Jo Jung-suk

South Korean actor (born 1980) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jo Jung-suk

Jo Jung-suk (Korean: 조정석; born December 26, 1980) is a South Korean actor.[3] He began his career in theater, starring in Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Grease and stage adaptation of The Harmonium in My Memory, among many other musicals and plays.

Quick Facts Born, Other names ...
Jo Jung-suk
Thumb
Jo in June 2013
Born (1980-12-26) December 26, 1980 (age 44)
Other namesCho Jung-seok
Alma materSeoul Institute of the Arts (Theater)
OccupationActor
Years active2004–present
AgentJAM Entertainment[2]
Spouse
(m. 2018)
Children1
Korean name
Hangul
조정석
Hanja
曺政奭
Revised RomanizationJo Jeongseok
McCune–ReischauerCho Chŏngsŏk
Websitechojungseok.co.kr
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After nearly a decade on the stage, Jo made his film debut as a comedic supporting actor in the 2012 box office hit Architecture 101, which became his breakout role. His versatility was further showcased by the television series The King 2 Hearts (2012), You Are the Best! (2013), Oh My Ghost (2015), Don't Dare to Dream (2016), Hospital Playlist (2020–2021), as well as films The Face Reader (2013), My Love, My Bride (2014), My Annoying Brother (2016), Exit (2019).

Career

Summarize
Perspective

2004–2010: Early career, becoming a musical star

Jo Jung-suk had always wanted to be on stage. He was admitted into the Theater department of Seoul Institute of the Arts on student loan, but after his father died in 2000, Jo's widowed mother became fully dependent on him. He was granted an exemption from military service due to family circumstances, and he quit school before graduating so he could start earning money by doing musicals. He made his professional acting debut in The Nutcracker in 2004.[4][unreliable source?]

Jo then became active and well known in musical theatre, acting in a total of 25 musicals during the first nine years of his career,[5] including Organ in My Heart (musical adaptation of The Harmonium in My Memory),[6] Janggeum the Great (musical adaptation of Jewel in the Palace),[7][8] and Korean productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch,[9] Grease, The Island,[10][11] and Spring Awakening.[12][13]

Jo Jeong-suk said this in an interview with the past media,

"To be honest, I don't really like the word musical actor. I just want to be an actor. A really good actor."
Financial News article on May 3, 2007[14]

2011–2018: Introduction to Architecture, breakout roles and success

In 2011, he landed his first television role on cable series What's Up as an awkward but talented music student.[15] But 2012 would be his breakout year, starring in two high-profile projects. In his big screen debut, he played a supporting role in box office hit Architecture 101.[16][unreliable source?] As the young hero's best friend Nab-ddeuk, Jo's performance brimmed with personality and comic timing, and he won Best New Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards,[17] as well as received nominations from the Grand Bell Awards and Buil Film Awards. He was once again a scene stealer in his third onscreen role as earnest soldier Eun Shi-kyung in the drama series The King 2 Hearts.[18] Jo's display of versatility and screen presence in those projects caused a surge in mainstream popularity for the actor, resulting in close to twenty offers for films and TV series, not to mention commercials.[19][20]

He next starred in big-screen comedy Almost Che, loosely based on a real-life incident from 1985, in which student activists forcibly occupied the US Cultural Center in Seoul and had a standoff with the police.[21][22]

In 2013, Jo Jung-suk starred in his first historical film, The Face Reader, alongside Song Kang-ho. Jo played the role of Paeng Heon, a character who holds the key to an important plot reversal in the film. He wanders around the eight provinces in the story. Jo received favorable reviews from critics for his excellent performance and established himself as an actor by winning the Best Supporting Actor award at both the Grand Bell Awards and the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards.[23] Song Kang-ho praised Jo's performance, saying:

"Jo Jung-suk is a talented actor. He was imprinted on the public through 'Introduction to Architecture', but in fact, he expressed various emotions in The Face Reader. He seems to be an excellent performer, capable of acting with emotional depth rather than a comedic appearance."
Sports Chosun, September 2, 2013.[24]

Then Jo returned to television in his first onscreen leading role in the 2013 family drama You Are the Best!.[25]

Jo appeared in two films in 2014: the period thriller The Fatal Encounter, where he played an assassin targeting King Jeongjo,[26][27] and the romantic comedy My Love, My Bride, a remake of the same-titled 1990 hit in which he and Shin Min-ah played a newly married couple.[28][29][30]

In 2015, Jo played an arrogant star chef who falls for his kitchen assistant who's been possessed by a virgin ghost in Oh My Ghost, which was a commercial and critical hit.[31][32] He also headlined The Exclusive: Beat the Devil's Tattoo, in which he played a TV news reporter who gets a scoop,[33][34] followed by the time-hopping thriller Time Renegades.[35]

In 2016, Jo played an announcer in SBS's romantic comedy Don't Dare to Dream who falls for a weather announcer (played by Gong Hyo-jin).[36] The series was a hit and led to increased popularity for Jo, who then became one of the most in-demand actors in the industry.[37] He then headlined the comedy-drama film My Annoying Brother alongside Park Shin-hye and Doh Kyung-soo of Exo.[38] The film topped box office charts and earned positive reviews for Jo, who was praised for his comedic timing and chemistry with co-star Do.[39]

In 2017, Jo was cast in the gangster thriller The Drug King, directed by Woo Min-ho.[40] The same year, he made his small-screen comeback in MBC's fantasy comedy drama Two Cops.[41][42]

In 2018, Jo was cast in the action thriller film Hit-and-Run Squad in which he took a role as an antagonist.[43]

2019–present: Commercial success and musical career

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Jo Jung-suk 2018

After the contract with Cultural Depot was terminated in February 2018, Jo Jung-suk worked as a free agent for a while.[44] In March 2019, he signed an exclusive contract with Jam Entertainment, a new agency. Later, he took on the role of Baek Yi-gang, the eldest son of the notorious stranger Baekga in the historical drama Nokdu Flower.[45][46]

In 2019, Jo starred alongside Im Yoon-ah in disaster action comedy film written and directed by Lee Sang-geun, Exit. The film follows the story of Yongnam, a young unemployed man, who attempts to reconnect with an old crush, but following a chain of events, they end up trying to escape from a mysterious white gas that threatens to engulf the entire Seoul district.[47] Exit first premiered in South Korea on July 31, 2019.[48] It was considered a box office success earning over US$69.5 million worldwide, becoming South Korea's third highest-grossing domestic film for 2019.[49][50] Jo established himself as a box office actor with his acting skills and ticket power combined. He was nominated for the Best Actor Award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.[51]

In 2020, Jo starred as an assistant professor of general surgery, Lee Ik-jun, in the medical drama Hospital Playlist.[52] The television series was created by director Shin Won-ho and writer Lee Woo-jung of the Reply series. It recorded an audience rating of 14.1% in the final episode, and received positive reviews throughout its run. In 2021, Jo reprised the role in the second season.[53] Jo hosted the Jo Jung-suk Show at Mastercard Hall in Blue Square, Seoul, for two days on September 3 to 4, 2022.[54]

In 2024, Jo starred in the period drama Captivating the King, which aired on tvN from January 21 to March 3, 2024.[55][56] Jo portrays Yi In, a king caught up in political power struggles that falls in love with the spy Kang Hee-soo, played by Shin Se-kyung, who seeks revenge.[57] In that same year, Jo made a comeback in the musical Hedwig, appearing after an eight-year hiatus. The musical ran from March until June at the Charlotte Theater, Seoul. Its opening performance received positive reviews, with praise for Jo's performance.[58]

Jo debuted as a singer in 2024, marking Jo's 20th year in the entertainment industry. The project is headed by his best friend, CEO Jeong Sang-hoon, with assistance from comedian Moon Sang-hoon. Starring Gong Hyo-jin and Kim Dae-myung, the music video for his debut single was directed by Yang Jung-woo, marking their first collaboration since Youth Over Flowers Iceland (2016). The project was chronicled in a reality television series called 'Playlist to A-list' (referencing his role on 'Hospital Playlist'), documenting Jo's journey in writing songs, being judged by a singing-show type panel, and collaborating with multiple artists. Several celebrity guest stars appear, such as IU, Dynamic Duo, and Jo's wife, the singer Gummy. This is the first television collaboration between Jo and Gummy. The series culminates with a showcase on March 27, 2024, at Blue Square, Seoul, where he presented the songs and the album's concept.[59]

Other ventures

Endorsements

In 2021, there were 12 brands that Jo Jung-seok has been active as an advertising model. These products include mobile communications, credit cards, drinks, ramen, reading platforms, masks and more.[60] Jo was getting love calls from advertising since the success of Architecture 101 and the drama The King 2 Hearts in 2012. His first terrestrial TV commercial was as an LG U+ model.[61]

The success of the film My Annoying Brother established Jo further. He was selected as the brand ambassador of an online English learning platform in 2016.[62] His online English learning platform CF video had gone viral on social media.[63][64] Another famous viral CF of Jo's was his tuna CF with Son Na-eun.[65] In 2021, Jo ranked 4th in a CF revenue chart.[66]

Philanthropy

In 2019, newlywed Jo Jeong-seok and Gummy, donated 30 million won to the National Disaster Relief Association.[67]

Personal life

Jo has been in a relationship with singer Gummy since 2013.[68] In June 2018, it was announced that Jo would marry Gummy in fall.[69] On October 8, 2018, news broke that the couple got married privately.[70] On January 6, 2020, Gummy's agency confirmed that she was 7 weeks pregnant with the couple's first child.[71] On August 6, 2020, Jo and wife Gummy welcomed their first daughter.[72]

Filmography

Film

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2012 Architecture 101 Nabddeuki
Almost Che Hwang Young-min / Kang Moon-mo
2013 The Face Reader Paeng-heon
2014 The Fatal Encounter Sal-soo
My Love, My Bride Young-min
2015 The Exclusive: Beat the Devil's Tattoo Heo Moo-hyuk
2016 Time Renegades Ji-hwan
My Annoying Brother Go Doo-shik
2018 Intimate Strangers Yeon-woo Voice
The Drug King Kim In-goo
2019 Hit-and-Run Squad Jung Jae-cheol
Exit Yong-nam
2024 Pilot Han Jung-woo [73]
Land of Happiness Jung In-hoo [74]
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Television series

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2011 What's Up Kim Byung-gun
2012 The King 2 Hearts Eun Shi-kyung
2013 You Are the Best! Shin Joon-ho
2015 Oh My Ghost Kang Sun-woo
2016 Don't Dare to Dream Lee Hwa-shin
The Legend of the Blue Sea Yoo Jeong-hoon Cameo (Ep. 7–8) [75]
2017–2018 Two Cops Cha Dong-tak / Gong Su-chang
2018 Familiar Wife Kang Sun-woo Cameo (Ep. 15) [76]
2019 Nokdu Flower Baek Yi-kang
2020–2021 Hospital Playlist Lee Ik-joon Season 1–2
2024 Captivating the King King Yi In / Grand Prince Jinhan [77]
2024 When the Stars Gossip Newscaster Cameo (Ep. 1-2)
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Television shows

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2016 Youth Over Flowers (Iceland) Cast member [78]
2021 Wise Mountain Village Life [79]
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Web show

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2021 Saturday Night Live Korea Host Season 10, Episode 3 [80]
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Stage

Concerts

More information Year, Title ...
Concert performances
Year Title Role Theater Date Ref.
English Korean
2007 Hedwig Concert with John Cameron Mitchell 존 카메론 미첼과 함께하는 헤드윅 콘서트 Hedwig Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium May 27, 2007 – June 5, 2007 [81]
2010 The Phantom of the Opera Commemorative Gala Concert 오페라의 유령 기념 갈라콘서트 Special appearance Charlotte Theater September 17, 2010 – September 19, 2010 [82]
2011 Lee Young-mi concert 이영미 콘서트 Singer Rolling hole May 6, 2011 [83]
2011 Welcome 5 SHOW - Anyang 어서5SHOW - 안양 Singer Anyang Art Center, Main Hall (Gwanak Hall) December 3, 2011 [84]
2014 Musical Story Show with Lee Seok-jun: 10th Anniversary 뮤지컬 이야기쇼 이석준과 함께 10주년 Mickey LG Art Center May 26, 2014 [85]
2017 Jo Jung-suk Fan Meeting <THE ROOM> 조정석 팬미팅 <THE ROOM> Performer Blue Square Samsung Card Hall May 6, 2017 – May 7, 2017 [86]
2022 Jo Jung-suk Show 조정석 쇼 Performer Blue Square Mastercard Hall September 3, 2022 – September 4, 2022 [87]
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Musical

More information Year, Title ...
Musical play performances
Year Title Role Theater Date Ref.
English Korean
2004 The Nutcracker 호두까기 인형 Tin robot/pink barberry/flower box [88]
2005 Nunsense A-Men 남자넌센스 A-Men! Sister Mary Leo Dongsoong Art Center, Dongsoong Hall March 18, 2005 – May 15, 2005 [89]
2005 Grease 그리스 Roger Dongsoong Art Center, Dongsoong Hall June 1, 2005 – August 7, 2005 [90][91]
2005 Dongsoong Art Center, Dongsoong Hall August 19, 2005 – September 30, 2005
2005–2006 Chungmu Art Center, Grand Theater October 1, 2005 – January 1, 2006
2006 Le Passe-Muraille 벽을 뚫는 남자 Newspaper Seller CJ Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center February 28, 2006 – April 2, 2006 [92]
2006 You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown 찰리브라운 Charlie Brown Chungmu Art Center, Middle Theater Black April 6, 2006 – June 25, 2006 [93]
2006 The Kingdom of the Wind 바람의 나라 Ho-dong CJ Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center July 14, 2006 – July 21, 2006 [94]
2006–2007 Hedwig and the Angry Inch 헤드윅 Hedwig Daehangno SH Art Hall October 14, 2006 – February 17, 2007 [95]
2007 All Shook Up 올슉업 Chad Chungmu Art Center, Grand Theater January 30, 2007 – April 22, 2007 [96]
First Love 첫사랑 Hae-su Daehakro Tiom 1 Hall March 27, 2007 – June 17, 2007 [97]
Pump Boys and Dinettes 펌프보이즈 Jim JTN Art Hall, 2nd Hall August 4, 2007 – October 14, 2007 [98]
2007–2008 Le Passe-Muraille 벽을 뚫는 남자 Newsvendor Dongsoong Art Center, Dongsoong Hall November 17, 2007 – February 3, 2008 [99]
2008 Evil Dead 이블데드 Ash Chungmu Art Center, Middle Theater Black March 18, 2008 – June 15, 2008 [100]
Hedwig and the Angry Inch 헤드윅 Hedwig KT&G Sangsangmadang, Daechi Art Hall June 27, 2008 – January 11, 2009 [101]
2008 Organ in My Heart 내 마음의 풍금 Kang Dong-soo Hoam Art Hall July 22, 2008 – September 12, 2008 [102]
2008 Daegu Opera House September 20, 2008 – September 21, 2008
Daejeon Arts Center, Art Hall September 25, 2008 – September 27, 2008
2008 Janggeum the Great 대장금 Jo Gwang-jo Gyeonghuigung Seungjeongjeon September 5, 2008 – October 12, 2008 [103]
2009–2010 Spring Awakening 스프링 어웨이크닝 Moritz Doosan Art Center, Yeongang Hall June 30, 2009 – January 10, 2010 [104]
2011 Hedwig and the Angry Inch 헤드윅 Hedwig KT&G Sangsangmadang, Daechi Art Hall May 14, 2011 – August 21, 2011 [105]
Geumjeong Cultural Center, Main Hall (Geumbit Nuri Hall), Busan September 2, 2011 – September 4, 2011
2014 Blood Brothers 블러드 브라더스 Mickey Hongik University Daehakro Art Center June 27, 2014 – September 14, 2014 [106]
2016 Hedwig and the Angry Inch 헤드윅 Hedwig Hongik University Daehakro Art Center, Main Theater March 1, 2016 – June 5, 2016 [107][108]
2018 Amadeus 아마데우스 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Gwanglim Art Center BBCH Hall February 27, 2018 – April 29, 2018 [109][110]
2024 Hedwig and the Angry Inch 헤드윅 Hedwig Charlotte Theater March 22, 2024 – June 23, 2024 [111]
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Theater

More information Year, Title ...
Theater play performances of Oh
Year Title Role Venue Date Ref.
English Korean
2009 The Island 아일랜드 John CJ Azit Daehakro (formerly SM Art Hall) February 14, 2009 – April 5, 2009 [112]
2010–2011 True West 트루웨스트 Austin Plus Theater (formerly Culture Space N.U.) November 26, 2010 – May 1, 2011 [113]
2011 The Vagina Monologues 버자이너 모놀로그 Guest appearance Chungmu Art Hall Blue Theater December 2 to January 2012 [114]
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Discography

Soundtrack appearances

More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Peak chart position Sales Album
Circle
[115]
Hot
[116]
"Blue Sleeves" 2012 N/A Almost Che OST
"Dreams Come True" What's Up OST
"Might Gonna"
"With You"
"I Completely Love You" 2013 You Are the Best! OST
"My Love, My Bride" (with Shin Min-a) 2014 My Love, My Bride OST
"Gimme a Chocolate" 2015 Oh My Ghost OST
"Don't Worry" (with D.O.) 2016 100 KOR: 19,498 My Annoying Brother OST
"Aloha" 2020 1 1 N/A Hospital Playlist OST
"I Like You" 2021 8 10 Hospital Playlist 2 OST
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Compilation appearances

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Album
2006 "Sugar Daddy"
"Angry Inch"
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
cast recording
2007 "첫사랑"
"멋진키스"
"아버지가 좋아요"
"너의 바다는"
"하지만 나는 안가"
"해수의 바다"
"아직 늦지 않았어"
"사랑해 언제까지나"
First Love cast recording
2008 "내 마음의 풍금"
"나의 사랑 수정(Love Thema)"
"웃는이유"
"나비의 꿈"
"아가씨"
"봄이다 그치"
"커피향"
"응급처치"
"소풍"
"때려쳐"
"왜"
"홍연이 안 왔어요"
"Springtime"
Organ in My Heart cast recording
2011 "Tear Me Down"
"Wig in a Box"
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
cast recording
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Awards and nominations

More information Award ceremony, Year ...
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
APAN Star Awards 2015 Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Oh My Ghost Nominated
2018 Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Two Cops Nominated [117]
2021 Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Hospital Playlist Nominated [118]
Baeksang Arts Awards 2013 Best New Actor – Television The King 2 Hearts Nominated [119]
2017 Best Actor – Television Don't Dare to Dream Nominated
2020 Best Actor – Film Exit Nominated [120][121]
2025 Pilot Pending [122]
Blue Dragon Film Awards 2012 Best New Actor Architecture 101 Won
2013 Best Supporting Actor The Face Reader Nominated
2019 Best Leading Actor Exit Nominated [123]
Brand of the Year Awards 2020 Best Actor of the Year Hospital Playlist Won [124]
Best OST of the Year "Aloha" Won
Buil Film Awards 2012 Best New Actor Architecture 101 Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Nominated
Busan International Film Festival 2019 Marie Claire Asia Star Awards: Asia Star Award Jo Jung-suk Won [125]
Chunsa Film Art Awards 2020 Best Actor Exit Nominated [126]
Cine 21 Awards 2012 Best New Actor Architecture 101 Won
Genie Music Awards 2020 Best OST "Aloha" Won
Golden Disc Awards 2021 Won [127]
Grand Bell Awards 2012 Best Supporting Actor Architecture 101 Nominated
Best New Actor Nominated
2013 Best Supporting Actor The Face Reader Won [128]
KBS Drama Awards 2013 Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama You Are the Best! Won [129]
Best Couple Award Jo Jung-suk with IU
You Are the Best!
Won
KOFRA Film Awards 2013 Best New Actor Architecture 101 Won [130]
Korea Advertisers Association 2021 Advertisers' Choice-Great Model Award Jo Jung-suk Won [131]
Korean Association of Film Critics Awards 2013 Best Supporting Actor The Face Reader Won [132]
Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards 2012 Best New Actor Architecture 101 Won [133]
Korea Drama Awards 2012 The King 2 Hearts Nominated
2015 Excellence Award, Actor Oh My Ghost Nominated
2019 Grand Prize (Daesang) Nokdu Flower Nominated [134]
Korea Film Actors Association 2016 Korea's Top Star My Annoying Brother Won [135][136]
Korea First Brand award 2020 Male Commercial Model Jo Jung-suk Won
2022 Best Actor Won [137]
Korea Musical Awards 2008 Best New Actor The Harmonium in My Memory Won [138]
2009 Best Supporting Actor Spring Awakening Won [139]
Korea World Youth Film Festival 2013 Best New Actor The Face Reader Won [140]
2014 Popularity Award My Love, My Bride Won [141]
Interpark Golden Ticket Awards [ko][a] 2018 Best Theater Actor Amadeus Nominated
Max Movie Awards 2014 Best Supporting Actor The Face Reader Nominated
MBC Drama Awards 2012 Best New Actor The King 2 Hearts Nominated
2017 Grand Prize (Daesang) Two Cops Nominated [142]
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Monday-Tuesday Drama Won
Melon Music Awards 2020 Best OST "Aloha" Won [143]
Mnet Asian Music Awards 2020 Best OST Nominated [144]
Song of the Year Nominated
2021 Best OST "I Like You" Won [145]
Mnet 20's Choice Awards 2012 20's Booming Actor Architecture 101, The King 2 Hearts Won [146]
SBS Drama Awards 2016 Grand Prize (Daesang) Don't Dare to Dream Nominated [147]
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Romantic Comedy Drama Won
Top 10 Stars Award Won
2019 Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-Length Drama Nokdu Flower Won [148]
Seoul Music Award 2020 Best OST "Aloha" Won [149]
Style Icon Awards 2012 New Icon Jo Jung-suk Won [150]
The Musical Awards 2009 Best Actor Janggeum the Great Nominated
2010 Best Supporting Actor Spring Awakening Won [151]
tvN10 Awards 2016 Romantic Comedy King Oh My Ghost Nominated [152]
Two Star Award Won
Best Kiss Award Jo Jung-suk with Park Bo-young
Oh My Ghost
6th place
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State honors

More information Country, Ceremony ...
Name of the organization, year presented, and the award given
Country Ceremony Year Award Ref.
South Korea The Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards[b] 2016 Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation [156]
2024 Presidential Commendation [157]
55th Taxpayers' Day 2021 Presidential Commendation [158]
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Listicles

More information Publisher, Year ...
Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher Year Listicle Placement Ref.
Cine21 2021 Actors that will lead Korean Video Content Industry in 2022 6th[c] [159]
Forbes 2017 Korea Power Celebrity 40 9th [160]
2021 37th [161]
The Screen 2019 2009–2019 Top Box Office Powerhouse Actors in Korean Movies 24th [162]
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Notes

    1. The Golden Ticket Awards (골든티켓어워즈) is an awards ceremony that selects works and people who have shown the best ticket power by performance genre during the year. Since 2005, Interpark has held an awards ceremony by adding up ticket sales, ranking scores, and online voting for each year at the end of the year.
    2. 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.[153][154] They are awarded to those who have contributed to the arts and South Korea's pop culture.[155]

    References

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