Han Hyo-joo

Han Hyo-joo was born in Yullryang-dong, Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province.{{cite web|script-title=ko:한효주|url=http://people.nate.com/people/info/ha/nh/hanhyojoo/|work=Nate|language=ko|access-date=October 28, 2012|archive-date=November 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112094127/http://people.nate.com/people/info/ha/nh/hanhyojoo/|url-status=dead}} Her mother was an elementary school teacher before becoming an inspector for public schools, and her father was an air force lieutenant colonel who served at a reserve. At the time of her birth, Han was given the name Han Ji-yeong ({{Korean|hangul=한지영}}) but when she entered the third grade, she changed it to her current name. She also has a younger brother and attended Deokseong Elementary School. As a child, she was good in sports, particularly track and field. In her youth, Han had a diversity of aspirations – while she originally wanted to become a teacher like her mother, she was also interested in poetry, veterinary science and animal training.{{Cite web |last=Hatem |first=Lynn |date=2023-08-19 |title=Han Hyo-joo: Celebrating 20 Years of Stellar Performances |url=https://beijingtimes.com/culture/filmandtv/2023/08/19/han-hyo-joo-celebrating-20-years-of-stellar-performances/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Beijing Times |language=en-US}}

After graduating from Yullyang Middle School in 2002, she attended Cheongju Girls' High School until 2004. In her sophomore year of high school, she moved to Seoul and transferred to Bulgok High School in Bundang District, Seongnam, despite the objections of her strict and conservative father. After graduating in March 2005, she entered Dongguk University's College of Arts, where she joined the Theater and Film department, and eventually graduated in 2010.{{cite web|script-title=ko:한효주 합격수기..."빛나는 미모에 꼼꼼한 노하우" 감동|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0002381492|website=Herald Pop|language=ko|date=January 8, 2013|access-date=January 9, 2019|archive-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717083903/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0002381492|url-status=live}}

Han was first discovered in a teenage beauty pageant organized by food corporation Binggrae in 2003. She began her acting career in the sitcom Nonstop 5 and the gangster comedy film My Boss, My Teacher.{{cite web|script-title=ko:'논스톱5' 한효주, 미술+음악+운동 등 만능소녀|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/09/20/2005092070168.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|language=ko|date=September 20, 2005|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721132639/http://m.chosun.com/svc/article.html?sname=news&contid=2005092070168|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ko:한효주,18세 때 비리교사에 맞고 머리채 잡히는 폭행당하고 죽는 여고생 연기 화제|url=https://www.ajunews.com/view/20160411170427040|website=Aju Business Daily|language=ko|date=April 11, 2016|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407153004/https://www.ajunews.com/view/20160411170427040|url-status=live}} Han later raised her profile by starring in Spring Waltz, the fourth and final installment of TV director Yoon Seok-ho's "season drama" series.{{cite web|title=Han reserves seat as next Jiwoohime|url=http://www.hancinema.net/han-reserves-seat-as-next-jiwoohime--5088.html|website=HanCinema|publisher=The Korea Herald|date=January 30, 2006|access-date=March 20, 2013|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924045251/http://www.hancinema.net/han-reserves-seat-as-next-jiwoohime--5088.html|url-status=live}}

In 2006, director Lee Yoon-ki cast Han in the starring role in his low-budget independent film Ad-lib Night, which follows a young woman who rediscovers herself through an eerie overnight encounter with strangers.{{cite web|script-title=ko:이윤기 감독의 세 번째 장편영화 <아주 특별한 손님>|url=http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=43057|website=Cine21|language=ko|date=December 5, 2016|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=July 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716012725/http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=43057|url-status=live}} She won the Best New Actress awards at the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards and Singapore International Film Festival for her performance.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:스카이데일리, [우리동네 명사들] 팔색조 연기 매력 한효주... 日 드라마서 오구리 슌과 로맨스|trans-title=[My neighborhood's celebrities] HAN HYOJU's acting charm... Romance with Shun Oguri in the drama|url=https://www.skyedaily.com/news/news_view.html?ID=260697|website=www.skyedaily.com|last=이 |first=동원|access-date=April 19, 2025|archive-date=February 8, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208225050/https://www.skyedaily.com/news/news_view.html?ID=260697|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|script-title=ko:한효주씨 싱가포르영화제 주연상|trans-title=Han Hyo-joo won the Best Actress Award at the Singapore Film Festival|url=https://www.khan.co.kr/article/200704301807111|website=Kyunghyang Shinmun|language=ko|date=April 30, 2007|access-date=April 19, 2025}}

Han then starred in two highly successful TV projects and rose to fame - KBS daily drama Heaven & Earth with Park Hae-jin in 2007,{{cite web|title=I want to try out for more extreme roles|url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2007040581928|work=The Dong-A Ilbo|date=April 5, 2007|access-date=March 20, 2013|archive-date=February 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220033453/http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2007040581928|url-status=live}} and SBS masked-adventurer series Iljimae with Lee Joon-gi in 2008.{{cite web|title=Drama 'Iljimae' has tough act to follow|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20080521000083|website=The Korea Herald|date=April 4, 2010|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-date=July 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715193859/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20080521000083|url-status=dead}} Both dramas drew solid viewership ratings nationwide throughout its run with high viewer ratings and launched Han into a household name. Afterwards, she was cast in another indie film, Ride Away, which debuted at the 2008 Jeonju International Film Festival.{{cite web|script-title=ko:풋풋한 사랑의 감정과 성장의 진통 <달려라 자전거>|url=http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=52479|website=Cine21|language=ko|date=August 6, 2008|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113154/http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=52479|url-status=live}}

Han then filmed the Korean-Japanese telecinema co-production Heaven's Postman, which also featured pop star Jaejoong from TVXQ (now JYJ).{{cite web|title=TVXQ Hero hopes Postman will be assurance to fans|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009111015350922555|work=Ten Asia|date=November 10, 2009|access-date=June 22, 2013|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113159/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009111015350922555|url-status=live}} After several postponements, it was released in theaters in late 2009, and broadcast on TV in 2010.

Han's breakthrough came in Brilliant Legacy costarring Lee Seung-gi, which became a massive hit in 2009, reaching a peak viewership rating of 47.1%.{{cite web|title=Light-hearted romance joins weekend lineup|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=200904240024|work=The Korea Herald|date=April 24, 2009|access-date=July 10, 2013|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804073352/http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=200904240024|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Brilliant drama leaving its own legacy|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2907810|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=July 16, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211054849/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2907810|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Han Hyo-joo: 'Good People Deserve to be Happy'|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7036|work=KBS Global|date=June 5, 2009|access-date=August 25, 2013|archive-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205053726/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7036|url-status=live}} It catapulted Han to stardom, and after the drama's conclusion, she experienced a sharp rise in endorsement deals and media requests for interviews, as well as increased pan-Asian popularity.{{cite web|title=Lee, Han Picked as Rising Ad Models|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/09/123_52415.html|work=The Korea Times|date=September 24, 2009|access-date=July 10, 2013|archive-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205073420/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/09/123_52415.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Korean Wave: The New Generation|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010042311174430971|work=Ten Asia|date=April 23, 2010|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219021259/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010042311174430971|url-status=live}} Later that year Han wrapped up her starring role in the musical drama Soul Special, which aired on KBS Joy.{{cite web|script-title=ko:한효주, 60분 '찬란한 뮤비' 눈길|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/09/16/2009091601571.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|language=ko|date=September 16, 2009|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721162215/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/09/16/2009091601571.html|url-status=live}}

File:101217-롯데월드-프리크리스마스한효주.jpg

In 2010, Han took on the titular character in MBC's 49th anniversary project Dong Yi.{{cite web|title=Will Dong-yi Become Next Jewel in the Palace?|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/03/201_62730.html|work=The Korea Times|date=March 21, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002527/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/03/201_62730.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Han Hyo-joo Changes Tack in Costume Drama|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/04/13/2010041300259.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=April 13, 2010|access-date=July 10, 2013|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326160628/https://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/04/13/2010041300259.html|url-status=live}} The series became a hit during its run both domestically and across Asia.{{cite web|title="Dong Yi" dominates Mon and Tues night primetime lineup|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010061609224277825|work=Ten Asia|date=June 16, 2010|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312195401/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010061609224277825|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title="Dong Yi" wins award as most popular drama in Hong Kong|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011011010455259026|work=Ten Asia|date=October 1, 2010|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312201135/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011011010455259026|url-status=live}} Han won several acting awards for her portrayal of Choi Suk-bin, including the Daesang (Grand Prize) award at MBC Drama Awards and the coveted Best Actress award at Baeksang Arts Awards.{{cite web|title=Kim Nam-joo, Han Hyo-joo win grand prize at MBC Acting Awards|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010123108553585751|work=Ten Asia|date=January 3, 2011|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019161318/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010123108553585751|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Hyun Bin, Lee Byung-hun win top prizes at Paeksang|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011052708214832711|work=Ten Asia|date=May 27, 2011|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=October 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001043903/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011052708214832711|url-status=live}}

In 2011, Han played a blind telemarketer opposite So Ji-sub's ex-boxer in the melodrama film Always.[http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2011040416045821669 So Ji-sub, Han Hyo-joo start filming new pic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319050516/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2011040416045821669 |date=March 19, 2012 }}. 10Asia. April 4, 2011. Helmed by director Song Il-gon, it premiered as the opening film of the 2011 Busan International Film Festival.[http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011100619300224826 Song Il-gon hopes Always will be a reminder of true value of love] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113153/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011100619300224826 |date=March 26, 2023 }}. 10Asia. October 6, 2011.[http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7938 Han Hyo Joo: 'My Best Decision Ever Is Becoming Actress'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205053244/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7938 |date=December 5, 2013 }}. KBS Global. October 10, 2011.[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/10/15/2011101500357.html Han Hyo-joo Seeking More Challenging Roles in Movies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113202/https://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/10/15/2011101500357.html |date=March 26, 2023 }}. The Chosun Ilbo. October 15, 2011. Han later contributed voice narration to the "barrier-free" version of Japanese film My Back Page, which features descriptive audio and subtitles for people with hearing or visual impairments.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:한효주, '마이 백 페이지' 배리어프리영화 버전 참여|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/02/15/2012021500639.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|language=ko|author=Jung Hae Wook|date=February 15, 2012|access-date=March 26, 2023|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113156/https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/02/15/2012021500639.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|script-title=ko:한효주·김동욱, '마이 백 페이지' 음성해설 재능기부|url=https://ent.sbs.co.kr/news/article.do?article_id=E10000477004|website=SBS Entertainment News|language=ko|author=Kim Ji Hye|date=February 15, 2012|access-date=March 26, 2023|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113154/https://ent.sbs.co.kr/news/article.do?article_id=E10000477004|url-status=live}}

Han then played the queen to Lee Byung-hun's Gwanghae in the 2012 blockbuster period film Masquerade,[http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011122014013556530 Han Hyo-joo to join Lee Byung-hun in historical film] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205045850/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011122014013556530 |date=December 5, 2013 }}. 10Asia. January 4, 2012.{{cite web|title=Interview: Han Hyo Joo Says Lee Byung Hun was the Best Actor She's Met|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=16513|work=enewsWorld|last=Lee|first=Jin-ho|date=October 3, 2012|archive-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205221746/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/16513/interview-han-hyo-joo-says-lee-byung-hun-was-the-best-actor-shes-met}} which became one of the highest-grossing Korean films of all time. She followed that with Love 911, an unlikely romance between a doctor and a firefighter (Go Soo).{{cite web|title=Finecut dials up Love 911|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=1729|work=Korean Film Council|date=March 14, 2012|access-date=March 30, 2012|archive-date=July 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715193859/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=1729|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Ko Soo, Han Hyo-joo Ask to Dial Love 911|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012112114260439018|work=Ten Asia|date=November 22, 2012|access-date=June 22, 2013|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113213/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012112114260439018|url-status=live}}

File:Han Hyo-Joo in 2013.jpg in November 2013]]

In 2013, Han starred opposite Sul Kyung-gu and Jung Woo-sung in action thriller Cold Eyes, a remake of the 2007 Hong Kong film Eye in the Sky.{{cite web|title=Police Are Hot in Pursuit of a Kingpin in COLD EYES|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2232|work=Korean Film Council|date=February 8, 2013|access-date=May 14, 2013|archive-date=April 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414013101/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2232|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Cold Eyes is a story of firsts for the cast|url=http://mengnews.joins.com/view.aspx?aId=2972647|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=March 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305191814/http://mengnews.joins.com/view.aspx?aId=2972647|url-status=live}} The film dominated the box office after its release and became one of the biggest domestic hits of 2013.{{cite web|title=Cold Eyes Hits 5-Million Mark in Cinema Attendance|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/07/29/2013072901257.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=July 29, 2013|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113157/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/07/29/2013072901257.html|url-status=live}} Han received acting recognition for her performance, winning Best Actress from the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Buil Film Awards.

In 2014, Han and Love 911 costar Go Soo reunited in Myohyangsangwan ("View of Myohyangsan"), which depicts the rendezvous of a South Korean painter and a North Korean waitress in a North Korean restaurant. The short film is a collaboration by contemporary artists Moon Kyung-won and Jeon Joon-ho, and combined a theatrical plot, experimental imagery, dance and performance art.{{cite web|title=Mergers with pop culture good for art business|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2983587|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=January 16, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113159/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2983587|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Myohyangsangwan|url=http://www.newsfromnowhere.kr/MYOHYANGSANGWAN|website=News From Nowhere|access-date=August 22, 2014|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404175028/https://newsfromnowhere.kr/myohyangsangwan/|url-status=live}}

She then ventured into the overseas market by starring in her first Japanese film, Isshin Inudo's Miracle: Debikuro-kun no Koi to Maho ("Miracle Devil Claus' Love and Magic"). Set during the Christmas season, the film is a love story about a kind bookstore employee (played by Masaki Aiba from J-pop boyband Arashi) who meets three women.{{cite web|title=HAN Hyo-joo to Take Lead Role in Japanese Film|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2850|work=Korean Film Council|date=December 27, 2013|access-date=January 19, 2014|archive-date=February 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201153219/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2850|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Will Han Hyo-joo win Japanese fans?|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2015/12/201_192252.html|website=The Korea Times|date=December 2, 2015|access-date=December 8, 2015|archive-date=December 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210182551/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2015/12/201_192252.html|url-status=live}}

In 2015, Han starred in the musical biopic C'est Si Bon, which depicted the ups and downs of the folk music group Twin Folio, which was active from the 1960s to 80s. Famous for its live performances, C'est Si Bon was the name of a popular music lounge located in Mugyo-dong in the 1970s, where Twin Folio got its start; Han played the group's muse.{{cite web|title=KIM Yun-seok, HAN Hyo-joo Board Music Biopic|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2954|work=Korean Film Council|date=March 11, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2014|archive-date=March 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317034456/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2954|url-status=live}} This was followed by romantic comedy film The Beauty Inside, where Han's character falls in love with a man who changes to different people every day.{{cite web|title=Actress Han stars opposite 21 men|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3007882|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=August 14, 2015|access-date=August 13, 2015|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113201/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3007882|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Herald Interview: Han Hyo-joo: Beauty Inside is chance of a lifetime|url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/639306|website=The Korea Herald|date=August 23, 2015|access-date=August 26, 2015|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326160623/https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20150823000392|url-status=live}}

Later that year, Han got together with Yoo Yeon-seok and Chun Woo-hee, both of her co-stars in The Beauty Inside, again for Love, Lies, a movie which depicts the last story of gisaeng during the Japanese occupation in the 1940s.{{cite web|title='Love, Lies' portrays gisaeng's life in 1940s|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/04/135_201962.html|website=The Korea Times|date=April 5, 2016|access-date=May 22, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624225553/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/04/135_201962.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Actress Han Hyo-joo says baddie totally new experience|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20160404009900315|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=April 4, 2016|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721132802/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20160404009900315|url-status=live}}

In 2016, Han returned to the small screen with MBC's fantasy suspense series W alongside Lee Jong-suk.{{cite web|title=Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo in new drama 'W'|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201603291313144179756_2|website=Kpop Herald|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806165237/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201603291313144179756_2|url-status=live}} Helmed by director Jung Dae-yoon who directed She Was Pretty and writer Song Jae-jung whose previous works include Nine: Nine Time Travels and Queen In-hyun's Man, expectations were high as this marked Han's return to the small screen after 6 years.{{cite web|title=Han Hyo-joo to return to TV after 6 years|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/people/2016/03/178_201450.html|website=The Korea Times|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420180123/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/people/2016/03/178_201450.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Cartoon hero meets doctor in new sci-fi drama|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2016/07/18/52/0200000000AEN20160718010400315F.html|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=March 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311021420/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2016/07/18/52/0200000000AEN20160718010400315F.html|url-status=live}} She won the Top Excellence award at the 5th APAN Star Awards and MBC Drama Awards for her performance in W.

File:170617 한효주 팬미팅.jpg

In 2018, Han starred in the thriller Golden Slumber alongside Kang Dong-won.{{Cite news|title=GANG Dong-won & HAN Hyo-joo Headline Thriller GOLDEN SLUMBER|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4114&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|website=Korean Film Biz Zone|date=December 27, 2016|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113154/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4114&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|url-status=live}} The same year, she reunited with Kang as the female lead in sci-fi action thriller Illang: The Wolf Brigade, based on the Japanese animated flick of the same name.{{cite web|title=KIM Jee-woon's Sci-fi Action INRANG Starts Shooting in August|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4399&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=Han+Hyo-joo|website=Korean Film Biz Zone|date=July 28, 2017|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113201/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4399&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=Han+Hyo-joo|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Han Hyo-joo is happy to break out of her shell : 'Illang' star studied the original animated film in between takes|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3051424&cloc=joongangdaily|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=August 3, 2018|access-date=August 2, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113158/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3051424&cloc=joongangdaily|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Han Hyo-joo Gets to Show Another Side of Herself in Latest Film|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/08/04/2018080400171.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|date=August 4, 2018|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326113207/https://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/08/04/2018080400171.html|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Han was confirmed as part of the main cast of American television series Treadstone, an offshoot from Universal's Bourne franchise.{{cite web|title='Bourne' Drama Series 'Treadstone' Rounds Out Cast: Omar Metwally, Tracy Ifeachor, More|url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/bourne-drama-series-treadstone-cast-omar-metwally-tracy-ifeachor-1202534766/|website=Deadline|date=January 14, 2019|access-date=January 15, 2019|archive-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024062457/https://deadline.com/2019/01/bourne-drama-series-treadstone-cast-omar-metwally-tracy-ifeachor-1202534766/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Actress Han Hyo-joo to make US debut in TV series|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2019/01/688_262074.html|website=The Korea Times|date=January 15, 2019|access-date=January 17, 2019|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327210449/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2019/01/688_262074.html|url-status=live}}

In 2020, Han was cast in a Japanese action film Taiyō wa Ugokanai ("The Sun Stands Still"), directed by Eiichiro Hasumi. Based on the novel of the same name, Han played an elusive and mysterious spy who travels across the world on adventures whilst hiding her true intentions.{{cite web|title=Korean Actors Cast in Japanese Film|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3072472|website=INSIDE Korea JoongAng Daily|date=January 11, 2020|access-date=January 12, 2020|archive-date=January 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112101507/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3072472|url-status=live}}

File:20211127 Han Hyo-joo 한효주 BH Entertainment (5).jpg

In 2021, Han acted as a member of a counter-terrorist squad in the apocalyptic thriller drama Happiness, starring opposite Park Hyung-sik. Directed by Ahn Gil-ho, the drama depicted class discrimination, conflicting human desires and the struggle for survival amongst a group of house-owners in an apartment in Korea due to a mysterious virus outbreak that threatens the livelihood of the inhabitants in a city.

In 2022, Han starred alongside Kang Ha-neul and Lee Kwang-soo in The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure, the sequel to the 2014 blockbuster The Pirates. She played the role of Hae-rang, the captain of the pirate ship. The film marks her return to Korean cinema after 4 years since Illang: The Wolf Brigade. In October, Han made a special appearance in the film 20th Century Girl, playing the adult version of Kim Yoo-jung's character.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[팝's현장]'20세기 소녀' 김유정→한효주, 얼마나 닮았으면..세번째 아역·성인(종합)|trans-title=[Pop's Scene] '20th Century Girl' Kim Yoo-jung → Han Hyo-joo, how much they resemble..|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=112&aid=0003594704|via=Naver|publisher=Herald Pop|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Mi-ji|date=October 19, 2022|access-date=October 19, 2022|archive-date=October 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019111830/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=112&aid=0003594704|url-status=live}}

In 2023, Hyo-joo starred in the Disney+ series Moving alongside a star-studded ensemble cast of Ryu Seung-ryong, Zo In-sung, Cha Tae-hyun, Ryoo Seung-bum, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Jung-ha, Go Youn-jung, and Kim Do-hoon. The drama premiered on August 9, 2023.{{cite web|script-title=ko:한효주-조인성→이정하 '무빙' 8월 9일 디즈니+ 공개 [공식]|trans-title=Han Hyo-joo – Jo In-seong → Lee Jung-ha 'Moving' released on August 9th Disney+ [Official]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0001057380|via=Naver|work=Sports Donga|language=ko|last=Jung|first=Hee-yeon|date=June 15, 2023|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-date=July 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708112213/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0001057380|url-status=live}} In November 2023, Han was named the first ever winner of the Best Actress award in the Series Category at the 59th Grand Bell Awards for her role in Moving.{{cite web|script-title=ko:'봉석이 엄마' 한효주가 해냈다...'무빙'으로 여우주연상 수상 "선하고 착한 사람들이 행복할 수 있기를"|url=https://m.sedaily.com/NewsViewAmp/29X8W024FO|website=The Seoul Economy Daily|date=November 15, 2023|access-date=November 15, 2023|archive-date=November 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115235123/https://m.sedaily.com/NewsViewAmp/29X8W024FO|url-status=bot: unknown}}

In 2024, she starred in her second Disney+ series Blood Free alongside Ju Ji-hoon, a sci-fi thriller series where she took on the role of a CEO of a biotechnology company that produces artificially cultured meat.

She is slated to appear in her third Japanese-language project, Romantics Anonymous alongside Shun Oguri. This remake of the French romantic comedy film Les Émotifs Anonymes is due to be released on Netflix in October 2025.

Han is trilingual; she is able to speak fluently in Korean, English, and Japanese.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |script-title=ko:한효주, 3개 국어 능통 '언어 능력자'...' |trans-title=Han Hyo Joo, a capable linguist fluent in three languages |url=https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/enter_general/2023/11/02/4425VDD6M6JNMKVUYQ5TWDHFBA/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=The Chosun Ilbo |language=ko}}{{Cite web |title=[#어쩌다사장3] 정신없는 한인 마트에 3개 국어 능통자 한효주의 등장이라✨ 영어, 일본어 소통부터 강아지 돌봄 업무까지 해내는 그녀는 GOAT👍 |url=https://tv.nate.com/clip/4882074 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=네이트 TV |language=ko}} She has displayed her linguistic proficiency in various productions and acting projects across the Korean, Japanese entertainment industry and Hollywood. Han also plays the piano and guitar.{{Cite web |script-title=ko:'한효주' 피아노를 연주하고 있는 모습이다 |trans-title=Han Hyo-joo is seen playing the piano |url=https://www.mediapia.co.kr/news/articleViewAmp.html?idxno=33943 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Mediapia |language=ko}} She sang and performed both instruments to a live audience of over 2,000 people at her concert fan meeting in Japan.{{Cite web |script-title=ko:한효주, 아이돌 인기 방불케한 日 팬미팅.. 2천여 팬 '열광' |trans-title=Han Hyo-joo's Japanese fan meeting reminiscent of idol popularity.. with 2,000 enthusiastic fans |url=https://pickcon.co.kr/site/data/html_dir/2011/10/12/2011101200877.html |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=pickcon.co.kr |language=ko}}{{Cite web |script-title=ko:차세대 한류퀸으로 부상...한효주, 첫 日 팬미팅 성공적 개최 |trans-title=Han Hyo-joo, emerging as the next-generation Hallyu queen, successfully holds her first Japanese fan meeting |url=https://www.dispatch.co.kr/4943 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Dispatch |language=ko}}

Additionally, Han is known to like exercising and keeping fit in her spare time. She enjoys a variety of sports including golf, tennis, cycling and running. Her athletic prowess has allowed her to transition seamlessly into more action-heavy acting roles in her thirties, such as Treadstone, The Pirates 2, Happiness and Moving. She has also learnt free-diving as a hobby{{Cite web |script-title=ko:한효주, 프리다이빙 성공에 뿌듯 "배우길 잘해...행복한 여행"|url=https://news.nate.com/view/20230604n09587 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Nate News |language=ko}} and took part in the annual World Triathlon Cup in 2023, held in Tongyeong.{{Cite web |script-title=ko:한효주, 철인 3종 경기 출전 '곱상한 외모 뒤 반전의 깡' |trans-title=Han Hyo-joo, participating in the triathlon 'A surprising strength behind a pretty appearance' |url=https://www.mediafine.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=44343 |access-date=2025-06-01 |language=ko}}

Han is an avid dog lover; she has stated that she aspired to become a veterinarian when she was younger. She currently lives with a white Maltese puppy.{{Cite web |script-title=ko:한효주, 사랑에 푹 빠진 여자 "오구오구 귀여워어" |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20230725n03420 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Nate News |language=ko}}

In May 2022 on Children's Day, Han donated ₩100 million to Asan Medical Center. It will be used for the cost of treatment such as surgery so that young patients do not miss treatment due to economic burdens. She had also donated ₩50 million in 2021.{{cite web|script-title=ko:한효주, 어린이날 맞아 서울아산병원에 총 1억 원 기탁|trans-title=Han Hyo-joo donates 100 million won to Asan Medical Center in Seoul on Children's Day|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=629&aid=0000147814|via=Naver|publisher=The Fact|language=ko|last=Park|first=Ji-yoon|date=May 6, 2022|access-date=May 6, 2022|archive-date=May 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506091336/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=629&aid=0000147814|url-status=live}}

In July 2023, Han donated ₩50 million to flood victims via the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association. She was quoted as saying, "I can't dare to imagine the sadness of those affected by the sudden heavy rain across the country. I sincerely hope that the flood victims can recover their lives as soon as possible."{{Cite web |date=2023-07-17 |script-title=ko:한효주, 수재민 위해 5천만원 기부 "슬픔 감히 짐작할 수 없어" |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/entertain/10786430 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Maeil Business Newspaper |language=ko}}

In February 2024, the Community Chest of Korea announced that Han had donated ₩50 million to the nonprofit organization on her birthday. She had already donated over ₩100 million to the organization in 2022, and was named a member of the Honor Society. Her donation will be used to support facilities for single mothers and educational programs.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-22 |script-title=ko:배우 한효주, 생일 맞아 5000만원 기부..."미혼모 지원" |url=https://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2024022209293328805 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Money Today |language=ko}}

Since 2013, Han has also established the "Hyo-joo Fund" at the Seoul Social Welfare Foundation to support the livelihood of the elderly and cultural experiences for underprivileged children and youth.{{Cite web |title="I hope more people will become interested in the 'Heat Campaign for Seniors Living Alone' and that we can help more seniors" – Fund donor Han Hyo-joo |url=https://beautifulfund.org/8893/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=The Beautiful Foundation}} Her donations to various causes over the years have included the restoration efforts following forest fires in Gangwon Province, disaster relief for COVID-19, and donating her appearance fee from the show Hometown Flex to the New Life Support Center in her hometown of Cheongju.{{Cite web |script-title=ko:한효주, 생일 맞이 5000만원 기부...미혼모 시설 지원 [공식입장] |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20240222n07732 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Nate News |language=ko}}

In November 2013, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office indicted Han's ex-manager from her former agency Fantom Entertainment for attempted extortion. According to the police, the ex-manager surnamed Lee and two other men were suspected of threatening Han's family with "photos of her private life". Lee was believed to have stolen the photos from the actress's digital camera when he worked as Han's manager. Lee then threatened to publish the compromising photos unless he and his two accomplices were paid ₩400 million by Han's father. After she informed her father that she had done nothing that could be problematic, he called the police. Han's father worked with the police, helping them locate the blackmailers. It appears they did not have any incriminating photos of the actress. In a press release, Han's agency BH Entertainment said the actress did not engage in any activities that deserve public criticism and threatened "strong measures" to deal with blackmail. The three men who committed the blackmail attempt were ultimately ordered to serve jail time along with probation.{{Cite web |date=2013-11-25 |title=Han Hyo-joo subject of blackmail plot |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2013/11/25/etc/Han-Hyojoo-subject-of-blackmail-plot/2980992.html |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2014-01-15 |title=Actress's blackmailers sentenced |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2014/01/15/etc/Actress039s-blackmailers-sentenced/2983554.html |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |language=en}}

In September 2014, the South Korean media reported that a petition was being circulated to boycott Han's appearance in TV commercials.{{cite web|script-title=ko:한효주 광고 중지해주세요, 요청 쇄도..이병헌 사건에 남동생 문제까지 불똥|trans-title=Stop using Han Hyo-joo in commercials. Requests Flooded|url=http://en.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20140920500118|website=Seoul En|language=ko|date=September 20, 2014|access-date=September 22, 2014|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326160620/https://en.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20140920500118|url-status=live}} The petition stemmed from Han's younger brother allegedly bullying a fellow airman while both were in mandatory military service that resulted in the latter's suicide. The negative publicity was exacerbated by Han herself having once been appointed as a goodwill ambassador for the Republic of Korea Air Force.{{cite web|script-title=ko:'홍보대사'의 두 얼굴, '모범 납세자 송혜교·법무부 박봄·병무청 상추...'|trans-title=Honorary Ambassadors with Two Faces|url=http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=15574170|website=Ilgan Sports|language=ko|date=August 19, 2014|access-date=September 22, 2014|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407153002/http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=15574170|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Han Hyo-joo}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110716235713/http://www.bhent.co.kr/hanhyojoo/ Han Hyo-joo] at BH Entertainment {{in lang|ko}}
• [http://www.flamme.co.jp/HanHyojoo/ Han Hyo-joo] at FlaMme {{in lang|ja}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Han Hyo-joo

|list =

{{APAN Star Awards for Top Excellence in Acting, Actress}}

{{Baeksang Arts Award Best Actress Television}}

{{Blue Dragon Film Award Best Actress}}

{{Buil Film Awards for Best Actress}}

{{Grand Bell Awards for Best Actress}}

{{KBS Drama Awards for Popularity Award, Actress}}

{{Korean Association of Film Critics Awards for Best New Actress}}

{{Korea Drama Awards Top Excellence Award, Actress}}

{{MBC Drama Awards for Grand Prize (Daesang)}}

{{SBS Drama Awards for Best New Actress}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Han, Hyo-joo}}

Category:1987 births

Category:20th-century South Korean actresses

Category:21st-century South Korean actresses

Category:Actresses from Cheongju

Category:Best Actress Paeksang Arts Award (television) winners

Category:Dongguk University alumni

Category:Living people

Category:South Korean female models

Category:South Korean film actresses

Category:South Korean Roman Catholics

Category:South Korean television actresses