Han Suk-kyu

Infobox Korean name
hangul=한석규
hanja=韓石圭
rr=Han Seok-gyu
mr=Han Sŏkkyu

Han Suk-kyu (born November 3 1964 in Seoul) is a South Korean actor. While a student at the Film and Theater department of Dongguk University, he sang in an amateur folk rock band. He became a contract voice actor for "KBS", before moving on to TV and film acting.

1990 marked his debut in the MBC campus drama "Our Paradise". He rose to stardom in "The Moon of Seoul" (1994), as a charming gigolo from the slums on the road to self-ruin in the City. The series and his character "Hong-shik" have become beloved icons [Prominent TV writer Choi Wan-kyu aspires to create classic characters as Han's role in "The Moon of Seoul", [http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=LSD&office_id=262&article_id=0000000506&section_id=102&menu_id=102 July 25, 2007 interview.] ] [Producer of "Temptation of Wolves" (2004) compares debut role of actor-idol Kang Dong-won to Han in "The Moon of Seoul", [http://photoi.hankooki.com/photo_view.php?gisa_id=00002862&cate_code= August 20, 2004.] ] [TV actor Kim Byung-se models his gigolo character in "Chun Ja's Happy Events" (2008) after Han's 1994 performance; [http://news.empas.com/show.tsp/cp_mk/20080515n16806/?kw=%C7%D1%BC%AE%B1%D4%20%3Cb%3E%26%3C%2Fb%3E%20%B1%E8%BA%B4%BC%BC%20%3Cb%3E%26%3C%2Fb%3E May 15, 2008 article] ] , as part of the Korean television's golden era before the advent of Korean wave. The cast also features veterans who are now luminaries in Korean cinema: Na Mun-hee ("The Quiet Family"), Choi Min-sik ("Oldboy") and Baek Yun-shik ("Save the Green Planet!").

Until the end of the 20th century, Han headlined films that were critically acclaimed ("Green Fish", "No. 3") and commercially successful ("The Contact", "Christmas in August", "Shiri" -- the latter two making particular impact in Japan, a significant market for Korea.) Although he received all the best scripts during this phase of popularity, there was still a dire need for good scripts in the burgeoning industry. With co-sponsor film magazine "Cine 21", he founded the Makdong Script Festival named after his role in "Green Fish". The annual contest is now extant over 10 years, with two cash prizes funded by Han. Some winners were eventually produced: the comedy "2424" and the forthcoming "The Aerialist" starring Hwang Jung-min.

Han went into an extended hiatus in 1999, declining several lucrative opportunities with name directors. Among them: "Peppermint Candy", "Joint Security Area", "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" (as the father), "Oldboy" (as the "antagonist" [ At Choi Min-sik's suggestion, "Park Chan-wook" settled on actor Yu Ji-tae, for his resemblance to Han -- who's the closest to Park's conception for the arch-nemesis character Woo-jin. [http://www.cine21.com/Article/article_view.php?mm=005002001&article_id=46024 Interview from April 27, 2007.] ] ), and "Fulltime Killer" (as Andy Lau's friend/foe.)

The break coincided with a surge in new talent and scale of production within the Korean film industry. These and other factors (such as his distance from the media [Director Im Sang-soo describes Han as a "perfect, unusual actor" and "lone wolf" driven by frustration, to a skeptical journalist; [http://ddanzi.com/articles/article_view.asp?installment_id=61&article_id=81 February 28, 2005 interview with Ddanzi Ilbo.] Korean GQ characterizes Han's post-heyday career as a lonely maverick who prefers to work in margins of the industry, on personal rather than commercial projects; [http://www.gqkorea.co.kr/feature/index.asp?ins_no=324 Sept. 2008 editorial] .] [Han prefers actors meet the public through acting, not "garbage" talk in interviews, [http://www.cine21.com/Index/magazine.php?mag_id=26769 October 21, 2004.] ] , his over-exposure in commercials [Although a popular spokesman in commercials, his choice in unsavory roles after 2003 has thwarted his wholesome image and appeal to advertisers; [http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/star_view.php?type=1&gisano=2007110810295752013 October 8, 2007 interview with "A Bloody Aria" director, Won Shin-yeon] .] , and changing audience preference for a less measured, more explosive acting style) have attempted to explain the lukewarm reception to his comeback. "Double Agent" had netted one million admission, seen as a failure for a star labeled by the media as "box office guarantee". This was followed by a sizable backlash from netizens and the press, who rushed to bury the co-self-produced spy thriller as the public disgrace of a former golden boy [Outspoken actor Yu Oh-seong joins the panning of "Double Agent", using it to criticize the Korean film industry and the bestowing of "National Actor" status upon Han; [http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=LSD&office_id=074&article_id=0000010268&section_id=106&menu_id=106 Interview from September 20, 2004.] ] [The furor over his hiatus and subsequent return is parodied in the romantic comedy [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398045/ Mr. Handy] , with pastiches of "Shiri" and "Double Agent".] .

His press and image took further beating in the next two, even more polarizing films, due to the unforeseen tragedy surrounding "The Scarlet Letter", and the incendiary political content of "The President's Last Bang" [Director Bong Joon-ho on freedom of speech, and praises film, cast, and crew of "The President's Last Bang", [http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=LSD&office_id=028&article_id=0000099277&section_id=110&menu_id=110 Essay from February 15, 2005.] ] . Nonetheless, these controversial works screened at Cannes, and were featured in a tribute to the actor at the Austrian FilmAsia festival [ [http://cks.korea.cz/dokumenty/film_asia_cz.htm Program schedule for FilmAsia Festival, January to July, 2005.] ] .

In spite of this rocky return to feature films, Han remains highly esteemed by such major directors as Park Chan-wook [Park Chan-wook is quoted by Kim Ji-su from a private gathering, for praising Han's "superlative" work among Korean actors in "The President's Last Bang"; [http://www.cbs.co.kr/Nocut/Show.asp?IDX=352208 October 31, 2006 article] .] , Lee Jun-ik [ Lee Jun-ik mentions Han as among the next-generation leading men, after the elder icons Ahn Sung-ki and Park Joong-hoon of his "Radio Star"; [http://www.cine21.com/Article/article_view.php?mm=005001001&article_id=41643 September 29, 2006 interview] .] , Kang Woo-suk [Powerful producer-director Kang Woo-suk plans to collaborate with Han; [http://news.empas.com/print.tsp/20080618n09274/ June 18, 2008 interview for "Public Enemy Returns"] .] and Jang Jin [Jang Jin on turning to other actors when first-choice such as Han declined the roles in [http://www.cine21.com/Article/article_view.php?mm=005002002&article_id=45990 "My Son"] and [http://www.cine21.com/Article/article_view.php?mm=005002002&article_id=32916 "The Big Scene"] ; April 25, 2007 and August 19, 2005 interviews.] . Compared to his peak popularity in the 90s, his work may seem an acquired taste for general audiences, although some cult following ensued for his ultra-sadistic turn in "The Bloody Aria".

Han remains well-respected for his distinctive style (a cerebral and intricate minimalism marked by its implosive restraint and integrative effect on ensemble), among major peers: Kim Hye-su [Kim Hye-su on Han's "detailed" performances and desire for future collaboration; Interview for "" from [http://www.segye.com/Service5/ShellView.asp?TreeID=1052&PCode=0007&DataID=200609151133000084 Sept 14, 2006.] ] , Song Kang-ho [Song Kang-ho on Han as one of the senior actors paving way for younger generation; [http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=LSD&office_id=001&article_id=0001589275&section_id=106&menu_id=106 March 29, 2007 interview.] ] [Song Kang-ho on Han entering the actor's prime, while falling out of favor with general audiences; [http://www.gqkorea.co.kr/feature/index.asp?menu=03&ins_no=152&cpage=4 May 2005 "GQ Korea" interview.] ] [Song Kang-ho considers it "pointless" to rank actors like himself, Han, Choi Min-sik, and Sol Kyung-gu, [http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=LSD&office_id=112&article_id=0000006320&section_id=106&menu_id=106 April 29, 2005 interview.] ] , Oh Dal-su (especially for their collaboration in "Forbidden Quest" and "A Bloody Aria"), Sol Kyung-gu [Sol Kyung-gu names Han as one of his acting influences, at the 6th Korean Film Awards (MBC), December 1, 2007.] , and Choi Min-sik [Choi Min-sik considers acting, and actors like himself, Han, and Song Kang-ho are ill-suited to ranking a la Olympic medalists; Interview for "Chihwaseon", [http://www.donga.com/docs/magazine/weekly_donga/news333/wd333hh020.html May 9, 2002] . ] [ Choi Min-sik credits close friend Han for the early career-turning roles in "No. 3" and "Shiri", and desires future collaboration; [http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=LSD&office_id=108&article_id=0000008077&section_id=106&menu_id=106 March 18, 2005 interview] ; [http://www.tvreport.co.kr/ArticleShellView.asp?art_id=200503260007 March 26, 2005 article] .] .

Known for his distinctive voice and diction [Many impressions of Han's voice and diction appear in variety shows, TV dramas, and amateur videos online. The best known of late being Park Joong-hoon in the [http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/star_view.php?type=1&gisano=2007060822553787518 June 2007 broadcast] of the Grand Bell Awards.] , Han has been a long-time mentor to Gam Wu-seong [Gam Wu-seong on Han and Shim Hye-jin as acting influences, [http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=LSD&office_id=145&article_id=0000000760&section_id=106&menu_id=106 Interview on April 15, 2006.] ] ["Gam Wu-seong" on Han's friendship and desire for future collaboration, [http://www.cine21.com/Article/article_view.php?mm=005002001&article_id=45260 Interview on March 16, 2007.] ] , including coaching the latter's enunciation for his film debut in "Marriage is a Crazy Thing". Actors of the younger generation also continue to cite him as an influence; among them: Hwang Jung-min ("You Are My Sunshine") [Hwang Jung-min on Han as an influence since his early days in theater, and desire for future collaboration; [http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/star_view.php?type=1&gisano=2007122221340767030 December 22, 2007 article] .] , "Kim Myung-min" [Kim Myung-min on Han and "Choi Min-sik" as the Korean actors he respects the most; [http://www.donga.com/fbin/output?n=200804230224 April 23, 2008 interview] .] , Kim Ju-hyeok ("Blue Swallow"), Kim Ji-soo ("This Charming Girl") [ [http://www.segye.com/Service5/ShellView.asp?TreeID=1052&PCode=0007&DataID=200611021640000144 Kim Ji-su and Kim Ju-hyeok] name Han's work in "The President's Last Bang" as their most admired performance by a Korean actor. That role, [http://nadri.hankooki.com/lpage/weekzine/200503/wz2005030219254661650.htm plus Han's "No. 3"] , are [http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=LSD&office_id=074&article_id=0000011217&section_id=0&menu_id=0 the kind of options she considers lacking for Korean actresses.] ] , Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (who famously began a second career in Korea after seeing Han in "Shiri"), Rain, Lee Sung-jae ("Barking Dogs Never Bite"), TV heartthrob Lee Jin-wook [Lee Jin-wook on Han as his acting influence; [http://news.empas.com/show.tsp/cp_yt/20080414n14523/?kw=%C7%D1%BC%AE%B1%D4%20%3Cb%3E%26%3C%2Fb%3E%20%C0%CC%C1%F8%BF%ED%20%3Cb%3E%26%3C%2Fb%3E April 18, 2008 interview] .] , and the current darling of independent films, Im Ji-gyu [Im Ji-gyu, of [http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/4761/ Milkyway Liberation Front] and [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117935024.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 Who's That Knocking On My Door?] , on Han as a role model of versatility and unique style, [http://www.donga.com/docs/magazine/weekly/2007/12/12/200712120500053/200712120500053_1.html December 18, 2007 article] .] .

In addition to legendary Korean actor [http://www.fipresci.org/festivals/archive/2007/pusan/korean_retro_cho_hyejung.htm Kim Seung-ho] , Han has been influenced by Al Pacino, Ken Takakura, Shohei Imamura, "The Godfather" trilogy, and Hayao Miyazaki. Off-screen, he's known as a family man [Korean wave star and neighbor Song Seung Hun aspires to be a family man like Han, who eschews the popular social life of drinking for domesticity of house chores and child-rearing; [http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shellview.htm?linkid=4&articleid=2008090710060277733&newssetid=746 Sept. 7, 2008 interview] .] , avid golfer (likens the sport to acting) and voracious reader [Sensational report of Han reading 100 titles a month, [http://news.empas.com/show.tsp/cp_tn/20070328n09702/?kw=%C7%D1%BC%AE%B1%D4%20%3Cb%3E%26%3C%2Fb%3E%20100%20%3Cb%3E%26%3C%2Fb%3E March 28, 2007.] ] . He collects animation by Studio Ghibli and desires to join their voice cast one day - as a Korean-speaking character [Han on his family's admiration for "Miyazaki"; [http://www.nikkansports.com/ns/entertainment/interview/2005/sun050508.html May 8, 2005 interview] .] .

Since beginning his career with neophyte helmers in the late 1990s, Han continues to help introducing new talents into the industry [Director Kim Ji-woon recalls Han's insistence on filmmakers to attend Song Kang-ho's theater performances in the late 90s when casting for the burgeoning film scene; [http://news.joins.com/article/3232053.html?ctg=15 July 21, 2008 interview for The Good, The Bad, and The Weird] .] , often turning down more assured projects under seasoned directors. 2006 saw a trio of somewhat offbeat titles ["Dogville" was a key inspiration to do more unconventional films; Interview for "The Scarlet Letter", [http://www.cine21.com/Index/magazine.php?mag_id=26769 October 21, 2004.] ] that gathered strong to minor box office. Next is a return to his favored genre of the thriller - "An Eye for an Eye" opposite Cha Seung-won on July 31, 2008.

Filmography

*Sea Anemone (1995): cameo
*"Dr. Bong" (1995)
*"The Gingko Bed" (1996)
*"Green Fish" (1997)
*"No. 3" (1997)
*"The Contact" (1997)
*"Christmas in August" (1998)
*"Shiri" (1999)
*"Tell Me Something" (1999)
*"Double Agent" (2003)
*"Salt Doll" (2003): a thriller aborted after 30% completion; co-starring Lee Eun-ju
*"The Scarlet Letter" (2004)
*"The President's Last Bang" (2005)
*"Mr. Housewife (Quiz King)" (2005)
*"Forbidden Quest" (2006)
*"A Bloody Aria" (2006)
*"Solace" (2006)
*"An Eye for an Eye" (2007)

TV Dramas

*"Han Ji-Bong's Three Families" (한지붕 세 가족, MBC 1986-1994): bit role
*"Our Paradise" (우리들의 천국, MBC 1990)
*"Eyes of Dawn" (여명의 눈동자 or 黎明의 눈동자, MBC 1991-2): bit role
*"Sons and Daughters" (아들과 딸, MBC 1992-3)
*"Pilot" (파일럿, MBC 1993)
*"The Moon of Seoul" (서울의 달, MBC 1/8-10/16/1994)
*"Three Families Under a Roof" (한지붕 세가족, MBC 1994) Sunday morning drama
*"The Only Room for Them" (그들만의 방, MBC "Best Theater" 1994)
*"Challenge" (도전, MBC 1994)
*"Kareisky" (까레이스키, MBC 1994)
*"Love and War" (전쟁과 사랑, MBC 1995)
*"Hotel" (호텔, MBC, 1995)

References

ee also

*Korean cinema
*Korean drama
*List of South Korean actors

External links

*imdb name|id=0359197|name=Han Suk-kyu
* Profile in French: http://www.dvdrama.com/news.php?12859
*cite web|url=http://people.naver.com/search/people_detail.nhn?frompage=nx_people&id=1134| title=한석규|author=Naver.com|work=네이버인물정보|accessdate=2006-12-08
*cite web|url=http://movie.daum.net/personInfo?pkey=20379&mode=1| title=한석규|author=Daum.net|work=Daum 영화|accessdate=2007-10-13
*cite web|url=http://movie.naver.com/movie/bi/pi/filmo.nhn?code=1803| title=한석규|author=Movie.Naver.com|work=네이버::영화와 처음 만나는 곳, 네이버 영화|accessdate=2007-01-07