Jang Hyuk

Biography

Jang Hyuk is a renowned South Korean actor known for his versatility, charisma, and powerful performances across various genres. With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as one of Korea's most respected and talented actors. From romantic dramas to action-packed thrillers, Jang Hyuk has consistently impressed audiences with his dedication and skill.

Early Life and Education

Jang Hyuk was born as Jung Yong-joon on December 20, 1976, in Busan, South Korea. From a young age, he had a passion for acting and aspired to enter the entertainment industry. He studied at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, where he refined his acting skills before making his professional debut.

Career Beginnings (1997 - Early 2000s)

Jang Hyuk made his acting debut in 1997 with the SBS drama Model. In the late 1990s, he gained attention through supporting roles in dramas and films. His breakthrough came in 2001 when he starred in the romantic comedy-drama "Successful Story of a Bright Girl" alongside Jang Na-ra. The drama became a massive hit, catapulting him to stardom in South Korea and other Asian countries.

Following this success, Jang Hyuk ventured into films, starring in "Volcano High" (2001) and "Jungle Juice" (2002), showcasing his versatility in action and comedy.

Career Setback and Comeback (2004 - 2010s)

In 2004, Jang Hyuk faced a significant setback when he was involved in a military service scandal. He, along with several other celebrities, was accused of attempting to avoid mandatory military service. He later apologized and served his duty from 2004 to 2006.

After his return, he made a strong comeback with the SBS drama "Thank You" (2007), where he played a doctor who falls in love with a single mother raising a daughter with HIV. His heartfelt performance won him critical acclaim and re-established his career.

During the late 2000s and early 2010s, he starred in several successful dramas and films:

• "Tazza" (2008) – A drama about gambling and deception.
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• "The Slave Hunters" (2010) – This historical drama was a massive success, earning him the Best Actor award at the KBS Drama Awards and a nomination at the International Emmy Awards. His portrayal of a relentless slave hunter was widely praised.
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• "Deep Rooted Tree" (2011) – A historical mystery drama where he played a royal investigator solving murders in the Joseon Dynasty.

Continued Success and Notable Works (2010s - Present)

Jang Hyuk continued to dominate both television and film. Some of his most notable projects include:

• "Fated to Love You" (2014) – A romantic comedy-drama where he reunited with Jang Na-ra.
• "Shine or Go Crazy" (2015) – A historical romance drama set in the Goryeo era.
• "Voice" series (2017 - 2021) – A gripping crime thriller about a detective with a tragic past. His intense acting in this series received widespread recognition.
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• "Tell Me What You Saw" (2020) – Another thriller where he played a genius profiler solving criminal cases.

Beyond television, he has continued to take on challenging roles in films like "Ordinary Person" (2017) and "The Swordsman" (2020).

Personal Life

Jang Hyuk married his long-time girlfriend, Kim Yeo-jin, in 2008. The couple has three children. Despite his fame, he maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career and family.

Awards and Recognition

Jang Hyuk has received numerous awards throughout his career, including:

• Best Actor Award (KBS Drama Awards, 2010) – The Slave Hunters
• Top Excellence Award (SBS Drama Awards, 2013) – Iris II
• Grand Prize (Daesang) at the MBC Drama Awards (2014) – Fated to Love You
• Best Actor (Baeksang Arts Awards, 2021) – The Swordsman

His ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters has made him one of the most respected actors in Korea.