Ji Sung
{{Short description|South Korean actor (born 1977)}}
{{Hatnote group|
{{Distinguish|Jisung}}
{{Other people||Ji-seong}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Ji Sung
| image = 180212 지성.png
| caption = Ji Sung in 2018
| birth_name = Kwak Tae-geun
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|2|27|df=y}}
| birth_place = Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea{{cite web|url=https://cinefox.com/actor/view?isb=Y&movieman_seq=10747|script-title=ko:지성|website=Cinefox (씨네폭스)|access-date=2024-11-10|language=ko}}
| education = Hanyang University - Theater and Film
| years_active = 1999–present
| agent = Surpass Entertainment
| spouse = {{marriage|Lee Bo-young|2013}}
| children = 2
| module = {{Infobox Korean name|child=yes|headercolor=transparent
| hangul = 곽태근
| hanja = 郭太根
| rr = Gwak Taegeun
| mr = Kwak T'aegŭn
| hangulstage = 지성
| hanjastage =
| rrstage = Ji Seong
| mrstage = Chi Sŏng
}}
}}
{{Family name hatnote|Kwak|Ji|lang=Korean}}
Ji Sung ({{Korean|hangul=지성}}; born Kwak Tae-geun on 27 February 1977) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in the television dramas All In (2003), Save the Last Dance for Me (2004), New Heart (2007), Protect the Boss (2011), Secret Love (2013), Kill Me, Heal Me (2015), Innocent Defendant (2017), Familiar Wife (2018), Doctor John (2019), The Devil Judge (2021), Connection (2024) and the film My PS Partner (2012).
Early life
Kwak Tae-geun's parents were both educators, and they expected him to also enter the teaching profession. But in his sophomore year in high school, his father bought him a VCR and the first movie he rented was Rain Man. Dustin Hoffman's acting left such an impression on him that he decided to become an actor, despite his father's objections.{{cite video|title=Healing Camp: Episode 3 (Guest: Ji Sung)|url=https://programs.sbs.co.kr/enter/healingcamp/main/|work=Healing Camp, Aren't You Happy|publisher=Seoul Broadcasting System|date=1 August 2011}}{{cite web|last1=Ha|first1=Soo-jung|title=Interview: Ji Sung Says Jogging 15 Kilometers Every Morning Has Changed His Life|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/70149/interview-jisung-talks-about-what-jogging-means-to-him|website=enewsWorld|access-date=26 July 2014|date=12 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002071455/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/70149/interview-jisung-talks-about-what-jogging-means-to-him|archive-date=2 October 2015|url-status=dead}} He later studied Theater and Film at Hanyang University.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}
Career
=1999–2002: Beginnings=
Ji Sung first auditioned for the 1999 campus drama KAIST, where he met screenwriter Song Ji-na. Song took an interest in the young upstart and wrote a new character for him, leading to his acting debut. Upon the suggestion of his then-manager, he began using the stage name Chae Ji-sung, then decided to drop the surname "Chae," and became known simply as "Ji Sung" After several minor roles, he began playing bigger parts, notably in the television dramas Wonderful Days (2001) and Sunshine Hunting 2002),{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=005&aid=0000074063|script-title=ko:작가 노희경·이종환 PD 호흡…SBS 새 드라마 '화려한 시절'|date=18 October 2001|website=Kukmin Ilbo|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051031/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=005&aid=0000074063|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000136654|script-title=ko:지성, 하지원 KBS 2TV「햇빛사냥」캐스팅|date=6 March 2002|website=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051019/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000136654|url-status=live}} as well as the North-South romantic comedy film Whistling Princess (2002).{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000230453|script-title=ko:<연합인터뷰> 「휘파람 공주」 지성ㆍ김현수|date=1 September 2002|website=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051025/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000230453|url-status=live}}
=2003–2004: Breakthrough=
Ji was then cast in the 2003 gambling drama All In.{{cite web|url=https://news.joins.com/article/1893815|script-title=ko:지성 "올인에 연기인생 걸래요"|date=3 January 2003|website=JoongAng Ilbo|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126092654/https://news.joins.com/article/1893815|url-status=live}} Producers were having difficulty casting the second male lead because most actors were afraid to be compared to lead actor Lee Byung-hun. Ji Sung approached director Yoo Chul-yong, saying he wanted the role. All In was a big hit, and Ji Sung's popularity rose and became known as a Hallyu star.{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Heidi|title=Ji Sung holds fan meeting in Japan|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011051209495690404|website=Asiae|access-date=7 August 2013|date=12 May 2011|archive-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529104805/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011051209495690404|url-status=live}} Wanting to challenge himself, he next appeared in his first period drama The King's Woman, playing Gwanghaegun of Joseon.{{cite web|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=001&aid=0000459006|script-title=ko:<연합인터뷰> SBS '왕의 여자' 지성|date=16 September 2003|website=Yonhap News Agency|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=10 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910110252/https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0000459006?sid=103|url-status=live}}
In Save the Last Dance for Me (2004), he played a rich amnesiac businessman who falls in love with a girl running a bed and breakfast who nurses him back to health (played by Eugene).{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=079&aid=0000013028|script-title=ko:지성,"밴에 든 도둑,드라마 잘 되기 위한 과정 "|date=19 October 2004|website=No Cut News|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051036/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=079&aid=0000013028|url-status=live}}
He then made a guest appearance playing Bae Jong-ok's college boyfriend in "Outing", a two-episode arc written by Lee Kyung-hee for the omnibus drama Beating Heart (2005),{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000980504|script-title=ko:지성, 배종옥 첫사랑 역으로 '의리 출연'|date=19 April 2005|website=Yonhap News Agency|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051023/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000980504|url-status=live}} followed by a supporting role in Kim Dae-seung's period thriller Blood Rain (2005).{{cite web|title=K-FILM REVIEWS: 혈의 누 (Blood Rain)|url=http://twitchfilm.com/2005/09/blood-rain-dvd-review.html|work=Twitch Film|access-date=7 August 2013|date=12 September 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022025939/http://twitchfilm.com/2005/09/blood-rain-dvd-review.html|archive-date=22 October 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0000004233|script-title=ko:지성 박용우, '혈의 누'서 차승원과 대결|date=18 February 2005|website=MyDaily|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051041/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0000004233|url-status=live}}
=2005–2007: Enlistment=
Ji Sung enlisted on 7 June 2005, for his mandatory military service. Though he initially enlisted as an ordinary soldier,{{cite web|title=Ji Sung Joins Army|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1872|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130413150646/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=1872|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 April 2013|work=KBS Global|access-date=7 August 2013|date=8 June 2005}} the Military Manpower Administration transferred him to the military promotion ("entertainers") unit in February 2006, for which he served as "public ambassador of military affairs".{{cite web|url=http://ssusita.livejournal.com/18720.html|title=Actor Ji Sung Becomes Military's Ambassador|work=The Korea Times|date=1 February 2006|access-date=10 December 2006|archive-date=6 August 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130806235856/http://ssusita.livejournal.com/18720.html|url-status=live}} He was discharged on 6 June 2007.{{cite news|title=What Next as Stars Emerge Blinking from the Military?|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/01/30/2007013061007.html|access-date=15 April 2013|newspaper=The Chosun Ilbo|date=30 January 2007|archive-date=16 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030203/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/01/30/2007013061007.html|url-status=live}}
=2008–2014: Comeback and lead roles=
He made his comeback in the medical drama New Heart (2007–08), playing a cardiothoracic surgery resident.{{cite web|last1=Kwon|first1=Mee-yoo|last2=Han|first2=Sang-hee|title=New Medical Drama New Heart to Hit TV|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/01/201_14993.html|work=The Korea Times|access-date=7 August 2013|date=5 December 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221105154/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/01/201_14993.html|archive-date=21 February 2015 }} During a scene where his character cries after failing to save the life of a former comfort woman, Ji Sung said he thought of his maternal grandmother who'd recently died, remembering that she'd told him her only pleasure was watching him in reruns of All In. Contrary to his cheeky, playful character, Ji Sung said that he's taciturn and shy in real life, but that the drama made him find a different side of himself.{{cite news|title=How Ji Sung Discovered a New Side to Himself|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/01/04/2008010461015.html|access-date=15 April 2013|newspaper=The Chosun Ilbo|date=4 January 2008|archive-date=16 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616022134/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/01/04/2008010461015.html|url-status=live}}
He then made an extended cameo as the sophisticated right-hand man of the mob boss in action noir Fate (2008).{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Hyo-won|title=Actors Kwon, Song Get Rough in Fate|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/11/135_20964.html|work=The Korea Times|date=18 March 2008|access-date=7 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221105405/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/11/135_20964.html|archive-date=21 February 2015 }}
In 2009, Ji Sung collaborated again with writer Choi Wan-kyu and director Yoo Chul-yong of All In in the revenge drama
Swallow the Sun, adapted from the novel by Kang Chul-hwa, and shot on location in Jeju Island, Las Vegas and South Africa. Ji Sung trained hard to play the tough, strong-willed protagonist who goes to prison for his boss and later becomes involved in the city development of Jeju.{{cite web|last=Han|first=Sang-hee|title=Swallow the Sun to Capture Love, Revenge|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/03/201_48058.html|work=The Korea Times|access-date=7 August 2013|date=7 July 2009|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215709/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/03/201_48058.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Jessica|title=Ji-sung "in daze" after last drama|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009100800110223376|work=10Asia|access-date=7 August 2013|date=8 October 2009|archive-date=14 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014080241/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009100800110223376|url-status=live}}
In February 2010, he signed with a new management agency, Namoo Actors.{{cite web|last=Kang|first=Seung-hun|title=Ji Sung signs with Moon Geun-young's management agency|url=http://www.tenasia.com/archives/1779|work=10Asia|access-date=7 August 2013|date=9 February 2010|archive-date=6 August 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130806235836/http://www.tenasia.com/archives/1779|url-status=dead}} Several months later, he played another historical character in Kim Su-ro, The Iron King, as the titular founder of Geumgwan Gaya.{{cite news|last=Kim|first=Lynn|title=Ji Sung to star in new TV series Kim Su-ro|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010030508511079825|access-date=7 August 2013|newspaper=10Asia|date=5 March 2010|archive-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502002927/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010030508511079825|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Wee|first=Geun-woo|title=INTERVIEW: Actor Ji Sung - Part 1|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010072715114988484|work=10Asia|access-date=7 August 2013|date=27 July 2010|archive-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502002920/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010072715114988484|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Wee|first=Geun-woo|title=INTERVIEW: Actor Ji Sung - Part 2|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010072714593089215|work=10Asia|access-date=7 August 2013|date=27 July 2010|archive-date=10 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910110251/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010072714593089215|url-status=live}}
In 2011, Ji Sung starred alongside Yum Jung-ah in Royal Family, about the power plays within a chaebol family.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Seung-han|title=Ji-sung says Royal Family is just beginning|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011031611521896437|access-date=7 August 2013|work=10Asia|date=16 March 2011|archive-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529104813/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011031611521896437|url-status=live}} Later that year, he was cast in the workplace romantic comedy Protect the Boss.{{cite web|last=Kwon|first=Mee-yoo|title=Hot-blooded secretary meets clumsy boss in new SBS drama|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/08/141_92079.html|access-date=7 August 2013|work=The Korea Times|date=2 August 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023505/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/08/141_92079.html|archive-date= 4 March 2016 }} In a departure from his usual serious roles, Ji Sung played a dorky man-child with a panic disorder, who matures and learns to run his father's business after meeting a feisty secretary (played by Choi Kang-hee).{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Ji-yeon|title=Interview: Ji Sung Aims for the Far Future|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/927|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130806235852/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/927|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 August 2013|access-date=7 August 2013|work=enewsWorld|date=14 October 2011}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Ga-on|title=INTERVIEW: Actor Ji Sung - Part 1|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011101819042219679|access-date=7 August 2013|work=10Asia|date=18 October 2011|archive-date=29 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129111521/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011101819042219679|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Ga-on|title=INTERVIEW: Actor Ji Sung - Part 2|url=http://www.tenasia.com/archives/8845|access-date=7 August 2013|work=10Asia|date=18 October 2011|archive-date=6 August 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130806235417/http://www.tenasia.com/archives/8845|url-status=dead}}
From 2012 to 2013, Ji Sung played a gifted seer/geomancer in The Great Seer. His fictional character becomes a "kingmaker" to Yi Seong-gye (played by Ji Jin-hee), the general who leads the overthrow of Goryeo and establishes the Joseon Dynasty, becoming its first king Taejo.{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Tae-ho|title=Ji Sung Says "I Felt like Falling in Love with Ji Jin-hee"|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012092617120865487|work=10Asia|date=26 September 2012|access-date=7 August 2013|archive-date=1 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101224742/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012092617120865487|url-status=live}}
In late 2012, he starred in adult romantic comedy My PS Partner, playing an aspiring singer-songwriter trying to get over a breakup, who becomes the wrong recipient of a phone sex call from a woman (played by Kim Ah-joong) trying to seduce her boyfriend into proposing.{{cite web|last=Suk|first=Monica|title=Ji Sung, Kim A-joong's behind-scene photos of new romantic comedy revealed|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012061817045197639|work=10Asia|access-date=7 August 2013|date=18 June 2012|archive-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221124231/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012061817045197639|url-status=live}} Ji Sung said he found the script intriguing, despite the discomfort of appearing in bed scenes. And after he saw Love & Other Drugs, he wanted to be in a movie that portrayed a romantic relationship in a realistic manner.{{cite web|last=Park|first=Eun-jee|title=Love at first phone sex: Erotic rom-com hits cinemas|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2963546|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=7 August 2013|date=7 December 2012|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005075216/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2963546|url-status=live}}
In 2013, Ji Sung starred in melodrama Secret Love. He said he chose the drama because he found the script "fresh, honest, and sophisticated."{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Sun-min|title=Ji Sung holds off wedding plans for drama|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2977433|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=13 September 2013|date=12 September 2013|archive-date=4 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204183547/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2977433|url-status=live}} He played a chaebol "bad boy" whose girlfriend is killed, then falls for the woman who went to prison for the crime.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Eun-ah|title=Ji Sung, Hwang Jung-eum Cast in New Drama|url=http://www.tenasia.com/ji-sung-hwang-jung-eum-cast-in-new-drama/|work=10Asia|access-date=7 August 2013|date=6 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531125134/http://www.tenasia.com/ji-sung-hwang-jung-eum-cast-in-new-drama/|archive-date=31 May 2014}} Ji Sung next appeared in Confession, a 2014 neo-noir film that brutally explores the aftermath of three men's friendship after the death of one's mother.{{cite web|last1=Jin|first1=Eun-soo|title=Masculinity, brutality themes of Confession|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2990871|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=20 June 2014|date=20 June 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714234428/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2990871|url-status=live}}
=2015–present: Career resurgence=
In 2015, he reunited with Secret Love co-star Hwang Jung-eum in Kill Me, Heal Me, in which he played a chaebol millionaire with dissociative identity disorder formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder from DSMIV-TR who has seven different identities.{{cite web|last1=Sung|first1=So-young|title=Hwang and Ji together again|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2998166|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=11 December 2014|date=6 December 2014|archive-date=11 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211053358/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2998166|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Ji Sung Talks About Adopting Multiple Identities|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/03/21/2015032100536.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=24 March 2015|date=21 March 2015|archive-date=23 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323205441/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/03/21/2015032100536.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Hwang|first1=Hye-jin|title=Interview: Ji Sung was Shocked to Learn His Lip Tint from Kill Me Heal Me Sold Out|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/89491/jisung-interview|website=enewsWorld|access-date=9 April 2015|date=22 March 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074858/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/89491/jisung-interview|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Ko|first1=Hong-ju|title=Interview: Ji Sung Reflects on Acting Out Multiple Personalities in Kill Me Heal Me|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/89594/interview-ji-sung-reflects-on-acting-out-multiple-personalities-in-kill-me-heal-me|website=enewsWorld|access-date=9 April 2015|date=22 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518043449/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/89594/interview-ji-sung-reflects-on-acting-out-multiple-personalities-in-kill-me-heal-me|archive-date=18 May 2016|url-status=dead}} The series was a hit and developed a cult following, winning Ji Sung the "Daesang (Grand Prize)" at the MBC Drama Awards.{{cite web|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201512311539308120461_2|title=2015 MBC Drama Awards roundup|website=Kpop Herald|date=31 December 2015|access-date=29 July 2017|archive-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721132725/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201512311539308120461_2|url-status=live}}
However, Ji's next work Entertainer, where he played a cunning and self-centered manager of an entertainment company, failed to be successful.{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/04/201_203227.html|title=New SBS drama 'Entertainer' disappoints viewers|website=The Korea Times|date=22 April 2016|access-date=29 July 2017|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729140852/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/04/201_203227.html|url-status=live}} Ji bounced back in 2017 with legal thriller Innocent Defendant, which was a hit and topped viewership ratings.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170215000584|title='Defendant' viewership soars above 25 percent in Seoul area|website=The Korea Herald|date=15 February 2017|access-date=29 July 2017|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111201455/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170215000584|url-status=live}} Ji earned acclaim for playing the diverse emotions of the character, an amnesic prosecutor who finds himself on a death row.{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2017/03/688_226199.html|title='Defendant' closes with warning for crooked real world|website=The Korea Times|date=22 March 2017|access-date=29 July 2017|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729135134/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2017/03/688_226199.html|url-status=live}} He received the Grand Prize award at the SBS Drama Awards.
In 2018, Ji starred in the fantasy romance comedy drama Familiar Wife.{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/06/26/2018062601153.html|title=Ji Sung to Pair with Han Ji-min in Upcoming TV Series|date=26 June 2018|website=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=28 June 2018|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514094804/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/06/26/2018062601153.html|url-status=live}} The same year he starred in the period comedy film Feng Shui.{{cite web|url=http://koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4365&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=Ji+Sung|title=CHO Seung-woo and JI Sung Meet at GREAT SITE|date=5 July 2017|work=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608120907/http://koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?pageIndex=1&blbdComCd=601006&seq=4365&mode=VIEW&returnUrl=&searchKeyword=Ji+Sung|url-status=live}}
In 2019, Ji starred television series Doctor John.{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Da-kyeom|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/entertain/view/2019/01/35036/|date=17 January 2019|work=Maeil Broadcasting Network|script-title=ko:지성 측 "'닥터룸' 男 주인공 출연 제안 받아...검토 중"(공식)|language=ko|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417094802/https://www.mk.co.kr/news/entertain/view/2019/01/35036/|url-status=live}} It is his first medical drama in 11 years.{{cite web|last1=Park|first1=Jin-young|url=http://www.osen.co.kr/article/G1111123363|date=17 April 2019|work=OSEN|script-title=ko:지성, SBS '닥터룸' 출연 확정..11년만 의학 드라마 컴백 [공식]|language=ko|access-date=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417095921/http://www.osen.co.kr/article/G1111123363|url-status=live}}
In 2020, Ji appeared in tvN's travel show RUN alongside Kang Ki-young, Lee Tae-sun and Hwang Hee.{{Cite web|first=Jung-sun|last=Park|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=241&aid=0002986115|script-title=ko:지성→이태선 달리기 예능 'RUN', 1월 2일 첫 방송 확정|date=6 December 2019|website=Is Plus|publisher=Naver|language=ko|access-date=11 December 2019|archive-date=6 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206191654/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=241&aid=0002986115|url-status=live}}
In 2021, Ji Sung starred in the mystery legal drama The Devil Judge with his previous co-star Kim Min-jung who he worked together 13 years ago in the drama New Heart. In August 2021, Namoo Actors' contract expired and Ji Sung decided not to renew it.{{Cite news|url= https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=437&aid=0000273351|author= Kim Jin-seok|script-title=ko:[단독]지성, 11년 인연 나무엑터스와 계약 종료|trans-title= [Exclusive] Jisung ends 11-year relationship with Namoo Actors|work=JTBC|publisher=Naver|date= 10 August 2021|access-date= 10 August 2021|language= ko|archive-date= 10 August 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210810032859/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=437&aid=0000273351|url-status= live}}{{Cite news|url= https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000477561|author= Hwang Hye-jin|script-title=ko:나무엑터스 측 "지성과 계약만료, '악마판사'까지 업무 지원"(공식)|trans-title= Namoo Actors side "Jiseong and contract expiration, business support until 'Devil Judge'" (official)|work= Newsen|publisher=Naver|date= 10 August 2021|access-date= 10 August 2021|language= ko|archive-date= 10 August 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210810032856/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000477561|url-status= live}}
In January 2022, Ji-sung signed an exclusive contract with Surpass Entertainment.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=144&aid=0000789737|author=Kim Seon-hee|script-title=ko:지성, 써패스이엔티와 전속계약 [공식]|trans-title=Jisung, exclusive contract with Surf ENT [Official]|publisher=Sports Kyunghyang|via=Naver|date=27 January 2022|access-date=27 January 2022|language=ko|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127020724/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=144&aid=0000789737|url-status=live}} He starred in a mystery drama called Adamas, which aired from 27 July to 15 September 2022. Ji Sung played the roles of the twin brothers who pair up to uncover the mystery of a murder that occurred 22 years ago.
Personal life
=Marriage and family=
He met actress Lee Bo-young on the set of 2004 TV series Save Last Dance for Me, and they confirmed their relationship in 2007.{{cite web|last=Cho|first=Bum-ja|title=Ji-sung says still steady with actress Lee Bo-young|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011022417120878735|work=10Asia|access-date=7 August 2013|date=24 February 2011|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002072615/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011022417120878735|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hong|first=Lucia|title=Ji Sung, Lee Bo-young deny June wedding rumor|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012053111133095699|work=10Asia|access-date=7 August 2013|date=31 May 2012|archive-date=29 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329081948/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012053111133095699|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Sunwoo|first=Carla|title=Lee Bo-young, Ji Sung agencies dismiss rumors of wedding plans|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2953717|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=7 August 2013|date=1 June 2012|archive-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825221343/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aId=2953717|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Celebrity Couple Attend Psy's Concert|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/08/14/2012081400703.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=7 August 2013|date=14 August 2012|archive-date=16 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616204139/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/08/14/2012081400703.html|url-status=live}} On 2 August 2013, the couple announced their engagement by uploading handwritten letters on their respective official fan sites.{{cite web|last=An|first=So-hyoun|title=Lee Bo Young and Ji Sung to Get Married in September|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/42438|work=enewsWorld|access-date=7 August 2013|date=2 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906184719/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/42438|archive-date=6 September 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Sun-min|title=A hand-written engagement|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2975519|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=7 August 2013|date=3 August 2013|archive-date=3 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130803040959/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2975519|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hong|first=Grace Danbi|title=Lee Bo Young and Ji Sung Are Happy and in Love in Wedding Shoot|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/46144|work=enewsWorld|access-date=28 September 2013|date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925031407/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/46144|archive-date=25 September 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Hong|first=Grace Danbi|title=Lee Bo Young and Ji Sung Invites Wedding Guests to Their Star|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/46646|work=enewsWorld|access-date=28 September 2013|date=24 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927103639/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/46646|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Jeon|first=Su-mi|title=Lee Bo Young and Ji Sung to Tie the Knot Today (9/27)|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/46920|work=enewsWorld|access-date=28 September 2013|date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929021528/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/46920|archive-date=29 September 2013|url-status=dead}} They married at Aston House, W Seoul Walkerhill Hotel on 27 September 2013.{{cite web|title=Star couple Lee Bo-young and Ji Sung pose at their wedding at a hotel in Seoul on Friday.|url=http://english.chosun.com/svc/view.html?contid=2013092800386&catid=C|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=28 September 2013|date=28 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130928083916/http://english.chosun.com/svc/view.html?contid=2013092800386&catid=C|archive-date=28 September 2013}}{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Hye-ji|title=Actors Ji Sung, Lee Bo-young Tie the Knot (2)|url=http://www.tenasia.com/photo-actors-ji-sung-lee-bo-young-tie-the-knot-2/|work=10Asia|access-date=28 September 2013|date=27 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329093718/http://www.tenasia.com/photo-actors-ji-sung-lee-bo-young-tie-the-knot-2/|archive-date=29 March 2014}}{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Byung-kwan|title=Ji Sung and Lee Bo Young Tie the Knot|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/46956|work=enewsWorld|access-date=28 September 2013|date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929020616/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/46956|archive-date=29 September 2013|url-status=dead}} Their first child, a daughter named Kwak Ji-yoo, was born on 13 June 2015.{{cite web|last1=Jin|first1=Min-ji|title=Lee Bo-young has a baby girl|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3005355|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=15 June 2015|date=15 June 2015|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116085637/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3005355|url-status=live}} Their second child, a son named Kwak Woo-sung, was born on 5 February 2019.{{Cite web|url=http://mosen.mt.co.kr/article/G1111076719|script-title=ko:이보영 측 "오늘 둘째 득남..산모･아이 건강해"[공식입장]|date=5 February 2019|website=mosen.mt.co.kr|access-date=22 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522162003/http://mosen.mt.co.kr/article/G1111076719|url-status=live}}
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable"|Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | 2002
| Whistling Princess || Joon-ho || | |
| scope="row" | 2004
| Phantom Master: Dark Hero from the Ruined Empire || Ending narration|| Animation |{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000806646|script-title=ko:부천대학애니페스티벌 개막작에 '신암행어사'|date=31 October 2004|website=Yonhap News Agency|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051029/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000806646|url-status=live}} |
| scope="row" | 2005
| Blood Rain || Du-ho|| | |
| scope="row" | 2008
| Fate || Park Yeong-hwan | | |
| scope="row" | 2012
| My PS Partner || Lee Hyun-seung|| | |
| scope="row" | 2014
| Confession || Im Hyun-tae | | |
| scope="row" | 2015
| The Vampire Lives Next Door || Han Chang Ho||Short film |
| scope="row" | 2018
| Feng Shui || Heungseon Daewongun || | |
=Television series=
=Television show=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | 2020
| Run | Regular member |
=Hosting=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
| Year
! Title !Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | 2002
| Live Music Camp|| rowspan="3" | Host |
| scope="row" | 2004
| Music Bank ||{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=076&aid=0000007869|title=[SC 추천채널] 30일 KBS '생방송 뮤직뱅크'|date=29 July 2004|website=Sports Chosun|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051021/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=076&aid=0000007869|url-status=live}} |
| scope="row" | 2008
| STAR N the CITY: Ji Sung in Dubai|| {{cite web|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2008031311280166619|script-title=ko:지성 두바이 출국 "새로움의 시발점 삼겠다"|date=13 March 2008|website=Asiae|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051033/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2008031311280166619|url-status=live}} |
=Music video appearances=
Discography
= Soundtrack appearances =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
!Title !Year !Album ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope=row | "Confession" ({{Korean|hangul=고백|labels=no}})
| 2004 | Terms of Endearment OST | |
|---|
| scope=row | "Sexy Jingle Bells" ({{Korean|hangul=섹시 징글벨|labels=no}})
|rowspan=2| 2012 | rowspan=2| My PS Partner OST | {{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0002290024|title='PS파트너' 김아중·지성, '징글벨' 섹시 버전 공개|date=4 December 2012|website=MyDaily|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051033/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0002290024|url-status=live}} |
| scope=row | "Show Me Your Panty" |
| scope=row | "Wuthering Heights" ({{Korean|hangul=폭풍의 언덕|labels=no}})
| 2013 |
| scope=row |"Violet" ({{Korean|hangul=제비꽃|labels=no}})
| 2015 |
Accolades
=Awards and nominations=
= State honors =
Notes
{{NoteFoot}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{commons category-inline}}
{{Grimae Awards for Best Actor}}
{{KBS Drama Awards for Popularity Award, Actor}}
{{MBC Drama Awards for Best New Actor}}
{{MBC Drama Awards for Grand Prize (Daesang)}}
{{SBS Drama Awards for Best New Actor}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ji, Sung}}
Category:Male actors from Seoul
Category:People from Yeongdeungpo District
Category:South Korean male television actors