Cha Seung-won

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Template:Short description Template:Family name hatnote Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "infobox".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".Template:Wikidata image Cha Seung-won (KoreanScript error: No such module "Lang".Template:Category handler; born June 7, 1970) is a South Korean actor, who began his career as an in-demand fashion model in the 1990s. Cha achieved stardom through the hit comedy films Kick the Moon (2001), Jail Breakers (2002), My Teacher, Mr. Kim (2003), and Ghost House (2004). After proving his versatility in other genres, notably in the period thriller Blood Rain (2005) and the melodrama My Son (2007), Cha's popularity continued with the television series Bodyguard (2003), City Hall (2009), The Greatest Love (2011), A Korean Odyssey (2017), One Ordinary Day (2021) and Our Blues (2022).

Career

Cha dropped out of Sungkyunkwan University,[1] and began a successful career as a fashion model in 1988.[2] He was cast in the TV sitcom New York Story, which would eventually pave the way for his debut in film.[3]

Although his debut film Holiday In Seoul (1997) and many of his subsequent roles did not establish him as a major star, he attracted attention in 2000 for his performance as an arsonist in the firefighting film Libera Me. The following summer, the runaway success of Kim Sang-jin's comedy Kick the Moon (over 4.3 million tickets sold) secured his place in the industry as a leading actor with strong star appeal.[3] Since then, Cha has become one of the few surefire box office draws in the country. In a 2005 survey of influential movie producers, he was ranked among the top ten most bankable stars in South Korea.[4]

In early 2003, Cha took on a slightly more serious role as a corrupt schoolteacher who is transferred to a country school in the film My Teacher, Mr. Kim. The film grossed over 2.4 million admissions and drew Cha additional praise for his acting abilities (he would later team up again with director Jang Gyu-seong for 2007 comedy Small Town Rivals[5]).[3]

Cha appeared as a private bodyguard in KBS2's weekend drama Bodyguard aired in July, 2003.[6]

His next role, in Ghost House, reunited him with director Kim Sang-jin in a successful comedy about a man who buys a dream home, only to discover it is haunted by a young female ghost.[3]

In 2005, Cha put aside the comic roles he had become known for and appeared in the grisly period thriller Blood Rain.[7][8] The film's unexpectedly robust commercial success confirmed Cha's popularity among Korean audiences.[3] He further proved his versatility in Jang Jin's Murder, Take One (also known as The Big Scene).[9][10][11] He was named as major film actor from his agency Gooder Better Entertainment.[12]

Cha starred in his first melodrama Over the Border (2006), about a North Korean defector.[13][14][15] He then reunited with Jang Jin in My Son (2007), and he said his experience as a father helped a lot in learning the character.[16] Stylish crime thrillers Eye for an Eye (2008),[17] and Secret (2009) followed.[18][19][20][21]

Cha returned to television in 2009, in the political fairytale City Hall penned by writer Kim Eun-sook.[22][23][24] 2010 was a busy year for him,[25][26] with Cha appearing in two films, the Lee Joon-ik-helmed period actioner Blades of Blood,[27] and Korean War film 71: Into the Fire,[28][29][30] followed by spy series Athena: Goddess of War.[31][32][33][34]

File:Intothefire.jpg
Cha (1st from left) in June 2010

In 2011 his character in the hit romantic comedy series The Greatest Love, arrogant top star "Dokko Jin," became a mini pop culture phenomenon, giving rise to numerous commercial deals and parodies, as well as awards for Cha.[35][36][37]

Cha made his theater debut in 2012 in the stage play Bring Me My Chariot Fire alongside Japanese actors Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Ryōko Hirosue, Teruyuki Kagawa, and Korean veteran actor Kim Eung-soo. Set in the historically turbulent early 1900s, the plot focuses on the friendship of artists from Korea and Japan who work together to preserve traditional Korean arts.[38][39][40]

In 2014, Cha signed with the talent agency YG Entertainment,[41][42] then starred in the police series You're All Surrounded.[43] This was followed by his third team-up with director Jang Jin in the comedy noir film Man on High Heels, which subverted Cha's "macho" image by having him play a transgender homicide detective.[44][45]

In 2015, Cha appeared in Three Meals a Day: Gochang Village, a cable reality show set on the remote Manjae Island for which he earned the nickname "Chajumma" (from the word ajumma) because of his versatile cooking skills despite the minimal amount of ingredients and implements.[46][47] He was then cast as Prince Gwanghae in the period drama Splendid Politics, which focused on power struggles for the throne amid the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty.[48][49] Cha next plays cartographer and geologist Kim Jeong-ho in Kang Woo-suk's period epic Gosanja, Daedongyeojido, adapted from Park Bum-shin's novel The Map Maker.[50]

In 2017, Cha was cast in tvN's fantasy romantic comedy drama A Korean Odyssey by the Hong sisters.[51] Cha the starred in the family comedy-drama film Cheer Up, Mr. Lee in 2019[52] and the disaster film Sinkhole in 2021.[53]

Later in 2021, he starred alongside Kim Soo-hyun in the Coupang Play's television series One Ordinary Day, based on the British television series Criminal Justice.[54] In 2022, he appeared in the tvN drama Our Blues.[55]

In October 2022, it was revealed that Cha will participate in film The Tyrant as one of the main characters.[56] Initially The Tyrant was originally created with theater release in mind, but after filming was completed, it was edited in four-part series. The decision to expand it was made to effectively showcase the individual charm of each character and highlight the directorial expertise of Park Hoon-jung. It was announced as part of Disney+ 2024 lineup on February 19[57][58] and is set to premiere worldwide on August 14, 2024.[59]

In March 2025, Cha left YG Entertainment and signed with new agency KeyEast.[60]

Personal life

Cha and his wife Lee Soo-jin are the biological parents of their daughter, Cha Ye-ni (born 2003, christened Rachel). In July 2014, a man claiming to be the biological father of Cha and Lee's son, Cha No-ah (born 1989, christened Noah), filed—and quickly withdrew—a ₩100 million defamation lawsuit against Cha.[61] Following this, Cha acknowledged that No-ah is Lee's son from a previous marriage and that he legally adopted No-ah, who was three years old at the time, after marrying Lee. Cha had previously falsified his marriage date as 1989 to align with No-ah's age, later apologizing for intentionally providing the incorrect date to protect their son's knowledge of his paternity.[62][63]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1997 Holiday in Seoul Leg model's boyfriend [3]
1998 If the Sun Rises in the West Ji-min [64]
1999 Ghost in Love Na Han-su
Attack the Gas Station Runaway youth Bit part
Fin de Siecle Sang-woo
2000 Black Honeymoon Kim Joon-ho
Libera Me Yeo Hee-su [3]
2001 Kick the Moon Choi Ki-woong [3]
2002 Break Out Yang Cheol-gon
Jail Breakers Choi Moo-seok [65][66]
2003 My Teacher, Mr. Kim Kim Bong-doo [3]
2004 Ghost House Park Pil-gi [3]
Lovely Rivals Kim Bong-doo Cameo
2005 Blood Rain Lee Won-gyoo [7][8]
Murder, Take One Choi Yeon-gi [9][10][11]
2006 Over the Border Kim Sun-ho [13]
2007 Small Town Rivals Jo Choon-sam [5]
My Son Lee Kang-shik [16]
2008 Eye for an Eye Ahn Hyun-min [17]
2009 Secret Kim Seong-yeol [18]
2010 Blades of Blood Lee Mong-hak [27]
71: Into the Fire Park Moo-rang
2012 Mr. XXX-Kisser Himself Cameo
2014 Man on High Heels Yoon Ji-wook
2015 Minions Narrator Voice; Korean dub [67]
2016 The Map Against The World Kim Jeong-ho
2018 Believer Brian Lee [68]
2019 Cheer Up, Mr. Lee Chul-soo
2021 Night in Paradise Executive Ma [69][70]
Sinkhole Jeong Man-soo [71]
2023 Believer 2 Brian Lee [72]
2024 Uprising Seonjo of Joseon [73]
TBA No Other Choice Go Si-jo [74]

Television series

Year Title Role Note Ref.
1997 Template:Ill Himself Cameo
1998 Song of the Wind Lee Ji-hoon
Template:Ill Director Park
Template:Ill Im Sung-bom
Template:Ill Jang Tae-ju
1999 Template:Ill Choi Gyu-dae
TV Movie: "Love Story" Mr. Popular
Template:Ill
Template:Ill Seung-il Yeong-nam's husband, psychiatrist
2003 Bodyguard Hong Kyung-tak [75]
2009 City Hall Jo Gook [76][77]
2010 Athena: Goddess of War Son Hyuk [78][79]
2011 The Greatest Love Dokko Jin [80][81]
2014 You're All Surrounded Seo Pan-seok [82]
2015 Splendid Politics Prince Gwanghae [83][84]
2017 A Korean Odyssey Woo Hwi-chul [85][86]
2022 Our Blues Choi Han-soo [87]
2025 Pigpen The pension's owner [88]

Web series

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2021 One Ordinary Day Shin Jung-han Coupang Play original [89]
2024 The Tyrant Lim Sang-won Main role; Disney+ original [90][91]
2025 Mercy for None Mr. Kim Cameo; Netflix series [92]

Television shows

Year Title Role Notess Ref.
1998 Lee Seung-yeon's Say Say Say Co-host
GO! Our Heaven Host
Kim Hye-soo Plus You Co-host
Music Camp MC
2006 Cha Seung-won's Health Club (Sunday Sunday Night) Cast member
2015 Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village 1 [46][47]
Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village 2
2016 Three Meals a Day: Gochang Village
2019 Korean Hostel in Spain [93]
2020 Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village 5
2021 Hangout with Yoo Guest
2023 Follow Hyung to Maya Cast member [94]
2024 Three Meals a Day Lite Cast member

Music video appearances

Year Title Artist Ref.
1998 "Even if the World Fools You" Kim Jang-hoon
"Poison" Uhm Jung-hwa
2000 "I am a Man" Kim Jang-hoon
2001 "I Love You" Position
2002 "In My Heart" 4U
2003 Project X [95]
2008 "Rain Shower" Kim Jang-hoon
2011 "Cry Cry" T-ara
2012 "Lovey Dovey"
"I'm Sorry" Lena Park
2017 "Beautiful" Wanna One
2025 "Earthquake" Jisoo

Stage

Theatre play performances
Year Title Role Ref.
English Korean
2004 Taxi Driver 택시드리벌 Taxi passenger [96]
2012–2013 Bring Me My Chariot of Fire 나에게 불의 전차를 Lee Soon-woo [97][98][99]

Accolades

Awards and nominations

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
A-AwardsTemplate:NoteTag 2011 The Best Black Collar Workers of 2011 — Style Award Cha Seung-won Won [100]
2016 The Best Black Collar Workers of 2016 — Style Award Won [101][102]
APAN Star Awards 2015 Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama Splendid Politics Nominated
Asia Model Festival Awards 2010 Asia Special Award, Film category Cha Seung-won Won
2015 Asia Star Award Won
Baeksang Arts Awards 2003 Best Actor – Film Jail Breakers Won
2004 Best Actor – Television Bodyguard Nominated
2006 Best Actor – Film Blood Rain Nominated
2012 Best Actor – Television The Greatest Love Nominated
Best Dressed Awards 1995 Best Dressed, Model category Cha Seung-won Won
Blue Dragon Film Awards 2000 Best Supporting Actor Libera Me Nominated
2001 Best Actor Kick the Moon Nominated
2003 Best Actor My Teacher, Mr. Kim Nominated
Broadcast Advertising Festival 2022 CF Star Award Cha Seung-won Won [103]
Buil Film Awards 2021 Best Supporting Actor Night in Paradise Nominated [104]
Chunsa Film Art Awards 2007 Best Actor My Son Won [105]
2021 Best Supporting Actor Night in Paradise Nominated [106]
Consumers' Day KCA Culture and Entertainment Awards 2024 Actor of the Year The Tyrant Won [107]
Elle Style Awards 2017 Super Icon (Male) Cha Seung-won Won [108]
Template:Ill 2002 Popularity Award Kick the Moon Won
2021 Cinematographers’ Choice Popularity Award Sinkhole Won [109]
Grand Bell Awards 2000 Best New Actor A Century's End Nominated
2001 Best Actor Libera Me Nominated
2003 Best Actor My Teacher, Mr. Kim Nominated
Grimae Awards 2003 Best Actor Bodyguard Won
2011 Best Actor The Greatest Love Won [110]
Hong Kong Cable TV Awards 2011 Best Actor City Hall Nominated
KBS Drama Awards 2003 Popularity Award Bodyguard Won
Top Excellence Award, Actor Won
Korea Advertisers Association 2003 Good Model Award Cha Seung-won Won
Korea Best Dresser Swan Awards 1999 Best Dressed Cha Seung-won Won
Korea Broadcasting Awards 2011 Best Actor The Greatest Love Won [111]
Korea Drama Awards 2011 Best Actor The Greatest Love Nominated
2015 Grand Prize (Daesang) Splendid Politics Nominated
Korea Fashion & Design Awards 2007 Fashion Icon Award Cha Seung-won Won
Korea Fashion Association 1996 Male Model of the Year Cha Seung-won Won
Korea Fashion Photographers Association 1995 Model of the Year Cha Seung-won Won
Korea Jewelry Awards 2008 Sapphire Award Cha Seung-won Won
Korea Lifestyle Awards 2011 Best Dressed of the Year – Male Cha Seung-won Won [112]
Korea Model Association 1995 Model of the Year Cha Seung-won Won
MBC Drama Awards 2011 Best Couple Award Cha Seung-won (with Gong Hyo-jin)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
The Greatest Love
Won [113]
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries The Greatest Love Won
2015 Top 10 Stars Award Splendid Politics Won
Grand Prize (Daesang) Nominated
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Project Drama Nominated
Mnet 20's Choice Awards 2011 Hot Drama Star – Male The Greatest Love Won [114]
Hot Male Body (Best Six-Pack) Cha Seung-won Won
Model Center's Adieu Fashion Festival 1997 Grand Prize (Daesang) in Fashion Cha Seung-won Won
Model Line 1995 Best Dressed Award Cha Seung-won Won
SBS Drama Awards 2009 Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Special City Hall Won [115]
Top 10 Stars Won
2011 Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Planning Drama Athena: Goddess of War Nominated
2014 Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Special You're All Surrounded Nominated
Style Icon Awards 2011 Style Icon of the Year Cha Seung-won Won [116]
TVCF Awards 2007 Best CF Model for 2006 Cha Seung-won Won

State honors

Name of the organization, year presented, and the award given
Country Award body Year Award Ref.
South Korea The Korean Popular Culture and Arts AwardsTemplate:NoteTag 2017 Presidential Commendation [117]
7th Finance DayTemplate:NoteTag 2022 Chairman of the Financial Services Committee Commendation [118]

Listicles

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher Year Listicle Placement Ref.
Forbes 2012 Korea Power Celebrity 40 25th [119]
2016 11th [120]
The Screen 2009 1984–2008 Top Box Office Powerhouse Actors in Korean Movies 12th [121]

Notes

Template:Notefoot

References

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. "Cha Seung-won's Movie Picks" Template:Webarchive. Asiae. January 18, 2010.
  3. a b c d e f g h i j "Actors and Actresses of Korean Cinema: Cha Seung-won" Template:Webarchive. Koreanfilm.org. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  4. "Jang Dong-gun Voted Korea's Most Bankable Star" Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. October 20, 2005.
  5. a b MOVIE REVIEW 'Small Town Rivals' puts comic twist on friendship Template:Webarchive. The Korea Herald. March 22, 2007.
  6. The Dong-A Ilbo
    • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
    • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. a b "Dogged Cha Seung-won: Movie Tears of Blood" Template:Webarchive. The Dong-a Ilbo. April 13, 2005.
  8. a b "K-FILM REVIEWS: 혈의 누 (Blood Rain)". Twitch Film. September 12, 2005.
  9. a b "Cha Seung-won: Not Groomed for Stardom" Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. August 2, 2005.
  10. a b "The Big Scene showcases a clever detective thriller". The Korea Herald. August 11, 2005.
  11. a b "K-FILM REVIEWS: 박수칠 때 떠나라 (Murder, Take One)" Template:Webarchive. Twitch Film. January 2, 2006.
  12. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. a b "Comic star's melodramatic acting in South of the Border" Template:Webarchive. The Korea Herald via Hancinema. April 27, 2006.
  14. "Go South" Template:Webarchive. The Dong-a Ilbo. April 27, 2006.
  15. "Border, Personal Stories of NK Defectors" Template:Webarchive. The Korea Times via Hancinema. May 4, 2006.
  16. a b "Movies Reflect on Contemporary Fathers" Template:Webarchive . The Korea Times. April 24, 2007.
  17. a b "Eye Spies Perfect Crime" Template:Webarchive . The Korea Times. July 24, 2008.
  18. a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. "City Hall to Bring Public Officials to TV" Template:Webarchive . The Korea Times. April 21, 2009.
  23. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. "Interview: Actor Cha Seung-won - Part 1" Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. April 27, 2010.
  26. "Interview: Actor Cha Seung-won - Part 2" Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. April 27, 2010.
  27. a b "Traces of Lee Joon-ik's work in Blades of Blood" Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. April 20, 2010.
  28. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. "TOP says lived as 17-year-old for 6 months for Fire (1)" Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. May 11, 2010.
  30. "TOP says lived as 17-year-old for 6 months for Fire (2)" Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. May 11, 2010.
  31. "Will Athena Exceeds Popularity of IRIS?" Template:Webarchive. KBS Global. September 1, 2010.
  32. "Athena to sneak into homes this month" Template:Webarchive . The Korea Times. November 30, 2010.
  33. "Preview: SBS TV series Athena" Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. December 3, 2010.
  34. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. "TV soap to peek into celebrity life" Template:Webarchive . The Korea Times. May 3, 2011.
  36. "Preview: Cha Seung-won: I wanted to show the cute side to men" Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. June 23, 2011.
  37. "Interview: Actor Cha Seung-won" Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. June 27, 2011.
  38. "Cha Seung-won to expand career into play" Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. September 7, 2012.
  39. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  41. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  42. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  43. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  45. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  46. a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  47. a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  48. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  49. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  50. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  51. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  52. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  53. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  54. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  55. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  56. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  57. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  58. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  59. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  60. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  61. "Cha Seung-won reveals his son Noah, already 20 years old" Template:Webarchive. Newsen via Hancinema. December 8, 2011.
  62. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  63. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  64. "The Night Before Strike (Paupjeonya) (1990) Template:Webarchive". Korean Film Archive. Retrieved on 19 January 2009.
  65. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  66. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  67. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  68. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  69. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  70. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  71. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  72. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  73. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  74. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  75. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  76. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  77. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  78. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  79. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  80. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  81. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  82. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  83. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  84. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  85. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  86. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  87. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  88. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  89. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  90. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  91. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  92. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  93. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  94. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  95. "Project X - Original Music DVD" Template:Webarchive. YesAsia. March 14, 2003.
  96. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  97. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  98. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  99. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  100. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  101. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  102. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  103. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  104. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  105. "차승원, 춘사영화제 블랙수트로 한껏 멋냈어요~" Template:Webarchive (in Korean). Newsen via Daum. September 6, 2008.
  106. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  107. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  108. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  109. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  110. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  111. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  112. "Hyundai Mobis awarded grand prize at 2011 Korea Lifestyle Awards" Template:Webarchive. The Korea Herald. December 6, 2011.
  113. "The Greatest Love snags 7 honors at 2011 MBC Drama Awards" Template:Webarchive. Asiae. January 2, 2012.
  114. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  115. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  116. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  117. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  118. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  119. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  120. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  121. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

External links

Template:Sister project

Script error: No such module "navboxes". Template:Baeksang Arts Award Best Actor Film Template:Chunsa Film Art Awards for Best Actor Template:Grimae Awards for Best Actor Template:KBS Drama Awards for Popularity Award, ActorScript error: No such module "navboxes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Template:Authority control