Jang Dong-gun
{{short description|South Korean actor}}
{{family name hatnote|Jang||lang=Korean}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Jang Dong-gun
| image = 190528 장동건.jpg
| caption = Jang in May 2019
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|3|7}}
| birth_place = Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, South Korea{{cite web|url=http://m.hrising.com/movie/?mode=view&no=7018|title=[스타비하인드] '폐인'이었던 충격적인 과거를 지니고 있는 대한민국 대표미남 장동건|website=Media Rising|date=2018-03-30|access-date=2023-11-25|language=ko|archive-date=2024-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003175812/http://m.hrising.com/movie/?mode=view&no=7018|url-status=live}}
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 1992–present
| spouse = {{Marriage|Ko So-young|2010}}
| children = 2
| agent =
| module = {{Infobox Korean name/auto|child=yes|headercolor=transparent
| hangul = %장동건
| hanja = 張東健
}}
}}
Jang Dong-gun (born March 7, 1972) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his leading roles in the films Friend (2001) and Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War (2004). Jang is one of the highest-paid actors and celebrity endorsers in Korea,{{cite web|last=Rao|first=Anjali|title=Interview with Jang Dong-gun|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/10/talkasia.jangdonggun/index.html|publisher=CNN TalkAsia|date=24 October 2007|access-date=14 June 2011|archive-date=26 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126151506/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/10/talkasia.jangdonggun/index.html|url-status=live}} consistently topping surveys by industry insiders of most bankable stars.[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/10/20/2005102061017.html "Jang Dong-gun Voted Korea's Most Bankable Star"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818024748/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/10/20/2005102061017.html |date=2013-08-18 }}. The Chosun Ilbo. 20 October 2005.
Early life
Jang Dong-gun 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.{{cite web|title=Jang Dong-gun Profile|url=http://en.jangdonggun.co.kr/|publisher=Jang Dong-gun official website|access-date=2012-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629074259/http://en.jangdonggun.co.kr/|archive-date=2012-06-29|url-status=dead}}
Career
=1992–2003: Beginnings and breakout=
File:Jang Dong-gun on April 16, 2009.jpg
Jang first entered the entertainment world in a talent contest in 1992. He began by acting in TV dramas such as Iljimae,{{cite web|url=http://www.ezday.co.kr/bbs/view_board.html?q_sq_board=595769|script-title=ko:장동건, 일지매 출연했던 그때 그 시절?! "사극분장 색다르네"|date=25 March 2008|website=Ezday|language=ko|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022134844/http://www.ezday.co.kr/bbs/view_board.html?q_sq_board=595769|url-status=live}} The Last Match,{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Ji-yeon|title=Star Dictionary 2.0: Jang Dong Gun, From 'Beautiful' to 'Actor'|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=8854|publisher=enewsWorld|date=1 July 2012|access-date=26 November 2012|archive-date=5 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705153813/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=8854|url-status=live}} co-starring Shim Eun-ha,
and he eventually made his film debut in Repechage (1997) together with Kim Hee-sun.{{cite web|url=http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=35334|script-title=ko:서울삼림의 택시 드라이버, <홀리데이 인 서울>의 장동건|date=25 March 1997|website=Cine21|language=ko|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022134844/http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=35334|url-status=live}}[http://koreanfilm.org/actors.html#changdg "Actors and Actresses of Korean Cinema: Jang Dong-gun"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912144604/http://www.koreanfilm.org/actors.html#changdg |date=2018-09-12 }}. Koreanfilm.org. Retrieved 2012-10-05.
By the late 1990s he had become quite popular in Korea, but he also became one of the first Korean stars to garner a fan following in other parts of Asia, after several of his TV dramas were screened there in the late nineties. In 1999, after acting in the critically acclaimed Nowhere to Hide as Park Joong-hoon's younger partner, Jang moved on to star in a feature that was filmed on location in Shanghai. Titled Anarchists, this tale of five young terrorists from 1930s China helped to elevate his status even further.{{cite web|url=http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=35335|script-title=ko:"지독한 악역 만나고 싶다", <아나키스트>의 장동건|date=18 April 2000|website=Cine21|language=ko|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022134844/http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=35335|url-status=live}}
Jang's breakout came in early 2001 in Friend, which smashed the box office record set by Shiri to become (at the time) the biggest Korean film of all time. After playing the nice guy in almost all his previous roles, this portrayal of a tough-talking gangster from Busan led him to local stardom.{{cite web|url=http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/206193/1|title='Buddies' tells story of lost youth, friendship|date=22 March 2001|website=The Dong-A Ilbo|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=20 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043214/http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/206193/1|url-status=live}}
The following year he starred in the popular action blockbuster 2009 Lost Memories set in a futuristic Great Japan,{{cite web|url=http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=7254|title=<2009 로스트 메모리즈> [1] - 장동건의 제작기 ①|date=1 February 2001|website=Cine21|language=ko|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=20 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043312/http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=7254|url-status=live}} and appeared in the low-budget film The Coast Guard by controversial director Kim Ki-duk.{{cite web|url=http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=10889|script-title=ko:김기덕-장동건의 <해안선> [1] - 위도 촬영현장|date=28 June 2002|website=Cine21|language=ko|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=20 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043323/http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=10889|url-status=live}}
=2004–2011: Overseas popularity and Hollywood debut=
In 2004, Jang took the lead role in Kang Je-gyu's Taegukgi, an epic film about two brothers set during the Korean War. The film broke Friend's record with an astounding 11 million tickets sold. By this time, Jang's name had become known widely throughout Asia.{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2004/02/11/2004021161007.html|title=Local Blockbuster 'Taegukgi' Creates Waves|date=11 February 2004|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=3 September 2017|archive-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904063520/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2004/02/11/2004021161007.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/243424/1|title=Mexican Fans Clamor for Jang Dong-gun and Ahn Jae-wook to Visit Mexico|date=12 December 2005|website=The Dong-A Ilbo|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=20 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043222/http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/243424/1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/10/talkasia.jangdonggun/index.html|title=Interview with Jang Dong-gun|date=24 October 2007|website=CNN|access-date=14 June 2011|archive-date=26 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126151506/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/10/talkasia.jangdonggun/index.html|url-status=live}}
Jang followed this up with The Promise, a $30 million pan-Asian production by Chinese director Chen Kaige in which he played opposite Hong Kong star Cecilia Cheung.{{cite web|url=http://www.hancinema.net/the-promise-starring-jang-dong-gun-to-be-shown-in-cannes-2811.html|title="The Promise" Starring Jang Dong-gun to Be Shown in Cannes|date=10 May 2005|publisher=KBS Global|access-date=3 September 2017|archive-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904064806/http://www.hancinema.net/the-promise-starring-jang-dong-gun-to-be-shown-in-cannes-2811.html|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, he was cast in Typhoon as a modern-day pirate who has been betrayed by both North and South Korea. Directed by Friend's Kwak Kyung-taek, Typhoon set a new record in 2005 for the highest production budget in Korean film history at $15 million.{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/12/09/2005120961013.html|title='Typhoon' Puts Action Above Character Development|date=9 December 2005|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=3 September 2017|archive-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904104507/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/12/09/2005120961013.html|url-status=live}}
For the next four years, Jang kept a low profile in the Korean entertainment sphere as he worked on his Hollywood debut The Warrior's Way, also starring Kate Bosworth and Geoffrey Rush. The film encountered problems with post-production and distribution, and was only released in 2010.Min, Ines (10 October 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/04/141_74275.html "Jang's Hollywood debut to bridge East and West"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003175811/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/04/141_74275.html |date=2024-10-03 }} . The Korea Times.Lee, Hyo-won (23 November 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/11/141_76816.html "Jang Dong-gun brings Asian vibe to Hollywood"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816070149/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/11/141_76816.html |date=2022-08-16 }} . The Korea Times.Lee, Seung-han (25 November 2010). [http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2010112510233400304 "Interview: Actor Jang Dong-gun"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221185350/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2010112510233400304 |date=2014-02-21 }}. 10Asia.
He returned to the silver screen in 2009 as the nation's youngest (and most eligible) head of state in Jang Jin's comedy Good Morning, President.[https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/04/135_48739.html "Jang Back to Silver Screen in 4 Years"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003175825/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/04/135_48739.html |date=2024-10-03 }} . The Korea Times. 20 July 2009.{{cite web|last=Lee |first=Hyo-won |title=Actor Jang Dong-kun Returns as President |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/09/141_52271.html |publisher=The Korea Times |date=22 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214222312/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/09/141_52271.html |archive-date=14 February 2015 }}Park, Sun-young (25 September 2009.). {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120712080717/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2910496 "Korean stars take turns playing president"]}}. Korea JoongAng Daily.{{cite web|last=Song|first=Woong-ki|title=Jang Dong-gun tired of being a bachelor|work=The Korea Herald |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090926000044|publisher=The Korea Herald|date=26 September 2009|access-date=4 July 2013|archive-date=8 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408123319/https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090926000044|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Ji-hye|title=Jang says not calling for a fight with President|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009100823052987428|publisher=10Asia|date=8 October 2009|access-date=6 June 2013|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220709/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009100823052987428|url-status=live}}
He reunited with director Kang Je-gyu in My Way, a film set during World War II based on the true story of a Korean soldier who is drafted by the Japanese army and eventually is present at the Battle of Normandy.[http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7781 "Jang Dong Gun: 'I Want to Film Movies That My Son Can Watch Later'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221063053/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7781 |date=2014-02-21 }}. KBS Global. 17 May 2011.Kim, Jessica (1 July 2011). [http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011070118312700235 "Jang Dong-gun starrer My Way cranks up"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216201453/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011070118312700235 |date=2023-02-16 }}. 10Asia. A large-scale, ambitious pan-Asian collaboration co-starring Japanese actor Joe Odagiri and Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, My Way was the most expensive Korean movie to date (with an estimated budget of {{SK won|28 billion}}),[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/12/15/2011121501625.html "Korean Mega War Movie Targets Pan-Asian Audience"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108020704/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/12/15/2011121501625.html |date=2012-01-08 }}. The Chosun Ilbo. 15 December 2011. But despite being simultaneously released in Korea and Japan in December 2011,Lee, Hyo-won (20 January 2011). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2011/01/178_80019.html "Jang-Odagiri film set for release in Japan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003175717/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2011/01/178_80019.html |date=2024-10-03 }} . The Korea Times. the film flopped at the box office.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2929754|title=Global film projects fail to be hits in Korea|date=17 December 2010|publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=3 September 2017|archive-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904104646/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2929754|url-status=live}}
=2012–present: Return to television=
Jang made his highly anticipated return to television dramas in A Gentleman's Dignity, saying he was drawn to the romantic comedy tale of 40-something-year-old men struggling to grow up and mend and forge lasting relationships.Hong, Lucia (8 February 2012). [http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012020809251602204 "Jang Dong-gun, Kim Ha-neul cast as leads in new SBS TV series"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221185504/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012020809251602204 |date=2014-02-21 }}. 10Asia.[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/05/25/2012052500427.html "Jang Dong-gun Excited About New Drama"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528122134/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/05/25/2012052500427.html |date=2012-05-28 }}. The Chosun Ilbo. 25 May 2012.Oh, Jean (24 May 2012). [http://view.koreaherald.com/kh/view.php?ud=20120524000804 "Jang Dong-gun gets first 'proper' kiss scene"]. The Korea Herald.{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Ji-yeon|title=Interview: Jang Dong Gun "I Just Wanted to Make My Fans Laugh"|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=12830|publisher=enewsWorld|date=26 August 2012|access-date=8 October 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129025457/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=12830|archive-date=29 January 2013|url-status=dead}} After the series ended, Jang and co-star Kim Min-jong visited refugees in the Republic of the Congo on a mission trip sponsored by UNICEF, UNHCR and World Food Programme. It was televised on SBS documentary program Hope TV.{{cite web|last=Jeon|first=Su-mi|title=Jang Dong Gun and Kim Min Jong Meet Children in Congo and Ask for Help|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=21082|publisher=enewsWorld|date=18 November 2012}}{{cite web|last=Sunwoo|first=Carla|title=Gentlemen show a sensitive streak|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2962404|publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=16 November 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127034934/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2962404|archive-date=27 January 2013}}
His 2012 film Dangerous Liaisons was a Chinese adaptation of the French literature classic set in 1930s Shanghai, directed by Hur Jin-ho and co-starring Zhang Ziyi and Cecilia Cheung.Ko, Kyoung-seok (22 September 2011). [http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011092218290366836 "Jang Dong-gun set for Hur Jin-ho pic joined by Zhang Ziyi and Cecilia Cheung"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221185347/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011092218290366836 |date=2014-02-21 }}. 10Asia.Lee, Hyo-won (23 September 2011). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2012/02/178_95335.html "Jang Dong-gun to co-star with Zhang Ziyi, Cecilia Cheung"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111033803/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2012/02/178_95335.html |date=2012-11-11 }} . The Korea Times.[http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7927 "Jang Dong Gun: 'I Am Glad to Work with Zhang Ziyi and Cecilia Cheung'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101205627/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7927 |date=2013-11-01 }}. KBS Global. 28 September 2011.Son, Jin-ah (5 September 2012). {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20140222053250/http://en.starnnews.com/news/index.html?no=121520 "Dangerous Relationship Jang Dong-gun to return as a playboy"]}}. StarN News.Ho, Stewart (7 September 2012). [https://archive.today/20130128232700/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=14321 "Jang Dong Gun Charms Zhang Zhiyi and Cecilia Cheung With His Bad Boy Ways in New Movie Stills"]. enewsWorld.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Claire|title=Zhang, Cheung touched by Jang Dong-gun's professionalism|url=http://view.koreaherald.com/kh/view.php?ud=20121005000783|publisher=The Korea Herald|date=5 October 2012}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Jin-ho|title=Interview: Jang Dong Gun on Family and Who He is as an Actor|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=16795|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129034859/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=16795|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 January 2013|publisher=enewsWorld|date=7 October 2012}}{{cite web|last=Jung |first=Hyun-mok |title=Language no barrier to Jang's appeal |url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2960411 |publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily |date=8 October 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017100030/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2960411 |archive-date=17 October 2012 }}{{cite web|last=Ji|first=Yong-jin|title=JANG Dong-gun of DANGEROUS LIAISONS: I want to be more active in co-produced films|url=http://koreanfilm.or.kr/webzine/sub/interview.jsp?mode=A_VIEW&wbSeq=28|publisher=Korean Cinema Today|date=18 October 2012|access-date=6 June 2013|archive-date=2 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102022556/http://koreanfilm.or.kr/webzine/sub/interview.jsp?mode=A_VIEW&wbSeq=28|url-status=live}}
Jang next starred in No Tears for the Dead, an action thriller directed by Lee Jeong-beom. He played a Korean-born American hitman who feels conflicted about killing his last target (played by Kim Min-hee).{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Sun-min|title=Jang becomes a killer|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2976784|publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=29 August 2013|access-date=3 September 2017|archive-date=28 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828204617/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2976784|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Baek |first=Byung-yeul |title=Unlikely hitman: After string of disastrous films, heartthrob Jang Dong-gun is back |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/06/201_158349.html |publisher=The Korea Times |date=June 2, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606222714/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/06/201_158349.html |archive-date= June 6, 2014 }}{{cite web|last=Jo|first=Yeon-kyung|title=Interview: Jang Dong Gun Confesses He Fell into a Slump for Years|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/66810/interview-jangdonggun-says-he-has-been-in-a-slump-for-years|publisher=enewsWorld|date=31 May 2014|access-date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705175454/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/66810/interview-jangdonggun-says-he-has-been-in-a-slump-for-years|archive-date=5 July 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Jo|first=Yeon-kyung|title=Interview: Jang Dong Gun was Glad to Act Opposite Kim Min Hee in Crying Man|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/66913/interview-jangdonggun-praises-kimminhee-and-her-acting-ability|publisher=enewsWorld|date=31 May 2014|access-date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705144208/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/66913/interview-jangdonggun-praises-kimminhee-and-her-acting-ability|archive-date=5 July 2015|url-status=dead}}
In 2015, Jang was cast in the film Seven Years of Night, a revenge thriller based on the novel of the same name by Jung Yoo-jung. He plays a character who takes revenge on his daughter's murderer, by killing his son.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3008191|title=Jang Dong-gun takes role in thriller|date=21 August 2015|publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=3 September 2017|archive-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904062837/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3008191|url-status=live}} The film premiered in 2018.
In 2016, Jang was cast in his first Chinese drama, Once Loved You Distressed Forever alongside actress Tang Yixin.{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/06/22/2016062201051.html|title=Jang Dong-gun to Appear in Chinese TV Series|date=22 June 2016|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=12 February 2017|archive-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126152212/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/06/22/2016062201051.html|url-status=live}} He was then cast in the espionage noir thriller VIP, which premiered in 2017.{{cite web|url=http://asianmoviepulse.com/2016/08/jang-dong-gun-leads-list-cast-upcoming-film-vip/|title=Jang Dong-Gun Leads A-list Cast in Upcoming Film 'VIP'|publisher=Asian Movie Pulse|date=2 August 2016|access-date=12 February 2017|archive-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121175209/http://asianmoviepulse.com/2016/08/jang-dong-gun-leads-list-cast-upcoming-film-vip/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3037401|title=Jang Dong-gun is ready to go again : After falling into a slump, the 'V.I.P.' star has finally hit his stride|publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=22 August 2017|access-date=3 September 2017|archive-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831044803/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3037401|url-status=live}}
Jang returned to the small screen after five years, starring in the Korean remake of the popular American legal drama series Suits (2018).{{Cite news|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2017/09/22/3/0200000000AEN20170922003100315F.html|title=Jang Dong-gun cast for Korean remake of U.S. series 'Suits'|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=22 September 2017|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922100836/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2017/09/22/3/0200000000AEN20170922003100315F.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/09/25/2017092500716.html|title=Jang Dong-gun, Park Hyung-sik to Star in Remake of U.S. TV Series|date=25 September 2017|website=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=28 April 2018|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721060216/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/09/25/2017092500716.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/04/28/2018042800372.html|title=Jang Dong-gun Lightens up a Little for 1st TV Role in 6 Years|date=28 April 2018|website=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=28 April 2018|archive-date=15 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715235242/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/04/28/2018042800372.html|url-status=live}} The same year, Jung starred in Kim Sung-hoon's period zombie action film Rampant alongside close friend Hyun Bin.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4306&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|title=JANG Dong-gun Joins Hyun-bin in Period Zombie Film|date=24 May 2017|publisher=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=3 September 2017|archive-date=10 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910042536/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4306&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=|url-status=live}}
In 2019, Jang starred in the fantasy historical drama Arthdal Chronicles.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3050843|title=Star-studded cast of tvN drama revealed|date=20 July 2018|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|author=Sung Ji-eun|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303003325/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3050843|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2156977/song-joong-ki-and-jang-dong-gun-confirmed-star-2019|title=Song Joong-ki and Jang Dong-gun confirmed to star in 2019 Korean drama 'Asdal Chronicles'|date=26 July 2018|website=South China Morning Post|author=Kim Soo-jin|access-date=26 July 2018|archive-date=26 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726170214/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2156977/song-joong-ki-and-jang-dong-gun-confirmed-star-2019|url-status=live}}
Personal life
Jang is a practicing Buddhist, having first explored Buddhist reading while hospitalized in high school, after undergoing chest surgery.{{cite news|url=http://news.qq.com/a/20070227/001431_21.htm|script-title=zh:组图：娱乐圈明星信佛知多少|date=27 February 2007|publisher=Tencent|language=zh|access-date=21 May 2012|archive-date=2 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702180337/http://news.qq.com/a/20070227/001431_21.htm|url-status=live}}
He enjoys playing baseball and is a member of the celebrity amateur baseball team "Playboys" with Lee Jong-hyuk, Hyun Bin, Kim Seung-woo, Hwang Jung-min, Ji Jin-hee, and other actors.{{cite web|title=Japanese Fans Flock to See Korean Celebrities Play Baseball|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/01/04/2011010400858.html|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|date=4 January 2011|access-date=27 November 2012|archive-date=1 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801013237/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/01/04/2011010400858.html|url-status=live}}
= Relationship and marriage =
The famously private actor surprised the country in November 2009 when he went public with his two-year romance with Ko So-young.Kim, Tong-hyung (5 November 2009). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/11/178_54991.html "Guess What! They've Been Dating for 2 Years"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003175717/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/11/178_54991.html |date=2024-10-03 }} . The Korea Times.Park, Sun-young (12 November 2009). {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120710094518/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2912422 "Korea's most eligible bachelor finds love"]}}. Korea JoongAng Daily. Since co-starring together in the 1999 film Love Wind Love Song, rumors about Jang and Ko had spread several times in the past, but both had consistently denied them. The announcement immediately sparked speculation of an impending marriage although it wasn't until March 2010 that Jang officially told his fans at a fan meeting that he would be marrying Ko in May.[https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/02/178_60086.html "Jang to Disclose Wedding Plans in March"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003175717/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/02/178_60086.html |date=2024-10-03 }} . The Korea Times. 1 February 2010.{{cite web|title=Jang Dong-gun: 'Bless the Start of Our New Life'|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7309|publisher=KBS Global|date=8 March 2010|access-date=17 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221063152/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7309|archive-date=21 February 2014|url-status=dead}} After months of media frenzy leading up to their nuptials,[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/11/09/2009110900910.html "Star Couple to Marry Vast Assets"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011154038/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/11/09/2009110900910.html |date=2010-10-11 }}. The Chosun Ilbo. 9 November 2009.Han, Jane (4 February 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/02/123_60316.html "Jang-Ko Wedding Sets Off PR War"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003175717/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/02/123_60316.html |date=2024-10-03 }} . The Korea Times.Lee, Hyo-won (22 April 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/04/178_64725.html "Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young Expecting Baby"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003175717/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/04/178_64725.html |date=2024-10-03 }} . The Korea Times.[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/04/23/2010042301045.html "Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young 'Ecstatic' Over Pregnancy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715234645/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/04/23/2010042301045.html |date=2010-07-15 }}. The Chosun Ilbo. 23 April 2010. the two tied the knot on May 2, 2010 in an extravagant wedding ceremony at Seoul's Shilla Hotel which was attended by their A-list celebrity friends, reporters and fans from around the world.Lee, Hyo-won (2 May 2010). [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/05/178_65186.html "Jang, Ko tie knot"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003180234/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/05/178_65186.html |date=2024-10-03 }} . The Korea Times.Yim, Seung-hye (4 May 2010). {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120719053320/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2919983 "Jang-Ko fever doesn't end with the wedding"]}}. Korea JoongAng Daily.
Their son, Jang Min-joon, was born on October 4, 2010.Kim, Jessica (4 October 2010). [http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010100410101702871 "Jang Dong-gun wife gives birth"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303062717/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010100410101702871 |date=2014-03-03 }}. 10Asia.[http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/10/05/2010100500411.html "Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young Celebrate Birth of Son"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518000321/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/10/05/2010100500411.html |date=2011-05-18 }}. The Chosun Ilbo. 5 October 2010.Min, Ines (5 October 2010). [https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2011/04/178_74010.html "Actors Jang, Ko become parents"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003180222/https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2011/04/178_74010.html |date=2024-10-03 }} . The Korea Times.Kim, Hannah (14 October 2010). {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120713030652/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2927120 "Jang plays proud papa"]}}. Korea JoongAng Daily. Their second child, a daughter, was born on February 25, 2014.{{cite web|last=Park |first=Jin-hai |title=Jang couple get newborn daughter |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/02/386_152264.html |publisher=The Korea Times |date=25 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003542/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/02/386_152264.html |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}{{cite web|last=Kim |first=Gwang-kuk |title=Jang Dong-gun and Wife Welcome Baby Girl |url=http://www.tenasia.com/archives/77167 |publisher=10Asia |date=25 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226062410/http://www.tenasia.com/archives/77167 |archive-date=26 February 2014 }}{{cite web|last=Jin|first=Eun-soo|title=Ko, Jang celebrate 2nd child|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2985468|publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=26 February 2014|access-date=26 February 2014|archive-date=1 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301173707/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2985468|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202001109038H |script-title=ko:패셔니스타들의 환상케미 고소영·서인영 10년 찐우정 형부 장동건 급만남 좋아해 {{!}} 한경닷컴 |date=10 January 2020 |access-date=2020-01-13 |archive-date=2020-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113080218/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202001109038H |url-status=live }}
Filmography
=Film=
=Television series=
= Television shows =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | 2022
| Back to the Books | Host | Season 2 | {{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000553027|author=Kim Myung-mi|script-title=ko:백투더북스2' 장동건, 유럽 명문 서점 찾아간다 "가장 즐거운 촬영|trans-title=Back to the Books 2' Jang Dong-gun visits a prestigious European bookstore "The most enjoyable filming|publisher=Newsen|via=Naver|date=March 18, 2022|access-date=March 18, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318045121/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000553027|url-status=live}} |
Discography
| class="wikitable" |
| Album information
!align="center" width="290px"|Track listing |
|---|
너에게로 가는 길
|style="font-size: 85%;"|{{hidden|Track listing| {{center|5. 너에게로 가는 길 - Jang Dong-gun}}}} |
With Justice And Peace For All
|style="font-size: 85%;"|{{hidden|Track listing|
|
Friendship
|style="font-size: 85%;"|{{hidden|Track listing|
|
飛翔 (Flying)
|style="font-size: 85%;"|{{hidden|Track listing|
|
Bon Seung & Dong Gun
|style="font-size: 85%;"|{{hidden|Track listing|
|
정말 그러길 바랄께
|style="font-size: 85%;"|{{hidden|Track listing| {{center|Disc 1 - 1. 정말 그러길 바랄께 - Jang Dong-gun}}}} |
과거는 흘러갔다 (From Film)
|style="font-size: 85%;"|{{hidden|Track listing| {{center|9. 과거는 흘러갔다 (From Film) - Jang Dong-gun}}}} |
We Online: Actor's Choice{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Hannah|title=WE are singing for charity|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2917329|publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=4 March 2010|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629095643/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2917329|archive-date=29 June 2013}}
|style="font-size: 85%;"|{{hidden|Track listing|
|
나보다 더 (More Than Me)
|style="font-size: 85%;"|{{hidden|Track listing| {{center|1. 나보다 더 (More Than Me) - Jang Dong-gun}}}} |
Awards and nominations
= Listicles =
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Jang Dong-gun}}
- {{official website}} {{in lang|ko}}
{{Blue Dragon Film Award Best Actor}}
{{Blue Dragon Film Award Best Supporting Actor}}
{{Blue Dragon Film Award Best New Actor}}
{{Baeksang Arts Awards for Best New Actor (TV)}}
{{Baeksang Arts Award for Most Popular Actor}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jang, Dong-gun}}
Category:South Korean male film actors
Category:South Korean male television actors
Category:South Korean Buddhists
Category:South Korean musicians
Category:Male actors from Seoul
Category:21st-century South Korean male actors