Popular actor Yeo Jin Goo celebrates his birthday today, August 13. He began his career as a child actor, making his debut in the 2005 film Sad Movie. Known as the nation’s little brother, he has portrayed younger versions of lead characters in films and television series such as A Frozen Flower (2008), Giant, Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), and Missing You. Yeo Jin Goo is also celebrated for his role in the action thriller Hwayi: A Monster Boy, in which he played the title character and won the Best New Actor award at the 34th Blue Dragon Film Awards.
From portraying the younger versions of popular K-drama heroes to playing the charming manager in Hotel del Luna, Yeo Jin Goo has seamlessly transitioned from his image as a child actor to one of the most sought-after leading men in the industry. His impressive versatility and growth have cemented his status as a top actor. In honor of his 27th birthday, let’s explore some of his more versatile roles!
Orange marmalade
Set in a fantasy Korea where vampires and humans have learned to live together – albeit with lingering distrust and separation – vampire high school student Baek Ri (played by Seolhyun) tries to live a normal life while keeping her vampire identity a secret. Her world is turned upside down when she falls in love with a human named Jung Jae Min (played by Yeo Jin Goo). This series was Yeo Jin Goo’s first leading role and earned him the award for Best New Actor at the 2015 KBS Drama Awards. If you like a mix of fantasy and everyday school dilemmas, this drama is sure to captivate you.
Circle
At the age of 11, twins Kim Woo Jin (played by Yeo Jin Goo) and Kim Bum Gyun (played by Kim Kang Woo) witness the arrival of an alien on Earth, whom they name Byul (Gong Seung Yeon). Their father is fascinated by this otherworldly visitor and takes Byul to a secret location for study, from which she never returns. Ten years later, Woo Jin meets a girl who bears an uncanny resemblance to Byul and teams up with her to investigate a series of suicides at their university.
Circle was a big surprise for many viewers. The show, with its initially confusing premise, turned out to be a gripping and thrilling experience from the very first episode. By splitting the story into two interconnected timelines, the series kept the audience on the edge of their seats, piecing together clues and unravelling the mysteries that connected the past and present. And let’s not forget the adorable chemistry between Jin Goo and Seung Yeon!
The Crowned Clown
In The Crowned Clown, King Lee Hun (played by Yeo Jin Goo) struggles to maintain peace in Joseon amid political unrest. To protect himself from assassination, he hires a clown named Ha Sun, also played by Yeo Jin Goo, who bears an uncanny resemblance to him.
This role is one of Yeo Jin Goo’s most outstanding performances and showcases his exceptional acting talent. Yeo Jin Goo plays both the king and the clown, mastering the complexity of the dual role with remarkable skill. His performance leaves a deep impression and makes the series a standout part of his career. “The Crowned Clown” captivates viewers, creates a deep emotional connection with Ha Sun and is a must-see for fans of dual roles.
Hotel del Luna
IU plays Jang Man Wol, the mysterious boss of Hotel Del Luna, a mystical hotel that houses spirits seeking refuge in the human world. The hotel has a supernatural crew, making it a unique and otherworldly establishment. Gu Chan Sung (played by Yeo Jin Goo) becomes the hotel’s human manager after a series of events leads to his father getting into debt with Jang Man Wol. As Gu Chan Sung adjusts to his new role, he begins to uncover the secrets of the hotel and its longtime owner.
Yeo Jin Goo plays the kind-hearted, intelligent and principled Gu Chan Sung. Originally a Harvard MBA graduate and assistant manager at one of Korea’s finest hotels, Chan Sung is unexpectedly appointed as the general manager of Hotel Del Luna due to a deal his father made with Jang Man Wol 21 years ago. His stoic and rational personality often clashes with Jang Man Wol, especially when he tries to control her flamboyant and manipulative tendencies. This popular series was a huge success and garnered high ratings during its run, making it a must-watch.
Beyond Evil
Han Joo Won (played by Yeo Jin Goo) is a police officer who is transferred from bustling Seoul to a small, remote town. He struggles to adapt to his new surroundings and finds it hard to socialize with the locals. He soon finds himself deeply involved in an unsolved case from 20 years ago, with his own partner Lee Dong Shik (played by Shin Ha Kyun) being his main suspect.
The disturbing thing about this series is that everyone is a potential suspect, creating an atmosphere where trust is scarce and tension is high. Although there is no romance, the suspense and mystery keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With powerful performances from Shin Ha Kyun and Yeo Jin Goo, you will be captivated by their acting and constantly wonder if they might have been involved in the murders. The intense chemistry between these two actors adds to the show’s gripping narrative and showcases their exceptional talent.
Link: Eat Love Kill
A unique blend of fantasy, romance and mystery, Link: Eat Love Kill tells the story of Eun Gye Hoon (played by Yeo Jin Goo), a chef whose life is turned upside down when he begins to experience all the emotions of a woman he has a special connection with. Moon Ga Young plays Noh Da Hyun, a restaurant worker who has experienced a series of misfortunes in both love and life. As Eun Gye Hoon experiences her joy, sorrow and pain, the series explores their intertwined fates and the impact of their extraordinary bond.
Yeo Jin Goo plays the charismatic chef Eun Gye Hoon, whose restaurant attracts a steady stream of customers who want to see the attractive chef in the open kitchen. When Gye Hoon returns to his childhood neighborhood of Jihwa-dong to open a new restaurant, his life takes an unexpected turn when he begins to share the feelings and experiences of Noh Da Hyun (played by Moon Ga Young), a woman he is mysteriously connected to. For the first time since his sister’s disappearance 18 years ago, Gye Hoon begins to feel and experience Da Hyun’s joys, sorrows and pains. Yeo Jin Goo delivers an exceptional performance as Gye Hoon, making his emotional journey deeply captivating and allowing viewers to truly empathize with his character’s struggles.
The same applies
“Ditto,” a remake of the 2000 film, tells the unique story of love and friendship between two college students from different eras who communicate via walkie-talkies.
Yong (played by Yeo Jin Goo), a final-year college student living in 1999, is unexpectedly connected to Moo Nee (played by Cho Yi Hyun), a second-year student in 2022, via a ham radio. As they talk and share their problems, they offer each other support and advice and navigate their respective romantic endeavors – Yong’s attempt to win over his first love, Seo Han Sol (Kim Hye Yoon), and Moo Nee’s growing closeness to Young Ji (Na In Woo). The story weaves together the experiences of millennials and Gen Z through a narrative of enduring love and connection across time.
ALSO READ: “Rely on friends, including me”: IU sends handwritten letter to Yeo Jin Goo; co-star from “Hotel del Luna” gives polite response
