Ji Sung

Quick Facts: Who was Ji Sung?

Subject:

Ji Sung

Known for:

Highly acclaimed South Korean actor known for diverse roles in dramas and films.

Born:

1977-02-27

Century / Era:

1977s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kwak Tae-geun (Korean: 곽태근, born 27 February 1977), known professionally as Ji Sung (Korean: 지성), is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in the television dramas All In (2003), Save the Last Dance for Me (2004), New Heart (2007), Protect the Boss (2011), Secret Love (2013), Kill Me, Heal Me (2015), Innocent Defendant (2017), Familiar Wife (2018), Doctor John (2019), The Devil Judge (2021), Connection (2024), The Judge Returns (2026) and the film My PS Partner (2012). Kwak Tae-geun's parents were both educators, and they expected him to also enter the teaching profession. But in his sophomore year in high school, his father bought him a VCR and the first movie he rented was Rain Man. Dustin Hoffman's acting left such an impression on him that he decided to become an actor, despite his father's objections.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He later studied Theater and Film at Hanyang University. Ji Sung first auditioned for the 1999 campus drama KAIST, where he met screenwriter Song Ji-na. Song took an interest in the young upstart and wrote a new character for him, leading to his acting debut. Upon the suggestion of his then-manager, he began using the stage name Chae Ji-sung, then decided to drop the surname "Chae," and became known simply as "Ji Sung" After several minor roles, he began playing bigger parts, notably in the television dramas Wonderful Days (2001) and Sunshine Hunting 2002), as well as the North-South romantic comedy film Whistling Princess (2002). Ji was then cast in the 2003 gambling drama All In.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Producers were having difficulty casting the second male lead because most actors were afraid to be compared to lead actor Lee Byung-hun. Ji Sung approached director Yoo Chul-yong, saying he wanted the role. All In was a big hit, and Ji Sung's popularity rose and became known as a Hallyu star. Wanting to challenge himself, he next appeared in his first period drama The King's Woman, playing Gwanghaegun of Joseon. In Save the Last Dance for Me (2004), he played a rich amnesiac businessman who falls in love with a girl running a bed and breakfast who nurses him back to health (played by Eugene).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1977 (1977-02-27): Birth of Ji Sung — Highly acclaimed South Korean actor known for diverse roles in dramas and films.
2. 1999: 1999 Milestone — Ji Sung first auditioned for the 1999 campus drama KAIST, where he met screenwriter Song Ji-na.
3. 2001: 2001 Milestone — Upon the suggestion of his then-manager, he began using the stage name Chae Ji-sung, then decided to drop the surname "Chae," and became known simply as "Ji Sung" After several minor roles, he began playing bigger parts, notably in the television dramas Wonderful Days (2001) and Sunshine Hunting 2002), as well as the North-South romantic comedy film Whistling Princess (2002).
4. 2003: 2003 Milestone — He is best known for his roles in the television dramas All In (2003), Save the Last Dance for Me (2004), New Heart (2007), Protect the Boss (2011), Secret Love (2013), Kill Me, Heal Me (2015), Innocent Defendant (2017), Familiar Wife (2018), Doctor John (2019), The Devil Judge (2021), Connection (2024), The Judge Returns (2026) and the film My PS Partner (2012).
5. 2004: 2004 Milestone — In Save the Last Dance for Me (2004), he played a rich amnesiac businessman who falls in love with a girl running a bed and breakfast who nurses him back to health (played by Eugene).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ji Sung

True or False: “Ji Sung's initial career inspiration came from watching Dustin Hoffman in a movie rented by his father.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text explicitly states that seeing Dustin Hoffman's acting in the film Rain Man inspired him to pursue acting despite his parents' wishes.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Contemporary (Died in 1977) (1977): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• A Certain Ratio — Contemporary (Born in 1977) (1977): English post-punk band known for blending funk, disco, and Latin percussion.
• Abdel Halim Hafez — Contemporary (Died in 1977) (1977): Iconic Egyptian singer and actor, known as 'The Brown-Skinned Nightingale'.
• Alan Guth — Shared historical date (02-27 · Born) (1947): Pioneering cosmologist known for developing the theory of cosmic inflation.
• Alice Hamilton — Shared historical date (02-27 · Born) (1869): Pioneering toxicologist and advocate for occupational health and safety.
• Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani — Historical peer (Died in 1977) (1977): Emir of Qatar (1960–1972) whose reign oversaw the nation's oil boom and independence.
• Aki Hoshino — Historical peer (Born in 1977) (1977): Japanese bikini idol known for modeling, acting roles, and fashion collaborations.
• Alberto Sordi — Historical peer (Died in 2003) (2003): Pillar of Italian Cinema, master of Commedia all'italiana comedy.
• Alija Izetbegović — Historical peer (Died in 2003) (2003): Bosnian politician, Islamic philosopher, and author who led Bosnia through its tumultuous independence.
• A. A. K. Niazi — Historical peer (Died in 2004) (2004): Pakistani general who commanded Eastern Command during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• 1977 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1977
• February 27 (02-27) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 27

Frequently Asked Questions about Ji Sung