Choi Min-Sik Korean actor Date of Birth: 27.04.1962 Country: South Korea

1. Choi Min-sik: A Renowned South Korean Actor
2. Early Life and Introduction to Acting
3. From Theater to Cinema
4. International Acclaim with "Oldboy"
5. Continued Success and Diverse Roles
6. "The Admiral" and National Recognition
7. Personal Life
8. Legacy and Retirement

Choi Min-sik: A Renowned South Korean Actor

Choi Min-sik, born on April 27, 1962, in Seoul, is a celebrated South Korean actor who has garnered global recognition for his intense and often violent roles in films such as "Oldboy" and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance."

Early Life and Introduction to Acting

From a young age, Choi harbored a passion for acting. Despite parental pressure to pursue higher education, he enrolled in Dongguk University's Theater and Film Department after graduating high school. Buddhism played a significant role in his upbringing, instilling within him discipline and a reserved demeanor. During his adolescence, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. However, his father's unwavering belief and traditional medicine led to his miraculous recovery, which his mother attributed to divine intervention.

From Theater to Cinema

Choi's acting career commenced in 1982 with theater group "Ppuri." His breakout role in the play "Our Town" caught the attention of director Park Chan-wook, who invited him to star in the drama "Kuro Arirang." Choi continued to balance television and theater until his breakthrough in Kang Je-gyu's 1999 blockbuster "Shiri," earning him a Best Actor Daejong Film Award.

International Acclaim with "Oldboy"

Choi's international fame skyrocketed with the release of Park's 2003 cult classic "Oldboy." The film's graphic violence and intense revenge plot left audiences in awe, and its iconic one-shot hallway fight sequence became a cinematic milestone. Choi underwent rigorous training and lost 10 kilograms for the demanding role.

Continued Success and Diverse Roles

Post-"Oldboy," Choi continued to portray ruthless and complex characters in films such as "38th Parallel" (2004) and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (2005). He also ventured into crime thrillers like "I Saw the Devil" (2010) and international projects like Luc Besson's "Lucy" (2014).

"The Admiral" and National Recognition

In 2014, Choi starred in the epic blockbuster "The Admiral," depicting the life of revered naval commander Yi Sun-sin. The film shattered national box office records, becoming the highest-grossing South Korean film at the time.

Personal Life

Choi Min-sik has been married twice, first to Hwayon Lee and then to Kim Hwal. He remains childless. Despite his on-screen persona, he is known for his humility and willingness to engage with fans.

Legacy and Retirement

Choi Min-sik is widely regarded as one of South Korea's most influential actors. His meticulous approach to characterization and ability to evoke raw emotions have cemented his status as a cinematic icon. In 2022, after a nearly 25-year hiatus from television, he returned with a role in "Casino," a crime drama that premiered globally on December 21.