 |
Song Kang-HoSouth Korean actor
Date of Birth: 17.01.1967
Country:  South Korea |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Screen Debut and Breakthrough
- Rise to Stardom
- International Success
- Genre Diversity
- Iconic Performances
- Critical Accolades
- "Parasite" and Beyond
- Recent Projects
- Personal Life
Early Life and Career
Born in the humble town of Gimhae, South Korea on January 17, 1967, Song Kang-ho was drawn to acting from a young age. After graduating from Kyungsang College with a degree in broadcasting and telecommunications, he joined the Ki Kuk So theater troupe in Busan. There, he honed his improvisational skills, starring in "Little Monk" and other productions for over a decade.
Screen Debut and Breakthrough
Despite being approached for film roles, Song declined until he was cast as an extra in Hong Sang-soo's "The Day a Pig Fell into the Well" at the age of 30. His performance marked his screen debut. In 1997, he landed minor roles in Lee Chang-dong's "Green Fish" and Jang Sun-woo's "Bad Movie," which garnered attention at festivals.
Rise to Stardom
Song's breakthrough came with his captivating performance in the drama series "No. 3." Playing a gangster mentoring a group of young recruits, he earned his first Best Actor award. In 2000, his role in the acclaimed "Joint Security Area" brought him critical recognition and the Cine21 Movie Award for Best Actor.
International Success
Song's international fame grew with his role in Bong Joon-ho's "Memories of Murder" (2003), a gripping detective drama based on real-life events. The film won numerous awards at festivals worldwide, including three at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
Genre Diversity
Throughout the mid-2000s, Song expanded his repertoire with diverse roles. He starred in the comedy "The President's Barber," the horror film "Antarctic Journal," and the thriller "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance." He also appeared in the commercially successful "The Host" and the noir action film "Show Me What You Got."
Iconic Performances
In 2007, Song delivered a career-defining performance in "Secret Sunshine." The film garnered international acclaim, with Song's co-star Jeon Do-yeon winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes. He then reunited with director Bong Joon-ho for "Snowpiercer" (2013), an adaptation of the French graphic novel. The film achieved critical and commercial success, earning recognition at festivals worldwide.
Critical Accolades
Song continued to receive critical praise for his roles in "The Face Reader" and "The Attorney." In 2017, his performance in "Taxi Driver" earned him widespread recognition for its historical significance and poignant portrayal of the Kwangju Uprising.
"Parasite" and Beyond
In 2019, Song starred in Bong Joon-ho's Palme d'Or-winning "Parasite." His exceptional performance earned him international acclaim and helped the film become a global phenomenon, winning four Oscars.
Recent Projects
Song has remained in high demand in recent years. He appeared in the 2021 disaster film "Emergency Declaration" and served as a member of the jury at the 74th Cannes Film Festival. In 2022, he starred in the sports drama "One Win" and has upcoming projects lined up, including the action film "Fifth Column" and the drama "Broker" directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda.
Personal Life
Song Kang-ho has been happily married to Jang Suk-hwan since 1995. They have two children, a daughter Ju-yeon and a son Seung-beom. Song maintains a large fan base on social media, where his followers can keep up with his latest projects and personal life.
