Gong Yoo

Screen name: 공유 / Gong Yoo
Legal name: 공지철 / Gong Ji Chul
Profession: Actor
Birthdate: July 10, 1979
Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
Height: 185 cm
Star sign: Cancer
Blood type: A

Links

@gongyoo_official
Gong Yoo
Gong Yoo

• Actor Gong Yoo’s full legal name is Gong Ji-cheol. His stage name, Gong Yoo, is a blend of his parents’ surnames—his father’s Gong and his mother’s Yoo. The name Gong Yoo also translates to share in Korean, a meaning that resonates deeply with him. He has expressed that he takes this meaning seriously, striving to live a life of sharing positivity. In a past interview, Gong Yoo mentioned that having a stage name derived from his parents’ last names gives him a stronger sense of responsibility to be a good person.

• Ggong is a nickname for Gong Yoo. It’s a cute and affectionate way fans refer to him. The nickname is derived from the first syllable of his name, Gong, and is often used in a playful and endearing manner by his fans.

• In 2017, Gong Yoo made history by appearing on the cover of Esquire’s June edition in seven Asian countries: Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Additionally, while not on the cover, the June editions of Esquire in Vietnam and the Philippines also featured his pictorials. This means that out of the ten Asian countries where Esquire is published, nine simultaneously promoted Gong Yoo.

• Gong Yoo is a big fan of the Golden State Warriors, with Stephen Curry being his favorite player. In December 2018, he attended a live NBA game in San Francisco to watch the Warriors play. Recalling the experience on a talk show, Gong Yoo shared that his heart felt like it was about to explode when he walked into the arena. He enthusiastically cheered and even talked as if the players were his friends. Besides basketball, Gong Yoo also enjoys watching Korean baseball and Major League Baseball when it’s not basketball season.

• During his mandatory military service, Gong Yoo was appointed as a radio DJ for the Korean military radio station. He hosted a daily two-hour show on the Korean Forces Network, where he played music and engaged with listeners. This role allowed him to connect with his fans even while fulfilling his military duties.

• During his military service, Gong Yoo received a copy of The Crucible from a senior officer to congratulate him on his promotion. Written by Gong Ji-young, the book is based on the true story of sexual abuse against hearing-impaired children at a school in Gwangju, South Korea. Deeply moved by the story, Gong Yoo went on to develop and star in the film adaptation, Silenced (2011). The film sparked public outrage by revealing that the offenders received minimal punishments. This led to the case being reopened and the subsequent passing of the Dogani Law, which targets sex crimes against minors and the disabled in South Korea.

• In a 2017 interview with The Fact, Gong Yoo revealed that he prefers women who have the tendencies of a cat. He explained that he likes proactive women who know how to do things for themselves rather than relying on others. On Lee Dong Wook’s talk show, Because I Want to Talk, Gong Yoo reiterated his preference for assertive women and mentioned that times have changed, noting that “men no longer need to be the one to propose.” He also added that marriage isn’t in the cards for him at the moment.

• Gong Yoo is a cat lover in real life as well. During a meet and greet in 2017, the Train to Busan star was asked who he would save in a zombie apocalypse. Rather than choosing a person, he humorously replied that he would save his two cats at home.

Gong Yoo comes from a notable family background. His father, Gong Won attended Gae-sung High School, a well-known baseball high school in South Korea. He was the head of the professional baseball team Lotte Giants’ Busan in 1982 and managed the first team from 1983 to 1985. His mother, Yoo Myung-joo is from the Baecheon Yoo clan from Paechon County. Gong Yoo has an older sister named Gong Eun-jung. In 2017, it was revealed that Gong Yoo is a descendant of Chinese philosopher Confucius, and is part of the 79th generation among Confucius’s descendants originated from the Gokbu Gong clan.

Nakmin Elementary School
Year Founded: 1981
Address: 35 Nakdong-daero 1730 Beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea

Naesung Middle School
Year Founded: 1983
Address: 20 Naeseong-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea

Dongin High School
Year Founded: 1953
Address: 1-1 Dongin-ro, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea

Kyung Hee University
Year Founded: 1949
Address: 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

B.A. in Theater and Film
M.A. in Performing Arts

Gong Yoo enlisted for his mandatory military service on January 14, 2008. He served for 8 months in frontline active duty in Cheorwon. After this period, he was transferred to the Defense Media Agency, where he served in the public relations department and hosted as a DJ for the army radio station. Gong Yoo was discharged from the military in December 2009.

Im Soo-jung (Early 2000s)

Gong Yoo and Im Soo-jung were rumored to be dating after working together in the movie Finding Mr. Destiny (2010). However, both have denied these rumors, stating they are just good friends.

Kim Go-eun (2016-2017)

Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun sparked dating rumors after their chemistry in the drama Goblin. The rumors intensified when Kim Go-eun broke up with her boyfriend and posted a picture with Gong Yoo in wedding attire. However, both actors have denied being in a relationship.

Ahn So-hee (2016)

There were rumors about Gong Yoo dating Ahn So-hee, his co-star from Train to Busan. However, these rumors were never confirmed.

Jung Yu-mi (Ongoing rumors)

Gong Yoo and Jung Yu-mi have been rumored to be dating multiple times, especially after working together in Train to Busan and Kim Ji-young: Born 1982. Despite the persistent rumors, both have denied any romantic involvement.

Gong Yoo has not publicly confirmed any relationships, and as of now, he is considered to be single.

• Date Released: September 3, 2001

• Gong Yoo made his acting debut in the television series School 4, where he played the role of Hwang Tae-young, a student with a troubled family background.

• Date Released: October 23, 2002

• Gong Yoo starred in the television series Whenever the Heart Beats, where he played the role of Park Chan-ho, a medical student who faces challenges in balancing his career aspirations with personal relationships.

• Date Released: May 22, 2002

• Gong Yoo appeared in the television series Hard Love (also known as Difficult Love) in 2002, where he played the character of Kim Tae-woo, a supporting role that contributed to his early career development. The drama revolves around complex romantic relationships and personal struggles.

• 2002 KBS Drama Awards
  Nominated – Best New Actor

• Date Released: February 7, 2003

• In the movie My Tutor Friend, Gong Yoo played a small yet memorable role as a handsome student who briefly interacts with the main characters, Choi Su-wan (played by Kim Ha-neul) and Kim Ji-hoon (played by Kwon Sang-woo). The film is a romantic comedy that became a significant hit in South Korea.

• Date Released: May 31, 2003

• In the television series Screen, Gong Yoo played the role of Kim Joon-pyo, a young and aspiring filmmaker who becomes entangled in a complex love triangle involving the lead characters. The series explores the behind-the-scenes world of the film industry and the personal lives of those involved in it.

• 2003 SBS Drama Awards
  Won – New Star Award

• Date Released: July 7, 2003

• Gong Yoo starred in the television series 20 Years, where he portrayed the character Kim Jae-hyo, a young man navigating the challenges of love and friendship as he enters adulthood. The series was relatively short, with only four episodes.

• Date Released: October 1, 2003

• In the television series My Room, Your Room, Gong Yoo took on one of his earliest roles as a supporting character named Tae-woong. This series follows the lives and relationships of young adults living in a shared boarding house.

• Date Released: January 16, 2004

• In the 2004 movie Spy Girl, Gong Yoo played the role of Choi Go-bong, a college student who becomes infatuated with a mysterious woman named Park Hyo-jin (played by Kim Jung-hwa), who is actually a North Korean spy on a secret mission in South Korea. The film combines romance with lighthearted comedy.

• Gong Yoo served as a host on the music show Music Camp, which aired on KBS2 from October 18, 2002, to February 7, 2004. As a host, Gong Yoo brought a charismatic and engaging presence to the program, which featured live performances and music-related content.

• Date Released: September 24, 2004

• In the 2004 movie Superstar Mr. Gam, Gong Yoo played the role of Park Cheol-soo, a supporting character in this sports drama based on the true story of a legendary Korean baseball player, Gam Sa-yong. The film follows Gam’s journey from being a low-ranking pitcher to becoming a national hero.

• Date Released: October 22, 2004

• In the 2004 romantic comedy S Diary, Gong Yoo played one of the key roles as Yoo In, one of the ex-boyfriends of the main character, Jini (played by Kim Sun-a). The film follows Jini as she revisits her past relationships to find out what went wrong. Gong Yoo’s character is portrayed as a sweet and innocent young man, contrasting with the other ex-boyfriends, adding a unique dynamic to the story.

• Date Released: January 3, 2005

• In the television series Hello My Teacher, Gong Yoo played the role of Seo Jung-ho, a high school student who becomes involved in various comedic and dramatic situations with his teacher, Han Kyung-hee (played by Kim Ha-neul).

• 2005 SBS Drama Awards
  Won – Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries

• Date Released: February 18, 2005

• In the 2005 action-comedy film She’s on Duty, Gong Yoo played the role of Cha Ji-woong, a high school student who becomes entangled with a secret agent, played by Kim Sun-a. The film follows the story of a tough female detective who goes undercover as a high school student to investigate a case. Gong Yoo’s character is a key figure in the film’s comedic and romantic subplots.

• Date Released: January 6, 2006

• In the television series One Fine Day, Gong Yoo played the role of Sun-woo, a compassionate and dedicated medical student who finds himself entangled in a complex romance. The series is known for its blend of melodrama and romance.

• Date Released: December 2, 2010

• In the 2010 romantic comedy Finding Mr. Destiny, Gong Yoo played the role of Seok-joon, a charming and successful businessman who helps the protagonist, a woman searching for her first love, by taking on the task of finding her past love. The film is known for its heartwarming story and comedic elements.

• Date Released: October 4, 2007

• In the 2007 film Like a Dragon, Gong Yoo played the role of a young man named Joo-hyuk who gets entangled in the gritty world of underground fighting. The movie is an action drama that explores themes of resilience and redemption.

• Trivia: Gong Yoo underwent extensive training to portray a convincing fighter, showcasing his dedication to the role and his commitment to delivering a physically demanding performance, which added a new dimension to his acting repertoire.

• Date Released: July 2, 2007

• In the beloved television series Coffee Prince, Gong Yoo played the role of Choi Han-kyul, a wealthy but disillusioned heir who inherits a struggling coffee shop and finds himself unexpectedly falling for a woman who pretends to be a man. The series became a major hit both domestically and internationally.

• Trivia: Gong Yoo’s performance in Coffee Prince significantly boosted his career and earned him widespread acclaim, cementing his status as a top Hallyu star.

• Date Released: September 22, 2011

• In the powerful 2011 film Silenced (also known as The Crucible), Gong Yoo played the role of Kang In-ho, a newly appointed art teacher who becomes an advocate for the sexual abuse victims at a Korean school for the hearing-impaired.

• Trivia: The film is based on real events and was highly impactful, leading to significant public outrage and legal reforms in South Korea. The film also led to increased awareness and support for the victims of abuse, making it a landmark in Korean cinema.

• 2011 Blue Dragon Film Awards
  Nominated – Best Leading Actor
  Won – Popular Star Award

• 2012 Baeksang Arts Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor – Film

• Date Released: June 4, 2012

• In the 2012 television series Big, Gong Yoo played the dual roles of Kyung-joon, a high school student who switches bodies with a 30-year-old man, and the older man himself, who is the main character. The series is a fantasy romantic comedy that explores themes of identity and love.

• Date released: May 27, 2013

• In the television series Dating Agency: Cyrano, Gong Yoo made a special appearance in a cameo role as a wealthy man who seeks the services of the Cyrano Agency, a dating service that helps clients with romantic pursuits. The series centers around the agency’s team as they orchestrate elaborate schemes to help their clients find love.

• Date released: December 24, 2013

• In the 2013 action thriller The Suspect, Gong Yoo played the role of Ji Dong-chul, a former North Korean agent who becomes a fugitive after being framed for a crime he did not commit. The film follows Dong-chul as he uncovers a conspiracy while trying to clear his name and protect his family.

• Trivia: Gong Yoo underwent rigorous training to perform his own stunts, showcasing his dedication to delivering an intense and believable performance, which was praised for its physicality and emotional depth.

• Date released: September 30, 2014

• Gong Yoo starred in the music video for Kim Dong-ryul’s song How I Am. He had previously received numerous offers to appear in music videos but had always been hesitant to accept. However, being a long-time fan of Kim Dong-ryul, Gong Yoo gladly participated in this project.

• 2014 National Tax Service Presidential Commendation

• Date released: February 25, 2016

• In the 2016 South Korean romance film A Man and a Woman, Gong Yoo plays Ki-hong, an architect working in Finland who embarks on a forbidden romance with Sang-min, portrayed by Jeon Do-yeon. The story unfolds in the snowy landscapes of Finland, adding a unique and atmospheric backdrop to their complex relationship.

• 2016 Korea Film Actors Association Awards
  Won – Grand Prize (Daesang)

• Date released: July 20, 2016

• In the 2016 South Korean film Train to Busan, Gong Yoo plays Seok-woo, a workaholic father who boards a train from Seoul to Busan with his young daughter amidst a sudden zombie outbreak. The movie, directed by Yeon Sang-ho.

• Trivia: Ma Dong-seok, who plays a key role in the film, was once Gong Yoo’s personal trainer. The film received critical acclaim for its intense action sequences and emotional depth, becoming a significant hit both domestically and internationally.

• 2017 Asian Film Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor

• 2017 BloodGuts UK Horror Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor

• 2017 Chunsa Film Art Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor

• 2017 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor

• 2017 iHorror Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor

• Date released: September 7, 2016

• In the 2016 South Korean period action thriller The Age of Shadows, Gong Yoo portrays Kim Woo-jin, a key resistance fighter involved in smuggling explosives from Shanghai to Seoul to fight against Japanese colonial rule.

• Trivia: This film marked Warner Bros.’ first Korean-language production. The movie received critical acclaim for its intense narrative and strong performances, particularly highlighting the cat-and-mouse game between the resistance fighters and Japanese agents. It was South Korea’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.

• Date released: December 2, 2016

• In the television series Goblin (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God), Gong Yoo stars as Kim Shin, an immortal goblin who seeks a human bride to end his cursed immortality. The series, written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok.

• Trivia: The show’s final episode achieved an 18.68% nationwide audience share, making it one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. The series became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its unique storyline and strong performances.

• 2017 Baeksang Arts Awards
  Won – Best Actor – Television

• 2017 Brand of the Year Awards
  Won – Actor of the Year

• 2017 DramaFever Awards
  Won – Best Actor
  Won – Best Couple with Kim Go-eun

• 2017 Fashionista Awards
  Nominated – Best Fashionista – TV & Film Division

• 2017 Korea Advertisers Association Awards
  Won – Best Model Award

• 2017 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 27th on the list

• 2017 Seoul Creative Festival of Film Advertising
  Won – Model of the Year

• Date released: October 23, 2019

• In the 2019 South Korean drama film Kim Ji-young: Born 1982, Gong Yoo plays Jung Dae-hyun, the supportive husband of the titular character, Kim Ji-young, who struggles with societal expectations and personal identity after becoming a stay-at-home mom. Directed by Kim Do-young, the film was released on October 23, 2019.

• Trivia: The film is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Cho Nam-joo, which sparked significant discussions about gender roles and feminism in South Korea. The movie was praised for its poignant portrayal of everyday sexism and the pressures faced by women.

• 2020 Brand Customer Loyalty Award
  Won – Advertising Model

• Date released: September 17, 2021

• In the 2021 hit series Squid Game, Gong Yoo makes a memorable cameo as the mysterious Salesman who recruits participants for the deadly games by challenging them to a game of ddakji. His brief but impactful appearance sets the tone for the series’ high-stakes drama.

• Trivia: The show quickly became Netflix’s most-watched series. Gong Yoo’s character uses the same ddakji game that was popularized in South Korea during the 1970s and 1980s.

• Date released: December 24, 2021

• In the 2021 Netflix sci-fi series The Silent Sea, Gong Yoo stars as Han Yoon-jae, the leader of a space exploration team on a mission to retrieve a mysterious sample from an abandoned lunar research facility. Set in a future where Earth faces severe desertification, the series explores themes of survival and secrecy.

• Trivia: The Silent Sea is based on director Choi Hang-yong’s 2014 short film, The Sea of Tranquility.

• Date released: June 5, 2024

• In the 2024 sci-fi romantic drama Wonderland, Gong Yoo makes a special appearance as Sung-joon, an artificial intelligence character. The film, directed by Kim Tae-yong, revolves around a virtual world where people can communicate with their loved ones who are either comatose or deceased.

Some memorable moments and photoshoots.