K-Drama
Easily Distracted by Korean Dramas Sweatshirt
$35.99View
Cho Seung Woo
조승우
Under Goodman Story Entertainment
Profile
- Birth name
- Cho Seung Woo
- Birthday
- March 28, 1980
- Place of birth
- Seoul, South Korea
- Height
- 173 cm
- Age
- 46
- Zodiac
- Aries
- Nationality
- South Korean
- Blood type
- B
Dramas & Roles1 title
About
Short bio
Discover Cho Seung Woo's profile, including his age, birthday, height, musicals, dramas, movies, awards, and fun facts. Learn more about the acclaimed South Korean actor behind Stranger, Life, Sisyphus: The Myth, Marathon, Tazza, and the legendary musical Jekyll & Hyde.
Background
Cho Seung Woo was born on March 28, 1980, in Seoul, South Korea. While studying at Dankook University, he had no concrete plans to become an actor until he was encouraged to audition for director Im Kwon Taek's film Chunhyang. Competing against nearly 1,000 applicants for a single role, Cho won the audition and made his acting debut in 2000. The success of Chunhyang launched not only his film career but also opened the door to the world of musical theater, where he would later become one of Korea's greatest stars.
Over the next two decades, Cho Seung Woo established himself as one of South Korea's most respected performers across film, television, and musicals. He earned widespread acclaim through films such as Marathon, Tazza: The High Rollers, and Inside Men, while also captivating television audiences with dramas including Stranger (Secret Forest), Life, Sisyphus: The Myth, and Divorce Insurance. At the same time, his legendary performances in musicals like Jekyll & Hyde, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Man of La Mancha, and Phantom helped transform Korea's musical theater industry.
Personality & Image
Cho Seung Woo is widely regarded as one of South Korea's greatest actors because of his extraordinary versatility. Few performers move as effortlessly between blockbuster films, critically acclaimed television dramas, and demanding live musicals. Whether portraying a genius prosecutor, a gambler, a marathon runner, or a tortured stage character, he completely disappears into each role, making every performance feel unique.
Fans also admire his dedication to live performance. Long before musicals became mainstream in Korea, Cho helped elevate the genre through unforgettable productions like Jekyll & Hyde. His powerful singing voice, emotional acting, and commanding stage presence earned him the nickname of a "musical legend," while his humility and focus on his craft have made him one of the entertainment industry's most respected figures.
New Merch Drop
Fan-made pieces inspired by drama nights, bias feelings, and soft delulu moods.
FAQ
- How tall is Cho Seung Woo?
- Cho Seung Woo is 173 cm tall.
- How old is Cho Seung Woo?
- Cho Seung Woo is 46 years old.
- Where is Cho Seung Woo from?
- Cho Seung Woo is from South Korean.
Fun facts
- Cho Seung Woo's acting career almost never happened. While attending Dankook University, he only auditioned for Chunhyang after being encouraged by others. That single decision changed the course of his life. Source: Namu Wiki, MyDramaList
- He won the lead role in Chunhyang (2000) after beating nearly 1,000 other applicants, making one of the most impressive debut stories in Korean cinema. Source: Namu Wiki, Wikipedia
- Following his film debut, Cho immediately expanded into musical theater, beginning what would become one of the most celebrated stage careers in South Korea. Source: MyDramaList
- Cho Seung Woo is widely credited with helping popularize Korean musicals through the phenomenon known as "Jo Seung-woo Syndrome." His performances attracted audiences who had never attended musicals before. Source: Namu Wiki
- His portrayal of the dual roles in Jekyll & Hyde became one of the most iconic performances in Korean musical history. Even today, many theater fans consider him the definitive Korean Jekyll and Hyde. Source: Namu Wiki, Korean musical press
- In 2005, Cho starred in Marathon, portraying a young man on the autism spectrum. His deeply moving performance earned him numerous Best Actor awards both in South Korea and internationally. Source: Wikipedia, Korean Film Awards
- Remarkably, Cho achieved those Best Actor victories at just 26 years old, establishing himself as one of the country's finest actors early in his career. Source: Namu Wiki
- He completely reinvented himself for the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, proving he could master roles that demanded intense singing, emotional vulnerability, and physical transformation. Source: Namu Wiki
- Another defining role came with Tazza: The High Rollers (2006). His charismatic performance helped turn the film into a massive commercial success and firmly established him as one of Chungmuro's premier leading actors. Source: Korean Film Council, Wikipedia
- International audiences know Cho Seung Woo best as prosecutor Hwang Si-mok in Stranger (Secret Forest). His restrained yet emotionally complex performance is frequently ranked among the greatest in K-drama history. Source: tvN, MyDramaList
- Unlike many actors, Cho Seung Woo has maintained equally successful careers in film, television, and live theater—a rare achievement given the very different skills each medium demands. Source: MyDramaList
- Despite his immense popularity, Cho rarely participates in variety shows or extensive celebrity promotions. He prefers allowing his performances to speak for themselves, which has only strengthened his reputation as a serious actor. Source: Korean entertainment media
- Directors frequently praise Cho for his meticulous preparation and ability to transform into each character, whether performing live on stage or filming for the screen. Source: Production interviews
- Across more than two decades, Cho Seung Woo has built one of Korea's most respected careers without relying on trends or publicity. Instead, he has consistently chosen challenging roles that showcase his remarkable range as both an actor and singer. Source: MyDramaList, Korean entertainment press
- From winning a 1-in-1,000 audition as a university student to becoming a legend of Korean film, television, and musical theater, Cho Seung Woo's career is often viewed as the gold standard for artistic excellence. His influence extends far beyond individual performances, helping shape the modern Korean musical industry while setting a benchmark for actors across every medium. Source: Namu Wiki, Wikipedia, MyDramaList
