Jang Dong-gun

Early life

Jang Dong-gun spent his childhood in Yongsan District, Seoul, and later went on to study at the Korea National University of Arts School of Drama, though he dropped out before obtaining a degree.

Career

1992–2003: Beginnings and breakout

Jang first entered the entertainment world in a talent contest in 1992. He began by acting in TV dramas such as Iljimae, The Last Match, co-starring Shim Eun-ha, and he eventually made his film debut in Repechage (1997) together with Kim Hee-sun.

By the late 1990s he had become quite popular in Korea, but he also became one of the first Korean stars to garner a fan following in other parts of Asia, after several of his TV dramas were screened there in the late nineties. In 1999, after acting in the critically acclaimed Nowhere to Hide as Park Joong-hoon's younger partner, Jang moved on to star in a feature that was filmed on location in Shanghai. Titled Anarchists, this tale of five young terrorists from 1930s China helped to elevate his status even further.

Jang's breakout came in early 2001 in Friend, which smashed the box office record set by Shiri to become (at the time) the biggest Korean film of all time. After playing the nice guy in almost all his previous roles, this portrayal of a tough-talking gangster from Busan led him to local stardom. The following year he starred in the popular action blockbuster 2009 Lost Memories set in a futuristic Great Japan, and appeared in the low-budget film The Coast Guard by controversial director Kim Ki-duk.

2004–2011: Overseas popularity and Hollywood debut

In 2004, Jang took the lead role in Kang Je-gyu's Taegukgi, an epic film about two brothers set during the Korean War. The film broke ''Friend'''s record with an astounding 11 million tickets sold. By this time, Jang's name had become known widely throughout Asia.

Jang followed this up with The Promise, a $30 million pan-Asian production by Chinese director Chen Kaige in which he played opposite Hong Kong star Cecilia Cheung. Meanwhile, he was cast in Typhoon as a modern-day pirate who has been betrayed by both North and South Korea. Directed by *Friend'''s Kwak Kyung-taek, *Typhoon'' set a new record in 2005 for the highest production budget in Korean film history at $15 million.

For the next four years, Jang kept a low profile in the Korean entertainment sphere as he worked on his Hollywood debut The Warrior's Way, also starring Kate Bosworth and Geoffrey Rush. The film encountered problems with post-production and distribution, and was only released in 2010.

He returned to the silver screen in 2009 as the nation's youngest (and most eligible) head of state in Jang Jin's comedy Good Morning, President.

He reunited with director Kang Je-gyu in My Way, a film set during World War II based on the true story of a Korean soldier who is drafted by the Japanese army and eventually is present at the Battle of Normandy. A large-scale, ambitious pan-Asian collaboration co-starring Japanese actor Joe Odagiri and Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, My Way was the most expensive Korean movie to date (with an estimated budget of ), But despite being simultaneously released in Korea and Japan in December 2011, the film flopped at the box office.

2012–present: Return to television

Jang made his highly anticipated return to television dramas in A Gentleman's Dignity, saying he was drawn to the romantic comedy tale of 40-something-year-old men struggling to grow up and mend and forge lasting relationships. After the series ended, Jang and co-star Kim Min-jong visited refugees in the Republic of the Congo on a mission trip sponsored by UNICEF, UNHCR and World Food Programme. It was televised on SBS documentary program Hope TV.

His 2012 film Dangerous Liaisons was a Chinese adaptation of the French literature classic set in 1930s Shanghai, directed by Hur Jin-ho and co-starring Zhang Ziyi and Cecilia Cheung.

Jang next starred in No Tears for the Dead, an action thriller directed by Lee Jeong-beom. He played a Korean-born American hitman who feels conflicted about killing his last target (played by Kim Min-hee).

In 2015, Jang was cast in the film Seven Years of Night, a revenge thriller based on the novel of the same name by Jung Yoo-jung. He plays a character who takes revenge on his daughter's murderer, by killing his son. The film premiered in 2018.

In 2016, Jang was cast in his first Chinese drama, Once Loved You Distressed Forever alongside actress Tang Yixin. He was then cast in the espionage noir thriller VIP, which premiered in 2017.

Jang returned to the small screen after five years, starring in the Korean remake of the popular American legal drama series Suits (2018). The same year, Jung starred in Kim Sung-hoon's period zombie action film Rampant alongside close friend Hyun Bin.

In 2019, Jang starred in the fantasy historical drama Arthdal Chronicles.

Personal life

Jang is a practicing Buddhist, having first explored Buddhist reading while hospitalized in high school, after undergoing chest surgery.

He enjoys playing baseball and is a member of the celebrity amateur baseball team "Playboys" with Lee Jong-hyuk, Hyun Bin, Kim Seung-woo, Hwang Jung-min, Ji Jin-hee, and other actors.

Relationship and marriage

The famously private actor surprised the country in November 2009 when he went public with his two-year romance with Ko So-young. Since co-starring together in the 1999 film Love Wind Love Song, rumors about Jang and Ko had spread several times in the past, but both had consistently denied them. The announcement immediately sparked speculation of an impending marriage although it wasn't until March 2010 that Jang officially told his fans at a fan meeting that he would be marrying Ko in May. After months of media frenzy leading up to their nuptials, the two tied the knot on May 2, 2010 in an extravagant wedding ceremony at Seoul's Shilla Hotel which was attended by their A-list celebrity friends, reporters and fans from around the world.

Their son, Jang Min-joon, was born on October 4, 2010. Their second child, a daughter, was born on February 25, 2014.

Filmography

Film

Television series

Television shows

Discography

Awards and nominations

Listicles

Notes

References

References

1. (2018-03-30). "[스타비하인드] '폐인'이었던 충격적인 과거를 지니고 있는 대한민국 대표미남 장동건".
2. Rao, Anjali. (24 October 2007). "Interview with Jang Dong-gun". [[CNN]] [[TalkAsia]].
3. [http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/10/20/2005102061017.html "Jang Dong-gun Voted Korea's Most Bankable Star"] {{Webarchive. link. (2013-08-18 . [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. 20 October 2005.)
4. "Jang Dong-gun Profile". Jang Dong-gun official website.
5. link. (25 March 2008)
6. Kim, Ji-yeon. (1 July 2012). "Star Dictionary 2.0: Jang Dong Gun, From 'Beautiful' to 'Actor'". enewsWorld.
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8. [http://koreanfilm.org/actors.html#changdg "Actors and Actresses of Korean Cinema: Jang Dong-gun"] {{Webarchive. link. (2018-09-12 . Koreanfilm.org. Retrieved 2012-10-05.)
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10. (22 March 2001). "'Buddies' tells story of lost youth, friendship".
11. (1 February 2001). "<2009 로스트 메모리즈> [1] - 장동건의 제작기 ①".
12. link. (28 June 2002)
13. (11 February 2004). "Local Blockbuster 'Taegukgi' Creates Waves". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
14. (12 December 2005). "Mexican Fans Clamor for Jang Dong-gun and Ahn Jae-wook to Visit Mexico".
15. (24 October 2007). "Interview with Jang Dong-gun".
16. (10 May 2005). ""The Promise" Starring Jang Dong-gun to Be Shown in Cannes". KBS Global.
17. (9 December 2005). "'Typhoon' Puts Action Above Character Development". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
18. Min, Ines (10 October 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/04/141_74275.html "Jang's Hollywood debut to bridge East and West"] {{Webarchive. link. (2024-10-03 . [[The Korea Times]].)
19. Lee, Hyo-won (23 November 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/11/141_76816.html "Jang Dong-gun brings Asian vibe to Hollywood"] {{Webarchive. link. (2022-08-16 . [[The Korea Times]].)
20. link. (2014-02-21 . 10Asia.)
21. [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/04/135_48739.html "Jang Back to Silver Screen in 4 Years"] {{Webarchive. link. (2024-10-03 . [[The Korea Times]]. 20 July 2009.)
22. Lee, Hyo-won. (22 September 2009). "Actor Jang Dong-kun Returns as President". [[The Korea Times]].
23. Park, Sun-young (25 September 2009.). {{usurped
24. Song, Woong-ki. (26 September 2009). "Jang Dong-gun tired of being a bachelor". [[The Korea Herald]].
25. Lee, Ji-hye. (8 October 2009). "Jang says not calling for a fight with ''President''". 10Asia.
26. link. (2014-02-21 . KBS Global. 17 May 2011.)
27. link. (2023-02-16 . 10Asia.)
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29. Lee, Hyo-won (20 January 2011). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2011/01/178_80019.html "Jang-Odagiri film set for release in Japan"] {{Webarchive. link. (2024-10-03 . [[The Korea Times]].)
30. (17 December 2010). "Global film projects fail to be hits in Korea". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
31. link. (2014-02-21 . 10Asia.)
32. [http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/05/25/2012052500427.html "Jang Dong-gun Excited About New Drama"] {{Webarchive. link. (2012-05-28 . [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. 25 May 2012.)
33. Oh, Jean (24 May 2012). [http://view.koreaherald.com/kh/view.php?ud=20120524000804 "Jang Dong-gun gets first 'proper' kiss scene"]. [[The Korea Herald]].
34. Kim, Ji-yeon. (26 August 2012). "Interview: Jang Dong Gun "I Just Wanted to Make My Fans Laugh"". enewsWorld.
35. Jeon, Su-mi. (18 November 2012). "Jang Dong Gun and Kim Min Jong Meet Children in Congo and Ask for Help". enewsWorld.
36. Sunwoo, Carla. (16 November 2012). "''Gentlemen'' show a sensitive streak". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
37. link. (2014-02-21 . 10Asia.)
38. Lee, Hyo-won (23 September 2011). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2012/02/178_95335.html "Jang Dong-gun to co-star with Zhang Ziyi, Cecilia Cheung"] {{Webarchive. link. (2012-11-11 . [[The Korea Times]].)
39. link. (2013-11-01 . KBS Global. 28 September 2011.)
40. Son, Jin-ah (5 September 2012). {{usurped
41. Ho, Stewart (7 September 2012). [https://archive.today/20130128232700/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=14321 "Jang Dong Gun Charms Zhang Zhiyi and Cecilia Cheung With His Bad Boy Ways in New Movie Stills"]. enewsWorld.
42. Lee, Claire. (5 October 2012). "Zhang, Cheung touched by Jang Dong-gun's professionalism". [[The Korea Herald]].
43. Lee, Jin-ho. (7 October 2012). "Interview: Jang Dong Gun on Family and Who He is as an Actor". enewsWorld.
44. Jung, Hyun-mok. (8 October 2012). "Language no barrier to Jang's appeal". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
45. Ji, Yong-jin. (18 October 2012). "JANG Dong-gun of DANGEROUS LIAISONS: I want to be more active in co-produced films". Korean Cinema Today.
46. Lee, Sun-min. (29 August 2013). "Jang becomes a killer". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
47. Baek, Byung-yeul. (June 2, 2014). "Unlikely hitman: After string of disastrous films, heartthrob Jang Dong-gun is back". [[The Korea Times]].
48. Jo, Yeon-kyung. (31 May 2014). "Interview: Jang Dong Gun Confesses He Fell into a Slump for Years". enewsWorld.
49. Jo, Yeon-kyung. (31 May 2014). "Interview: Jang Dong Gun was Glad to Act Opposite Kim Min Hee in ''Crying Man''". enewsWorld.
50. (21 August 2015). "Jang Dong-gun takes role in thriller". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
51. (22 June 2016). "Jang Dong-gun to Appear in Chinese TV Series". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
52. (2 August 2016). "Jang Dong-Gun Leads A-list Cast in Upcoming Film 'VIP'". Asian Movie Pulse.
53. (22 August 2017). "Jang Dong-gun is ready to go again : After falling into a slump, the 'V.I.P.' star has finally hit his stride". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
54. (22 September 2017). "Jang Dong-gun cast for Korean remake of U.S. series 'Suits'".
55. (25 September 2017). "Jang Dong-gun, Park Hyung-sik to Star in Remake of U.S. TV Series".
56. (28 April 2018). "Jang Dong-gun Lightens up a Little for 1st TV Role in 6 Years".
57. (24 May 2017). "JANG Dong-gun Joins Hyun-bin in Period Zombie Film". Korean Film Biz Zone.
58. Sung Ji-eun. (20 July 2018). "Star-studded cast of tvN drama revealed".
59. Kim Soo-jin. (26 July 2018). "Song Joong-ki and Jang Dong-gun confirmed to star in 2019 Korean drama 'Asdal Chronicles'".
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61. (4 January 2011). "Japanese Fans Flock to See Korean Celebrities Play Baseball". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
62. Kim, Tong-hyung (5 November 2009). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/11/178_54991.html "Guess What! They've Been Dating for 2 Years"] {{Webarchive. link. (2024-10-03 . [[The Korea Times]].)
63. Park, Sun-young (12 November 2009). {{usurped
64. [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/02/178_60086.html "Jang to Disclose Wedding Plans in March"] {{Webarchive. link. (2024-10-03 . [[The Korea Times]]. 1 February 2010.)
65. (8 March 2010). "Jang Dong-gun: 'Bless the Start of Our New Life'". KBS Global.
66. [http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/11/09/2009110900910.html "Star Couple to Marry Vast Assets"] {{Webarchive. link. (2010-10-11 . [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. 9 November 2009.)
67. Han, Jane (4 February 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/02/123_60316.html "Jang-Ko Wedding Sets Off PR War"] {{Webarchive. link. (2024-10-03 . [[The Korea Times]].)
68. Lee, Hyo-won (22 April 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/04/178_64725.html "Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young Expecting Baby"] {{Webarchive. link. (2024-10-03 . [[The Korea Times]].)
69. [http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/04/23/2010042301045.html "Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young 'Ecstatic' Over Pregnancy"] {{Webarchive. link. (2010-07-15 . [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. 23 April 2010.)
70. Lee, Hyo-won (2 May 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/05/178_65186.html "Jang, Ko tie knot"] {{Webarchive. link. (2024-10-03 . [[The Korea Times]].)
71. Yim, Seung-hye (4 May 2010). {{usurped
72. link. (2014-03-03 . 10Asia.)
73. [http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/10/05/2010100500411.html "Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young Celebrate Birth of Son"] {{Webarchive. link. (2011-05-18 . [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. 5 October 2010.)
74. Min, Ines (5 October 2010). [https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2011/04/178_74010.html "Actors Jang, Ko become parents"] {{Webarchive. link. (2024-10-03 . [[The Korea Times]].)
75. Kim, Hannah (14 October 2010). {{usurped
76. Park, Jin-hai. (25 February 2014). "Jang couple get newborn daughter". [[The Korea Times]].
77. Kim, Gwang-kuk. (25 February 2014). "Jang Dong-gun and Wife Welcome Baby Girl". 10Asia.
78. Jin, Eun-soo. (26 February 2014). "Ko, Jang celebrate 2nd child". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
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104. (14 September 2007). "15th 춘사대상영화제 이모조모...장동건 이영애 '금메달 땄어요'".
105. link. (18 September 2007)
106. (16 May 2007). "Jang Dong-gun, Bae Yong-joon and others awarded at the First Annual Hallyu Awards".
107. link. (27 October 2009)
108. Lee, Nancy. (25 October 2012). "Jang Dong Gun Wins Style Icon of the Year at ''2012 SIA''". enewsWorld.
109. Oh, Mi-jung. (26 October 2012). "Jang Dong Gun Talks About His Year at '2012 SIA'". enewsWorld.
110. (1 January 2013). "Big Winners of 2012 Announced at Drama Awards Ceremonies of Major Broadcasters". 10Asia.
111. (14 October 2017). "2017 부산국제영화제 아시아스타어워즈".
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114. (November 27, 2019). "Winners Of 2019 Asia Artist Awards".
115. Ramachandran, Naman. (2025-03-05). "'Decision to Leave,' 'Dangerous Liaisons' Stars Tang Wei and Jang Dong-gun to Receive Excellence Honor at Asian Film Awards".
116. (February 23, 2010). "Celebrity List". [[JoongAng Ilbo]].
117. (February 24, 2011). "Celebrity list 40". [[JoongAng Ilbo]].
118. Hicap, Jonathan M.. (March 5, 2014). "Girls' Generation tops Forbes Korea's 2014 celeb list". [[Manila Bulletin]].
119. 조선일보. (2021-01-18). "[공식] 영화진흥위원회, 韓배우 200인 선정..'Korean Actors 200' 해외 홍보 나선다".
120. "KOREAN ACTORS 200".