Throwing punches after punches, pulling off roundhouse kicks, and performing all kinds of martial arts stunts looks really cool on-screen. But how many actors can actually stand guard in real life? Follow this article to know some of South Korea’s actors, trained in martial arts.
1. Park Seo Joon
Park Seo Joon is one of South Korea’s sought-after actors. Some of his popular dramas include “Itaewon Class”, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?” “Hwarang” and “She Was Pretty”.The actor had received professional MMA training for his outstanding role in the hit show “Fight My Way”. Park Seo Joon was trained by Road FC fighters and often attended matches.
2. Ji Chang Wook
Ji Chang Wook is an actor famous for his roles in “Suspicious Partner” and “Back Street Rookie”. For his role as Jae Ha in “The K2”, Ji Chang Wook had trained professionally with martial arts trainers to perfect his role of a mercenary. Ji Chang Wook had previously also prepared for his role in “The Healer”. The drama showed a newer side of the actor to the views and blew away everyone’s mind since the actor had pulled off difficult stunts such as leaping from rooftops to rooftops, without any stuntmen.
3. Lee Jong Gi
Lee Jong Gi is an actor that became popular for his roles in “ScarletHeartRyeo: Moon Lovers”, and “Flower of Evil”.
He is known as South Korea’s ‘Top Action Star’, Lee Jong Gi has black belts in Hapkido, Taekwondo, and traditional Korean martial arts Taekkyeon. He is also very enthusiastic about Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. The actor rarely uses a stunt double and most of the time, the actor performs all his stunts himself. In addition, he had also learned parkour, Thai kickboxing, and Systema, a form of Russian martial arts for his acting career.
4. Jang Hyuk
Jang Hyuk is an actor best known for his leading roles in “The Slave Hunters” and “Fated to Love You”. He has been trained in Jeet Kune Do and excelled in it. He has also been a semi-professional boxer. In addition, he is also a former Taekwondo athlete.
5. Ji Soo
Ji Soo’s role in “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo” and “Angry Mom” popularized the actor. The well-known second lead heartthrob had been trained in Judo in elementary school. Ji Soo had also competed in the National Judo Championship.
6. Lee Min Ho
Lee Min Ho is arguably one of the biggest and richest actors in South Korea. The “Rich Boy” actor is well known for his roles in “The Heirs”, “Boys Over Flowers” and “The King: Eternal Monarch”.
For his role in “City Hunter”, Lee Min Ho has learned Kali Arnis.
7. Lee Jong Suk
Lee Jong Suk is an actor-model. His role in “School 2013” had helped him leap to stardom. He is also known for his roles in “W: Two Worlds”, “Pinocchio” and “While You Were Sleeping”. In addition, he has attained a black belt in Taekwondo, reaching 4th Dan.
8. Jung Hae In
Although receiving extreme popularity in recent years, Jung Hae In is one of South Korea’s best actors. He became famous for his role in “D.P.” and “Tune in For Love”. Jung Hae In has received a black belt in Taekwondo.
9. Won Bin
Won Bin debuted in the 1997 drama film, “Propose”, as support lead. He became famous for his roles in “Tough Guys Love” and “Autumn in My Heart”. The veteran actor holds a black belt in Taekwondo. Won Bin had attended Yong-In University, famous for its Taekwondo program.
10. Gong Yoo
One of South Korea’s most famous actors Gong Yoo is renowned for his roles in “Goblin” and “Coffee Prince”.
In the hit movie “The Suspect”, Gong Yoo had performed scenes of rock climbing, sky diving at the Han River, and car chases all by himself. He too had learned Systema, the Russian martial arts to perfect his role in the movie.
