I FIRST discovered the legendary Song Joong-Ki in the gender bender comedy drama series Sungkyunkwan Scandal more than ten years ago. I was smitten, particularly the way his eyes turn into moons when he smiles.
From that moment, I have watched most of his work – from television series, variety shows and films. His acting can be comparable to wine – it gets better as he grows older.
Now that he is again making international waves with his newest drama Vincenzo, let us look back at his life and career. Here are some of the things you didn’t know about Song Joong-Ki.
EARLY LIFE
Joong Ki was born on September 19, 1985 in Dong District, Daejeon, South Korea. He is the middle child among three siblings. Although he was raised in the outskirts, he had known outside world through representing his home city at a short track speed skating in the national level. An injury forced him to give up on this sport and focus on his studies instead.
He graduated at the prestigious Sungkyunkwan University and took up Business Administration in 2012. Joong Ki balanced his studies and work by studying part time while working full time in the entertainment industry.
CAREER BREAK THROUGH
Joong Ki first made his debut in the film A Frozen Flower in 2008. He continued to appear in various shows such as Love Racing, My Precious You, My Fair Lady and Will it Snow For Christmas. He then became a regular host at the Music Bank in 2009 to 2010. He also appeared in the medical drama OB & GY in 2010.
What was considered as his breakthrough is the historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal where he played a fun and rich playboy. This television drama, which was released in 2010 made him a household name. IN 2012, he played the titular role in the film A Werewolf Boy besides Park Bo Young. He was nominated by numerous award giving bodies for his portrayal of the genetically modified being.
NOTABLE WORKS
Joong Ki’s first leading role in a television drama is in The Innocent Man. Although his role is the anti-thesis of the typical hero in a drama, his portrayal of the role received multiple awards such as Top Excellence Award in the 2012 KBS Drama Awards and 20th Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards.
After his discharge in the military in 2015, he made his comeback in the small screen with the super popular drama Descendants of the Sun. This military drama re-established his popularity as an excellent actor in Korea as well as abroad. Because of this, he was appointed as the Korean Tourism Honorary Ambassador by the Korea Tourism Organization. His role was to promote Korean tourism worldwide.
CURRENT WORKS
Joong Ki has always maintained a good and trust worthy image in public. Due to his impressive educational background from a prestigious university, government appointed ambassadorships and great image, he has been the endorser of numerous brands and companies ever since. Throughout his career, he endorsed various products ranging from healthcare, retail, cosmetic, food, clothing, tourism, telecom, and electronics.
He is currently playing the role of Vincenzo Cassano in the series Vincenzo. Vincenzo who was previously Park Joo Hyung, left South Korea for Italy to be adopted by the Cassano family. He works beside Jeon Yeo-been, Ok Taec-yeon, Kim Yeo-jin and Kwak Dong-yeon.
Have you watched most of his films? Are you currently watching Vincenzo? What can you say about the series? Let me know in the comments below, but no spoilers please! I am still waiting for everything to be uploaded before I binge watch! Ha! Enjoy!
