Cover Gong Yoo, the Hallyu hero who’s the epitome of charm and star power (Photo: Instagram/@gongyoo_official)
Gong Yoo, the Hallyu hero who’s the epitome of charm and star power (Photo: Instagram/@gongyoo_official)
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Recognise his face but can’t quite put your finger on where you might’ve seen Gong Yoo before? We’ve got you covered
Gong Ji-cheol, otherwise better known by his stage name Gong Yoo, is an OG Hallyu star and arguably one of the world’s most renowned South Korean entertainers.
A household name in South Korea, the 45-year-old actor is known for his killer smile, dashing good looks, charming demeanour, and innate prowess to play a smorgasbord of characters. Even when he’s not playing the main character, he effortlessly steals the show, just as he did in the Squid Game (which is where some of you might recognise him from).
Read more: 12 best Korean drama cameos that almost stole the show
There’s no denying that Gong Yoo leaves a lasting impression with every role that he plays and to that effect, an indelible mark in the South Korean entertainment industry. This year, the highly sought-after star is set to return as the enigmatic ‘Salesman’ in Squid Game: Season 2 on December 26.
Above The teaser for ‘Squid Game: Season 2’ featuring Gong Yoo
But before we watch him go off on his way to recruit new desperate players to participate in the deadly Squid Game, here are some projects where you might’ve seen him before.
‘Coffee Prince’ (2007)
Above The promotional poster for ‘Coffee Prince’ (Photo: MBC)
The promotional poster for ‘Coffee Prince’ (Photo: MBC)
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After graduating from Kyung Hee University with a BA in Theatre in 2004, Gong Yoo dabbled in acting, landing several supporting roles in K-dramas and movies. It wasn’t until 2007 when he was cast in MBC’s romantic comedy Coffee Prince which became his breakout role and springboard to K-drama fame.
See also: Coffee Prince, Boys Over Flowers and more: The best K-dramas of all time
Coffee Prince bagged multiple awards and was remade in Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and China. The popularity of the K-drama solidified his status as a leading man and made him a Hallyu star.
‘Big’ (2012)
Above The trailer for ‘Big’
Shortly after Coffee Prince, Gong Yoo disappeared from the radar to serve his mandatory military service. Even during his enlistment, he continued to stretch his talent by hosting as a DJ for the army radio station.
Don’t miss: From Song Joong-ki to Gong Yoo: 10 famous Korean stars who served in the military
Upon his return to the South Korean entertainment industry, he landed a leading role in Big, starring alongside Bae Suzy. His stellar performance earned him several nominations including Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries at the 2012 KBS Drama Awards and Outstanding Korean Actor at the 8th Seoul International Drama Awards.
‘Train to Busan’ (2016)
Above Gong Yoo and Ma Dong-seok in ‘Train to Busan’ (Photo: IMDb)
Above Kim Su-an and Gong Yoo in ‘Train to Busan’ (Photo: IMDb)
Gong Yoo and Ma Dong-seok in ‘Train to Busan’ (Photo: IMDb)
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The blockbuster hit zombie flick Train to Busan is a testament to Gong Yoo’s versatility as an actor. In it, he plays a divorcee who struggles to maintain a close relationship with his daughter due to his demanding career. In the film, his character Seok-woo learns what it means to sacrifice for love–a huge shift from his usual heartthrob roles.
Read more: 10 Korean dramas and movies with father figures we love
Train to Busan became the highest-grossing film in South Korea and the highest-grossing Korean film in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore that year. To that effect, Gong Yoo’s career saw a resurgence and his international popularity soared to greater heights, with Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright calling it the “best zombie movie I’ve seen in forever”.
‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ (2016)
Above Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-wook in an iconic scene from ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’
In Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, or Goblin, Gong Yoo put his heartthrob hat back on and flexed his charm as the titular character, Kim Shin aka the Goblin, swept fans off their feet. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God highlighted his impeccable acting chops and undeniable “bromance” between him and his dashing co-star Lee Dong-wook, adding to the irresistible appeal of the K-drama.
See also: 7 best bromances from the top-rated K-dramas
The fantasy romance sparked various fashion trends, with fans scrambling to emulate Kim Shin’s style, cementing Gong Yoo’s status as a style icon and inspiration. The series was also popular among the international audience and is still highly talked about to this day.
Not forgetting, Gong Yoo is well-loved by major luxury brands. In 2021, he was named the new Chanel Korea ambassador for their fine jewellery and watches, making his debut in an exclusive photo shoot sporting the brand’s iconic J12 timepiece.
Don’t miss: Gong Yoo is the new face of Tom Ford Beauty
The following year, Tom Ford selected the acclaimed actor as their new Asia-Pacific Attaché. Gong Yoo fronted the Tom Ford Beauty campaigns, from fragrance to makeup. He made his Tom Ford Beauty debut in a campaign for the White Suede fragrance in August 2022.
Above Gong Yoo at the Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring/Summer 2025 show in Paris Fashion Week
In June 2024, shortly after Gong Yoo was spotted at the front row of the Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring/Summer 2025 show in Paris Fashion Week, the maison announced that he has been named House Ambassador for the brand, joining a roster of Korean sensations including Stray Kids’ Felix, Le Sserafim, BTS’ J-Hope, Got7’s Jackson Wang and BamBam, and Hyein from NewJeans.
“With a celebrated career that has captivated audiences worldwide, Gong Yoo exemplifies the spirit of Louis Vuitton with his commitment to excellence and innovation in his craft,” the brand said in a statement.
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
