Ju Ji-hoon

Quick Facts: Who was Ju Ji-hoon?

Subject:

Ju Ji-hoon

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean actor and model known for roles in Princess Hours, Kingdom, and Asura.

Born:

1982-05-16

Century / Era:

1982s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ju Ji-hoon (Korean: 주지훈; born May 16, 1982) is a South Korean actor and model. He first gained international recognition with his leading role in the television series Princess Hours (2006) and has achieved further prominence with the series Five Fingers (2013), Mask (2015), Kingdom (2019–2020), Hyena (2020), and The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025), for which he won Best Actor at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards. Ju has also garnered acclaim for his performances in the films Asura: The City of Madness (2016), Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017) and its 2018 sequel, The Spy Gone North (2018), and Dark Figure of Crime (2018). Ju Ji-hoon was born on May 16, 1982, on Gangdong District, Seoul, South Korea. He graduated with a degree in Acting from Kyonggi University.

Career & Major Achievements

In 2003, Ju debuted as a model, in advertisements for clothing brands such as Calvin Klein, Levi's and Reebok. He had various bit parts in television dramas, but it was in 2006's romantic comedy Princess Hours, based on the manhwa Goong, that he achieved breakthrough. The drama was a hit domestically with a peak rating of 28.3%, and internationally across Asia, catapulting Ju into Korean Wave stardom. He won the Best New Actor award at the MBC Drama Awards along with his co-star Yoon Eun-hye. In March 2007, Ju starred in KBS2's revenge drama Lucifer, opposite Uhm Tae-woong and Shin Min-a.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The same month, he received the New Asian Star award at the 1st Astar TV Drama Awards for his performance in Princess Hours and Lucifer. Ju's film debut was in Antique (2008), based on the manga Antique Bakery. The film was invited to the 59th Berlin International Film Festival. He then reunited with Lucifer co-star Shin Min-a in the romantic comedy The Naked Kitchen. In January 2011, ahead of Ju's military discharge in November, he signed with entertainment agency KeyEast, owned by actor Bae Yong-joon.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1982 (1982-05-16): Birth of Ju Ji-hoon — Acclaimed South Korean actor and model known for roles in Princess Hours, Kingdom, and Asura.
2. 2003: 2003 Milestone — In 2003, Ju debuted as a model, in advertisements for clothing brands such as Calvin Klein, Levi's and Reebok.
3. 2006: 2006 Milestone — He first gained international recognition with his leading role in the television series Princess Hours (2006) and has achieved further prominence with the series Five Fingers (2013), Mask (2015), Kingdom (2019–2020), Hyena (2020), and The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025), for which he won Best Actor at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.
4. 2007: 2007 Milestone — In March 2007, Ju starred in KBS2's revenge drama Lucifer, opposite Uhm Tae-woong and Shin Min-a.
5. 2008: 2008 Milestone — Ju's film debut was in Antique (2008), based on the manga Antique Bakery.
6. 2011: 2011 Milestone — In January 2011, ahead of Ju's military discharge in November, he signed with entertainment agency KeyEast, owned by actor Bae Yong-joon.
7. 2016: 2016 Milestone — Ju has also garnered acclaim for his performances in the films Asura: The City of Madness (2016), Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017) and its 2018 sequel, The Spy Gone North (2018), and Dark Figure of Crime (2018).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ju Ji-hoon

True or False: “Ju Ji-hoon's breakthrough role in the drama Princess Hours occurred before he was required to complete his mandatory military service.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): He achieved major recognition with Princess Hours in 2006, while his military enlistment did not occur until February 2, 2010.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 1982 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament — Contemporary (Born in 1982) (1982): The 44th annual NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
• Ahmed al-Sharaa — Contemporary (Born in 1982) (1982): Syrian statesman who led opposition forces, establishing the Syrian Salvation Government.
• Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr — Contemporary (Died in 1982) (1982): Iraqi military officer and politician who served as the fourth President of Iraq (1968–1979).
• A. Philip Randolph — Shared historical date (05-16 · Died) (1979): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Adrienne Rich — Shared historical date (05-16 · Born) (1929): Influential American poet, essayist, and leading voice in feminist literary discourse.
• Ahn Si-ha — Historical peer (Born in 1982) (1982): South Korean actress known for roles in dramas like Moonshine and All of Us Are Dead.
• Ai Otsuka — Historical peer (Born in 1982) (1982): Japanese singer-songwriter known for hits like "Sakuranbo" and her extensive career.
• Aaron Spelling — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Abu Musab al-Zarqawi — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Jordanian jihadist militant known for orchestrating violence in Iraq (1966–2006)
• Aaron Swartz — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Pioneering programmer, activist, and hacktivist known for RSS, Markdown, and progressive organizing.
• 1982 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1982
• May 16 (05-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 16

Frequently Asked Questions about Ju Ji-hoon