Jang Hyuk, born Jeong Yong-jun in 1976, is a celebrated South Korean actor with a career spanning over two decades. Known for his versatility, he has captivated audiences in both film and television. His breakout role in “Volcano High” (2001) set the stage for a series of successful projects.
Growing up in Busan, Jang Hyuk discovered his passion for acting early on. He debuted in the SBS drama “Model” and quickly gained recognition. His performances in dramas like “The Slave Hunters” and movies like “Windstruck” earned him critical acclaim. He became one of South Korea’s most respected actors due to his dedication and talent.
Jang Hyuk continues to thrive in the entertainment industry with recent roles in “The Swordsman” and “The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves to Die.” Each project showcases different aspects of his acting skills. Fans eagerly anticipate his next move.
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Jang Hyuk’s Latest Projects
Current Projects
Jang Hyuk is currently gracing the small screen in the tvN drama “Family,” where he stars alongside Jang Nara for the fourth time. He plays the role of Kwon Do Hoon, an NIS black agent who leads a double life as an ordinary office worker. This family comedy spy drama premiered in April 2023 and has garnered attention for its humor and thrilling plot.
Recent Achievements
- 2023 KBS Drama Awards: Jang Hyuk received the Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries for his outstanding performance in “Bloody Heart.”
- 2022 Blue Dragon Series Awards: He was nominated for Best Actor for his role in “Bloody Heart.”
- 2022 SBS Drama Awards: Jang Hyuk took home the Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Genre/Fantasy Drama for his work in “Bloody Heart.”
- Other Notable Roles: In recent years, he has also starred in well-received dramas like “Tell Me What You Saw” (2020) and “My Country: The New Age” (2019).
Filmography
A selection of Jang Hyuk’s notable projects:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Family | Kwon Do Hoon | TV Series |
| 2022 | Bloody Heart | Park Gye Won | TV Series |
| 2022 | The Killer | Bang Ui Gang | Movie |
| 2021 | Tomb of the River | Lee Min Seok | Movie |
| 2020 | The Swordsman | Tae Yool | Movie |
| 2020 | Tell Me What You Saw | Oh Hyun Jae | TV Series |
Key Takeaways
- Jang Hyuk is a versatile South Korean actor
- He gained fame with roles in “Volcano High” and “The Slave Hunters”
- His career continues to grow with recent films like “The Swordsman”
Early Life and Background
Jang Hyuk, born on December 20, 1976, in Busan, South Korea, has a background marked by his involvement in martial arts and his early start in acting. These elements played significant roles in shaping his career.
Martial Arts Influence
Jang Hyuk spent much of his childhood and adolescence in Busan. From a young age, he developed an interest in martial arts, particularly Taekwondo and Jeet Kune Do. Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, and Jeet Kune Do, a philosophy developed by Bruce Lee, were vital in building his physical and mental discipline.
Martial arts training influenced his acting career, giving him a unique edge in roles requiring physical prowess. He dedicated over a decade to practicing Jeet Kune Do, and even competed as a professional Taekwondo athlete. This background provided him with the skills and confidence to perform intense action sequences in his later acting roles.
Beginnings in Acting
He made his acting debut in 1997 under the stage name “Jang Hyuk.” Enrolling at the Seoul Institute of the Arts after completing his initial education, Jang pursued theater and film. His role as ‘Joon-ho’ in the SBS TV drama “Model” marked the commencement of his acting career.
He soon became known for his strong presence on screen, leading to further opportunities. Jang’s dedication to his craft and his background in martial arts helped him land diverse roles. This blend of talent and physical capability made him a notable figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Jang Hyuk, a versatile South Korean actor, has enjoyed a successful career that spans several decades. He is known for his impactful roles in both movies and drama series, earning critical acclaim and several awards.
Breakthrough Roles
Jang Hyuk’s career took off with his role in the 1997 drama series Model. He quickly rose to stardom with his role in Volcano High (2001), establishing himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His portrayal in the romantic comedy Windstruck (2004) further cemented his status as a leading actor. His role in The Slave Hunters (2010) was a landmark in his career, earning him the Best Actor award at the KBS Drama Awards.
Diversification into Genres
Jang Hyuk’s talent shines through his diverse body of work across several genres. In Deep Rooted Tree (2011), he excelled in a historical drama role. Moving to modern thrillers, he starred in Voice (2017) and Tell Me What You Saw (2020), showcasing his versatility. He also succeeded in romantic comedies such as Fated to Love You (2014) and Wok of Love (2018). His varied roles, including Money Flower (2017) and The Merchant: Gaekju 2015 (2015), highlight his adaptability.
International Recognition
Jang Hyuk’s work has garnered attention beyond South Korea. His role in My Country: The New Age (2019) received acclaim and attracted international viewers through platforms like Netflix. He also starred in the action film The Swordsman (2020), which was well-received globally. His ongoing dedication to his craft continues to build his international fan base, as seen with his performances in various other acclaimed projects.
