Celebrity

Kang Dong-won & So Ji-sub Quit Acting to Pursue New Careers

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In an industry where many celebrities launch side ventures for branding purposes, some stars are taking a more hands-on, visionary approach. From high fashion to independent cinema, actors Kang Dong-won and So Ji-sub are proving they’re more than just faces on a screen—they’re creators deeply invested in their crafts

Kang Dong-won’s Fashion Identity

Last November, actor Kang Dong-won launched his own fashion brand, NONYMOUSAA, marking a full-fledged entry into the fashion industry.

According to his agency, Kang Dong-won serves as the creative director, directly involved in product planning, design, visual merchandising display (VMD), advertising, and overall promotion. The brand’s signature “AA” logo, derived from flipping the “W” in Kang Dong-won’s English name, symbolizes both the brand’s identity and Kang Dong-won himself.

The launch of the fashion brand aligns with Kang Dong-won’s background as a former fashion model. Debuting as a model in 1999, he became the first Korean model to walk the Paris Prêt-à-Porter runway, earning attention both domestically and internationally. He transitioned to acting in 2003 with the drama Country Princess and rose to stardom with films like Too Beautiful to Lie and Temptation of Wolves. Known for his bold fashion choices—such as high heels, leopard prints, sequins, and leather at public events—Kang Dong-won’s model-honed sensibility and confidence are reflected in his brand.

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So Ji-sub’s Curated Lineup of Genre-Defying Films

Meanwhile, actor So Ji-sub has been deeply engaged in the film industry beyond acting, carving his own path. Since 2014, he has collaborated with the independent film distribution company Challan, working through his agency, 51K, to introduce various international films to South Korea. Far from merely lending his name, So Ji-sub reportedly reviews completed films or scripts himself, carefully selecting which projects to bring to the domestic market.

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The films So Ji-sub has been involved with are typically noted for their artistic merit and meaningful messages. Rather than mainstream commercial films, he focuses on works with serious themes or experimental direction. Notable examples include Midsommar and Talk to Me, which garnered fervent support from niche audiences for their genre experimentation and tension. These films, often hard to find in mainstream theaters, have reached diverse audiences in South Korea through So Ji-sub’s efforts.

This aspect of So Ji-sub’s career reveals his genuine passion for cinema, not just as an actor but as a true film enthusiast.

Their journeys reflect a growing trend of celebrities stepping beyond traditional roles to influence culture on their own terms—through vision, risk, and an unwavering commitment to creativity.

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