Han Hyo-joo

Quick Facts: Who was Han Hyo-joo?

Subject:

Han Hyo-joo

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean actress known for roles in 'Dong Yi' and 'Moving'.

Born:

1987-02-22

Century / Era:

1987s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Han Hyo-joo (Korean: 한효주; born Han Ji-yeong, February 22, 1987) is a South Korean actress. She gained wide recognition with the back-to-back successes of Brilliant Legacy (2009) and Dong Yi (2010), both of which were massive hits with high viewership ratings, solidifying her status as a household name. She is also known for the romantic fantasy drama W (2016) set in a parallel universe, and the apocalyptic zombie thriller Happiness (2021). In 2023, she starred in the high-profile Moving (2023), a supernatural action sci-fi series exploring super powered characters who lead ordinary lives. It became the most watched Korean original series on Disney+ globally and Hulu in the United States, and a second season is currently in production.

Career & Major Achievements

The pan-Asian and global popularity of her works have established Han as a top Hallyu star. She has been featured multiple times in Forbes magazine's Korea Power Celebrity 40 list since 2011, and has been the commercial face of many major Korean brands such as Samsung, LG and Lotte. In recent years, she has served as brand ambassador to luxury fashion houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Ferragamo, Brunello Cucinelli and Tiffany & Co. In addition to her prolificacy on the small screen, Han is considered a respected leading actress in the Korean film industry. She has gained acclaim for her work in a wide range of genres; from melodramas, romantic comedies, large-scale action movies to crime thrillers. Her notable starring roles in box-office hits and critical successes include My Boss, My Teacher (2006), Always (2011), Masquerade (2012), Love 911 (2012), Cold Eyes (2013), and The Beauty Inside (2015).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 2021, Han was selected by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) as one of the 200 Korean actors that best represent the present and future of Korea's movie scene, with the aim of introducing them to professionals that work in the global film industry. The recipient of numerous accolades, Han has won Best Actress honors at all three of Korea's most prestigious award ceremonies – the Baeksang Arts Award for her performance as the titular character in Dong Yi, the Blue Dragon Film Award for her performance in Cold Eyes, and the Grand Bell Award (Korean equivalent of the Academy Awards) for her most recent role in Moving. Han Hyo-joo was born in Yullryang-dong, Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. Her mother was an elementary school teacher before becoming an inspector for public schools, and her father was an air force lieutenant colonel who served at a reserve. At the time of her birth, Han was given the name Han Ji-yeong (Korean: 한지영) but when she entered the third grade, she changed it to her current name.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1987 (1987-02-22): Birth of Han Hyo-joo — Acclaimed South Korean actress known for roles in 'Dong Yi' and 'Moving'.
2. 2006: 2006 Milestone — Her notable starring roles in box-office hits and critical successes include My Boss, My Teacher (2006), Always (2011), Masquerade (2012), Love 911 (2012), Cold Eyes (2013), and The Beauty Inside (2015).
3. 2009: 2009 Milestone — She gained wide recognition with the back-to-back successes of Brilliant Legacy (2009) and Dong Yi (2010), both of which were massive hits with high viewership ratings, solidifying her status as a household name.
4. 2011: 2011 Milestone — She has been featured multiple times in Forbes magazine's Korea Power Celebrity 40 list since 2011, and has been the commercial face of many major Korean brands such as Samsung, LG and Lotte.
5. 2016: 2016 Milestone — She is also known for the romantic fantasy drama W (2016) set in a parallel universe, and the apocalyptic zombie thriller Happiness (2021).
6. 2021: 2021 Milestone — In 2021, Han was selected by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) as one of the 200 Korean actors that best represent the present and future of Korea's movie scene, with the aim of introducing them to professionals that work in the global film industry.
7. 2023: 2023 Milestone — In 2023, she starred in the high-profile Moving (2023), a supernatural action sci-fi series exploring super powered characters who lead ordinary lives.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Han Hyo-joo

True or False: “Han Hyo-joo won Best Actress at all three of Korea's most prestigious award ceremonies.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): She achieved this recognition for her roles in Dong Yi (Baeksang Arts Award), Cold Eyes (Blue Dragon Film Award), and Moving (Grand Bell Award).

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• 1987 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1987
• February 22 (02-22) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 22

Frequently Asked Questions about Han Hyo-joo