Gong Yoo

Gong Yoo is the stage name of popular South Korean film and television actor, Gong Ji-chul. Born in an upper-class family from Busan, he was a model before starting his career in the show business as a video jockey on Mnet. His first role was in the 2001 television series ‘School 4,’ which was followed by many guest appearances in various films and TV shows. In ‘Hello My Teacher’, he debuted as a male lead on television. Although the series received a lukewarm response from the audience, it gave him enough opportunity to demonstrate at least some of his acting prowess. Then an acting opportunity in ‘The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince’ came about in 2007—his breakthrough role. Since then, he has secured his position as one of the most internationally recognizable actors working in the South Korean entertainment industry today. He has hosted game shows, made appearances on music videos, and won multiple awards. At the height of his career, he was enlisted for the mandatory military service in 2008. He returned to the industry almost two years later and initially had to struggle to regain his footing. In the last two years, however, his career has seen a massive resurgence.