Chae Jong Hyeop
Info
🙂 Native Name: 채종협 (Chae Jong-hyeop)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: May 19, 1993
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Taurus
📏 Height: 186 cm (6’1″)
💍 Spouse:Not Married
👶 Children: None
Biography
Chae Jong-hyeop, born on May 19, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, is a talented actor known for his captivating performances in various television dramas. Standing at 186 cm (6’1″) tall, he embarked on his acting journey with a minor role in the 2016 MBC every1 drama “Webtoon Hero – Tundra Show Season 2.”
In 2019, Chae gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Yoo Min-ho, a rookie baseball pitcher, in the SBS sports-themed drama “Hot Stove League.” The series received high viewership ratings, propelling him into the spotlight.
The year 2021 marked a pivotal point in Chae’s career, with notable roles in three dramas. He appeared in JTBC’s “Sisyphus: The Myth,” portraying Choi Jae-sun, a resourceful character aiding the protagonists. Subsequently, he starred as Yang Do-hyeok, a charming chef and first love of the female lead, in JTBC’s “Nevertheless.” Additionally, he played Lee Gil-yong, a determined student, in TVING’s original drama “The Witch’s Diner.”
In 2022, Chae took on the lead role of Park Tae-joon in KBS2’s sports romance drama “Love All Play,” showcasing his versatility as an actor. He continued to expand his repertoire with the lead role of Park In-seong in ENA’s “Unlock My Boss” (2022–2023). In 2023, he starred as Kang Bo-geol in tvN’s “Castaway Diva,” further solidifying his status in the industry.
Hobbies
Photography: Chae Jong Hyeop enjoys capturing moments through photography, often sharing his work on his Instagram account.
Listening to Music: He has a deep appreciation for music, particularly Western genres, and frequently listens to various artists.
Working Out: Maintaining physical fitness is important to him; he often spends his free time exercising at the gym.
Running: Chae Jong Hyeop enjoys running, especially around the Han River, combining his love for fitness with the enjoyment of scenic views.
Cooking: He has expressed an interest in cooking, although he humbly admits he’s not particularly skilled at it.
Interests
Acting: His primary passion lies in acting, a field he pursued after studying abroad and discovering his interest in the craft.
Traveling: Having lived in countries like Thailand and South Africa, he has developed a keen interest in exploring diverse cultures.
Fashion: With a background in modeling, he maintains an interest in fashion and often showcases stylish outfits.
Sports: Beyond his roles in sports-themed dramas, he enjoys various sports activities and has learned new sports for his acting roles.
Language Learning: His time abroad sparked an interest in languages, leading him to become fluent in English.
Facts
Multinational Experience: He studied in Thailand for a year and in South Africa for three years during his youth.
English Name: During his time abroad, he adopted the English name “Jimmy,” which he still uses among friends.
Modeling Background: Before acting, he began his career as a model, debuting on the runway for designer Kim Seoryong.
Breakthrough Role: His role as Yoo Min-ho in the sports drama “Hot Stove League” (2019) significantly boosted his popularity.
Positive Energy: Co-stars often praise him for his positive energy and ability to uplift those around him on set.
Secrets
Epilepsy Diagnosis: In 2023, he revealed that he has epilepsy, which led to his exemption from mandatory military service.
Personal Keepsake: He cherishes a ring given by his mother before studying abroad, wearing it as a reminder of her support.
Name Consideration: Due to pronunciation challenges, he once considered changing his name but decided to keep it for its uniqueness.
Emotional Honesty: He believes in expressing his emotions openly and values honesty in relationships.
Cooking Skills: Despite his interest in cooking, he admits he’s not very good at it, contrasting with some of his on-screen roles.
Funny Things
K-Pop Unfamiliarity: Despite being a Korean celebrity, he is not well-versed in K-Pop and is more inclined toward Western music.
Cooking Contradiction: While he played a chef in “Nevertheless,” he admits to not being skilled in cooking in real life.
Baseball Training: For his role in “Hot Stove League,” he learned baseball from scratch, showcasing his dedication to acting.
Pilates Preparation: He practiced Pilates to prepare for a role, demonstrating his commitment to embodying his characters.
Bright Personality: He describes himself as having a bright personality, often bringing positivity to those around him.
Fears
Spicy Food: He cannot eat spicy food, which is uncommon in Korean cuisine.
Summer Season: He prefers winter over summer, indicating a discomfort with hot weather.
Public Misunderstanding: He hopes to be recognized as an actor who is trustworthy and relatable, indicating a fear of misinterpretation.
Career Stagnation: He continually seeks diverse roles to avoid being typecast, reflecting a fear of professional stagnation.
Personal Limitations: He acknowledges areas for personal growth, indicating a fear of not reaching his full potential.
News
Starring Role in “Serendipity’s Embrace” (2024): Chae Jong Hyeop took on a leading role in the romantic comedy series “Serendipity’s Embrace,” which aired on tvN from July 22 to August 13, 2024. The drama, based on a popular webtoon, tells the story of young individuals rediscovering love and pursuing their dreams after reuniting with their first loves after a decade.
Lead Role in Japanese Drama “Eye Love You” (2024): Expanding his international presence, Chae Jong Hyeop starred alongside Japanese actress Fumi Nikaido in the TBS drama series “Eye Love You,” which aired from January 23 to March 26, 2024. This collaboration marked a significant step in Korea-Japan joint productions, with Chae earning the affectionate nickname “Hyop-sama” from Japanese fans.
Awarded Best Newcomer Actor at the Asia Contents Awards (2024): For his performance in “Eye Love You,” Chae Jong Hyeop received the Best Newcomer Actor award at the Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards in 2024, recognizing his rising prominence in the Asian entertainment industry.
Opens Up About Epilepsy Diagnosis and Military Exemption (2023): In a candid 2023 interview, Chae Jong Hyeop revealed his epilepsy diagnosis, which led to his exemption from mandatory military service. He discussed managing his condition since 2018 and its impact on his personal and professional life.
Confirmed Casting in Upcoming Drama “Shining” (2025): Chae Jong Hyeop is set to star alongside Kim Min-ju in the forthcoming romance drama “Shining,” which explores the emotional journey of ex-lovers reuniting after a decade. This casting has generated excitement among fans anticipating their on-screen chemistry.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Chae Jong Hyeop does not have a music career. He is primarily known for his work as an actor, with notable roles in various South Korean television dramas. However, in 2023, he starred in the television series “Castaway Diva,” where he portrayed Kang Bo-geol, a character involved in the music industry. The series follows Seo Mok-ha, played by Park Eun-bin, a girl who dreams of becoming a singer but ends up stranded on a deserted island for 15 years before returning to pursue her aspirations. While Chae Jong Hyeop’s role in “Castaway Diva” is connected to the music industry within the storyline, this does not reflect a personal music career.
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