading ActorDoctor BongNominated
6th Chunsa Film Art AwardsBest New ActorWon
1996Cine 21 AwardsWon
32nd Baeksang Arts AwardsBest New Actor (Film)Won
Best Actor (Film)Nominated
34th Grand Bell AwardsBest New ActorNominated
Best ActorThe Ginkgo BedNominated
17th Blue Dragon Film Awards Best Leading ActorNominated
199718th Blue Dragon Film AwardsGreen FishWon
Popular Star AwardGreen Fish, The Contact, No. 3 Won
35th Grand Bell AwardsPopularity AwardWon
Best ActorGreen FishWon
17th Korean Association of Film Critics AwardsWon
20th Golden Cinematography AwardsMost Popular ActorWon
33rd Baeksang Arts AwardsBest Actor (Film)Won
19981st Director's Cut AwardsBest ActorChristmas in AugustWon
3rd Women Viewers Film Awards [ko]Won
34th Baeksang Arts AwardsBest Actor (Film)Nominated
19th Blue Dragon Film Awards Best Leading ActorNominated
Popular Star AwardsWon
Cine 21 AwardsBest ActorWon
19997th Korean Culture and Entertainment AwardsShiri, Tell Me SomethingWon
20th Blue Dragon Film Awards Best Leading Actor Tell Me SomethingNominated
Popular Star AwardsShiriWon
36th Grand Bell AwardsPopularity AwardChristmas in AugustWon
Best ActorNominated
1st Asian Film Critics Association AwardsrNominated
35th Baeksang Arts AwardsBest Actor (Film)ShiriNominated
200037th Grand Bell AwardsPopularity AwardTell Me SomethingWon
200425th Blue Dragon Film AwardsBest Leading Actor The Scarlet LetterNominated
6th Asian Film Critics Association Awards Best Actor Nominated
200541st Baeksang Arts AwardsBest Actor (Film)The President's Last BangNominated
20065th Korean Film AwardsBest ActorForbidden QuestNominated
200817th Buil Film AwardsEye for an EyeNominated
2011SBS Drama AwardsGrand Prize (Daesang)Deep Rooted TreeWon
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama SpecialNominated
Top 10 StarsWon
201248th Baeksang Arts AwardsBest Actor (TV)Nominated
5th Korea Drama AwardsGrand Prize (Daesang)Nominated
1st APAN Star AwardsTop Excellence Award, ActorNominated
2014SBS Drama AwardsTop Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial DramaSecret DoorNominated
2016SBS Drama Awards[49]Grand Prize (Daesang)Dr. RomanticWon
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Genre & Fantasy DramaNominated
Top 10 StarsWon
201753rd Baeksang Arts AwardsBest Actor (TV)Nominated
10th Korea Drama AwardsGrand Prize (Daesang)Nominated
54th Grand Bell AwardsBest ActorThe PrisonNominated
201923rd Fantasia International Film Festival[50]IdolWon
28th Buil Film AwardsNominated
19th Director's Cut AwardsNominated
202056th Grand Bell Awards[51]Forbidden DreamNominated
25th Chunsa Film Art Awards[52]Nominated
56th Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor (Film)Nominated
29th Buil Film AwardsBest ActorNominated
SBS Drama AwardsGrand Prize (Daesang)Dr. Romantic 2Nominated
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Genre/Action DramaNominated
2023 21st Director's Cut Awards[53] Best Actor in Television Recipe for Farewell Nominated
SBS Drama Awards Grand Prize (Daesang)[54] Dr. Romantic 3 Nominated
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama[55] Nominated
2024 36th Grimae Awards[56] Best Actor Doubt Won
Cine21 Awards[57] Actor of the Year (Series) Won
MBC Drama Awards Grand Prize (Daesang)[58][59] Won
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries[60] Nominated
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State honors

More information Country or organization, Year ...
Name of country, year given, and name of honor
Country or organization Year Honor Ref.
South Korea[a] 2012 Presidential Commendation [64]
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Listicles

More information Publisher, Year ...
Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher Year Listicle Placement Ref.
Gallup Korea 2004 Gallup Korea's Film Actor of the Year 5th [65]
2011 10th [66]
2013 17th [67]
2023 Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year 8th[b] [68]
The Screen 2009 1984–2008 Top Box Office Powerhouse Actors in Korean Movies 3rd [69]
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Notes

  1. Honors are given at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, arranged by the Korea Creative Content Agency and hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.[61][62] They are awarded to those who have contributed to the arts and South Korea's pop culture.[63]
  2. Tied with Kim Hae-sook and Kim Hye-soo with 2.4% point

References

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