Yoo Hae-jin: The Actor Behind Five Blockbuster Hits and 170 Million Viewers

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Kim Ji-won from Ten Asia selects the essence from the sea of content. From must-see classics to anticipated new releases, enjoy a diverse range of recommendations.

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Actor Yoo Hae-jin has once again made history. With the film 'The Man Living with the King' (directed by Jang Hang-jun) joining the ranks of ten-million-viewer movies, Yoo Hae-jin has become a '50 Million Actor' with five such films under his belt. Moreover, he holds the record for 'most cumulative viewers,' with over 170 million people having watched his films.

Yoo Hae-jin has not always been successful at the box office. Not every film he stars in is a hit. However, regardless of a film's success, there is a commonality in his performances: the moment he appears on screen, fiction becomes reality. His realistic acting draws audiences into the story. As an indispensable figure in Korean cinema, we revisit the illustrious filmography of '50 Million Actor' Yoo Hae-jin.

'The King and the Clown' (2005), The Beginning of the Ten-Million Myth | Netflix, TVING, Wavve'The King and the Clown' was Yoo Hae-jin's first ten-million-viewer film and firmly established his presence in the public's mind. In the film, Yoo plays Yuk-gab, the leader of a troupe of clowns, injecting vitality into the narrative. Through the clowns sacrificed by power, 'The King and the Clown' satirizes the era. Yoo's unique comedic performance lightens the potential heaviness of the tragedy, while his sorrowful eyes portray the plight of the clowns. This film marked the beginning of his ten-million-viewer legacy.

'Veteran' (2015), The Loyal Henchman of Evil | Netflix, TVING, Wavve'Veteran' follows the exploits of a veteran detective squad pursuing an arrogant third-generation chaebol. Yoo Hae-jin plays Choi Dae-woong, the chaebol's right-hand man. He portrays the character with calculated coldness, adding realism to the role. His restrained expressions and speech create tension, balancing the film's portrayal of good and evil.

'A Taxi Driver' (2017), Evoking Emotional Resonance with Warm Humanity | Netflix, TVINGIn this film based on the true events of the Gwangju Uprising, Yoo Hae-jin plays Hwang Tae-sool, a taxi driver in Gwangju, delivering a powerful emotional impact. Despite the oppressive surveillance, Hwang shelters outsiders Man-seob (played by Song Kang-ho) and Peter (played by Thomas Kretschmann) in his home, showcasing noble civic consciousness and warm humanity. Yoo's humble and sincere performance represents the warmth of Gwangju citizens, drawing emotional empathy from the audience.

'The Grave' (2024), Adding Realism to Supernatural Horror | Netflix, TVING, Coupang PlayThis occult mystery film depicts strange events befalling a geomancer, a feng shui master, and an undertaker after relocating a suspicious grave for a large sum of money. Yoo Hae-jin plays the undertaker, Young-geun, grounding the fantasy genre with a realistic perspective and reactions. His presence balances the film's tension, helping audiences accept the supernatural as part of reality.

'The Man Living with the King' (2026), A Performance Straight Out of History | Currently in TheatersIn this film, which has surpassed 14 million viewers, Yoo Hae-jin plays the role of village chief Eom Heung-do. Based on a real person, Eom Heung-do serves the exiled King Danjong and helps recover his body. Yoo's flexible acting moderates the narrative's pace and infuses the film with human warmth amidst intense conflicts between those protecting the king and those seeking change.

Yoo Hae-jin is an actor with the ability to absorb any genre. From comedy to crime, occult, and historical dramas, the worlds he steps into resonate with reality. His natural, unforced acting is his specialty, making audiences believe in the story.

Yoo Hae-jin brings realism to stories and breathes life into narratives. The astounding figure of 170 million viewers attests to his irreplaceable status as an actor.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr