Choi Soo-jong (born December 18, 1962) is a South Korean actor. Choi made his debut in 1987 as a young actor in the TV soap opera Love Tree. He has appeared in movies, on television and as an MC for various award shows. He has received worldwide recognition for his leading roles in some of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time, including Jealousy (1992), Sons and Daughters (1992–1993), Pilot (1993), Ambition (1994), Blowing of the Wind (1995–1996), First Love (1996–1997), Legend of Ambition (1998), Taejo Wang Geon (2000–2002), My Only One (2018–2019).
Choi Soo-jong | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Choi in September 2018 | |
| Born | December 18, 1962 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 최수종 |
| Revised Romanization | Choe Su-jong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Choi Su-chong |
Most recently he garnered acclaim for his portrayals of the principal characters in the Korean historical dramas Emperor of the Sea (2004–2005) playing the role of Jang Bogo, and as the title character Dae Joyoung in the epic series Dae Jo-yeong (2006–2007).
Career
editWhen reflecting on his more than twenty years as an actor, Choi said "To an actor, fame is short, but acting is long."
As a public figure and social activist, Choi Soo-jong has sought to project an image of integrity and wholesomeness. His fidelity to his wife and dedication to his role as father and husband are widely discussed in the media, although he strives to retain his family's privacy. Choi also openly discusses his commitment to clean living through regular exercise and healthy eating. Despite his advancing age, Choi continues to accept physically challenging roles that require horseback riding, combat and swordsmanship, and exposure to extreme temperatures. His youthful appearance and physical fitness allow Choi to play characters much younger than his actual age.
Despite Choi's image of integrity and health, in 2007 his career was briefly overshadowed by scandal. In a series of news stories, it was revealed that several high-profile Korean actors had falsified their academic credentials. Choi was among those whose educational background on his resume proved to be exaggerated and included untrue information.[1][2] Choi tearfully apologized for misleading the public.
In 2010, Choi was cast in a lead role in Legend of the Patriots, a remake of the 1975 series Comrades. According to a press release from KBS, Choi found acting in a war drama even more challenging than the historical dramas he is known for. When asked why he chose to pursue the challenging genre of war drama, Choi stated "There is a problem though that the more I act, the more I become greedy for acting. What do I have to do from now on? Anyway, I want to remain as a good actor as I put more effort into managing myself"."
On January 3, 2022, Choi was appointed as the new president of the Korean Broadcasting Actors Association.[3]
Personal life
editChoi is married to actress Ha Hee Ra, a Hwagyo. They have two children together: son Min-seo (1999) and daughter Yoon-seo (2000). Choi Soo-jong and Ha Hee Ra's happy marriage is well-known in Korea. When Ha was pregnant, Choi did the housework, cooked, and let her rest, a fact that has made Choi very popular with Korean women and jokingly scorned by Korean men. In a television interview in early 2010, Choi's wife Ha stated her husband is a better housekeeper than she is. Choi is frequently seen text messaging and making phone calls with his wife Ha Hee Ra while filming and was even documented doing so in the television special for Emperor of the Sea.
Choi has a reputation amongst co-stars as funny and bright. He is known as a jokester on the set that has earned him the title "NG Mawang" (NG Master). When he makes an NG (blooper), he attempts to make light of his error.
In his free time, Choi enjoys playing soccer on Sunday mornings. In 2008, Choi announced that he would also begin studying English in his spare time.
Social activities
editWhen not filming, Choi and his wife also are involved with charitable projects both jointly and separately. They contribute regularly to charitable causes in addition to actively volunteering for causes such as disabled children and were actively involved in the cleaning up after the massive oil spill in Korea in 2007.[4] In the first half of 2009, Choi and Ha were selected to be the ambassadors for a worldwide campaign against tuberculosis. Also in 2009, Choi and Ha became goodwill ambassadors of the National Museum of Korea and sponsored a project to provide 50,000 Korean language guidebooks for visitors to the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Additionally, in December 2008, Choi was one of five celebrities appointed as a goodwill ambassador to the Korean capital Seoul.[5] As a member of the "Fabulous Five," Choi was chosen to publicize the international appeal of the city. In June 2009, Choi Soo-jong and six other high-profile actors waived their fees to teach master acting classes at Im Kwon-taek Film and Art College of Dongseo University.
Filmography
editFilms
edit- Obedience (documentary, 2016)
- Iron Bag, Mr. Woo-soo (2012)
- The Man Who Cannot Kiss (1994)
- Man Upstairs, Woman Downstairs (1992)
- The Night Full of Stars (1991)
- Do You Like the Afternoon After the Rain? (1991)
- To You Again (1991)
- You Know What, It's A Secret (1990)
- Superman Yiljimae (1990)
- Puppy Love (1988)
- A Young Punch (1988)
Television
edit- Korea–Khitan War as Gang Gam-chan (KBS2, 2023)[6]
- Record of Youth (Cameo) (tvN,2020)[7]
- My Only One (KBS2, 2018)[8]
- Japanese Invasion of Korea 1592 (2016)
- Into the Flames (TV Chosun, 2014)
- You Are the Boss! (MBC, 2013) (cameo)
- Dream of the Emperor (KBS1, 2012)
- KBS Drama Special: For Her Son (KBS2, 2011)
- The President (KBS2, 2010)
- Legend of the Patriots (KBS1, 2010)
- Korean Ghost Stories: Curse of the Sajin Sword (KBS2, 2008)
- Dae Jo-yeong (KBS1, 2006)
- Emperor of the Sea (KBS2, 2004)
- War of the Roses (MBC, 2004)
- On the Prairie (KBS2, 2003)
- Man of the Sun, Lee Je-ma (KBS2, 2002)
- Taejo Wang Geon (KBS1, 2000)
- Did We Really Love? (KBS2, 1999)
- People's House (KBS1, 1999)
- Beautiful Secret (KBS2, 1999)
- Legend of Ambition (KBS2, 1998)
- When She Beckons (KBS2, 1997)
- Fireworks (MBC, 1997)
- Three Guys and Three Girls (MBC, 1997) (cameo)
- First Love (KBS2, 1996)
- Blowing of the Wind (KBS2, 1995)
- Last Lovers (MBC, 1994)
- Rival of History (KBS1, 1994)
- Ambition (MBC, 1994)
- Pilot (MBC, 1993)
- Hot River (MBC, 1993)
- Drama Game (KBS2 1993)
- Best Theater (MBC, 1993)
- Bong Yi-jeon (KBS2, 1993)
- Sons and Daughters (MBC, 1992-1993)
- Chunwon Yi Kwang-su (MBC, 1992)
- Jealousy (MBC, 1992)
- City People (MBC, 1992)
- The Family (KBS2, 1991-1992)
- Happiness Dictionary (MBC, 1991)
- Chunsa Na Woon-gyu (MBC, 1991)
- Seoul Earthenware Pot (KBS1, 1990)
- Daewongun (MBC, 1990)
- Love's Open Every Hour (MBC, 1990)
- Love Rains Clouds (MBC, 1989)
- Sir (MBC, 1989)
- Principal Investigator (MBC, 1989)
- The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyeong (MBC, 1988-1989)
- Queen Inhyeon (MBC, 1988)
- Love Tree (KBS, 1987-1990)
Variety show
edit- You'll Know when You Leave (2023; New Year's specials) with Do Kyung-wan[9]
- Second House (2022–2023; Season 1–2) with Ha Hee-ra[10]
- This is Wild 3 (2022)[11]
- Melodies of Korea (2020)
- Friendly Variety Show (January 2020–May 2020)[12]
- Choi Soo-jong Show (2003)
Hosting
edit| Year | Title | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | opening ceremony 19th EBS International Documentary Film Festival (EIDF) | with Park Kyung-lim | [13] |
| 2023 | Public Broadcasting 50th Anniversary Special | with Kang Ho-Dong And Chae Shi-ra | [14] |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | KBS Drama Awards | Popularity Award | Won | |
| 1991 | 27th Baeksang Arts Awards | Popularity Award in Film | Well, It's A Secret | Won |
| MBC Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor | Won | ||
| KBS Drama Awards | Popularity Award | Won | ||
| 1992 | MBC Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Jealousy | Won |
| 1993 | MBC Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Sons and Daughters | Won |
| 1994 | 30th Baeksang Arts Awards | Popularity Award in TV | Pilot | Won |
| 1995 | KBS Drama Awards | Popularity Award | Blowing of the Wind | Won |
| Top Excellence Award, Actor | Nominated | |||
| 1996 | KBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | First Love | Won |
| 1997 | 10th Grimae Awards | Best Actor | Won | |
| 1998 | 25th Korea Broadcasting Awards | Best Actor | Legendary Ambition | Won |
| KBS Drama Awards | Photogenic Award | Won | ||
| Top Excellence Award, Actor | Nominated | |||
| Grand Prize/Daesang | Won | |||
| 1999 | 35th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor in TV | Won | |
| KBS Drama Awards | Popularity Award | Did You Ever Love? | Won | |
| Top Excellence Award, Actor | Nominated | |||
| 2001 | KBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Emperor Wang Gun | Nominated |
| Grand Prize/Daesang | Won | |||
| 2002 | KBS Drama Awards | Popularity Award | Man of the Sun, Lee Je-ma | Won |
| Top Excellence Award, Actor | Nominated | |||
| 2003 | KBS Drama Awards | Special Award | Won | |
| 2005 | KBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Emperor of the Sea | Won |
| 2006 | 1st Seoul International Drama Awards | Best Actor[15] | Nominated | |
| KBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Dae Jo-yeong | Nominated | |
| 2007 | KBS Drama Awards | Netizen Award | Won | |
| Top Excellence Award, Actor | Nominated | |||
| Grand Prize/Daesang | Won | |||
| 2008 | 2nd Korea Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Won | |
| 35th Korea Broadcasting Association Awards | Best Actor | Won | ||
| KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama | Hometown Legends - "The Curse of Sajin Sword" | Nominated | |
| 2010 | KBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Legend of the Patriots | Nominated |
| 2011 | KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama | For My Son | Won |
| 2012 | KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama | Dream of the Emperor | Nominated |
| Top Excellence Award, Actor | Nominated | |||
| 2013 | KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama | Nominated | |
| Top Excellence Award, Actor | Nominated | |||
| 2014 | Miss Supertalent Star Awards | Excellence Award, Actor | Korean Wave | Won |
| 2018 | KBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor[16] | My Only One | Won |
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama | Nominated | |||
| Best Couple (with Jin Kyung) | Won | |||
| 2019 | 12th Korea Drama Awards[17] | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Won | |
| 2021 | 19th KBS Entertainment Awards[18] | Achievement Award | Mr. House Husband 2 | Won |
| Excellence Award in Reality Category[19] | Nominated | |||
| 2023 | KBS Drama Awards | Grand Prize/Daesang[20] | Korea–Khitan War | Won |
| Top Excellence Award, Actor[21] | Nominated | |||
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama[22] | Nominated | |||
| Popularity Award, Actor[23] | Nominated | |||
| Best Couple Award[20] | Choi Soo-jong (with Kim Dong-jun) Korea–Khitan War |
Won |
References
edit- ^ "Actor Choi Su-jong Falsifies Education". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on 21 May 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ "Film 'D-War Tops Internet News". The Korea Times. 2007-08-26. Archived from the original on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2013-08-02.
- ^ Il Hong-kang (January 5, 2022). "[인터뷰] 최수종, 연기자협회 신임 이사장 "연기자 인력풀 활성화" [[Interview] Soo-Jong Choi, new president of the Actors Association "Activating the talent pool for actors"] (in Korean). The Fact. Archived from the original on January 5, 2022. Retrieved January 5, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ [1] Archived January 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Fabulous Five to Promote Seoul". The Korea Times. 2008-12-03. Archived from the original on 2012-08-20. Retrieved 2013-08-02.
- ^ Lee Ho-young (April 29, 2023). "[단독] "강감찬 장군 납시오"…김산호부터 최수종, '고려거란전쟁' 라인업(종합)" [[Exclusive] "General Kang Gam-chan, please"... From Kim San-ho to Choi Soo-jong, 'Goryeo Georan War' lineup (comprehensive)] (in Korean). iMBC Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 29, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
- ^ "[단독] 최수종, '청춘기록' 특별출연...아내 하희라 사랑의 지원사격". news.naver (in Korean). 2020-10-13. Archived from the original on 2020-10-17. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
- ^ "배우 최수종, KBS2 주말극 '하나뿐인 내편'으로 안방극장 복귀 (공식)". 10Asia (in Korean). August 7, 2018. Archived from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ Lee Da-gyeom (January 18, 2023). "SBS 설특집 '떠나보면 알 거야', 최수종·도경완의 합법적 외박" [SBS Lunar New Year Special 'You'll Know When You Leave', Soo-Jong Choi and Kyung-Wan Do stay out legally] (in Korean). Maeil Business Daily Star Today. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ Son Jin-ah (October 12, 2022). "최수종·하희라·주상욱·조재윤, '세컨 하우스' 출연…10월 말 첫방(공식)" [Choi Soo-jong, Ha Hee-ra, Joo Sang-wook, and Jo Jae-yoon to appear in 'Second House'... First episode at the end of October (official)] (in Korean). MK Sports. Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Kang Ae-ran (May 2, 2022). "EBS, 생태 다큐시리즈 '이것이 야생이다3' 내달 첫선…최수종 MC" [EBS, ecological documentary series 'This is Wild 3' premieres next month... Choi Soo-jong MC] (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on May 2, 2022. Retrieved May 2, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ "[SC현장] "'1박2일'과 달라"..최수종→브루노 '친한예능', 2.5% 넘길까 (종합)". Sports Chosun (in Korean). 2020-01-07. Archived from the original on 2021-04-21. Retrieved 2020-01-07.
- ^ Kang Ae-ran (August 11, 2022). "[방송소식] 최수종·박경림, EBS국제다큐영화제 개막식 사회" [[Broadcasting News] Choi Soo-jong and Park Kyung-rim, EBS International Documentary Film Festival Opening Ceremony Moderator] (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on August 11, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ "최수종×채시라×강호동 '당신의 KBS, 우리의 50년' MC 확정". 노컷뉴스. 2023-02-20. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
- ^ "류시원, 제 1회 '서울드라마어워즈 2006' 사회". starnews. Archived from the original on 2017-09-10. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
- ^ Woo, Bin (January 1, 2019). [2018 KBS 연기대상] 유동근 대상 "장미희 덕분인데 내가 왜..대하드라마 부활 기원" [[2018 KBS Drama Awards] Donggeun Lee Grand Prize "Why am I ... thanks to Jang Mi-hee.]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 1, 2019. Retrieved January 1, 2019 – via Naver.
- ^ Park, Pan-suk (October 2, 2019). "'하나뿐인내편' 최수종, 2019 코리아드라마 어워즈 대상 영예[공식]". OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 22, 2019. Retrieved May 15, 2020 – via Naver.
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- ^ a b Kim, Na-yul (January 1, 2024). [2023 KBS 연기대상]최수종, 16년만 4번째 대상에 오열.."당연한 건 없었다"(종합) [[2023 KBS Drama Awards] Choi Soo-jong wins the Grand Prize for the 4th time in 16 years.."Nothing was taken for granted" (Comprehensive)] (in Korean). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved January 1, 2024 – via Naver.
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