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Yoo Yeon-seok, born Ahn Yeon-seok on April 11, 1984, in Jinju, South Gyeongsang, South Korea, is a 40-year-old South Korean actor popular for his versatile performances across television and film. Over the years, he has built a career with notable roles in various productions.
Yoo Yeon-seok debuted as an actor with a role in Park Chan-wook's critically acclaimed film Oldboy (2003). However, a decade later, he rose to prominence with his portrayal of Chilbong in the hit drama Reply 1994 (2013). This breakout role established him as a household name in South Korea.
Since then, Yoo Yeon-seok has appeared in several acclaimed projects across various mediums. On the small screen, he starred in various noteworthy dramas such as Hospital Playlist (2020–2021), Mr. Sunshine (2018), and Dr. Romantic (2016–2023). For Dr. Romantic, Yoo received the Excellent Actor Award and Best Couple Award in the 2016 SBS Drama Awards.
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His notable film roles include The Beauty Inside (2015), A Werewolf Boy (2012), and Steel Rain 2: Summit (2020). Additionally, Yoo has also earned recognition for his performances in musical theatre productions. His work has gained recognition both in South Korea and internationally, establishing him as a prominent figure in the industry.
Controversies involving Yoo Yeon-seok
Despite his fame, the actor’s journey hasn’t been free of challenges, as he has found himself amid several controversies.
1) Allegation of disrespectful behavior:
In 2023, the actor faced serious accusations when one netizen claimed that the actor allegedly made disrespectful remarks to a security guard working in his apartment complex. The allegation further suggested that Yoo's alleged rude behavior led to the guard resigning from his job.
However, Yoo’s agency firmly denied the claim, calling it “groundless”. They asserted that legal measures would be taken against those spreading false rumors.
2) 2016 Statement on women’s clothing:
Yoo's second controversy occurred during the promotion of the movie Mood of the Day (2016). Yoo Yeon-seok and co-star Moon Chae-won participated in an interview where they were asked about appropriate outfits for a date. Yoo Yeon-seok stated that a woman should wear see-through clothes to signal interest in him on dates, and more discreet outfits, like turtlenecks, would suggest disinterest for him.
Moon Chae-won, responded by sharing that she often wears turtlenecks and pants, to which Yoo Yeon-seok retorted,
"That’s the reason you don’t have a boyfriend."
His comments sparked backlash, with some criticizing him for judging women based on their clothing choices, while others defended his right to express his opinion.
7 lesser-known facts about Yoo Yeon-seok
1) Struggles before stardom
Yoo’s road to success was not exactly a smooth ride. Early in his career, he attended over 100 auditions, facing repetitive rejections. However, his perseverance paid off when he landed the role of Chilbong in Reply 1994 in 2013. The role later proved to be a breakthrough moment in his acting journey.
2) Stage name origin
His birth name is Ahn Yeon-seok. He adopted the stage name Yoo Yeon-seok as a tribute to his debut mentor, Yoo Ji-tae.
3) Musical talents
Yoo Yeon-seok is a skilled musician who plays drums and guitar. This musical ability is showcased in Hospital Playlist (2020-2021), where he performs as part of the fictional band Mido & Falasol. In the drama, the actor showcases his skill as a drummer. The actor also sings with the rest of the cast members.
4) Animal welfare advocate and other philanthropy
Yoo is an animal lover who adopted a shelter dog named Rita and is actively involved in volunteer work. He often visits shelters and helps care for over 150 dogs. His love for animals influenced his decision to take a pay cut for his role in the film My Heart Puppy. Beyond his animal welfare activities, Yoo Yeon-seok contributes to various charitable causes.
5) Dating rumors
Yoo Yeon-seok has also been the subject of speculation about his private life. He has been linked to his Hospital Playlist co-star, Shin Hyun-bin, although neither has confirmed the rumors. Another persistent rumor involves actress Kim Ji-won, whom Yoo was allegedly in an on-and-off relationship with for a decade. However, the actor has kept silent on these matters, keeping his personal life private.
6) Personal life:
Yoo has two brothers. His family moved to Seoul during his high school years, where he lived with one of his brothers to pursue acting. Yoo's blood type is A, and he falls under the zodiac sign Aries. After his debut, he paused his acting career to study Film Arts at Sejong University and complete his mandatory military service in the Air Force.
7) One of Forbes' 2019 Top 40 Power Celebrities in Korea
Apart from being an award-winning actor, Yoo Yeon-seok excels in numerous fields. He is also a published author, a great cook, a furniture designer, a photographer, and even a businessman. He was featured on Forbes' 2019 list of Korea's Top 40 Power Celebrities due to his varied skills and achievements.
Yoo Yeon-seok's career and breakout role in Netflix's When the Phone Rings explored
His breakthrough performance in the ongoing Netflix drama When the Phone Rings has earned the actor a lot of praise from fans for his impressive acting. Alongside co-star Chae Soo-bin, he has received a lot of appreciation for his portrayal of a complicated lead role. The drama's popularity has been largely attributed to Yoo's on-screen chemistry with Chae, as well as the drama's intriguing storyline.
The role highlights Yoo Yeon-seok's range as an actor, showcasing his ability to perform across different genres and portray complex characters. The success of this series earned the actor critical acclaim and audience recognition in both local and international entertainment industries.
