Ha Jung-woo
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1978-03-11
    • Born Place: Seoul, South Korea
  • Also Known As:

    Ha Jeong-Woo, Jung-woo Ha, 하정우, 김성훈, Kim Sung-hoon, 河正宇, ハ・ジョンウ, Ха Чон У, ها جونگ-وو

Ha Jung-woo

Ha Jung-woo (하정우), born Kim Sung-hoon on March 11, 1978, in Seoul, South Korea, is a distinguished actor, director, and artist. He hails from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry; his father, Kim Yong-gun, is a veteran actor, and his younger brother, Cha Hyun-woo, is also an actor. Ha graduated from Chung-Ang University with a degree in theater and began his acting career in 2002. He adopted the stage name Ha Jung-woo to distinguish himself in the industry. Ha's breakthrough role came in 2008 with the film The Chaser, where he portrayed a serial killer, earning critical acclaim and establishing him as a leading actor in Korean cinema. He has since showcased his versatility in various genres, starring in films such as Take Off (2009), The Yellow Sea (2010), Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (2012), The Terror Live (2013), Kundo: Age of the Rampant (2014), Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017), and its sequel, Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018). His performances have garnered him numerous awards and nominations, solidifying his status as one of South Korea's most respected actors. In addition to his acting career, Ha Jung-woo has ventured into filmmaking. He made his directorial debut with the comedy film Fasten Your Seatbelt in 2013, followed by Chronicle of a Blood Merchant in 2015. His directorial works have been well-received, showcasing his multifaceted talents. Beyond the screen, Ha is also an accomplished visual artist. He has held several solo exhibitions, including "Never Tell Anybody Outside the Family" at the Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul, featuring 35 new works created that year. He views painting as a constant in his life, akin to his acting career, providing him with a means to cope with uncertainties. In 2025, Ha Jung-woo continued to make significant contributions to the film industry. He starred in the neo-noir crime thriller Nocturnal, where he portrayed Bae Min-tae, a man seeking the truth behind his brother's death and his sister-in-law's disappearance. The film was released on January 22, 2025, and received positive reviews for its gripping narrative and Ha's compelling performance. Additionally, Ha directed and starred in the black comedy film Lobby, released on April 2, 2025. In this film, he played Yoon Chang-wook, a startup CEO navigating the world of political lobbying to secure a government project. The film featured an ensemble cast and was noted for its sharp satire and Ha's nuanced direction.

Person History