Biography of Jang Dong-gun
Early Life and Education
Jang Dong-gun is a South Korean actor who was born on 7 March 1972, in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea. He is the youngest of three siblings and grew up in a well-to-do family. He 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. Jang Dong-gun made his acting debut in the 1992 film ‘Repechage’ and quickly became one of the most popular actors in South Korea.
Career of Jang Dong-gun
Jang Dong-gun first entered the entertainment industry through a talent contest in 1992. He started his career by acting in TV dramas such as ‘Iljimae’ and ‘The Last Match’ before making his film debut in ‘Repechage’ in 1997. His popularity grew in Korea and other parts of Asia after several of his TV dramas were screened in the late 1990s. In 1999, he appeared in the critically acclaimed film ‘Nowhere to Hide’ and followed it up with ‘Anarchists’, which was filmed on location in Shanghai.
Jang Dong-gun’s breakout role came in the 2001 film ‘Friend’, where he played a tough-talking gangster from Busan. The film became the biggest Korean film of all time at that time and led him to become a local star. He continued to work in popular films such as ‘2009 Lost Memories’ and ‘The Coast Guard’.Overall, Jang Dong-gun’s early career was marked by his versatility as an actor, showcasing his ability to play a variety of roles on both the small and big screens.
‘Taegukgi’ an epic movie by Kang Je-gyu in which Jang Dong-gun had the good fortune to play the major lead. The movie exceeded the record, set by the movie ‘Friends’ regarding the tickets sold which were about 11 million.
Jang followed this up with ‘The Promise’, a $30 million pan-Asian production by Chinese director Chen Kaige. Jang Dong-gun was then cast in the film ‘Typhoon’ as a modern-day pirate who both North and South Korea has betrayed. The movie was directed by Kwak Kyung-taek, who is known for directing the popular Korean drama ‘Friend’. ‘Typhoon’ was released in 2005 and set a new record in Korean film history at the time for the highest production budget of $15 million.
Jang Dong-gun made his Hollywood debut in 2010 with ‘The Warrior’s Way’. The film, which was directed by Sngmoo Lee, is a fantasy Western that tells the story of a skilled swordsman from the East who finds himself in a small town in the American West. Jang plays the lead role of Yang, a warrior who is forced to confront his past and protect the people he has come to care about.
Following his Hollywood debut, Jang returned to the Korean silver screen in 2009 with the comedy film ‘Good Morning, President’, directed by Jang Jin. In the film, Jang plays the youngest and most eligible head of state in the history of the country, portraying a charismatic and confident leader who must navigate the challenges and complexities of the political world.
Jang Dong-gun reunited with director Kang Je-gyu in the 2011 film ‘My Way’, which is set during World War II and is based on the true story of a Korean soldier who is drafted by the Japanese army and eventually finds himself at the ‘Battle of Normandy’. Jang plays the role of Kim Jun-shik, a Korean man who is taken by force to join the Japanese army and forced to fight for his life in various battles across the globe.
‘My Way’ was a major production, with a budget of over $25 million, making it one of the most expensive Korean films ever made. The film was shot in various locations across Asia and Europe, and its grand scale was praised by critics, who noted its epic cinematography and realistic battle scenes.
Jang’s performance in ‘My Way’ was also praised, with critics highlighting his ability to convey a range of emotions, from fear to determination, as his character struggles to survive in the midst of war. Overall, ‘My Way’ was a critical and commercial success, further solidifying Jang’s status as one of Korea’s leading actors.
Following the success of ‘Friend’, Jang starred in other successful films such as ‘Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War’ (2004), which depicted the Korean War and became another box-office hit. He also appeared in Hollywood films, including ‘The Warrior’s Way’ (2010) and ‘The Magnificent Seven’ (2016).
In addition to his film work, Jang also worked in theatre. He has appeared in productions of ‘Hamlet’ and ‘The Dispute’, among others.
Jang Dong-gun is considered one of the most influential figures in South Korea. He has been a spokesperson for several major brands, including Calvin Klein and Lexus, and has been recognized for his philanthropic work. He was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2017 and has been involved in various charity projects.
Achievements
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Jang Dong-gun’s breakthrough role came in the 2001 film ‘Friend’, which became the highest-grossing Korean film of all time at the time of its release. The film catapulted him to stardom and earned him critical acclaim for his portrayal of a tough-talking gangster.
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He has won several acting awards, including the ‘Best Actor Award’ at the Korean Film Awards for his role in ‘Friend’ (2001) and the ‘Grand Prize’ at the SBS Drama Awards for his performance in the TV drama ‘All About Eve’ (2000).
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Jang has also been recognized internationally for his work. In 2009, he was awarded the French government’s prestigious Order of Arts and Letters, which honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature.
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In addition to his acting career, Jang has also been involved in various philanthropic and humanitarian activities. He has served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme and has supported a number of charitable organizations, including the Korean Foundation for Tuberculosis Prevention and the Korea National Red Cross.
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In 2013, Jang Dong-gun made his Hollywood debut in the film ‘The Warrior’s Way’, where he starred alongside Kate Bosworth and Geoffrey Rush. Although the film did not perform well at the box office, his performance was praised by critics.
Jang Dong-gun had a pneumothorax condition during his high school years, which required major surgery and prolonged hospitalization. As a result of his condition, he was exempted from mandatory military service in South Korea.
Pneumothorax is a condition where air enters the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, lung diseases, or certain medical procedures.
In Jang’s case, the pneumothorax was reportedly caused by a lung infection that he had contracted while participating in a school trip to Mount Baekdu. He was hospitalized for several months and underwent surgery to remove part of his lung. The surgery and recovery were challenging, and he was forced to take a break from his studies for a year.
Jang was determined to continue pursuing his dream of becoming an actor, despite the setback. Jang Dong-gun eventually returned to school and graduated, and went on to pursue his acting career. His talent and hard work paid off, and he has since become one of the most popular and respected actors in South Korea.
Jang Dong-gun’s experience with pneumothorax has inspired him to become an advocate for public health and safety. In 2012, he participated in a public service campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and encourage smokers to quit. He has also supported various charitable organizations that promote health and wellness, including the Korean Foundation for Tuberculosis Prevention and the Korea National Red Cross.
Personal Life
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Jang Dong-gun is one of the most successful actors in South Korea, with a net worth estimated to be around $15 million. He has earned this wealth through his successful acting career, as well as through various endorsements and commercial deals.
As a well-known public figure, Jang leads a luxurious lifestyle. He owns multiple properties, including a house in the exclusive Cheongdam-dong neighbourhood of Seoul. He has also been seen driving expensive cars and wearing designer clothing.
In addition to his acting work, Jang Dong-gun has also endorsed a variety of products and brands, including clothing, cosmetics, and consumer electronics. He has served as a spokesperson for major companies such as Samsung and LG and has been featured in numerous advertising campaigns.
Awards
- KBS Drama Awards (2018)
Best Actor – ‘Suits’ (2018) - Seoul Drama Awards (2012)
Best Actor – ‘A Gentleman’s Dignity’ (2012) - Grand Bell Awards (2009)
Best Actor – ‘Good Morning President (2009) -
Blue Dragon Film Awards (2004)
Most Popular Actor – ‘Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War’ (2004) -
Baeksang Arts Awards (2002)
Best Actor – ‘Friend’ (2002) - Korean Film Awards (2001)
Best Actor – ‘Friend’ (2001) - SBS Drama Awards (2000)
Grand Prize – ‘All About Eve’ (2000)
Interesting Facts about Jang Dong-gun
- Jang Dong-gun is considered one of the most handsome and charismatic actors in South Korea and has been nicknamed the ‘Brad Pitt of South Korea’ by some fans and media outlets.
- Jang Dong-gun was a model before becoming an actor and won a local modelling contest in 1992
that launched his entertainment career. - He is known for his talent in martial arts and has performed many of his own stunts films and TV dramas.
- Jang Dong-gun is also a skilled horse rider and has been trained in Western-style horseback riding.
- Jang Dong-gun has been an ambassador for various causes, including UNICEF, the Korean Red Cross, and the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Jang Dong-gun has been in a number of international films, including the Hollywood film ‘The Warriors Way’ and the Chinese film ‘The Promise’.
- He is fluent in both Korean and Japanese and has appeared in a number of Japanese TV dramas and films.
FAQs
- What is the age of Jang Dong-gun?
He is 51 years old. - What is the Net Worth of Jang Dong-gun?
Approximately $15 million. - Who is Jang Dong-gun’s wife?
Jang Dong-gun is married to actress Ko So-young. - What is the Instagram Id of Jang Dong-gun?
Jang Dong-gun does not have an official Instagram ID, however, his fan page is @justjangdonggun
