Facts about 'Train to Busan' and 'Goblin' actor Gong Yoo
After acting in 2016’s biggest Korean blockbuster “Train to Busan”, he’s taking the lead role in “Goblin” – the TV series that might be the biggest Korean drama of 2017. It is no wonder that 37-year-old Gong Yoo has become the face of his country’s – or the whole of Asia’s – movie and television entertainment industry.
But there’s more to him besides his charming looks and on-screen talent. Let’s take a look at some facts you might not know about him.
He rejected the lead role in ‘Descendants of the Sun’
A lot of A-list Korean actors were offered the lead role of Yoo Si-jin in “Descendants of the Sun”, which proved to be a hit drama all over Asia, and catapulted leading man Song Joong-ki into the the spotlight.
Gong Yoo was one of many A-list Korean actors who turned down the role, with some stating reasons such as being uncomfortable with shaving their heads, not wanting to stay abroad for a long period of time, and filming a pre-produced drama (drama productions in Korea are filmed concurrently during broadcasting).
2. Breakout role
He made his acting debut in 2001 with the TV series “School 4”, but his breakout role came with the romantic-comedy “The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince”, where he played the wealthy, arrogant and sexually confused (at first) heir, Choi Han-kyul. However, at the peak of his popularity, he enlisted into the army in 2008.
3. Still a ‘coffee prince’
The 37-year-old has been the face of Korean instant coffee brand Kanu since 2010.
4. He sings too
Gong Yoo contributed his singing voice to the romantic comedy “Big”, where he starred opposite Lee Min-jung and Miss A’s Suzy.
5. Gong Yoo is not his real name
Born as Gong Ji-cheol on 10 July 1979, he chose to have both his parents’ surnames in his stage name.
6. He loves sneaky fan service
From these Soompi posts on his fan service, slyly winking at fans and shooting finger hearts is just part of a day’s work.
7. Not ready to settle down yet
According to Insight Korea, the actor, who is believed to be single, has admitted that he is putting aside thoughts of marriage for now.
Watch Gong Yoo in the Korean drama ‘Goblin’ on Viu Singapore.
