[Actor Spotlight] Jung Il-woo

38 March 9, 2019March 9, 2019

by missvictrix

Jung Il-woo is back from military duty, and he’s the subject of our latest spotlight article. Jung Il-woo wasted no time finding a project to mark his return to acting, and is currently starring in the SBS sageuk drama Haechi, where he plays Prince Yeoning, who would later go on to be crowned the 21st king of the Joseon Dynasty.

Born in 1987 in Seoul, South Korea, Jung Il-woo made his TV debut in the popular Unstoppable High Kick sitcom, which originally aired in 2006. It didn’t take long for audiences to appreciate Jung Il-woo on the small screen. After winning the lead role in 2009’s The Return of Iljimae, Jung Il-woo was quickly cast in career-making dramas like 49 Days and The Moon That Embraces the Sun.

While Jung Il-woo does a lot of historical dramas, I find him strongest (and most enjoyable) in comedic roles. It’s not that he can’t do serious, but his comedy is just so good. There’s nothing like watching an actor pour himself into a role, and having a blast while doing it.

Here are some dramaland moments from Jung Il-woo, followed by his full filmography.

Flower Boy Ramyun Shop (2011)

Flower Boy Ramyun Shop was my introduction to Jung Il-woo, and I think it was a rather fitting one. While Jung Il-woo has seen a lot of his professional success in serious historical dramas throughout his career, he’s a fantastic comedic actor as well. In this wacky 2011 drama, Jung Il-woo plays the spoiled chaebol high schooler who falls hard for the character and ramyun shop owner played by Lee Chung-ah. With love triangles, nickname puns, noodle making, kimchi tasting, and a great restaurant setting, this drama was a lot of fun — with or without the second lead syndrome (thanks, Lee Ki-woo).

High-End Crush (2015)

I guess I really do enjoy zany Jung Il-woo. In this web drama of twenty 15-minute episodes, he starred as the completely self-centered and ridiculous CEO of an entertainment company. A little madcap and a lot slapstick, High-End Crush was heavy on hyperbolic comedy. Everything was turned up to eleven with sped-up scenes, humorous sound effects, and on-screen text. Lee Shi-un also starred as Jung Il-woo’s secretary, and their strange love/hate relationship stole the show, even though the drama was about Jung Il-woo’s character wildly pursuing the country girl (played by Jin Se-yeon) who’s his polar opposite.

Cinderella and the Four Knights (2016)

Every now and then there are dramas that start off with a strong concept and a great cast, but they wind up lacking the spark that’s needed to give them life. With Cinderella and the Four Knights, no one was expecting a deep, social satire, or a statement on the human condition. We were expecting a nice juicy drama so bad it was good — kind of like the addictive craziness that was Boys Over Flowers. After all, these stories had a few things in common like the wealthy, pompous leading male characters, the spunky Candy heroine, and the clash of personalities and worlds that ensued. However, Cinderella and the Four Knights never quite got there. The drama took tropes and cliches that it could and should have made into a hilarious mess — and instead made it boring and predictable. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy Jung Il-woo and Park So-dam here, but it hurts to see good, vibrant actors in a lifeless production. Everyone’s allowed a flop, I guess.

Jung Il-woo’s full filmography:

The World of Silence (2006) [Film]
Jung Il-woo made his film debut with a small role in this thriller.
Unstoppable High Kick (2006) [Drama]
So many actors got off to a really strong start with their appearances on this long-running sitcom, and Jung Il-woo is the perfect example. This just might have been the start of Jung Il-woo’s noona crush proficiency as well.
My Love (2007) [Film]
A story of three couples and a single man and the love stories they each experience during the holiday season.
The Secret of Coocoo Island (2008) [Drama]
An ensemble cast that includes Yoon Sang-hyun, Shim Hyung-tak, Kim Kwang-kyu and more, in this Lost/Survivor-sounding plot where a group of employees are stranded on a deserted island. Jung Il-woo appears in the first of 40 episodes.
The Return of Iljimae (2009) [Drama]
When Lee Seung-gi dropped out of this drama, Jung Il-woo was tapped to fill his place and took the lead as Iljimae, making quite the name/mane for himself.
My Fair Lady (2009) [Drama]
Yoon Eun-hye and Yoon Sang-hyun lead this rom-com, with Jung Il-woo and Moon Chae-won in second land territory.
High Kick Through the Roof (2009) [Drama/Cameo]
Jung Il-woo cameos in the second season of the sitcom where he debuted.
49 Days (2011) [Drama]
Though he had leading parts before 49 Days, this is considered by many to be Jung Il-woo’s breakout role. As a fun bit of trivia, this SBS drama was followed by City Hunter, which starred his real life bestie Lee Min-ho.
Flower Boy Ramyun Shop (2011) [Drama]
Kimchi, kisses, ramen, and quite the comedic love triangle with Jung Il-woo, Lee Chung-ah, and Lee Ki-woo (see above).
High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged (2011) [Drama/Cameo]
Another season, another High Kick cameo for Jung Il-woo.
The Moon That Embraces the Sun (2012) [Drama]
Massive and well-loved sageuk hit starring Kim Soo-hyun and Ha Ga-in, with Jung Il-woo as the second lead + rival.
God of the Workplace (2013) [Drama/Cameo]
Jung Il-woo cameos in Episode 3 of this Kim Hye-soo drama as his character from Flower Boy Ramyun Shop. I’d almost watch the drama just for this!
Golden Rainbow (2013) [Drama]
Weekend drama about 7 orphans/siblings with UEE, Jung Il-woo, Lee Jae-yoon (oppa!), and more. I always wanted to watch this one because sibling stories can be so great, but the 40+ episode count scared me off.
Diary of a Night Watchman (2014) [Drama]
Jung Il-woo took on another sageuk role as the rebellious heir to the throne, and the eponymous night watchman, and won an MBC Top Excellence Award for it.
High-End Crush (2015) [Drama]
If the thought of Jung Il-woo having hissy fits, breakdowns, and running around in brightly-colored short suits appeals to you, give it a watch (see above).
Cinderella and the Four Knights (2016) [Drama]
So much promise, but so much boredom (see above).
The Rise of a Tomboy (2016) [Film]
Chinese rom-com with Zhao Liying, Hans Zhang, and Jung Il-woo.
Love and Lies (2017) [Drama]
Next, Jung Il-woo tries his hand at a Thai drama, and it looks juicy and delicious, with actress scandals and a PR firm that covers them up. David McInnis of Descended From the Sun “fame” is also in this, whether that makes you want to watch more, or run far away.
The Discloser (2018) [Film/Cameo]
Jung Il-woo has a guest appearance in this political thriller.
Haechi (2019) [Drama]
Jung Il-woo’s comeback drama. I understand the lure of sweeping sageuk dramas, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I can’t wait to see some comedy from him again.

RELATED POSTS

Tags: Actor Spotlight, Jung Il-woo

Required fields are marked *

1 Kaleidoscopic

March 9, 2019 at 12:13 PM

Flower Boy Ramyun Shop: The King of all dramas.

Required fields are marked *

frabbycrabsis loves KBS Drama Specials

March 9, 2019 at 12:36 PM

Debatable. 😅

Required fields are marked *

Lurker

March 9, 2019 at 12:53 PM

Same here. Never could understand the hype for this actor. I was bored to death on all of his projects. The only one he acted in I truly liked was 49 days... and that was years ago. All the other projects I watched because of the hype and never could get why the hell people found him charming or funny. I've got nothing against him... But nope, he's not cutting it for me. (And mind you I've tried! The only drama I didn't watch with him was Golden Rainbow, so yeah, I did try. I did my best but just nope nope nope).

Required fields are marked *

frabbycrabsis loves KBS Drama Specials

March 9, 2019 at 11:19 PM

I like the actor a lot, I just don't agree with Kale on her opinion of this show, sadly. 😅😅😅

Required fields are marked *

adieunoire

March 10, 2019 at 11:21 PM

Where is your kimchi gif Kale.

Required fields are marked *

2 mary

March 9, 2019 at 12:57 PM

Scheduler!

Required fields are marked *

maldita

March 10, 2019 at 6:02 AM

Jung Ilwoo will always be Scheduler to me. It was THAT role for him. If only he can do a role as well-made as that again.

Required fields are marked *

neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~

March 10, 2019 at 6:56 AM

It's been such a long time, so I'm currently watching a random episode of 49 Days!

Required fields are marked *

owl 🦉 🫰

March 10, 2019 at 8:07 PM

Scheduler! This was the first K-drama where the 49-day cultural thing really intrigued me and I paid more attention to other cultural aspects of K-dramas after that.

Required fields are marked *

3 Diana Hansen

March 9, 2019 at 1:38 PM

i am quite enjoying Haechi even with its plot holes cause i just jump over them and have fun watching jung il woo (its hard to be without him for 2 years) (army) and go ara. she plays these roles well and they are fun together.

Required fields are marked *

latebloomer

March 9, 2019 at 3:33 PM

Haechi isn't a comedy, but Jung Il-woo has plenty of scope for showing off his comedic talent. All it takes is a slight quirk in his expression or tone of voice. I really like him in this role and in this drama.

Required fields are marked *

4 Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February

March 9, 2019 at 4:28 PM

Okay, so the plot DID totally flop for Cinderella and the Four Nights, but it gave us drunk Jung Il Woo and Park So Dam doing aegyo. And I will always be grateful.

@missvictrix *fingerhearts*

Required fields are marked *

5 Mari

March 9, 2019 at 7:31 PM

deep sigh, because i want to cry when thinking about Jung Il woo career or what a promise he had until 2011. when he preffered focus in CFs, fanmeetings, that add in nothing (only money of course and fans) than in his acting skills thus the bad choices that followed. but he wanted this and paid the price. he said in interview in 2015 that he had difficults no roles that suited him or productions who wants him in the cast. you cant want the same roles as Gong Yoo, jo seung woo if you never humble enough to accepted supportive roles or working more towards the skills. even his interviews became more boring and standart PR. looking back here on 2008, 2009 he was more interesting and focus.
and he left management soop which i think is one the best agencies that can get better works. maybe they didnt supported him in how he wants to gain popularity. he's now with HB that's has a good portfolio.

i also think that many did not watch The Return of Iljimae which is his finest performance; in second is Scheduler in 49 days.
i found curious how people think he has chops for comedy when i think the contrary. i dont think he is that funny, especially the try hard away i witnessed in "Moon embrancing..." and "Golden Raibow" (the later i considered his Cha Chi soo adult version. i could't watch him in this.).
he's signature is pissed of face and being sarcastic. We saw how good he was as Scheduler bc he balanced both. Even in High End Crush ( we can let out he's screaming, that was annoying) he played more like this. or "Cinderella..." where his character had some appealing if not the bad writer and development.

Haechi feels like the beginnig of a career ressurgence and seeing his performance makes me a little more optimistic about futures roles.
what I want and wish is him working again with Lee Yo won, Park So dam, Uee even Lee Chung Ah (ppl hate her in FBMS. but i blame his popularity that outshine her. bc i like her), Park Min young (gosh High Kick, they're so good together); working with Go Hyun-jung, Kim Su ah. yes, more women. more modern drama.
i really dont care about the Kribbit thing lifestyle he's doing. this is only fanservice, merchandising. if he wants a career logevity, as he claims, focusing on acting isn't the best away? i hope now, he did found his away.

Required fields are marked *

Mich

March 10, 2019 at 8:11 PM

thank you, Mari, for sharing! Il-woo was my fave actor from My Fair Lady till around 2013 >.< that great smile and boyish image aside, i really liked his approach and ethic towards acting - he really gave it his all, and wanted to go deep too (like in Iljimae: http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/03/jung-il-woo-is-happiest-with-script-in-hand/). He'd also be quite vocal when he couldn't express the character the way that he would have liked to, like when he was openly frustrated at his MFL character: http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/09/jung-il-woo-is-confused-with-his-character/ .

i agree that he shined bright in 49 Days (not just cos he's an angel heh); his dual portrayal of the Scheduler and Song Yi-soo was endearing and heartbreaking all at once. but i couldn't quite get behind his subsequent chaebol roles after that. i know he can be soooo much better than his haughty, screaming High End Crush role.

haven't watched him in Haechi yet, but hope this role will remind him of the passion he has/had in acting. and soon, that he'd find a role (and a hairstyle, haha - that's another curiosity i couldn't get behind when i liked him) that would truly suit him to a T.

Required fields are marked *

0live13ranch

March 11, 2019 at 7:13 AM

Wow, thanks for the comment, Mari!
Only a true fan can realize how their fav actor/actress changes. I love JIW since his early teenager role in High Kick (still remember him crying in the BTS of the last episode of High Kick, and grandma Na Moon-hee comforted him). Other than that, I can feel his sincere and earnest passion for acting in those earlier days. Love him in Return of Iljimae and 49 Days. But I have to agree that somehow after that year 2011, his career seemed to stall and he did not get quality scripts anymore (even though THETS was technically a hit, I could not get myself behind the script and the characters). I really hope things will happen like you say, that Haechi will be the begining of a career resurgence for him.

Required fields are marked *

6 Min

March 9, 2019 at 9:02 PM

I loved him in return of Iljimae and in Flower Boy Ramyun shop... I still loved him in Cinderella and the 4 Knights but I didn't really love the drama itself. XD

Required fields are marked *

7 redfox

March 9, 2019 at 11:08 PM

physical comedy on his face is like you can touch it. Yes, I can t wait either, he is on par wih Cha Seung Won (and those two together in some caper comedy would be explosive).
but he also has a certain Pierrot´like sadness in the eyes, like, a constant and permanent one. so that would make a tragi-comic role alluring.
I know he had some pretty serious health issues I hope he is ok now. was really worried for a while.

Required fields are marked *

8 no name #6

March 10, 2019 at 12:21 PM

Okay, so...have to admit that I had never seen him in anything but my failed attempt at Flower Boy Ramyun Shop years ago until Haechi just recently. So obviously I was not impressed the first time (although he was not at all the reason I dropped that drama), and through all the 5 or 6 years since, I've always thought his face looked weird! Like, just round and doughy? Haha. Not really unattractive or anything, just plain and dull. But now I think I get it - his face is just better in action. He's a good actor! I still look at his filmography and have no interest in 90% of it (will get around to Return of Iljimae at some point, though), but I can see his charm after Haechi.

Required fields are marked *

9 Fatcat007 (Kitty 💜)

March 10, 2019 at 7:55 PM

One of my fav actors ...
He really does the slapstick comedy very well XD

Required fields are marked *

10 owl 🦉 🫰

March 10, 2019 at 8:05 PM

My favorite Il Woo K-dramas are 49 Days (Scheduler) and Flower Boy Ramen Shop. He is so over-the-top perfect in those two that he gets a total pass from me!

Required fields are marked *

11 adieunoire

March 10, 2019 at 11:17 PM

Gosh I love JIW! He's definitely had a lot more misses than hits for me, but hes just so adorable and he does well, regardless of if the drama was a flop. His best were definitely 49 days, FBRS and Moon that Embraces the Sun. I plan on watching Haechi, but waiting until its finished airing.

Required fields are marked *

12 nozomi

March 10, 2019 at 11:28 PM

I know this will be an unpopular opinion but.... I like Jung Il Woo better than Lee Minho... (I know shocker... right?)

I've always thought that Jung Il Woo had more potential but it does seem like Lee Minho knows how to pick better roles.

Required fields are marked *

Mich

March 11, 2019 at 3:10 AM

i second this, actually! i jumped from the Minho ship to Ilwoo one pretty quickly back in the day haha (with me fangirling Kim Bum in between - yes, quite telling of my BOF roots).

Required fields are marked *

greenfields

March 11, 2019 at 10:59 AM

I third this. Jung Il Woo really needs to pick better roles - to me it seems like he tries hard to do rom com and be a romantic leading man. But honestly its his other roles that are way better - the Scheduler, Iljimae Returns, Haechi. Personally, I like him more in these roles than the typical rom com male lead.

Required fields are marked *

nozomi

March 13, 2019 at 10:06 AM

So happy that I am not the only one.

And @michh as much as I love Kim Bum, I couldn't watch BOF. I've been swallowed by kdramas since 2007 and I tried watching BOF and I couldn't go past episode 2. I hated the lead actress acting, I watched the the Taiwanese and Japanese versions so my expectations were high.

Required fields are marked *

Mich

March 13, 2019 at 10:44 AM

fair enough! it was popular back in the day but in the current day's context... don't think it would go down as well haha. (although, after that came The Heirs o.O)

nozomi

March 13, 2019 at 10:09 AM

@greenfields you are absolutely correct.

He really should also get a better team of people to help him decide on his projects. I wouldn't wan 't him to be just another "CF" actor.

I love him too much!

Required fields are marked *

ino_ino

March 14, 2019 at 3:33 PM

i have never seem LMH in anything. but the for what i read he's not the best actor... so yes for me Kim Bum and then jung Il woo. i think KB is more low key, actor actor's and make interesting choices. JIW could be this away but he choose the same path as LMH (in terms of seeking popularity and Cfs) although i do find him (JIW) better actor.
sometimes i think he's still struggling to find what he wants, how to balanced acting choices to cfs so he ended up doing both to boost his fan popularity through merchan and being actor with eh.. questionable choices.
i'm watching Haechi and so far i'm happy with what i'm seeing. i hope his next jobs keeping being good. who with a Stranger's or My misters writers doesnt offer something to him?

Heijl8

March 20, 2019 at 4:26 AM

I fourth this. Jung Il woo is literally my first love back when I first watch him in 49 days. Even if a lot of good-looking actors came, I'm still head over heels with Jung Il woo. No one could replace him. He's so charming and lovable, I hope he gets more drama that will really suit him. I'm watching Haechi now, and I'm loving the drama. I hope he'll do modern drama next.

Required fields are marked *

13 dee23

March 11, 2019 at 8:42 AM

He and Yoon Shiyoon should play twins sometime.

Required fields are marked *

bong-soo

March 11, 2019 at 9:53 AM

I am glad I am not the only one that sees a JIW and YSY resemblance. Maybe not identical (hard to duplicate YSY's eyes!) but in sageuk princely dress I immediately thought they looked alike.

Required fields are marked *

14 Wag-a-muffin

March 11, 2019 at 10:55 AM

I have always liked Jung Il-woo. Diary of a Night Watchman could have been SUCH a great drama--if the writing had made any sense at all. But the main reason I have such fondness for him is an appearance he made years ago on Running Man. He was such a good sport, it sealed his "goodness" in my heart forever. (Ah, I'm such a fan girl!)

Required fields are marked *

greenfields

March 11, 2019 at 10:57 AM

I remember that Running Man episode! ^^ Jung Il Woo flower blooming. XD He's so funny. It was very charming.

Required fields are marked *

Heijl8

March 20, 2019 at 4:20 AM

I remember that Dubai episode. He's got that clumsy charms. I think he's not sun proof (he's not very good in hot places like Dubai) that's why he kept on making mistakes haha ^^ I love him

Required fields are marked *

15 CaroleMcDonnell

March 12, 2019 at 9:10 AM

May i say how much i love my sweetie Il Woo!!!! That smile!

Required fields are marked *

16 Priscila

November 15, 2020 at 8:29 PM

I watched Haechi a month ago and I fell under JIW's spell.

I was a bit of a fan 10 years ago after watching RETURN OF ILJIMAE. Then I watched High kick for him. So I watched METS but his character there was a sidekick.

Watching HAECHI, I was impressed at how much he matured, both as a man and as an actor. This role of an underdog Prince was amazing and it was very well written. I couldn't get enough of Prince Yeoning.

Then I watched clips of cooking shows, etc, and started to fall for his cool persona.

So I checked his rom-coms. Cinderella, Ramen Shop and Crush Love. They were fun and JIW was sizzling with sexiness. They were kind of similar characters, though, and not the most challenging roles. In his defense, I have to give it to him for making those characters so d-mned passionate!

Among them, I preferred HIGH CRUSH LOVE, because (although it was a short drama) he played an older and successful character and not a teen. He was a jerk, yes, but his self confidence was booming attractive.

Required fields are marked *

Priscila

November 15, 2020 at 10:26 PM

Part II

Then I watched 49 DAYS. I don't usually like stories of GHOSTS and people possessed. But I watched this for JIW. It took a while for his character to develop (since he isn't the main character) but I can see why many consider this to be his breakthrough role. Very fascinating character indeed. And he played it so well!

Then, I watched GOLDEN RAINBOW. I know most beanies didn't like it, and the reviews aren't that great. But I watched YouTube clips and they were so intriguing.

41 long episodes, and he appears only after episode 11. But once he and UEE showed up, I got hooked.
I couldn't stop laughing at their interactions. They were soooo cute, and when the romance started, the kissing scenes were.... OH HOT! To die for.

JIW played a really complex character here, Seo Do Yong. The following is a short INTRO. He started living with his dad when he was in High school (after his mom, whom his dad abandoned when he was little, passed away). His dad's new family is very wealthy, but they made sure he knew he was unwelcome. His dad told him to live as if he didn't exist, and to not excell in anything as to not draw attention to himself. So he was the worst student in the entire district. But we see hints that he is actually a genius in disguise. He becomes a school pariah, with no friends... except of course our kind hearted main character Baek Won (UEE). But they get separated...

14 years later, he becomes a prosecutor and Baek Kwon is a police woman. [SPOILER ALERT]

As in many dramas, they start bickering, but they end up loving each other. But the process is so darn cute. DY pretends to be a vane air head prosecutor who only cares about himself, but he constantly protects BW when she is in danger, getting himself hurt. It's super fun, cute, and full of sexual tension.

[Deeper Spoiler]
After around episode 30, DY learns that his father is: a murderer. And that he killed both fathers of BW (biological and adoptive). He tries to bring his father to justice, but he can't find proof to arrest him. He struggles with this, hoping he can bury this fact and continue loving BW. After realizing the impossible situation, he breaks up with BW, he quits his job and starts working for his father.

So it begins the most agonizing part of the drama. We see a DY becoming his father's right hand man, staving people on the back and doing dirty work. In fact, he is fighting against everything BW stands for. She is deeply hurt, trying to justify him and forgive him still. 5 episodes later, she says enough is enough, and tells DY off, saying she will even forget all the moments they shared in the past.

Soon after, DY reveals to her his true heart. He was putting an act to gain his father's trust, in order to find proof of his father's crimes. She tells him to stop hurting himself, that she can figure out something. He knows she can't fight his father without...

Required fields are marked *

Priscila

November 16, 2020 at 5:23 AM

Part II

Then, I watched GOLDEN RAINBOW. I know most beanies didn't like it for its length, and the reviews aren't that great. But I watched YouTube clips and they were so intriguing.

41 long episodes, and the childhood story drags. But once he and UEE showed up, I got hooked.
I couldn't stop laughing at their interactions. They were soooo cute, and when the romance started, the kissing scenes were.... OH HOT! To die for.

But during the later episodes, JIW's character changes. He finds out dark secrets which makes him change his hair color. His smile is gone too. You would think he went to the dark side. He does... but with a hidden purpose. I haven't cried this bad in so long!

Did I like the show? You bet. Though unnecessarily overdramatic, I was happy to see JIW challenging himself with a multifaceted character.

Required fields are marked *