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About
Jo In-sung (조인성) is a renowned Korean actor recognized for his exceptional talent and striking good looks. Known for his charismatic presence and versatile acting skills, he is considered one of the top A-list actors in the Korean entertainment industry. He began gaining recognition for his leading roles in the television series “Something Happened in Bali (2004).” After that, almost every role he took on was a success, cementing his versatility and solidifying his career in the entertainment industry, from television dramas to films.
His name is currently officially romanized as Zo In-sung, previously as Cho In-sung, and sometimes as Jo In-sung.
Biography
- Birth Name: Jo In-sung
- Date of Birth: July 28, 1981 (Myeongil-dong, Gangdong District, Seoul, South Korea)
- Height: 186 cm
- Blood Type: B
- Year of Debut: 1998 (as ZIOZIA Model), 2000 (acting)
- Instagram: @zoinsung_official
Career
He officially began his acting career in 2000 with his role as Kim Seok-joo in the drama “School 3.” In 2001, he was cast in the youth sitcom “Nonstop,” where he was relatively unknown, but his comedic and romantic roles alongside Park Kyung-rim led to his rise to stardom. Their couple dynamic was one of the key factors behind the huge success of “Nonstop,” which recorded the highest ratings for a Korean sitcom. He also appeared in music videos, including “Now” by Fin.K.L and several music videos of popular boy band g.o.d, a fellow SidusHQ artist at the time.
With the success of “Nonstop,” he continued to gain recognition in 2001 with the drama Piano. His popularity grew further with his role in “Something Happened in Bali (2004),” where his performance was highly praised. “Something Happened in Bali” was a huge success, with its final episode reaching a peak rating of 39.7%. Zo won Best Actor awards at both the Baeksang Arts Awards and SBS Drama Awards.
In 2005, he starred alongside Go Hyun-jung in the SBS drama “Spring Days.” During this period, he became a trendsetter in fashion, with his casual suits becoming popular. In 2006, he solidified his presence in the industry with his role as Byeong-doo, the second-in-command in a gangster organization, in “A Dirty Carnival”, which increased his visibility in Chungmuro. In 2008, he portrayed a leader of the Goryeo royal guard in “A Frozen Flower,” delivering a daring and emotionally intricate performance.
In 2013, he achieved widespread acclaim with his role as Oh Soo in the SBS drama “That Winter, the Wind Blows,” opposite Song Hye-kyo. The drama, written by Noh Hee-kyung and directed by Kim Kyu-tae, was praised for its high viewership and emotional depth. In 2014, he reunited with Noh Hee-kyung and Kim Kyu-tae in “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” where he starred as Jang Jae-yeol, a popular crime novelist and radio DJ. His portrayal of the complex character earned him praise, with many saying “Jang Jae-yeol cannot be imagined without Jo In-sung.”
In 2016, he appeared in Noh Hee-kyung’s “Dear My Friends” as Seo Yeon-ha, Park Wan’s ex-boyfriend. His supporting role left a strong impression as he appeared in every episode. In 2017, he starred in “The King” as Park Tae-soo, a man who craves absolute power. His performance, covering Korea’s modern history, was highly praised for its range, from a thug-like figure to a new prosecutor, showcasing his ability in noir film acting.
In 2018, he starred in the historical blockbuster “The Great Battle”, playing Yang Man-chun, a general who led the Goguryeo army to defeat the Tang army. His portrayal of a charismatic and strong military leader who also communicates with the people added depth to his character.
After a three-year break from the big screen, he returned in 2022 with “Escape from Mogadishu,” where his in-depth character analysis and powerful performance led the flow of the film. His acting was praised for being deep, rich, and freer than anyone else, becoming another standout work of his career.
In 2023, he starred in “Smugglers” directed by Ryu Seung-wan, where he played Kwon Sang-sa, the national smuggling king. Although his screen time was limited compared to other lead actors, his performance in crucial scenes captivated the audience. His portrayal of Kwon Sang-sa, filled with dignity, manners, and charisma, created a multi-dimensional character, cementing his status as one of the most respected actors in the industry.
Facts about Jo In-sung
- He is a certified 4th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and has excellent athletic abilities, which allow him to excel in action scenes that primarily involve the use of his legs.
- Compared to other top-tier leading actors, he has appeared in relatively few works. Excluding special appearances and short films, he has starred in about 10 films and dramas as the sole or co-lead over 16 years.
- He is known for having long legs, with a leg length of about 108 – 110 cm.
- He is best friends with actor Kim Ki-bang, whom he met during their time at Baejae High School. Also, he has a close relationship with Lee Kwang-soo, his co-star in “It’s Okay, That’s Love”
- When asked about Jo In-sung’s school days, his homeroom teacher described him as looking like the top of a head because he was always sleeping with his head down.
- On September 15, 2023, rumors quickly spread that Jo In-sung and Park Sun-young were planning to marry, but both sides denied the rumors, stating, “It’s completely untrue.”
