A lot of people probably know Gong Yoo from Train to Busan or the highly successful television series Coffee Prince or Goblin. I don’t blame them he is seriously hot in those projects.
As for me, I have known him years before he became so popular mainstream. I have watched him even before he played the main or lead roles in various works. And I can say that he’s gone along way.
Regardless of how or when you started to stan Gong Yoo, we are obviously in the same boat. We both love and adore the man who can bring to life numerous mythical and non-mythical rules and entertain us to no ends. Here are some of the things you didn’t know about Gong Yoo.
EARLY LIFE
Gong Yoo was born as Gong Ji-cheol on July 10, 1979 in Busan, South Korea. He got his stage name from the surnames of his father and mother. He is cousins with famous actor Kang Dong-won. Yoo graduated from the Kyung Hee University and took up a degree in theater.
CAREER BEGINNINGS
Gong Yoo originally started his show business career as a video jockey on Mnet. In 2001, he debuted as an actor in the television series School 4 which was aired in KBS2. The following year he landed small roles in the television series Whenever the Heart Beats and Hard Love both are shown in KBS2 as well.
He made his big screen debut in the movie My Tutor Friend in 2003. This was followed by three films in 2004 which are Spy Girl, Superstar Mr Gam, and S diary.
BREAKTHROUGH
In 2005, he landed his first lead role in the television series Hello My Teacher and acted opposite his real life friend Gong Hyo Jin. The year after, he again graced the screen in the television melodrama series One Fine Day.
But what was considered his breakthrough is in the series Coffee Prince which was aired in 2007. He played the role of the intelligent and highly independent young man who is in charge of inheriting their family’s businesses, which includes a coffee business. He acted beside Yoon Eun Hye from the Princess Hours fame. His portrayal of the role and the high ratings from that universe both local and international audiences made him an international idol.
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED WORKS
Although Yoo’s popularity suffered a fall after his military enlistment, his portfolio of various works had a lot of critically acclaimed projects. First was his film in 2016 called A Man and a Woman opposite the highly acclaimed actress Jeon Do Yeon. He also appeared in the highly successful zombie thriller action film called Train to Busan which surpassed 10 million admissions in South Korea alone. The film, due to its popularity had a sequel which was recently released.
Of course Guardian: the Lonely and Great God or GOBLIN would not be as highly successful without the participation of Goon Yoo as one of the main male lead. His performance in this highly successful television series won him the best actor award at the prestigious Baeksang Awards. He acted alongside Lee Dong Wook, Kim Go Eun and Yoo In Na.
AWARDS
Gong Yoo is more than just a multi awarded actor in both films and various television series. Throughout his career in the entertainment industry, he also garnered numerous awards from being a model and endorser. He won the Best Model Award at the 2017 Korea Advertisers Association Awards and the Advertising Model Award at the 2020 Brand Customer Loyalty Award.
Gong Yoo fans like me are excited for the newest sci-fi film SEOBOK where he stars opposite the equally gorgeous and talented Park Bo Gum. The film is now showing in selected theaters worldwide! For Philippine fans, you may watch the film via streaming through Vivamax.net, KTX.PH, IWant TFC or SKY pay-per-view.
