O Yeong-su South Korean actor Date of Birth: 19.10.1944 Country: South Korea

1. Childhood and Early Life
2. Theatre Debut
3. Success on the Stage
4. Film Debut and Breakthrough
5. "Squid Game" and Global Acclaim
6. Golden Globe Award and Legacy
7. Personal Life

Childhood and Early Life

Oh Young-soo was born on October 19, 1944, in Thanghyeon-myeon, Paju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. He was the third of five children born into a well-to-do family. However, his father died in the Korean War when he was six, and his two older brothers also died prematurely due to illnesses.

Theatre Debut

Despite not aspiring to be an actor, Oh stumbled upon theatre at the age of 25 after being discharged from the military. Through a friend's invitation, he joined a theatre company as a janitor. His keen observation of rehearsals led him to eventually land his debut role as Stanley in "A Streetcar Named Desire" a year later.

Success on the Stage

Oh's innate talent and dedication propelled him to a successful theatrical career. He performed in over 200 stage productions, notably "Faust" and "The Bald Soprano." In 1987, he joined the National Theater Company of Korea, where he remained for 23 years.

Film Debut and Breakthrough

Oh made his film debut in the 2002 comedy "Little Monk," playing an elderly abbot guiding young monks from worldly temptations. He gained recognition for his role in the 2003 melodrama "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring" as a monk, earning critical acclaim and praise. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the screen in the historical drama "God of War" (2012).

"Squid Game" and Global Acclaim

Oh's career reached new heights with his pivotal role in the survival drama series "Squid Game" (2021). As the seemingly harmless elderly contestant Oh Il-nam, he delivered a captivating performance that captivated audiences worldwide. "Squid Game" became a global phenomenon, propelling Oh and the cast to international stardom.

Golden Globe Award and Legacy

On January 9, 2022, Oh created history by becoming the first Korean actor to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series for his performance in "Squid Game." His victory marked a significant milestone for South Korean cinema and actor Oh Young-soo.

Personal Life

Oh is known for keeping his personal life private. He is reportedly a devoted husband and father. Despite his age of 78, he maintains an active lifestyle, regularly performing push-ups and walking over 10,000 steps daily.