Jin Joo

Joo Jin-mo, born Park Jin-tae on 26 September 1974, is a prominent South Korean actor known for his significant contributions to film and television. He gained widespread recognition for his leading roles in several popular movies, including Happy End (1999), 200 Pounds Beauty (2006), and A Frozen Flower (2008). His performance in A Frozen Flower earned him the prestigious Best Actor award at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards. He also starred in the hit television series Empress Ki (2013).

Joo Jin-mo was born in Seoul, South Korea. When he began his acting career, he adopted the stage name "Joo Jin-mo" from his manager's surname. Initially, Joo appeared in various television dramas and minor film roles before landing his first lead role in the film Dance Dance in 1999. Although the movie did not do well at the box office, it helped him gain visibility in the industry.

His breakthrough came with the film Happy End, where he played a heartbroken lover in a gripping psycho-drama. This role garnered him considerable attention, and the film was well-received both domestically and in Hong Kong.

Following his success in Happy End, Joo participated in several notable projects. He worked with acclaimed director Kim Ki-duk in the film Real Fiction, which was filmed in an experimental style over just 3.5 hours with no retakes. He also starred in the large-scale historical movie Musa (2001), set in 14th-century China, which showcased his versatility as an actor and paired him with international star Zhang Ziyi.

In the mid-2000s, he appeared in the melodrama Wanee & Junah (2001) and continued to act in successful films like Punch (2003) and Liar (2004). His role in 200 Pounds Beauty solidified his status as a leading man in romantic comedies.

Noteworthy is his performance in the controversial film A Frozen Flower, where he played a Goryeo king involved in a love triangle, which won him critical acclaim and his first Best Actor award. He continued to explore complex characters by taking on roles in various genres, including the drama Dream (2009) and the action film A Better Tomorrow (2010).

Joo's career included significant television work as well. He starred in the popular series Fashion 70's (2005), which achieved high ratings. His later works included Empress Ki, where he portrayed a fictional character based on King Chunghye, and Bad Guys 2 (2017).

In 2022, Joo Jin-mo made headlines when he terminated his contract with his management agency, Studio Santa Claus Entertainment. He has often expressed a desire to take on more emotionally complex roles, stating, "All male actors dream of playing macho men at one point or another, but they also dream of playing emotionally complex roles."

On the personal front, Joo married doctor Min Hye-yeon on 1 June 2019, on Jeju Island. Min holds a degree from Seoul National University and specializes in family medicine. She has gained popularity for her appearances on health-related television programs.

In early 2020, Joo faced a scandal regarding phone hacking, where private messages were leaked online. He publicly apologized for the content of those messages and expressed his regret.

Throughout his career, Joo Jin-mo has made a significant impact on the South Korean entertainment industry, earning recognition for his talent and dedication. He remains a celebrated figure in both film and television, continuing to attract fans with his performances.