Hwang Jung-min

Hwang Jung-min (황정민; also credited as Hwang Jung-Min and Hwang Jeong-min) is a South Korean actor born on September 1, 1970, in Masan, South Gyeongsang, South Korea. Before becoming a major film presence, he built his craft on stage, launching his professional career in musical theatre with Line 1 (1995) and performing in Daehangno productions including Jesus Christ Superstar and Cats.

His move from theatre to cinema was anything but effortless. Early on, he faced skepticism about whether his look fit the screen, and the slow pace of recognition tested his resolve. Still, he held to a single-minded commitment to acting—an attitude that eventually paid off when Waikiki Brothers (2001) became a sleeper hit and his performance drew attention for its raw, unpolished authenticity.

Hwang became a household name in 2005 with You Are My Sunshine, earning major accolades for a tender, grounded portrayal that emphasized sincerity over melodrama. Since then, he has remained a versatile screen artist, appearing in high-profile Korean films and genre standouts such as Shiri, A Bittersweet Life, Bloody Tie, The Unjust, Heaven's Soldiers, Kill Boksoon, and 12.12: The Day.