So Ji-sub

So Ji-sub was born on November 4, 1977, in Seoul, South Korea and moved to Incheon when he was in his third year of elementary school. Self-described as introverted and insecure in his childhood and teenage years, So trained to become a professional swimmer for eleven years and bagged the bronze medal at the Korean National Games.{{cite web|url=http://wstarnews.hankyung.com/apps/news?popup=0&nid=07&c1=07&c2=07&c3=00&nkey=201206181512311&mode=sub_view|script-title=ko:소지섭 졸업사진, 순수한 소년이! "내성적이었을 때 만났어야 했는데…"|date=June 18, 2012|language=ko|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130426110616/http://wstarnews.hankyung.com/apps/news?popup=0&nid=07&c1=07&c2=07&c3=00&nkey=201206181512311&mode=sub_view|archive-date=26 April 2013|website=Star News|url-status=dead}} His parents divorced at a young age. He has one older sister who lives in Australia.

He tried out modeling simply because he wanted to pose alongside hip-hop artist Kim Sung-jae, who was the celebrity face for a clothing brand at the time. "I was never really interested in becoming a celebrity," So said. "My life was all about swimming and hip-hop music. I did modeling because I wanted to see Kim and also because it was the best way to earn good easy money."{{cite web|url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201004231456121001|script-title=ko:소지섭, 故김성재와 과거 인연에 소야앤썬 뮤비출연 흔쾌히 OK|date=23 August 2010|website=Newsen|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051018/http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201004231456121001|url-status=live}}

So was chosen as a model for jeans brand 292513=STORM in 1995,{{cite web|title=Lingerie Brand Gambles on Heartthrob So Ji-sub|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/08/06/2011080600258.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=2012-11-21|date=6 August 2011|archive-date=2012-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103182114/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/08/06/2011080600258.html|url-status=live}} then made his acting debut in the sitcom Three Guys and Three Girls and the television drama Model.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0003741556|script-title=ko:[수요미남회-7회] "오 마이 소간지"..소지섭, 미안하다 아직도 사랑한다|date=21 March 2018|website={{ill|Osen (newspaper)|ko|OSEN|lt=OSEN}}|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126051005/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0003741556|url-status=live}} But whereas fellow 292513=STORM model Song Seung-heon quickly rose to stardom, So had difficulty raising his profile.{{cite web|title=So Ji-sub Is Optimistic -- but Only Just|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/09/17/2008091761016.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=2012-11-21|date=17 September 2008|archive-date=2013-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112120232/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/09/17/2008091761016.html|url-status=live}} He appeared in small roles on television throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, and started to gain popularity when he was cast as the male second lead in Glass Slippers in 2002.{{cite web|url=http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?sc=30000001&year=2003&no=351055|title=SBS '유리구두'로 베트남 한류스타된 소지섭 |date=26 October 2003|website=MK|language=ko}} He played his first lead role in the time travel historical drama Thousand Years of Love.{{cite web|url=http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/227836/1|title=Romantic Fantasy Transcending Time|date=18 March 2003|website=The Dong-A Ilbo|access-date=31 October 2018|archive-date=1 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101015732/http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/227836/1|url-status=live}}

So began to rise to fame with 2004 hit drama What Happened in Bali {{cite web|url=http://english.donga.com/List/3/all/26/409312/1|title=Korean writer's conservative comment|date=18 November 2014|website=The Dong-A Ilbo|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202155111/https://www.donga.com/en/List/article/all/20141018/409312/1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://legacy.www.hani.co.kr/section-009100004/2004/12/009100004200412302357916.html|script-title=ko:소지섭 "어머니의 사랑 깨닫게 됐다"|date=30 December 2004|website=Hankook Ilbo|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126005650/http://legacy.www.hani.co.kr/section-009100004/2004/12/009100004200412302357916.html|url-status=live}} At that time, So thought he would end up being a supporting actor. But later that year, he had his breakout role as a tragic hero in the critically acclaimed melodrama I'm Sorry, I Love You.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000812050|script-title=ko:소지섭 "지금 내 연기는 51점"|date=5 November 2004|website=The Dong-A Ilbo|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126005711/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0000812050|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=28246|script-title=ko:느리고 조용하게, 그러나 멋지게! <미안하다, 사랑한다>의 소지섭|date=20 January 2005|website=Cine21|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126005942/http://www.cine21.com/news/view/?mag_id=28246|url-status=live}} It established him as a top star in Korea,{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0000004757|script-title=ko:'차무혁' 소지섭, 아줌마 팬들에게 인기 폭발|date=28 December 2004|website=Star News|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126050943/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0000004757|url-status=live}} as well as all over Asia.{{cite web|url=https://www.hancinema.net/actor-so-ji-sub-receives-cheers-from-japanese-chinese-fans-6237.html|title=Actor So Ji-sub Receives Cheers from Japanese, Chinese Fans|date=2 June 2006|website=KBS World|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126005659/https://www.hancinema.net/actor-so-ji-sub-receives-cheers-from-japanese-chinese-fans-6237.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=What Next as Stars Emerge Blinking from the Military?|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/01/30/2007013061007.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=2013-06-22|date=30 January 2007|archive-date=2018-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030203/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/01/30/2007013061007.html|url-status=live}} In a 2009 interview, So said he still considers the two the best television dramas in his filmography.{{cite web|script-title=ko:소지섭 "美진출 제의왔지만 개인적 목표 아니다"|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2009081316044682782|trans-title=So Ji Sub On Marriage, Hollywood and Dating|language=ko|work=Star News|access-date=2012-11-21|date=13 August 2009|archive-date=2014-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221181940/http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2009081316044682782|url-status=live}}

So enlisted for mandatory military service in 2005 as a public relations officer with the Mapo District Office,{{cite web|title=So Ji-seop and Lee Jeong-jin Enter Boot Training Camp|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=391|work=KBS Global|access-date=2012-11-21|date=28 February 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112121400/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=391|archive-date=12 November 2013}} and was discharged on April 27, 2007.{{cite web | url = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/04/201_1680.html | title = Actor Donates 10 Mil.Won | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = The Korea Times | date = 24 April 2007 | archive-date = 2012-10-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004090035/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/04/201_1680.html | url-status = live }} He made his comeback in Jang Hoon's directorial debut Rough Cut, in which he played a gangster who dreams of becoming an actor.{{cite web | url = https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/04/141_29203.html | title = Buddies Play Enemies in New Action Flick | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = The Korea Times | date = 12 August 2008 | archive-date = 2012-03-12 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120312171626/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/04/141_29203.html | url-status = live }} Because of the film's low budget, So and costar Kang Ji-hwan decided to invest their fees back into the movie, and were credited as producers.{{cite web|title=Low Budget the New Answer for Chungmuro?|url=http://twitchfilm.com/2008/09/low-budget-the-new-answer-for-chungmuro.html|work=Twitch Film|access-date=2012-12-18|date=25 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112121118/http://twitchfilm.com/2008/09/low-budget-the-new-answer-for-chungmuro.html|archive-date=12 November 2013}} So's performance was well received by audiences and critics, and the film became a surprise box office hit.{{cite web | url = http://twitchfilm.com/interviews/2009/07/nyaff-09-interview-rough-cuts-so-ji-sub.php | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120721083957/http://twitchfilm.com/interviews/2009/07/nyaff-09-interview-rough-cuts-so-ji-sub.php | url-status = dead | archive-date = 21 July 2012 | title = NYAFF 09 Interview: ROUGH CUT's So Ji-Sub | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = Twitch Film | date = 2 July 2009 }}

File:So Ji-sub.jpg

In 2009, So attempted to break into the Japanese and Chinese markets. In I am GHOST, an action drama that aired in 24 five-minute episodes on Japan's mobile-exclusive broadcaster BeeTV, he played a mysterious killer on the run with a high school girl.{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2009/10/135_52918.html|title=So Ji-sub in Tokyo for 1st Japan Drama|date=5 October 2009|work=The Korea Times|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811103727/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2009/10/135_52918.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Premiere to Be Held for So Ji-seop's First Japanese TV Drama|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7155|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112121352/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7155|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 November 2013|work=KBS Global|access-date=2012-11-21|date=5 October 2009}} So spoke no lines in the mobile drama, and was "worried whether (their) emotions would be delivered just through (their) motions." The year before, he had appeared in a supporting role as a monster in the Japanese manga live-action adaptation GeGeGe No Kitaro 2: Kitaro and the Millenium Curse.{{cite web | url = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2009100718074303261 | title = So Ji-sub to appear in Japanese mobile drama | access-date = 2012-11-21 | website = Asiae | date = 7 October 2009 | archive-date = 2013-11-12 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131112121045/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2009100718074303261 | url-status = live }}{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=015&aid=0001961100|script-title=ko:'게게게 노 기타로 천년의 저주노래' 소지섭 요괴 변신|date=17 April 2008|website=The Korea Economic Daily|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126005519/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=015&aid=0001961100|url-status=live}}

So starred opposite Zhang Ziyi in the Chinese romantic comedy Sophie's Revenge, saying, "I wanted to do a bright and cheery role because I've played so many sad and gloomy ones."{{cite web|title=So Ji-sub Makes Chinese Film Debut with Zhang Ziyi|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/08/19/2009081900318.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=2012-11-21|date=18 September 2009|archive-date=2013-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112120230/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/08/19/2009081900318.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/09/135_50111.html | title = Korean Actor So Ji-sub to Court Zhang Ziyi Onscreen | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = The Korea Times | date = 14 August 2009 | archive-date = 2012-10-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004090141/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/09/135_50111.html | url-status = live }} He later signed with a Chinese talent agency, ATN Entertainment.{{cite web | url = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011121916135784760 | title = So Ji-sub signs with talent agency in China | access-date = 2012-11-21 | website = Asiae | date = 19 December 2011 | archive-date = 2014-10-16 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141016113259/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011121916135784760 | url-status = live }}{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2945917|title=So Ji-sub signs contract with Chinese agency|date=21 December 2011|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=2014-03-02|archive-date=2014-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304152732/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2945917|url-status=live}} So then returned to Korean television with Cain and Abel, about two doctor brothers with an intense sibling rivalry.{{cite web|title=Taking sibling rivalry to the small screen|url=http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090218000136|work=The Korea Herald|access-date=2012-11-21|date=18 February 2009|archive-date=2013-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112121122/http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090218000136|url-status=dead}} His performance received critical acclaim, and won him Best Actor at the 2009 Grimae Awards, an honorable award chosen by directors in every broadcasting station in Korea.

In 2010 So headlined the big-budget Korean War epic Road No. 1, but despite high expectations, the series tanked in the ratings, averaging 6% for its entire run.{{cite web | url = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010051316290321793 | title = So Ji-sub transforms in Road No. 1, says producer (1) | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = 10Asia | date = 13 May 2010 | archive-date = 2013-11-12 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131112121036/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010051316290321793 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010051316485653449 | title = So Ji-sub transforms in Road No. 1, says producer (2) | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = 10Asia | date = 13 May 2010 | archive-date = 2013-11-12 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131112121040/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010051316485653449 | url-status = live }}{{cite web|title=Road No. 1 So Ji-sub and Kim Ha-neul|url=http://content.mbc.co.kr/english/interview/1765868_56322.html|work=MBC Global Media|access-date=2012-11-11|date=10 June 2010|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181343/http://content.mbc.co.kr/english/interview/1765868_56322.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/06/201_67988.html | title = Road No. 1 to feature war, love, comradeship | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = The Korea Times | date = 21 June 2010 | archive-date = 2012-10-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004090117/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/06/201_67988.html | url-status = live }}{{cite web|title=So Ji Sub: 'I Might Not Be Able to Act Again in Drama Like This One'|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7429|work=KBS Global|access-date=2012-12-28|date=1 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112121357/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7429|archive-date=12 November 2013}}

So then played a boxer who falls in love with a blind girl in romantic melodrama Always (Korean title: Only You), directed by auteur Song Il-gon.{{cite web | url = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011010417220301231 | title = So Ji-sub to return to big screen in new romantic drama | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = 10Asia | date = 4 January 2011 | archive-date = 2013-11-12 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131112120940/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011010417220301231 | url-status = live }}{{cite web|title=So Ji-sub says was difficult to be romantic for new movie|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011092012484337788|work=10Asia|access-date=2013-06-22|date=20 September 2011|archive-date=2018-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616001936/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011092012484337788|url-status=live}} It was the opening film of the 2011 Busan International Film Festival.{{cite web | url = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011101722203057212 | title = Interview: Actor So Ji-sub | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = 10Asia | date = 17 October 2011 | archive-date = 2016-03-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001155/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011101722203057212 | url-status = live }}{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/10/06/2011100600833.html|title=Stars Align at 16th BIFF While Opening Movie Sells Out in 7 Seconds|date=6 October 2011|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=15 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115205646/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/10/06/2011100600833.html|url-status=live}}

After portraying a workaholic detective in the cyber criminal investigative service in TV procedural Phantom,{{cite web | url = http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2949836 | title = So Ji-sub to star in new SBS drama | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work=Korea JoongAng Daily | date = 14 March 2012 | archive-date = 2014-11-18 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141118102845/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2949836 | url-status = live }}{{cite web|title=So Ji Sub Was Attracted by Uniqueness of Ghost|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=6934|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216112001/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=6934|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2013|work=enewsWorld|access-date=2013-01-21|date=20 May 2012}}{{cite web|title=So Ji Sub on Ghost, "It Was My Most Challenging Work to Date"|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/article/11891|work=enewsWorld|access-date=2013-06-22|date=8 August 2012|archive-date=2013-06-24|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624211351/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/article/11891|url-status=dead}} So starred in the film A Company Man, about a hitman in a killer-for-hire company who, after he falls in love and decides he wants out of his job, finds himself the target of his former colleagues.{{cite web|title=A Company Man star 'understands' office grind|url=http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20121018000804|access-date=2012-11-21|work=The Korea Herald|date=18 October 2012|archive-date=2014-10-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016065359/http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20121018000804|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=So Ji-sub reveals difficulties of keeping acting profession|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012091215144488079|access-date=2012-11-21|work=10Asia|date=12 September 2012|archive-date=2013-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112121049/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012091215144488079|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Tough guy gets tougher in new film Company Man|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2012/10/10/etc/Tough-guy-gets-tougher-in-new-film-Company-Man/2960607.html|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=October 11, 2012|access-date=2012-11-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026064344/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2960607|archive-date=26 October 2012}}{{cite web|title=SO Ji-sub of A Company Man: I want to play a character with strong emotional expression|url=http://koreanfilm.or.kr/webzine/sub/interview.jsp?mode=A_VIEW&wbSeq=27|work=Korean Cinema Today|access-date=2013-06-22|date=23 October 2012|archive-date=2016-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022154018/http://koreanfilm.or.kr/webzine/sub/interview.jsp?mode=A_VIEW&wbSeq=27|url-status=live}}

Later that year he starred in Master's Sun, a horror-romantic comedy written by the Hong sisters. Known for his melodramatic roles, So made an acting transformation in Master's Sun, playing a character with charm.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2969871|title=So Ji-sub and Gong Hyo-jin to play lovers in 'Sun of the Master'|date=10 April 2013|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811103821/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2969871|url-status=live}} The drama was a commercial hit and renewed his domestic and international popularity.{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2014/06/398_158651.html|title=Actor So Ji-sub to tour Asia|date=6 June 2014|work=The Korea Times|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811105012/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2014/06/398_158651.html|url-status=live}} So then starred in another romantic comedy series Oh My Venus, about a celebrity trainer who helps a lawyer lose weight and find her inner beauty as they heal each other's emotional scars.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3006757|title=A-listers to star in new series|date=18 July 2015|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811104936/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3006757|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Oh My Venus says it's not about beauty|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20151111001194|website=The Korea Herald|access-date=2015-12-08|date=11 November 2015|archive-date=2017-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811105348/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20151111001194|url-status=live}}

In 2017, So starred in the film The Battleship Island, which depicts the unknown history behind the actual Hashima Island, where thousands of conscripted Joseon people were forced to work to death during the Japanese colonial era.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3013961|title=Main roles cast for 'Gunhamdo' film|date=16 January 2016|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013132910/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aId=3013961|url-status=live}} He plays Gyeongseong's best fighter who brought peace to the entire Jongno district.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3035998|title=So Ji-sub finds out how to be fierce : Actor plays street fighter unafraid to stir trouble in 'The Battleship Island'|date=18 July 2017|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=6 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606140844/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3035998|url-status=live}}

In 2018, So starred alongside Son Ye-jin in the romance film Be with You, based on the Japanese novel of the same name.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/news/news.jsp?blbdComCd=601006&seq=4453&mode=VIEW|title=SON Ye-jin and SO Ji-sub Come Together for Melodrama BE WITH YOU|date=7 September 2017|website=Korean Film Biz Zone|access-date=22 February 2018|archive-date=4 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504073911/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/eng/news/news.jsp?blbdComCd=601006&seq=4453&mode=VIEW|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/kwave/2018/03/08/3001000000AEN20180308010900315.html|title=Actor So Ji-sub wants to make people laugh and cry with 'Be With You'|date=8 March 2018|website=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=8 March 2018|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308232420/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/kwave/2018/03/08/3001000000AEN20180308010900315.html|url-status=live}} The same year, he returned to the small screen with spy comedy drama My Secret Terrius.{{cite web|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201809271618143924083_2|title=So Ji-sub returns with 'My Secret Terrius'|date=27 September 2018|website=Kpop Herald|access-date=27 September 2018|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927095153/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201809271618143924083_2|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2018/10/688_256220.html|title=So Ji-sub returns as babysitting undercover agent|date=30 September 2018|website=The Korea Times|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=5 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005003745/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2018/10/688_256220.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/09/29/2018092900435.html|title=So Ji-sub Remains Positive After Lack of Success in Previous TV Appearances|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=29 September 2018|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207173159/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/09/29/2018092900435.html|url-status=live}} So won his first major award, the "Daesang (Grand Prize)" at the MBC Drama Awards for his performance.

In 2022, he starred in the MBC medical-legal drama Doctor Lawyer in the title role as a genius double-board surgeon turned lawyer.{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/003/0011167660|author=Kim Joo-hee|script-title=ko:소지섭, 4년 만의 복귀작 '닥터로이어'…메인 포스터 공개|trans-title=So Ji-sub's comeback after 4 years, 'Doctor Lawyer'... Main poster released|publisher=Newsis|via=Naver|date=May 6, 2022|access-date=May 10, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=May 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510110424/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/003/0011167660|url-status=live}} He also appeared in Choi Dong-hoon's science fiction action film Alienoid.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=468&aid=0000858045|author=Hwang Hye-jeong|script-title=ko:'외계+인' 소지섭, 외계인에 쫓기는 형사로 변신|trans-title='Alien + Human' So Ji-sub transforms into a detective chased by aliens|via=Naver|publisher=Sports Seoul|date=June 21, 2022|access-date=June 21, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=June 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621154623/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=468&aid=0000858045|url-status=live}} So will next star in the Netflix action-thriller Mercy for None on June 6, 2025.{{Cite web |last=Bernardo |first=Jaehwa |date=May 12, 2025 |title=So Ji-sub stars in Netflix's action series 'Mercy for None' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/5/12/so-ji-sub-stars-in-netflix-s-action-series-mercy-for-none-1451 |access-date=May 13, 2025 |website=ABS-CBN News}}

In 2010, So published his photo-essay collection, So Ji-sub's Journey. The volume covers stories and photos over the past 13 years since his debut, using unpretentious language and sensitive photography taken during So's trips to the DMZ and Gangwon Province. The usually taciturn and stoic actor revealed his inner thoughts throughout the book, with essays on his favorite number 51 (reflected in the name of his company - it means a 50-50 probability then believing just 1% more; the K stands for Korea), Romeo and Juliet, why he likes rainy days, and stories about his interactions with other celebrities and artists such as Tiger JK. Within ten days of its release, the book hit the bestseller list, and entered its third printing.{{cite web|title=So Ji-sub Draws Huge Crowds of Fans in Japan|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/03/01/2011030100558.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=15 April 2014|date=1 March 2011|archive-date=4 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304185805/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/03/01/2011030100558.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002047279|script-title=ko:소지섭, 베스트셀러 작가 등극..에세이 큰 인기|date=10 September 2010|website=Star News|language=ko|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126005531/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002047279|url-status=live}}

A professed longtime hip-hop lover, So rapped for two original tracks – "Lonely Life" and "Foolish Love" – under the artist pseudonym "G" or "G-Sonic" for the soundtracks of Rough Cut and Cain and Abel respectively.{{cite web | url = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2011021013024046181 | title = So Ji-sub to make debut as hip-hop artist | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = 10Asia | date = 10 February 2011 | archive-date = 2012-03-19 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120319045838/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2011021013024046181 | url-status = live }} In 2011, he released another digital single Pick Up Line under his own name. Two teaser videos were released, the first one described as a comedic version that featured guest stars Jung Joon-ha (who is a close friend of So's) and Kim Byung-man (whom So named as one of his favorite comedians). The single, along with the music video itself, was released on February 17, 2011, but recorded low sales.{{cite web|title=So Ji Sub Confesses His Hip Hop Album Was a Failure|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=15176|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216112147/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=15176|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2013|work=enewsWorld|access-date=2013-01-21|date=17 September 2012}}

In 2011, he published a second book of photo-essays titled Only You with So Ji-sub featuring photographs, notes and commentary on playing his movie character.{{cite web|title=So Ji-sub to release 2nd photo essay today|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011102010213262662|work=10Asia|access-date=2012-11-21|date=20 October 2011|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211759/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011102010213262662|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url = http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7951 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130413134206/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/entertainment_news_view.html?No=7951 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 13 April 2013 | title = So Ji Seob Publishes Second Photo Essay | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = KBS Global | date = 21 October 2011 }}

On March 14, 2012, he launched a magazine for his fans titled SONICe; inside were So's suggested dating ideas and locations, favorite food and books, and more stories through his eyes. Its name is a combination of "so nice" and "Sonic," which is So's nickname.{{cite web | url = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012030809565604537 | title = So Ji-sub graces the cover of his magazine | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = 10Asia | date = 8 March 2012 | archive-date = 2016-03-03 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222241/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012030809565604537 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/03/07/2012030700577.html | title = So Ji-sub Releasing Magazine for Fans | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = The Chosun Ilbo | date = 7 March 2012 | archive-date = 2012-05-10 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120510190533/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/03/07/2012030700577.html | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2949512 | title = So Ji-sub launches magazine for fans, bringing Japanese trend home | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = Korea JoongAng Daily | date = 7 March 2012 | url-status = usurped | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120709135620/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2949512 | archive-date = 9 July 2012 }}

So's first mini-album (or EP), Corona Borealis was released in March 2012. It featured collaborations with songwriter Kim Kun-woo, vocal trainer Mellow, soprano Han Kyung-mi, and singers Huh Gak and Bobby Kim. Bobby Kim complimented So's rapping in their duet track That Day, a Year Ago, saying, "So has a talent in feeling the groove and it's as good as his acting skills."{{cite web | url = http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2949687 | title = So Ji-sub teams up with Bobby Kim to record a duet for new EP | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work=Korea JoongAng Daily | date = 10 March 2012 | archive-date = 2014-11-18 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141118102825/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2949687 | url-status = live }}{{cite web|title=So Ji Sub Drops New Album, Corona Borealis|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=4491|work=enewsWorld|access-date=2013-01-21|date=20 March 2012}} So also starred in a music video of the album's title song "Some Kind of Story".{{cite web | url = http://star.fnnews.com/global/en/news/index.html?no=75493 | title = So Ji-sup's new MV released | access-date = 2012-03-24 | work = StarN News | date = 24 March 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120714234509/http://star.fnnews.com/global/en/news/index.html?no=75493 | archive-date = 14 July 2012 }}

In January 2013, So released another rap EP titled 6 PM...Ground, and his recording process aired on Music Triangle as part of Mnet's Collabo One project.{{cite web|title=So Ji Sub to Rap for Mnet's Collabo One Project|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=25863|work=enewsWorld|access-date=2013-01-21|date=8 January 2013|archive-date=2013-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110102410/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=25863|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=So Ji-sub to dabble in rapping|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2965166|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=2013-01-21|date=9 January 2013|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216080221/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2965166|archive-date=16 February 2013}} The four songs of the album were combined to make a 12-minute music drama starring So, Park Shin-hye and Yoo Seung-ho; which was also re-edited into individual music videos for each track.{{cite web|title=So Ji Sub Becomes an Expert Rapper for His Upcoming Album|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=26417|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216123110/http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=26417|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2013|work=enewsWorld|access-date=2013-01-21|date=15 January 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://en.tenasia.com/archives/39574|title=So Ji-sub Casts Yoo Seung-ho, Park Shin-hye for His Music Video|date=8 January 2013|work=10Asia|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118064728/http://en.tenasia.com/archives/39574|url-status=dead}}

In June 2014, So released his third electro-hip-hop EP titled 18 Years, which represents how long he has been in the industry since he debuted as an actor. He wrote and composed the title track (featuring the vocals of singer Satbyeol), and the other two tracks were collaborations with hip-hop group Soul Dive.{{cite web|title=Actor So Ji-sub releases hip-hop EP|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140624000930|website=The Korea Herald|access-date=2014-06-26|date=24 June 2014|archive-date=2014-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625222704/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140624000930|url-status=live}} He released another single in July 2015 titled So Ganzi, his second collaboration with Soul Dive.{{cite web|title=So Ji-sub to release a hip-hop album|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3006828|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=2015-07-23|date=21 July 2015|archive-date=2015-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723032938/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3006828|url-status=live}}

So was named the goodwill ambassador of Gangwon Province in an effort to boost tourism there,{{cite web|title=So Ji-sub to Promote Tourism in Gangwon Province|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/09/03/2010090300433.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=2012-11-21|date=3 September 2010|archive-date=2017-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811142859/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/09/03/2010090300433.html|url-status=live}} and a 51 kilometer-long trail in the province was named "So Ji-sub Road", which was unveiled to the public on May 20, 2012. He was the first Korean actor to have an entire road named after him.{{cite web|title=A road named after So Ji-sub set for construction|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011060314200886380|work=10Asia|access-date=2013-06-22|date=3 June 2011|archive-date=2013-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112120945/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011060314200886380|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url = http://en.starnnews.com/news/index.html?no=90962 | title = So Jisup Route opens | access-date = 2012-11-21 | work = StarN News | date = 22 May 2012 | archive-date = 2013-09-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130915042404/http://en.starnnews.com/news/index.html?no=90962 | url-status = usurped }}

He was also named promotional ambassadors for cyber crime prevention by the National Police Agency, helping to raise awareness and prevent cyber crimes such as hacking and Internet fraud by taking part in various promotional activities.{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/08/10/2012081001360.html|title=Lee Yeon-hee, So Ji-sub Promote Fight Against Cyber Crime|date=10 August 2012|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809124233/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/08/10/2012081001360.html|url-status=live}}

So is the owner of the Apgujeong-dong branch of CJ Foodville's A Twosome Place.{{cite web|title=Stars Show Business Savvy with Successful Food, Coffee Franchises|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/01/03/2012010300585.html|access-date=2012-11-21|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=3 January 2012|archive-date=2013-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709014531/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/01/03/2012010300585.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2956236|title=So Ji-sub flavors to hit town|date=17 July 2012|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811104457/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2956236|url-status=live}}

He has also helped imported foreign films, having invested in art-house films such as the U.S.-British-French co-production Philomena (2014), the Chinese film Coming Home (2014), the Japanese crime thriller The World of Kanako (2014), and the American horror film A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2015).{{cite web|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20160818005600315|title=(News Focus) 4 movie stars whose talents go beyond acting|date=18 August 2016|work=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712094059/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20160818005600315|url-status=live}}

In 2019, So confirmed that he was in a relationship with former announcer and reporter Jo Eun-jung.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190517000565|title=Actor So Ji-sub dating former TV presenter|publisher=The Korea Herald|access-date=2020-04-07|date=2019-05-17|archive-date=2020-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406220408/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190517000565|url-status=live}} On April 7, 2020, the actor's label 51K confirmed that he had registered his marriage with Jo.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200407000269|title=Actor So Ji-sub, TV presenter Cho Eun-jung tie the knot|date=7 April 2020 |publisher=The Korea Herald|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-date=2020-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407041038/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200407000269|url-status=live}}

{{Notelist-ua}}

{{Reflist|2}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://51k.com/11/1 Official website] {{in lang|ko}}
• {{HanCinema person}}
• {{KMDb person|00017616|So Ji-sup}}
• {{IMDb name|1234414|So Ji-seob}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for So Ji-sub

|list =

{{Baeksang Arts Award Best Actor Television}}

{{Baeksang Arts Award Best New Actor Film}}

{{Baeksang Arts Award for Most Popular Actor}}

{{Blue Dragon Film Award Best New Actor}}

{{Buil Film Awards for Best New Actor}}

{{Busan Film Critics Awards for Best New Actor}}

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

{{Korean Association of Film Critics Awards for Best Actor}}

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

{{Grimae Awards for Best Actor}}

{{SBS Drama Awards for Best New Actor}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:So, Ji-sub}}

Category:1977 births

Category:21st-century South Korean male actors

Category:Best New Actor Paeksang Arts Award (film) winners

Category:Jinju So clan

Category:Living people

Category:Male actors from Seoul

Category:Models from Seoul

Category:South Korean male film actors

Category:South Korean male television actors

Category:South Korean male models

Category:South Korean male web series actors