Ok Taec-yeon | |
|---|---|
 Taec-yeon in July 2023 | |
| Born | (1988-12-27)December 27, 1988 (age 36) Gangnam District,Seoul, South Korea |
| Education | Dankook University (BS) Korea University Graduate School of International Studies (MS) |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2008–present |
| Agents |
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| Musical career | |
| Also known as | TY |
| Genres | K-pop |
| Labels |
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| Member of | |
| Formerly of | |
| Website | taecyeon |
Musical artist | |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 옥택연 |
| Hanja | 玉澤演 |
| RR | Ok Taekyeon |
| MR | Ok T'aegyŏn |
| Signature | |
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Ok Taec-yeon (Korean: 옥택연; born December 27, 1988),[1] knownmononymously asTaecyeon, is a South Korean rapper, singer, actor, and entrepreneur. In 2008, he debuted as the rapper of the South Korean boy band2PM. In 2010, Ok debuted as an actor in the Korean dramaCinderella's Stepsister and has since starred in notable television series such asDream High (2011),Bring It On, Ghost (2016),Vincenzo (2021), andThe First Night with the Duke (2025), as well as films such asHansan: Rising Dragon (2022). As a solo artist, he has released onestudio album in Japan titledTaecyeon Special: Winter Hitori.
Ok Taecyeon was born inGangnam District,Seoul, South Korea,[2] but emigrated at the age of 10 with his family toBoston, Massachusetts, where he lived for seven years.[3] He attendedBedford High School where he was a member of the Chess Club, Jazz Band, JV Soccer Team, andNational Honor Society, before returning to pursue his career in Korea. Ok transferred toYoung Dong High School in Seoul, studied Business Administration atDankook University, and studied International Business atKorea University Graduate School of International Studies.[4]
In 2005, Ok's older sister Jihyen persuaded him to participate in aJYP Entertainment audition she had noticed via Internet promotions. After his reluctant agreement, both headed forNew York City on his 17th birthday. A week later, he was amongst the final 35 chosen to go further in the competition and received a call to move to South Korea. Ok originally applied to become amodel, but the judges suggested he try dancing and singing. Eventually, he was named one of the dozen finalists (including his future members,Lee Junho andHwang Chan-sung) to compete in the showSuperstar Survival, but was the first contestant to leave the show.[5] Despite this, JYP Entertainment still offered him a trainee contract.[6]
Ok is fluent in English, Korean, and Japanese.[7] He is also familiar with theBusan dialect, which he has used in the dramasCinderella's Stepsister,Wonderful Days, andSave Me.[8][9]
In 2008, he participated inMnet'sHot Blood Men, a program that chronicles the rigorous training of thirteen aspiring trainees, all vying for a coveted spot in the boy bandOne Day.[10][11] This initiative ultimately led to the formation of two distinct boy bands, namely2AM and2PM.
Half a year following the televised airing ofHot Blood Men, the group2PM made their debut with the release of their inaugural single"10 Out of 10" from their first single album titledHottest Time of the Day.[12] However, it was their second single album,2:00PM Time For Change, that propelled them to mainstream success in Korean music, solidifying their meteoric rise. As of 2021, the group has released seven studio albums in Korea and five studio albums in Japan. Taecyeon has written and composed several tracks for the group, including "Promise (I'll Be)", the title track of their sixth Korean studio album,Gentlemen's Game.[13]
Ok was featured inBaek Ji-young's 2009 hit song "My Ear's Candy". Baek revealed that she asked Ok to feature on the song after listening to his rap on 2PM's single "10 Out of 10".[14]
In 2012, Ok teamed up with his fellow Dankook University alumni students to produce a digital single album titledShare (with Taecyeon). The album was performed live at Dankook University for the matriculation ceremony. The title song "Wings" featured penned rap lyrics written by Ok. The album also included a remake of Lee Gwangjo's "A Night Like Tonight", with an original rap written by Ok himself.[15] The album went on sale in February 2012, with all proceeds donated back the University.[16]
Ok released his first solo Japanese albumTaecyeon Special: Winter Hitori in January 2017.[17] As part of the solo project, he held his first solo concert, Taecyeon (From 2PM) Premium Solo Concert "Winter Hitori", at theTokyo Dome City Hall inJapan on January 2–3.[18]
In July 2018, it was announced that Ok had signed an exclusive contract with 51K, an agency founded by actorSo Ji-sub, following the end of his contract withJYP Entertainment.[19] His former agency reported that he will remain a member of 2PM despite the move.[20] On February 23, 2023, 51K announced that Ok had signed a contract withWME for his activities in the United States.[21]
Since 2013, Ok has regularly held fan meetings in South Korea.[22] From September 16, 2023, to October 21, 2023, Ok held his first solo fan meeting tour titled SpecialTY with stops in five Asian cities: Taipei, Manila, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Jakarta.[23] On March 8, 2025, Ok held a solo fan meeting in Yokohama titled SweeTY.[24] On June 24, 2025, Ok held a joint fan meeting in Taipei with his agency's founder So Ji-sub titled SONICe ParTY.[25]
In 2010, Ok made his acting debut in theKBS drama seriesCinderella's Sister alongsideMoon Geun-young andChun Jung-myung.[26][27] In 2011, he and his bandmateWooyoung starred in the high school dramaDream High,[28] which received high domestic ratings as well as international popularity, winning awards abroad.[29][30][31] Ok collaborated with his bandmates and other artists on two songs for the show's soundtrack.[32] In September 2011,FujiTV announced that Ok was cast on the Sunday dramaBoku to Star no 99 Nichi along with Japanese actorNishijima Hidetoshi and South Korean actressKim Tae-hee, his first regular role in a Japanese drama.[33]
In 2013, Ok made his film debut in theromantic comedyMarriage Blue.[34] He wrote and composed the opening and ending tracks of the film.[35] Also in 2013, he starred inOCN's police dramaWho Are You? as a detective.[36] In 2014, he starred in KBS's weekend dramaWonderful Days, playing a tough-fisted bodyguard.[37] In 2015, Ok was cast in KBS's political dramaAssembly, playing an aspiring police officer who studies at the library to pass his entrance exams by day and works as an official's chauffeur by night.[38] In 2016, he starred intvN's horror-comedyBring It On, Ghost alongsideKim So-hyun,[39] as well as the web seriesTouching You alongsideSong Ha-yoon.[40] That same year, he also featured in the web drama7 First Kisses byLotte Duty Free.[41] In 2017, he starred in the mystery-thriller filmHouse of the Disappeared withYunjin Kim.[42] He then starred in OCN's thriller dramaSave Me alongsideSeo Yea-ji later that year.[43]
In 2020, he starred inMBC's mystery dramaThe Game: Towards Zero as a prophet helping the police with their investigation of a serial killer, reuniting withLee Yeon-hee with whom he starred in the 2013 filmMarriage Blue.[44] It was his first acting role since his military discharge.[45]
In 2021, he starred in the tvN dramaVincenzo as Jang Jun-woo, his first major antagonistic role since his acting debut.[46][47]Vincenzo became one of thehighest-rated series on South Korean cable television,[48] as well as one of the most internationally-viewed Korean series onNetflix in 2021.[49] In the same year, Ok also starred alongsideKim Hye-yoon in thehistorical dramaSecret Royal Inspector & Joy, which premiered on bothtvN andiQiyi in November 2021.[50][51]
In 2022, Ok played the role of Lim Jun-young, aJoseon spy who sneaks into the Japanese army camp, in the war action filmHansan: Rising Dragon, the second instalment ofKim Han-min'sYi Sun-sin trilogy.[52][53] The film becamethe second highest-grossing Korean film of 2022.[54] In the same year, he starred in tvN's crime dramaBlind.[55]
In 2023, he played the role of Seon Woo-hyul, a half-human half-vampire who falls in love with a human, inKBS's romantic comedyHeartbeat.[56] Also in 2023, he made a cameo appearance in the first season of the Netflix seriesXO, Kitty, his first acting credit in an American work.[57] In 2024, Ok made his Japanese film debut withLa Grande Maison Paris, playing a Korean-Canadian pastry chef.[58] In 2025, he starred alongsideGirls' Generation'sSeohyun in KBS'sisekai romance drama,The First Night with the Duke, as Lee Beon, a prince in a fantasy world.[59]
Ok and his bandmateWooyoung hostedSBS's music showInkigayo with actressHa Yeon-joo from July 2009 to January 2010[60] and withf(x)'sSulli from February 2010 to July 2010.[61][62] In 2010, Ok was cast for SBS's short-lived variety programFamily Outing 2, a sequel to the popular showFamily Outing, alongside entertainment personalities such asShin Bong-sun and other Korean idols such asGirls' Generation'sIm Yoon-ah and2AM'sJo Kwon.[63]
In 2013, it was announced that Ok would form an on-screen couple with Taiwanese actressEmma Wu in the first global edition of the celebrity dating showWe Got Married.[64] As part of the show, the couple composed and recorded the song "I Love You", which was released on domestic music streaming sites on June 16.[65]
In 2014, Ok and actorLee Seo-jin, whom he previously co-starred on the weekend dramaWonderful Days with, were the main cast members of the debut season oftvN's popular cooking variety showThree Meals a Day, directed by producerNa Young-seok.[66] The two later rejoined for a second season in 2015, joined by actorKim Kwang-kyu.[67] Ok was praised for his hardworking image and easygoing personality on the show.[68]
On October 11, 2013, Ok hosted a 30-minute press conference onUstream to introduce "Okcat", a green cat character to the public. Okcat emoticons had previously been released on the chat applicationKakaoTalk. During the conference, Ok told the history of his development of the character and released his sketches to the public. The "Okcat" shop was opened on the same day and featured a line of products with the image of the Okcat.[69][70]
Every year from 2013 to 2016, Ok held a series of Okcat-themed fan meetings around Christmastime in South Korea titled Lonely Okcat's Christmas.[71] Upon returning from his military service, Ok continued these fan meetings in 2019,[72] 2022,[73] and 2023.[74] Ok was unable to hold in-person Okcat fan meetings in 2020 and 2021 due to theCOVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, but he held an online fan event titled I'm OK on December 12, 2020.[75] In lieu of a Christmas Okcat-themed fan meeting in 2024, Ok held a series of four fan meetings titled SweeTY Okcat's Happy Valentine's Day on February 15–16, 2025.[22]
On November 1, 2025, Ok announced through an Instagram post that he would be marrying his non-celebrity partner of five years in the upcoming spring; his agency confirmed the news separately.[76] Earlier that year, in February, his agency denied rumors of his engagement to his partner following leaked photographs of Ok kneeling and presenting his partner with a ring; the photographs were claimed to have been taken for a birthday celebration in 2024.[77]
On December 9, 2010, a JYP spokesperson revealed that Ok planned on giving up hisAmerican permanent residence visa and already received his official confirmation for his permanent residence cancellation on December 1.[78] In 2008, Ok had a physical examination for the military draft, but found he would only be able to enlist for public service personnel due to his poor vision and a dislocated shoulder. In 2010, 2012, and 2013, he underwent surgeries to correct the disk and to remove pins in his upper arm from a serious break in 2013. He was cleared for active duty in December 2013 after a second physical examination, but delayed his enlistment due to a busy workload.[79]
On September 4, 2017, Ok enlisted as an active-duty soldier and began hismandatory military service.[80][81] On October 18, he completed his basic military training and was placed at9th Infantry Division in Gyeonggi Province as a military instruction assistant.[82]
In February 2018, Ok participated in various2018 Winter Olympics events as one of the volunteers under the command of theMinistry of National Defense. He hosted many cultural shows and concerts and performed as a member of 2PM alongside his bandmates at theOlympic Headliner Show.[83][84] On June 20, 2018, Prime MinisterLee Nak-yon recognized and praised Ok's efforts to enlist in active duty during his congratulatory speech at the 15th Exemplary Military Servicemen Awards, which Ok was hosting.[85]
On October 1, 2018, Ok led the future combat system demonstration in the 70thArmed Forces Day Celebration. The demonstration introduced the Warrior Platform program, which includes new and improved combat gear and equipment.[86] Ok ranked first on real-time search engines as he led the final salute toPresident Moon Jae-in.[87]
In February 2019, Ok received an early promotion as aSergeant for his exceptional conduct while serving as a military instruction assistant at the 9th Armed Forces Division in Gyeonggi Province.[88] Due to his superb records, exemplary character, and great performance, Ok was appointed as a Special Class Warrior by his division commander and was awarded as a "Model Soldier" by the Ministry of National Defense.[89] He also earned the nickname "Captain Korea" from Koreannetizens because of his physique that mirrored the famous Marvel superhero,Captain America; the nickname has been used in headlines on several news portals and broadcasts.[90] In an interview, Ok expressed the pressure of having the nickname, "It was a nickname that brought a lot of pressure, but it also made me want to work that much harder. I'll continue to work hard to fit that nickname."[91] Ok completed his military service and was discharged on May 16, 2019.[92][93]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Marriage Blue | Won-chul | [34] | |
| 2017 | House of the Disappeared | Priest Choi | [42] | |
| 2022 | Hansan: Rising Dragon | Im Joon-young | [52][53] | |
| 2024 | La Grande Maison Paris | Rick Yuan | Japanese film | [58] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Cinderella's Stepsister | Han Jung-woo | [26][27] | |
| 2011 | Dream High | Jin Gook / Hyun Shi-hyuk | [28] | |
| Boku to Star no 99 Nichi | Tae-sung | Japanese drama | [33] | |
| 2013 | Who Are You? | Cha Gun-woo | [36] | |
| 2014 | Wonderful Days | Kang Dong-hee | [37] | |
| 2015 | Assembly | Kim Kyu-hwan | [38] | |
| 2016 | Bring It On, Ghost | Park Bong-pal | [39] | |
| 2017 | Save Me | Han Sang-hwan | [43] | |
| 2020 | The Game: Towards Zero | Kim Tae-pyung | [44] | |
| 2021 | Vincenzo | Jang Jun-woo / Jang Han-seok | [46][47] | |
| Secret Royal Inspector & Joy | Ra Yi-eon | [50] | ||
| 2022 | Blind | Ryu Sung-joon | [55] | |
| 2023 | XO, Kitty | Ocean Park | Cameo (Episode 8) | [57] |
| Heartbeat | Seon Woo-hyul | [56] | ||
| 2025 | The First Night with the Duke | Lee Beon / Prince Gyeong Seong | [59] | |
| TBA | Soul Mate | Johan Hwang | Japanese drama | [94] |
| TBA | Taerung Zombie Village | Do Rak-koo | [95] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | My Happy Home | Taecyeon | Cameo | [96] |
| 2017 | You Are Closer Than I Think | Kang Sung-min's friend | [97] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Touching You | Do Jin-woo | [40] | |
| 7 First Kisses | Ok Taec-yeon | Episodes 5–6 | [41] |
| Year | Title | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Superstar Survival | Contestant | [98] |
| 2009 | Inkigayo | July 26 – January 24; host withWooyoung andHa Yeon-joo | [60] |
| 2010 | February 7 – July 11; host withWooyoung andSulli | [61][62] | |
| Family Outing 2 | Episodes 1–17 | [63] | |
| 2013 | The Human Condition | Episodes 24–25 (Living Without Stress), 44–47 (Living Without Electricity) | [99] |
| We Got Married (Global Edition) | Episodes 1–15; withEmma Wu | [64] | |
| 2014 | Three Meals a Day: Jeongseon Village | Episodes 1–11 | [66] |
| 2015 | Three Meals a Day: Jeongseon Village Season 2 | Episodes 1–18 | [67] |
| 2016 | Mommy | Pilot; MC withLee Hwi-jae | [100] |
| 2017 | Suddenly a Millionaire | Episodes 1–7 | [101] |
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPN [102] | |||
| Taecyeon Special: Winter Hitori |
| 3 |
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| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [104] | |||
| As lead artist | |||
| "Wings" (날개)(with Blue Bears) | 2012 | — | Share (with Taecyeon)(digital single) |
| "A Night Like Tonight" (오늘같은 밤)(with Blue Bears) | — | ||
| "Classic"(withPark Jin-young,Suzy, andWooyoung) | 58 | Reebok Classic promotional single | |
| "Bounce"(song byJJ Project) (withJunho,Jay B, andJinyoung) | 2014 | — | JYP Nation Korea 2014 'One Mic' |
| "U Don't Know"(withLim Seul-ong) | — | ||
| "Christmas With You" | — | Non-album single | |
| "Be My Merry Christmas" | 2015 | — | Non-album single |
| "Merry Christmas To You" | 2016 | — | Non-album single |
| As featured artist | |||
| "My Ear's Candy" (내 귀에 캔디)(Baek Ji-young feat. Taecyeon) | 2009 | — | Ego |
| "Yes I'm In Love"(Bada feat. Taecyeon) | — | See the Sea | |
| "Madness"(Miss A feat. Taecyeon) | 2012 | 142 | Independent Women Part III |
| "Hello"(Japanese Ver.)[105](Cho Yong-pil feat. Taecyeon) | 2013 | — | Hello |
| "Just Feeling" (느낌적인 느낌)(Kim Tae-woo feat.Jun. K and Taecyeon) | 2017 | — | T-WITH |
| "1995"(Lesley Chiang feat. Taecyeon) | 2024 | — | Non-album single |
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [106] | |||
| "Dream High"(withWooyoung,Kim Soo-hyun,Suzy, andJoo) | 2011 | 41 | Dream High OST |
| "My Valentine"(withNichkhun, feat.J.Y. Park) | 16 | ||
| "My Way to You" (너에게 가는 길)(Junho feat. Taecyeon) | 2013 | 58 | 7th Grade Civil Servant OST |
| "I Love You"(withEmma Wu) | — | We Got Married OST | |
| "Marriage Blue Opening" | — | Marriage Blue OST | |
| "Marriage Blue Ending"(with Cast ofMarriage Blue) | — | ||
| "Wan Nun Wan Nee Wan Nhai" (วันนั้น วันนี้ วันไหน)(Nichkhun feat. Taecyeon) | 2015 | — | Touch the Sky - Chalui OST |
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| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APAN Star Awards | 2014 | Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama | Wonderful Days | Nominated | |
| Baeksang Arts Awards | 2011 | Best New Actor – Television | Cinderella's Stepsister | Nominated | |
| Most Popular Actor – Television | Nominated | ||||
| 2014 | Most Popular Actor – Film | Marriage Blue | Nominated | ||
| Most Popular Actor – Television | Wonderful Days | Nominated | |||
| Bugs Music Awards | 2011 | OST of the Year | "My Valentine"(withNichkhun &Park Jin-young) | Won | |
| KBS Drama Awards | 2010 | Best New Actor | Cinderella's Stepsister | Nominated | |
| Netizen Award, Actor | Nominated | ||||
| 2011 | Best Couple Award | Ok Taec-yeon(withBae Suzy) Dream High | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama | Wonderful Days | Nominated | ||
| Netizen Award, Actor | Nominated | ||||
| Korean Film Shining Star Awards | 2017 | Popularity Award | House of the Disappeared | Won | [107] |
| KWEB FEST | 2016 | Best Actor | Touching You | Nominated | |
| MBC Drama Awards | 2020 | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Wednesday-Thursday Miniseries | The Game: Towards Zero | Nominated | |
| Mnet 20's Choice Awards | 2011 | Hot Male Body (Best Six-Pack) | Ok Taec-yeon | Nominated |
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