Sul Kyung-gu

Quick Facts: Who was Sul Kyung-gu?

Subject:

Sul Kyung-gu

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean actor known for intense roles and collaborations with Lee Chang-dong.

Born:

1968-05-01

Century / Era:

1968s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Sul Kyung-gu (Korean: 설경구; born May 14, 1967) is a South Korean actor. Upon his graduation in 1994, he appeared in numerous theatrical productions, such as the hit Korean adaptation of the German rock musical Subway Line 1, and productions of Sam Shepard's True West and A. R. Gurney's Love Letters. Sul achieved his breakthrough in film with Lee Chang-dong's Peppermint Candy (1999), the first of several collaborations with the director, followed by Oasis (2002). He also starred in the Public Enemy film series (2002–2008) for which he won the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize, and Silmido (2003) which became the highest-grossing film in South Korea at the time of release. He later won Best Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards for his performances in Hope (2013) and Kingmaker (2022).

Career & Major Achievements

His other notable films include Jail Breakers (2002), Voice of a Murderer (2007), Tidal Wave (2009), The Tower (2012), Cold Eyes and The Spy: Undercover Operation (both 2013), The Merciless (2017), Memoir of a Murderer (2017), and The Book of Fish (2021). Sul was born in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, on May 1, 1968. He is the second son, with one younger sister. He and his family moved to Dohwa-dong, Mapo District, Seoul when his father, who was a civil servant, transferred to the Mapo District Office. Sul attended Mapo Elementary School and then enrolled in Mapo Middle School and Mapo High School.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Sul's parents wanted him to go to an engineering college, thus guaranteeing him a stable job. However, Sul entered the Department of Theater and Film of Hanyang University with the idea of becoming a film director. Sul studied theater and film at Hanyang University (Class of '86). In May 1993, When Sul was in his 4th year of college, he directed a play for the 1st Young Theatre Festival, The Moon, Moon, The Bright Moon. At that time, Sul planned to enter the 3rd KBS Talent Recruitment, but he had no choice but to give up the recruitment due to his professor's request.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1967: 1967 Milestone — Sul Kyung-gu (Korean: 설경구; born May 14, 1967) is a South Korean actor.
2. 1968 (1968-05-01): Birth of Sul Kyung-gu — Acclaimed South Korean actor known for intense roles and collaborations with Lee Chang-dong.
3. 1993: 1993 Milestone — In May 1993, When Sul was in his 4th year of college, he directed a play for the 1st Young Theatre Festival, The Moon, Moon, The Bright Moon.
4. 1994: 1994 Milestone — Upon his graduation in 1994, he appeared in numerous theatrical productions, such as the hit Korean adaptation of the German rock musical Subway Line 1, and productions of Sam Shepard's True West and A.
5. 1999: 1999 Milestone — Sul achieved his breakthrough in film with Lee Chang-dong's Peppermint Candy (1999), the first of several collaborations with the director, followed by Oasis (2002).
6. 2002: 2002 Milestone — He also starred in the Public Enemy film series (2002–2008) for which he won the Baeksang Arts Award Grand Prize, and Silmido (2003) which became the highest-grossing film in South Korea at the time of release.
7. 2013: 2013 Milestone — He later won Best Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards for his performances in Hope (2013) and Kingmaker (2022).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sul Kyung-gu

True or False: “Sul Kyung-gu's breakthrough role in *Peppermint Candy* earned him multiple major acting awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): He swept numerous New Actor and Best Actor Awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards following the film's release.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abrar-ul-Haq — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Esteemed Pakistani singer, philanthropist, and former politician from Punjab.
• Adam McKay — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Acclaimed American filmmaker known for satirical comedies and high-profile adaptations.
• Ajay Devgn — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker known for diverse roles in Hindi cinema.
• Albert I of Germany — Shared historical date (05-01 · Died) (1308): Duke of Austria and Styria, and King of Germany from 1298 until his assassination.
• Antonín Dvořák — Shared historical date (05-01 · Died) (1904): Master Czech composer blending folk rhythms with grand symphonic tradition.
• Akshay Kumar — Historical peer (Born in 1967) (1967): Veteran Indian actor and producer, celebrated for action roles and prolific career.
• Albert Luthuli — Historical peer (Died in 1967) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Abdullah al-Sallal — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Yemeni military officer and revolutionary who led the North Yemeni Revolution of 1962.
• Ahmed Ali (writer) — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Pioneering Urdu writer, poet, and diplomat from British India to Pakistan.
• Akhtar Hameed Khan — Historical peer (Died in 1999) (1999): Pioneering Pakistani social scientist and development practitioner.
• 1968 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1968
• May 1 (05-01) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 1

Frequently Asked Questions about Sul Kyung-gu