Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1983-11-09
- Born Place: Seoul, South Korea
Also Known As:
엄태구, Um Tae-gu, Eom Tae-goo, Eom Tae-gu, Eom Tae-ku, Uhm Tae-goo, 嚴泰久
Um Tae-goo
Um Tae-goo (born November 9, 1983) is a distinguished South Korean actor who has garnered significant acclaim for his intense and nuanced performances across film, television, and indie cinema. A graduate of the Film Department of Konkuk University, he made his professional acting debut in the 2007 horror film "Epitaph."Throughout his career, Um Tae-goo has built a reputation for portraying complex characters, often gravitating towards roles with a brooding presence, unique intensity, and a distinctive husky voice that has become a hallmark of his acting. He initially made his mark in supporting roles in critically acclaimed films such as Kim Jee-woon's "I Saw the Devil" (2010), "Coin Locker Girl" (2015), where he received award nominations for Best Supporting Actor, and "The Age of Shadows" (2016), where his performance stood out even alongside seasoned actors like Song Kang-ho.His ability to embody diverse characters, from formidable villains and gritty mobsters to more recently, charming romantic leads, showcases his versatility. He gained widespread recognition for his leading role in Park Hoon-jung's noir film "Night in Paradise" (2020), which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, and has also impressed audiences with his work in "My Punch-Drunk Boxer" (2019), for which he won Best Actor at the Wildflower Film Awards Korea.More recently, Um Tae-goo surprised and delighted audiences with his departure into romantic comedy as the lead in the 2024 drama "My Sweet Mobster," where he showcased a softer, more endearing side, which has significantly expanded his global fanbase. He often prepares meticulously for his roles, including physical transformations when necessary. Um Tae-goo has also frequently collaborated with his older brother, film director Um Tae-hwa, appearing in several of his films including "Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned" (2016) and "Concrete Utopia" (2023). His upcoming projects include "The Witch: Part 2. The Other One" (2022) as a special appearance and the TV series "Light Shop" (2024), solidifying his continuous presence as a powerful and engaging force in Korean entertainment.
