Ji Jin-hee

{{Infobox person

| name = Ji Jin-hee

| image = 190701_지진희_(2).jpg

| image_upright = 1.15

| caption = Ji in July 2019

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1971|6|24}}

| birth_place = Mapo District, Seoul, South Korea{{cite web|url=https://cinefox.com/actor/view?isb=Y&movieman_seq=12754|script-title=ko:지진희|website=Cinefox ({{Korean|hangul=씨네폭스|labels=no}})|access-date=December 16, 2023|language=ko|archive-date=December 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216192756/https://cinefox.com/actor/view?isb=Y&movieman_seq=12754|url-status=live}}

| spouse = {{marriage|Lee Su-yon|2004}}

| children = 2

| alma_mater = Myongji University (Visual Design)

| occupation = Actor

| years_active = 1999–present

| agent = Ikkle Entertainment

| module = {{Infobox Korean name/auto|child=yes|headercolor=transparent

| hangul = %지진희

| hanja = 池珍熙

}}

Ji Jin-hee ({{Korean|hangul=지진희}}; born June 24, 1971) is a South Korean actor.{{cite web |title=Ji Jin-hee |url=http://koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/films/index/peopleView.jsp?peopleCd=10070224 |access-date=December 19, 2019 |publisher=Korean Film Council}} He is best known for his leading roles in the television shows Jewel in the Palace (2003), He Who Can't Marry (2009), Dong Yi (2010), I Have a Lover (2015), Second to Last Love (2016), Misty (2018) and Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019).

Career

= Early career =

Ji Jin-hee graduated from Myongji University with a degree in graphic design.{{cite web|title=JI Jin-hee|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/films/index/peopleView.jsp?peopleCd=10070224|website=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=June 29, 2013|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413130345/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/films/index/peopleView.jsp?peopleCd=10070224|url-status=live}} He was working as a photographer at an advertising agency when Park Seong-hye approached him about pursuing a career in entertainment. Content at his present job and doubtful that he had any acting talent, Ji refused the offers for a year, but finally agreed when the ad agency downsized during the IMF financial crisis and he got laid off.{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee: 'I Don't Regret a Thing'|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7282|website=KBS Global|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=February 9, 2010|archive-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201093110/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7282|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee Profile|url=http://www.sidushq.com/starhome/?oidStarHome=92|website=SidusHQ|access-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319142000/http://www.sidushq.com/starhome/aboutstar/read.asp?oidStarHome=92|archive-date=March 19, 2016}}

In 1999, Ji appeared in the music video for Jo Sung-bin's "Like a Third-rate Movie," and he made his acting debut in 2000 with the television drama Female Secretary. In the next few years, he continued his television career with Juliet's Man (2000), Four Sisters (2001), and the Korean-Japanese co-production Afternoon After the Passing Rain (2002) with Ryoko Yonekura.

Ji made his big screen debut in 2002, playing a detective in the thriller H.{{cite web|title=Serial Killer Turns in Himself... Game Goes on|url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2002121749348&path_dir=20021217|website=The Dong-A Ilbo|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=December 16, 2002}} This was followed by If You Were Me, a human rights-themed omnibus where he starred in Park Kwang-su's short film Face Value.

= Breakthrough =

He had drawn positive reviews for his portrayal of a surgeon caught up in a love triangle with a priest in the melodrama Love Letter, but Ji's breakthrough came in late 2003 with period drama Dae Jang Geum (also known as Jewel in the Palace). As a Joseon-era government official who falls in love with a female chef turned royal physician (played by Lee Young-ae), Ji's gentlemanly and integrity-filled character attracted female fans across Asia, for not only did Dae Jang Geum receive high viewership ratings domestically (reaching a peak of 57.8%), it also became popular overseas and became one of the proponents of the Korean Wave.{{cite web|last=Shin|first=Nam-su|title=Curtain Falls on Hit Historical TV Drama The Great Janggeum|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2004/03/22/2004032261017.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=March 22, 2004|archive-date=June 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622230455/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2004/03/22/2004032261017.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Japanese Press Gushes for Ji Jin-hee|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/06/12/2007061261009.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=June 12, 2007|archive-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051451/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/06/12/2007061261009.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Kim |first=Ji-soo |title=Hallyu drama celebrates 10 years |url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/09/135_143125.html |website=The Korea Times |access-date=April 13, 2015 |date=September 23, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413131448/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/09/135_143125.html |archive-date=April 13, 2015 }}

Ji later parlayed his pan-Asian stardom into roles in the Chinese musical film Perhaps Love and the Taiwanese drama The 100th Bride, both in 2005.{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee Cast to Star in Hong Kong Movie|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=306|website=KBS Global|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=May 3, 2005|archive-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201093147/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=306|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee launches Asian tour|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1270|website=KBS Global|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=November 17, 2005|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413141542/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1270|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-Hee Tests His Pulling Power in Southeast Asia|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/12/05/2005120561030.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=December 5, 2005|archive-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051526/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/12/05/2005120561030.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Actor Ji Jin-hee Emerges as Hallyu Star in Thailand|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1494|website=KBS Global|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=April 10, 2006|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413130623/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1494|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Actor Ji Jin-hee Visits Thailand to Promote Film Perhaps Love|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1479|website=KBS Global|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=April 11, 2006|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413130626/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1479|url-status=live}} He next played an amnesiac in Spring Day, the Korean remake of Japanese drama Hoshi no Kinka ("Heaven's Coins").{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee and Cho In-sung to meet with Japanese fans|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1249|website=KBS Global|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=October 28, 2005|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413144030/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1249|url-status=live}}

Fighting against being typecast in nice roles after Dae Jang Geum, Ji also played a playboy slacker in romantic comedy series Miss Kim's Million Dollar Quest (2004), for which he received his first acting award.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Ji-hye|title=Ji Jin-hee's Movie Picks|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010022414375893194|website=10Asia|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=February 24, 2010|archive-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205050627/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010022414375893194|url-status=live}} And in black comedy Bewitching Attraction (2006), he was cast as a cartoonist who shares a past with a promiscuous professor.{{cite web|last=Edwards|first=Russell|title=Review: Bewitching Attraction|url=https://variety.com/2006/film/reviews/bewitching-attraction-1200517137/|website=Variety|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=April 7, 2006|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304234908/https://variety.com/2006/film/reviews/bewitching-attraction-1200517137/|url-status=live}}

In 2007, Ji starred in Im Sang-soo's The Old Garden, adapted from Hwang Sok-yong's novel about a couple who meet during the turbulent 1980s surrounding the Gwangju Uprising; he played an anti-government activist who gets released from prison after serving 17 years for his political activities.{{cite web|last=Park|first=Soo-mee|title=DVD Review: Cost of courage is measured in tears|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2874084|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=April 4, 2007|archive-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051422/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2874084|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Chinese Fans of Ji Jin-hee Descend on Korea|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=250|website=KBS Global|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=January 8, 2007|archive-date=February 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203190548/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=250|url-status=live}} This was followed by Ji's first action film, Yoichi Sai's Soo, in which he played dual roles as a hired killer who avenges the death of his twin brother.{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee Transforms into Tough Guy|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=716|website=KBS Global|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=August 11, 2006|archive-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051405/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=716|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Actor Ji Jin-hee to Promote Film Soo in Japan|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=875|website=KBS Global|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=March 24, 2008|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413141622/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=875|url-status=live}}

Ji returned to television in 2008, as a veteran news reporter in Spotlight.{{cite web|last=Han |first=Sang-hee |title=Spotlight Shows Lives of Reporters |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2015/01/201_24097.html |website=The Korea Times |access-date=April 13, 2015 |date=May 13, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413130528/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2015/01/201_24097.html |archive-date=April 13, 2015 }} In 2009, he played a fussy, 40-year-old bachelor architect in He Who Can't Marry, the Korean remake of Japanese drama Kekkon Dekinai Otoko ("The Man Who Can't Get Married").{{cite web|last=Oh|first=Jean|title=KBS' bachelor battles MBC's queen|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090615000047|website=The Korea Herald|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=June 15, 2009|archive-date=May 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520131939/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090615000047|url-status=live}} Ji next appeared in the Korean-Japanese "telecinema" Paradise, which both received a theatrical release and aired on SBS and TV Asahi.{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee returns as king in drama Dong Yi|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009111816132523509|website=10Asia|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=November 19, 2009|archive-date=April 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416222915/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009111816132523509|url-status=live}}

He also published Ji Jin-hee in Italy: A Walk in the Clouds, which featured photos and essays about his travels in Rome, Florence and Milan, as well as Ji's recommendations and tips about wine.{{cite web|title=Actor Ji Jin-hee Renews Modeling Contract with Korea Exchange Bank|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1570|website=KBS Global|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=August 20, 2008|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413125814/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1570|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Ji Jin Hee's new wine/travel book, "it's all about the variety of wine tasting"|url=http://www.jazzholic.com/2009/05/10/ji-jin-hee-new-book/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302210909/http://www.jazzholic.com/2009/05/10/ji-jin-hee-new-book|website=Jazzholic|archive-date=March 2, 2012|date=May 10, 2009}}

In 2008, Ji signed an exclusive contract with NOA Entertainment. NOA Entertainment is a management company established in October 2007 by former managers of his previous agency Sidus HQ.{{Cite web |script-title=ko:'소속사 이전' 지진희, 코믹남으로 1년만에 드라마 복귀 |url=https://v.daum.net/v/20090416081605874 |access-date=September 7, 2024 |website=다음 - 스타뉴스}}

In 2010, Ji starred in Parallel Life, playing Korea's youngest ever chief presiding judge, who upon his wife's murder discovers that his life may exactly replicate that of someone who died 30 years ago.{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee feels bad for making Ha Jeong-woo murderer again|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010020412395060928|website=10Asia|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=February 5, 2010|archive-date=April 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416222125/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010020412395060928|url-status=live}} He was next cast as a music critic and radio show host who goes in search of his missing spouse in the road trip comedy Looking for My Wife (also known as Runaway from Home).{{cite web|last=Yi|first=Ch'ang-ho|title=YANG Ik-june casts JI Jin-hee|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=1323|website=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=August 31, 2009|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413130657/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=1323|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Song|first=Woong-ki|title=Ji Jin-hee shows his funny side|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201003160064|website=The Korea Herald|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=March 16, 2010|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084623/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201003160064|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Ji-hye|title=Press conference for film Looking for My Wife|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010040217093883249|website=10Asia|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=April 2, 2010}}{{cite web|title=All That Star: Ji Jin-hee|url=http://www.arirang.co.kr/OtherVideos/Star.asp?F_KEY=1662&sys_lang=Eng|website=Arirang News|access-date=June 29, 2013|archive-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923174947/http://www.arirang.co.kr/OtherVideos/Star.asp?F_KEY=1662&sys_lang=Eng|url-status=dead}}

Then Ji reunited with Dae Jang Geum television director Lee Byung-hoon in another period drama Dong Yi, which also proved popular with audiences.{{cite web|last=Han |first=Sang-hee |title=Will Dong-yi Become Next Jewel in the Palace? |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/03/201_62730.html |website=The Korea Times |access-date=June 29, 2013 |date=March 21, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002527/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/03/201_62730.html |archive-date= December 3, 2013 }}{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Heidi|title=Actor Ji Jin-hee receives warm welcome in Hong Kong|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2010121418274424840|website=10Asia|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=December 14, 2010|archive-date=August 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826134218/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2010121418274424840|url-status=live}} As King Sukjong, who falls for a palace maid (played by Han Hyo-joo) and makes her his royal concubine, Ji said he wanted to show a monarch who had "weak spots that show through his charismatic exterior. Rather than being a dignified king, he is an outgoing and adventurous character."{{cite web|last=Oh|first=Jean|title=Upbeat rom-com vs. court romance|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201003220036|website=The Korea Herald|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=March 22, 2010|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081757/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201003220036|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Wee|first=Geun-woo|title=Ji Jin-hee says "happy to break stereotype" as a king|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010050716521799967|website=10Asia|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=May 7, 2010|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011520/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010050716521799967|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Interview: Dong Yi director says Ji Jin-hee "mischievous"|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010060918091001802|website=10Asia|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=June 9, 2010|archive-date=December 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070624/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010060918091001802|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Wing-sze|title=Q&A: Ji Jin-hee|url=http://www.scmp.com/article/735122/qa-ji-jin-hee|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=March 29, 2012|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203045644/http://www.scmp.com/article/735122/qa-ji-jin-hee|url-status=live}}

Ji continued playing leading roles in television, as an airline pilot in Take Care of Us, Captain (2012), general and Joseon dynasty founder Yi Seong-gye in The Great Seer (2012), an adulterous husband in One Warm Word (2013), and a villainous doctor in Blood (2015).{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee cast as male lead in upcoming SBS TV series|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011102113174580345|website=10Asia|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=October 21, 2011|archive-date=April 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416222320/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011102113174580345|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Shooting begins for new Ji Jin-hee, Ku Hye-sun TV series|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011110109181788633|website=10Asia|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=November 1, 2011|archive-date=August 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810094104/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011110109181788633|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee to portray historical figure in new Mon-Tue soap opera|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012060710045038080|website=10Asia|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=June 7, 2012|archive-date=April 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416222324/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012060710045038080|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Ahn|first=Sung-mi|title=Little brother from My Love gets shot at big time|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20150212000667|website=The Korea Herald|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=February 12, 2015|archive-date=July 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706103903/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20150212000667|url-status=live}} He also wrote the original draft of the screenplay of horror-comedy Ghost Sweepers (2012), for which he received a story by credit.File:Ji Jin-hee on June 26, 2013.jpg

In 2013, Ji signed an exclusive contract with HB Entertainment.{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2013 |script-title=ko:지진희, HB엔터로 이적…이범수·이진욱과 한솥밥 |url=https://news.sbs.co.kr/news/endPage.do?news_id=N1001718400#:~:text=%EB%B0%B0%EC%9A%B0%20%EC%A7%80%EC%A7%84%ED%9D%AC%EA%B0%80%20%EC%A2%85%ED%95%A9%20%EC%97%B0%EC%98%88,%EC%98%81%EC%9E%85%ED%96%88%EB%8B%A4.%E2%80%9D%EA%B3%A0%20%EB%B0%9D%ED%98%94%EB%8B%A4. |access-date=September 7, 2024 |website=SBS NEWS |language=ko}}

From 2014 to 2015, Ji starred in three Chinese films, namely: On the Way opposite Eva Huang, in which a recently divorced Korean man meets a Chinese woman on a train while traveling in China;{{cite web|title=Ji Jin-hee finishes filming upcoming Chinese movie|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011080817514089970|website=10Asia|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=August 8, 2011|archive-date=December 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070651/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011080817514089970|url-status=live}} Bad Sister opposite Ivy Chen, a romantic comedy where a father who wants to stop his daughter's wedding teams up with the groom's equally disapproving older sister;{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Soo-yeon|title=Korean-Chinese Co-production BAD SISTER, released in China November 28th|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=3241|website=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=November 28, 2014|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413130546/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=3241|url-status=live}} and Helios, a crime thriller about the theft of nuclear weapons by a group of terrorists.{{cite web|title=Working together|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2981881|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=April 13, 2015|date=December 12, 2013|archive-date=December 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215135400/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2981881|url-status=live}}

On April 30, 2019, Ikkle Entertainment announced that Ji signed an exclusive contract with them.{{Cite web |script-title=ko:지진희, 이끌엔터 계약..tvN '60일 지정생존자' 복귀 |url=https://v.daum.net/v/20190430145725649 |access-date=September 7, 2024 |website=다음 - 뉴시스}}

Personal life

Ji Jin-hee married his long-time girlfriend, advertising graphic designer Lee Soo-yeon, at the Central City Millennium Hall in Banpo, Seoul on November 19, 2004, at 5 PM. They first met when Ji Jin-hee was working as an advertising photographer before his acting debut and had been in a relationship for six years. The wedding was attended by 1,500 guests.{{cite web |date=December 2004 |script-title=ko:무명시절부터 6년간 지켜온 사랑 결실맺은 지진희&이수연 커플 |url=https://lady.khan.co.kr/khlady.html?mode=view&code=5&artid=5619 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008080005/https://lady.khan.co.kr/khlady.html?mode=view&code=5&artid=5619 |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=December 19, 2019 |publisher=Kyunghyang Shinmun |language=ko}} Their first son was born in 2005.{{cn|date=March 2025}} Their second son was born in 2012.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

Philanthropy

In 2008, Ji Jin-hee attended a charity event in China (Beijing), where he put his and his wife's wedding rings up at an auction to help the victims of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

Filmography

= Film =

width=10\|Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes
class="wikitable" style="width:750px"
2002	H	Detective Kang Tae-hyun
2003	If You Were Me	Driver	segment: "Face Value"
2005	Perhaps Love	Monty	Chinese film
2006	Bewitching Attraction	Park Seok-gyu
rowspan=3\|2007	The Old Garden	Oh Hyun-woo
Soo	Jang Tae-soo
Meet Mr. Daddy	Ha Sun-young's husband (cameo)
2009	Paradise	Il-ho	telecinema
rowspan=2\|2010	Parallel Life	Kim Seok-hyun
Looking for My Wife	Ji Sung-hee
2011	Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue	The Narrator (Korean dubbed){{cite web\|last=Kim\|first=Heidi\|title=Actor Ji Jin-hee to voice Korean version of Thomas and Friends\|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011040115572869229\|website=10Asia\|access-date=June 29, 2013\|date=April 1, 2011\|archive-date=March 17, 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317150622/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011040115572869229\|url-status=live}}	animated film
rowspan=2\|2012	Love Fiction	Joo-ro
Ghost Sweepers	{{NA}}	story by credit
rowspan=2\|2014	On the Way	Park Jun-ho	Chinese film
Bad Sister		Chinese film
rowspan=2\|2015	Helios	Choi Min-ho	Hong Kong film
Summer Snow	Myung-hwan

= Television series =

Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes ! class="unsortable" \| {{abbr\|Ref.\|Reference(s)}}
class="wikitable"
rowspan=3\|2000	Female Secretary
MBC Best Theater		Episode "Beautiful Man"
Juliet's Man	Choi Seung-woo
rowspan=2\|2001	MBC Best Theater		Episode "Seongju Puri"
Four Sisters	Han Tae-suk
2002	Afternoon After the Passing Rain	Hong Dae-jin	Korean-Japanese co-production
rowspan=5\|2003	Love Letter	Jung Woo-jin
MBC Best Theater		Episode "Our Writing Class"
MBC Best Theater		Episode "Farewell Waltz"
Jewel in the Palace	Min Jeong-ho
Hanppyeom Drama		Episode "What's in Her Refrigerator?"
rowspan=2\|2004	Ms. Kim's Million Dollar Quest	Park Moo-yeol
MBC Best Theater		Episode "Big Brother Is Back"
rowspan=3\|2005	Spring Days	Go Eun-ho
Hanppyeom Drama	Cafe owner	Episode "Rosy Life"
The 100th Bride	Han Wei	Taiwanese drama
rowspan=2\|2008	Spotlight	Oh Tae-suk
Star's Lover	Ma-ri's actor ex-boyfriend	Cameo (episode 8)
2009	He Who Can't Marry	Jo Jae-hee
2010	Dong Yi	King Sukjong
rowspan=3\|2012	Take Care of Us, Captain	Kim Yoon-sung
My Husband Got a Family	Pastor	Cameo (episode 19)
The Great Seer	Yi Seong-gye
rowspan=2\|2013	Dating Agency: Cyrano	Seon Jung-nam	Cameo (episode 1)
One Warm Word	Yoo Jae-hak
rowspan=4\|2015	Blood	Lee Jae-wook
Late Night Restaurant	Young-shik	Cameo (episode 4–5)
I Have a Lover	Choi Jin-eon
Snow Lotus Flower	Lee Soo Hyun	One-act play
2016	Second to Last Love	Go Sang-sik
2018	Misty	Kang Tae-wook	\|style="text-align:center;"\|{{cite web\|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20180131009200315\|title=Romance thriller 'Misty,' enthralling story of success, unpretentious love\|website=Yonhap News Agency\|date=January 31, 2018\|access-date=January 12, 2019\|archive-date=December 2, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070644/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20180131009200315\|url-status=live}}
2019	Designated Survivor: 60 Days	Park Moo-jin	\|style="text-align:center;"\| {{cite web\|author=Yeo Ye-rim\|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3060731\|title=tvN names 'Survivor' remake cast\|date=March 19, 2019\|website=Korea JoongAng Daily\|access-date=March 19, 2019\|archive-date=April 2, 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402094344/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3060731\|url-status=live}}{{cite web\|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/01/10/2019011000953.html\|title=Ji Jin-hee to Star in Remake of Popular U.S. TV Series\|website=The Chosun Ilbo\|date=February 27, 2024\|access-date=January 12, 2019\|archive-date=June 2, 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602123814/https://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/01/10/2019011000953.html\|url-status=live}}
rowspan=3\|2021 \|Undercover \|Han Jeong-hyeon / Lee Suk-kyu \| \|style="text-align:center;"\|{{Cite news\|author=Kim Na-kyung\|script-title=ko:'언더커버' 지진희X김현주, 평화로운 일상 무너뜨린 위험한 변화…3차 티저 공개\|url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202103293383I\|website=The Korea Economic Daily\|date=March 29, 2021\|access-date=March 29, 2021\|language=ko\|archive-date=March 17, 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317152139/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202103293383I\|url-status=live}}
Move to Heaven \| Han Jung-woo \| Special appearance \|style="text-align:center;"\|{{Cite web\|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=382&aid=0000826579\|script-title=ko:이재욱, 넷플릭스 '무브 투 헤븐' 특별 출연…연이은 기대작 참여 눈길 [공식]\|date=June 4, 2020\|website=Sports Dong-a\|language=ko\|access-date=November 30, 2020\|archive-date=October 19, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019014144/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=382&aid=0000826579\|url-status=live}}
The Road: The Tragedy of One \| Baek Soo-hyeon \| \|style="text-align:center;"\|{{Cite news \|author= Han Eun-ki \|url= https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/22K0BSWEJT \|script-title=ko:지진희X윤세아X김혜은, tvN '더 로드: 1의 비극' 캐스팅 확정 \|trans-title= Ji Jin-hee X Yoon Se-ah X Kim Hye-eun confirmed casting for tvN's 'The Road: Tragedy of 1' \|website={{ill\|The Seoul Economic Daily\|ko\|서울경제}} \|date= March 30, 2021 \|access-date= June 20, 2021 \|language= ko \|archive-date= June 6, 2021 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210606074138/https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/22K0BSWEJT \|url-status= live }}
2023 \|D.P. 2 \|Gu Ja-woon \| \|{{Cite web \|author=Woo Da-bin \|date=May 31, 2022 \|title='D.P.'가 돌아온다…지진희·김지현 합류 \|trans-title='D.P.' is back... Ji Jin-hee and Kim Ji-hyun joined \|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/469/0000678051 \|access-date=May 31, 2022 \|publisher=Hankook Ilbo \|language=ko \|via=Naver \|archive-date=May 31, 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531053308/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/469/0000678051 \|url-status=live }}
2024 \|Romance in the House \|Byeon Moo-jin \| \|{{Cite web\|title=지진희·김지수 주연 '가족X멜로' 다음달 10일 첫 방송\|trans-title=Ji Jin-hee and Kim Ji-soo Starring 'Family X Melo' First Airing on the 10th of Next Month\|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/001/0014792478\|via=Naver\|publisher=Yonhap News\|language=ko\|last=Jae-ha\|first=Hwang\|date=July 8, 2024\|access-date=July 8, 2024}}
rowspan=2\|2025 \|Kick Kick Kick Kick \|Ji Jin-hee \| \|{{Cite web\|script-title=ko:지진희 이규형 이민재, 오피스물 '킥킥킥킥' 출연 확정[공식]\|trans-title=Ji Jin-hee, Lee Kyu-hyung, Baek Ji-won, Lee Min-jae confirmed to appear in office drama 'Kick Kick Kick Kick' [Official]\|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/609/0000931047\|via=Naver\|publisher=Newsen\|language=ko\|last=Kim\|first=Myeong-mi\|date=December 11, 2024\|access-date=December 11, 2024}}
Nine Puzzles \|Yoon Dong-hoon \|Cameo \|style="text-align: center;" \| {{Cite web \|last=Baek \|first=Seung-hoon \|date=May 7, 2025 \|title='나인 퍼즐' 김다미X손석구, 의심하거나 협력하거나 \|trans-title='Nine Puzzle' Kim Da-mi X Son Seok-gu, Suspect or Cooperate \|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/408/0000264649 \|access-date=May 20, 2025 \|website=enews.imbc \|language=ko \|via=Naver}}

= Variety shows =

class="wikitable"

! Year

! Title

! Role

! class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}

2018

|Where on Earth??

|Cast member

2020

|Documentary Insight - Virus War

|Presenter

2021–2022

|Goalvengers

|Fixed appearance

|{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=421&aid=0005679248|author=Jung Ah-reum|script-title=ko:[단독] 지진희·조세호·구본길, '손나은 동생' 손새은과 tvN '골벤져스' 출격|trans-title=[Exclusive] Ji Jin-hee, Jo Se-ho, Koo Bon-gil, 'Son Na-eun's younger sister' Sae-eun Son and tvN's 'Golvengers' sortie|publisher=News 1|via=Naver|date=October 25, 2021|access-date=October 25, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160446/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=421&aid=0005679248|url-status=live}}

2024

|My Ugly Baby

|Special MC

= Music video appearances =

width=10\|Year ! Song Title ! Artist
class="wikitable" style="width:750px"
1999	"Like a Third-rate Movie"	Jo Sung-bin
2000	"Once Upon a Day"	Kim Bum-soo
2001	"Never"	Jo Sung-mo

= Narration =

class="wikitable"

! Year

! Title

! Role

! class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}

2006

|SBS Kia Experience 24 Hours 10th Anniversary

2010

|KBS Special "Korean Success DNA"

rowspan="2" |2011

|Hundertwasser Korea Special Exhibition

|audioguide

Thomas & Friends - The Movie 3

|animated movie

rowspan="2" |2015

|EBS Liberation 70th Anniversary Special Documentary "Great Legacy"

MBC 54th Anniversary Special UHD Documentary "A Thousand Faces, Makeup"

2017

|The Art of the Brick Exhibition

| rowspan="2" |audioguide

2018

|National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 'Yun Hyung-keun' Exhibition

rowspan="2" |2019

|KBS Liberation Day Special Documentary "Sakhalin, Liberation Never Came"

KBS Documentary Insight "Basic Science Changes the World"

2020

|EBS Documentary Prime Educational Project 10-part series "Again, School"

Discography

width=10\|Year ! Title ! Artist ! Notes
class="wikitable" style="width:750px"
2002	"Maria's Bath"	Cho Seung-woo, Yum Jung-ah, Ji Jin-hee	H OST
rowspan=4\|2005	"The Pain and Even the Sadness"	Ji Jin-hee	track 5 from Spring Day OST
"Fate"	Jacky Cheung, Ji Jin-hee	rowspan=3\|tracks 2, 3, 6 from Perhaps Love OST
"Life's Montage"	Ji Jin-hee
"A Beautiful Story"	Ji Jin-hee, Takeshi Kaneshiro
2009	"Difficult to Love You"	Ji Jin-hee	track 4 from He Who Can't Marry OST
rowspan=2\|2010	"We"	Jang Dong-gun, Kim Seung-woo, Hwang Jung-min, Ji Jin-hee Gong Hyung-jin, Lee Ha-na	Actors Choice single{{cite web\|last=Kim\|first=Hannah\|title=WE are singing for charity\|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2917329\|website=Korea JoongAng Daily\|access-date=June 29, 2013\|date=March 4, 2010\|archive-date=May 27, 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527053116/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2917329\|url-status=live}}
"In Life We Are Alone"	Ji Jin-hee	track 3 of Looking for My Wife OST

Book

class="wikitable" style="width:750px"
width=10\|Year ! Title ! Publisher ! ISBN
2009	Ji Jin-hee in Italy: A Walk in the Clouds	Seed Paper	{{ISBN\|9788996187615}}

class="wikitable" style="width:750px"

width=10|Year

! Title

! Publisher

! ISBN

2009

Ji Jin-hee in Italy: A Walk in the Clouds

Seed Paper

Awards and nominations

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ Year presented, Name of the award ceremony, category, nominated work, and the result of the nomination

! Year

! Award

! Category

! Nominated work

! Result

2003

| MBC Drama Awards

| Excellence Award, Actor{{cite web |title=2003 MBC 연기대상 |url=http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/ent/event/2003mbc/nominate/index.html |website=iMBC |access-date=May 4, 2020 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003936/http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/ent/event/2003mbc/nominate/index.html |url-status=live }}

| Love Letter, Dae Jang Geum

| {{nom}}

2004

| SBS Drama Awards

| Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Special

| Miss Kim's Million Dollar Quest

| {{won}}

rowspan=2|2009

| rowspan=2|KBS Drama Awards

| Top Excellence Award, Actor

| rowspan=2|He Who Can't Marry

| {{nom}}

Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries

| {{won}}

rowspan=3|2010

| rowspan=3|MBC Drama Awards

| Top Excellence Award, Actor

| rowspan=5|Dong Yi

| {{won}}

Popularity Award, Actor

| {{nom}}

Best Couple Award with Han Hyo-joo

| {{nom}}

rowspan=2|2011

| Hong Kong Cable TV Awards

| Best Actor

| {{won}}

CETV Awards

| Top 10 Hottest Asia Award{{cite web|last=Choe|first=Min-ji|title=Ji Jin Hee Wins Top 10 Hottest Asia Award in China|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/1112/ji-jin-hee-wins-top-10-hottest-asia-award-in-china|website=enewsWorld|access-date=June 29, 2013|date=October 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213191025/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/1112/ji-jin-hee-wins-top-10-hottest-asia-award-in-china|archive-date=December 13, 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Jin Hee Ji won the Top 10 Popular Star Award by CETV, China. |url=http://www.innolife.co.kr/list.php?ac_id=3&ai_id=333 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629095504/http://www.innolife.co.kr/list.php?ac_id=3&ai_id=333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |website=Innolife |access-date=June 29, 2013 |date=October 24, 2011 }}

| {{won}}

rowspan=2|2012

| rowspan=2|SBS Drama Awards

| Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Special

| rowspan=2|The Great Seer

| {{nom}}

Netizen Popularity Award, Actor

| {{nom}}

2014

| SBS Drama Awards

| Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Special

| One Warm Word