Cho Jin-woong | |
|---|---|
Cho in 2016 | |
| Born | Jo Won-jun (1976-03-03)March 3, 1976 (age 49) |
| Other names | Jo Jin-woong |
| Education | Kyungsung University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Agent | Saram Entertainment |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 조원준 |
| RR | Jo Wonjun |
| MR | Cho Wŏnjun |
| Stage name | |
| Hangul | 조진웅 |
| RR | Jo Jinung |
| MR | Cho Chinung |
Cho Jin-woong (Korean: 조진웅; born March 3, 1976), bornCho Won-jun (조원준), is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in the filmsNameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (2012),The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014),Assassination (2015),The Handmaiden (2016),The Sheriff in Town (2017),The Spy Gone North (2018),Believer (2018),Intimate Strangers (2018), andBlack Money (2019), as well as the television seriesDeep Rooted Tree (2011) andSignal (2016).[2][3]
In 2016, with the filmThe Handmaiden and the dramaSignal, he transitioned from a supporting actor to a leading man.
For his role as a mysterious villain inA Hard Day (2014), Cho wonBest Actor at the51st Baeksang Arts Awards.[4]
Cho was born Jo Won-jun on April 2, 1976 in Busan. His father's name is Cho Jin-woong. He graduated from the Department of Theater and Film at Kyungsung University.[5][6][7]
Cho began his acting career on stage, spending nine years with the Dongnyeok theater troupe. During this time, he appeared in several notable plays, includingBaridegi (2001),The Parrot's Song (2002),Macbeth (2003), andVeronica Decides to Die (2003).[7]
Cho made his screen debut in 2004 with the filmOnce Upon a Time in High School, an opportunity he came across by chance. While strolling inSamseong-dong, he met a military senior who worked at a film company and invited him to audition. he soon found himself in the company's office meeting teen starKwon Sang-woo, which led him to believe the opportunity was legitimate. Despite being 29 or 30 years old at the time, he was cast as a high school student. Before the film's release, he asked his father for permission to adopt his name as his stage name, a choice he said was a pledge "not to bring shame to my father's name." His father's name, Jin-woong, written inhanja as "thunder" (震) and "male" (雄).[7]
Early in his career, Cho gained a reputation as a scene-stealer in supporting roles in films such as Hwang Dong-hyuk's filmOur Brother (2004), Jung Ji-woo's filmRunning Wild (2006), Yu Ha's filmA Dirty Carnival (2006), and Kwak Kyung-taek's filmGangster High (2006). He expanded his presence on television with key roles in dramas likeMy Too Perfect Sons (KBS2, 2009),The Slave Hunters (KBS2, 2010),A Man Called God (MBC, 2010), andDeep Rooted Tree (SBS, 2011).[7]
Cho's career took a significant turn with a series of acclaimed film roles, including Jang Hoon's filmThe Front Line(2011), Park Hee-gon's filmPerfect Game (2011), and Yoon Jong-bin's filmNameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (2012). His filmography continued to grow with notable performances in Jang Joon-hwan's filmHwayi: A Monster Boy (2013), Kim Seong-hun's filmA Hard Day (2014), and Yoon Jong-bin's filmKundo: Age of the Rampant (2014). He was part of two films that each attracted over 10 million viewers, Kim Han-min's filmThe Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014) and Choi Dong-hoon's filmAssassination (2015).[7]
Working tirelessly in both television and film, Cho reached the pinnacle of his career with the tvN dramaSignal in January of 2015. His portrayal of Detective Lee Jae-han captivated audiences of all ages. His honest, straightforward character won over female fans, solidifying his status as a leading man. This drama and role opened the door to a new phase of success for him.[7]
FollowingSignal, he returned to film, attending the Cannes Film Festival with Park Chan-wook's filmThe Handmaiden. He then starred in Lee Woo-cheol's filmThe Hunt, where he took on his first-ever dual role. AlthoughThe Hunt was not a box office hit, his performance received critical acclaim. With his charm and box office power now proven, Cho then starred in Kim Hyung-joo's filmThe Sheriff in Town and appeared in the tvN dramaEntourage in the second half of 2016. His next film was Lee Soo-yeon's filmBluebeard.[7]
Cho's filmBeliever, a crime thriller inspired by the Hong Kong filmDrug War, was released on May 22. In the film, he plays Detective Won-ho, who has been tracking a drug cartel for years. After a mysterious explosion, Won-ho pursues the hidden boss, "Mr. Lee," with the help of Oh Yeon-ok (Kim Sung-ryung), a member of the organization, and an abandoned member, Rock (Ryu Jun-yeol).[7]
In 2013, he married his wife, Kim Min-a, after they had been dating for seven years.[5]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Once Upon a Time in High School | Yasaengma gang member | Bit part | |
| My Brother | Doo-shik | |||
| 2006 | Hello Stranger | Yong-gil | Short film | |
| Running Wild | Guryongpa gang member | Bit part | ||
| A Dirty Carnival | Young-pil | |||
| Les Formidables | Detective Shin | |||
| Gangster High | Jo Hong-kyu | |||
| 2008 | His Last Gift | Baek In-chul | Bit part | |
| My New Partner | Jung Young-chul | |||
| The Guard Post | Cook | |||
| Spare | Smuggler's | Voice cameo | ||
| Sweet Lie | Jung Han-sang | |||
| A Frozen Flower | Tae Ahn-gong | Cameo | ||
| 2009 | Take Off | Commentator | Cameo | |
| Fly, Penguin | Han Chang-soo | |||
| City of Fathers | Han Sang-goo | |||
| 2010 | Killing of Game | Viper | Unreleased | |
| Bestseller | Chan-sik | |||
| A Barefoot Dream | James | Cameo | ||
| 2011 | Glove | Charles | ||
| The Front Line | Yoo Jae-ho | |||
| Perfect Game | Kim Yong-chul | [8] | ||
| 2012 | Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time | Kim Pan-ho | ||
| A Millionaire on the Run | Kim Seung-dae | Cameo | ||
| Perfect Number | Jo Min-beom | |||
| 2013 | Man on the Edge | Hwang Man-sam | Cameo | |
| An Ethics Lesson | Myung-rok | |||
| My Paparotti | Chang-soo | |||
| Hwayi: A Monster Boy | Ki-tae | [9] | ||
| 2014 | A Hard Day | Park Chang-min | [10] | |
| Kundo: Age of the Rampant | Lee Tae-ki | |||
| The Admiral: Roaring Currents | Wakisaka Yasuharu | [11] | ||
| We Are Brothers | Park Sang-yeon | [12] | ||
| 2015 | Chronicle of a Blood Merchant | Mr. Ahn | ||
| Foulball | Narrator | Documentary | ||
| Salut d'Amour | Jang-soo | [13] | ||
| Assassination | Chu Sang-ok | [14] | ||
| 2016 | The Handmaiden | Kouzuki | [15] | |
| The Hunt | Park Dong-geun / Park Myeong-geun | [16] | ||
| 2017 | Bluebeard | Seung-hoon | [17] | |
| The Sheriff in Town | Jong-jin | [18] | ||
| Blue Busking | Reporter Seo | Cameo | ||
| The Outlaws | Regional investigation unit leader | Cameo | ||
| Man of Will | Kim Chang-soo | [19] | ||
| 2018 | The Spy Gone North | Choi Hak-sung | [20] | |
| Believer | Won-ho | [21] | ||
| Intimate Strangers | Seok-ho | [22] | ||
| 2019 | Jesters: The Game Changers | Deok-Ho | [23] | |
| Man of Men | Young-gi | [24] | ||
| Black Money | Yang Min-Hyuk | [25] | ||
| 2020 | Me and Me | Park Hyung-goo | [26] | |
| 2021 | History: Trailer | — | Short film; also director | [27] |
| 1984 Choi Dong-won | Narrator | Documentary | [28] | |
| 2022 | The Policeman's Lineage | Park Kang-yoon | [29] | |
| 2023 | The Devil's Deal | Jeon Hae-woong | [30] | |
| The Boys | Oh Jae-hyung | Cameo | [31] | |
| Believer 2 | Won-ho | [32] | ||
| 2024 | Dead Man | Lee Man-jae | [33] | |
| 2025 | La Resistance | Narrator | Documentary | [34] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Romance Hunter | Park Cheol-gi | ||
| 2008 | Don't Ask Me About the Past | Bae Yoon-goo | ||
| Lottery Trio | President Park | |||
| 2009 | My Too Perfect Sons | Brutus Lee | ||
| Hot Blood | Lee Soon-gil | |||
| 2010 | The Slave Hunters | Kwak Han-seom | ||
| A Man Called God | Jang-ho | |||
| Flames of Desire | Kang Joon-goo | |||
| 2011 | Believe in Love | Kim Chul-soo | ||
| Deep Rooted Tree | Moo-hyul | [35] | ||
| 2014 | Beyond the Clouds | Park Kang-jae | [36] | |
| 2016 | Signal | Lee Jae-han | [37] | |
| Entourage | Kim Eun-gap | [38] | ||
| 2023 | The Good Bad Mother | Choi Hae-sik | Cameo | [39] |
| 2024 | No Way Out: The Roulette | Bae Joong-sik | [40] | |
| 2025 | Karma | Loan shark |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Off The Grid | Main Cast | [41] | |
| 2023 | Europe Outside the Tent | Cast Member | Season 2 | [42] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Saturday Night Live Korea | Host | Episode 10 | [43][44] |
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Baridaegi | Mu Jang-seng |
| 2002 | 앵무가 | Tiger |
| 2003 | Macbeth | Macbeth |
| Veronika Decides to Die | Dr. Lee | |
| 2004 | The Balba Balba |
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | KBS Drama Awards | Best Supporting Actor | My Too Perfect Sons, Hot Blood | Nominated |
| 2010 | 18thChunsa Film Art Awards[45] | Best New Actor | Bestseller | Won |
| 2011 | 47th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actor (Film) | GLove | Nominated |
| SBS Drama Awards | Special Award, Actor in a Drama Special | Deep Rooted Tree | Nominated | |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards[46] | Best Supporting Actor | Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time | Won |
| 2013 | 49th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Supporting Actor (Film) | Perfect Number | Nominated |
| 34th Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Hwayi: A Monster Boy | Nominated | |
| 2014 | 18thPuchon International Fantastic Film Festival[47] | It Award | A Hard Day | Won |
| 23rd Buil Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | ||
| 51st Grand Bell Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | ||
| 35th Blue Dragon Film Awards[48] | Best Supporting Actor | Won | ||
| 4th Korea Film Actors Association Awards | Korea's Top Supporting Actor | Won | ||
| KBS Drama Awards | Best Supporting Actor | The Full Sun | Nominated | |
| 2015 | 10th Max Movie Awards[49] | Best Supporting Actor | A Hard Day | Won |
| 9th Asian Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | ||
| 51st Baeksang Arts Awards[50] | Best Actor (Film) | Won | ||
| 24th Buil Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Assassination | Nominated | |
| 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | 21stChunsa Film Art Awards[51] | Best Supporting Actor | Won | |
| 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Supporting Actor (Film) | Nominated | ||
| Best Actor (TV) | Signal | Nominated | ||
| 5th APAN Star Awards[52] | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | Won | ||
| tvN10 Awards[53][54] | Grand Prize (Daesang) - Actor | Won | ||
| Best Actor | Nominated | |||
| 1stAsia Artist Awards[55] | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Won | ||
| 5th Korea Film Actors Association Awards[56] | Korea's Top Star | — | Won | |
| 7th Korean Popular Culture & Arts Awards[57] | Prime Minister Award | — | Won | |
| 2017 | 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Supporting Actor (Film) | The Handmaiden | Nominated |
| 26th Buil Film Awards | Best Actor | Bluebeard | Nominated | |
| 2018 | 55th Grand Bell Awards[58] | Best Actor | Believer | Nominated |
| 3rd DongA's PICK | Golden Hand Award | — | Won | |
| 2020 | 24thFantasia International Film Festival[59] | Jury Special Mention in the Cheval Noir Competition | Me and Me | Won |
| 21stBusan Film Critics Awards | Best Actor | Won | ||
| 7th Korean Film Producers Association[60] | Black Money | Won | ||
| 2021 | 40th Golden Cinema Film Festival[61] | Won | ||
| 57th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor (Film)[62] | Me and Me | Nominated | |
| 8thWildflower Film Awards[63] | Best Actor | Nominated | ||
| 26th Chunsa Film Art Awards[64] | Best Actor | Nominated | ||
| 2022 | 31st Buil Film Awards[65] | Best Actor | The Policeman's Lineage | Nominated |
| 2023 | Broadcast Advertising Festival[66] | CF Star Grand Prize | — | Won |
| 18th Asia Model Festival[67] | Asia Star Award in Actor | Won | ||
| 2024 | Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards[68] | Best Lead Actor | No Way Out: The Roulette | Nominated |
| Publisher | Year | Listicle | Placement | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Screen | 2019 | 2009–2019 Top Box Office Powerhouse Actors in Korean Movies | 15th | [69] |
In 2021 he was selected as Jury member for Actor and Actress of the Year Award in26th Busan International Film Festival held in October.[70]