Jung Sung Il
Info
🙂 Native Name: 정성일
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: February 3, 1980
🏠 Birth Place: Daegu, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
📏 Height: 183 cm (6’0″)
💍 Spouse: Married in 2016; the couple had a long-distance relationship for 3 years, followed by 7 years of separation before reuniting and marrying
👶 Children: One son, born in 2017
Biography
Jung Sung Il, born on February 3, 1980, in Daegu, South Korea, is a South Korean actor known for his commanding presence and emotionally intense roles. After studying acting at the Korea National University of Arts, he began his career on stage and in minor television roles. Although he remained under the radar for many years, his consistent dedication to his craft eventually earned him recognition in Korea’s competitive entertainment industry.
He began gaining momentum through roles in historical and crime dramas, where his deep voice and serious demeanor stood out. However, his breakthrough came in 2022–2023 when he portrayed Ha Do-yeong, the conflicted and emotionally complex husband in Netflix’s hit revenge-thriller “The Glory.” His nuanced performance in the globally streamed series drew international praise and introduced him to a much wider audience. This role became a career-defining moment, elevating him to stardom after over a decade of steady work.
Despite his sudden rise in fame, Jung Sung Il remains grounded. He’s known for his humble personality and thoughtful interviews. His personal story also drew attention—he married in 2016 after a long-distance relationship that included seven years of separation. The couple reunited and now share a son, born in 2017. He’s spoken openly about how fatherhood has changed his perspective, giving him deeper emotional insight for his roles.
As of 2024, Jung Sung Il continues to be in high demand, receiving offers for both dramas and films. He has expressed interest in challenging himself with diverse characters and hopes to direct someday. With his late-blooming but powerful rise, he has become a symbol of perseverance in the Korean acting scene, proving that true talent will eventually shine through.
Hobbies
Reading novels and scripts – He enjoys reading both literature and screenplays, which helps him understand character psychology more deeply.
Walking in nature – Jung Sung Il often goes on solo walks in parks or forest paths to clear his mind and reset mentally.
Listening to music – Particularly fond of classical and instrumental music, he uses it to relax and prepare emotionally for roles.
Watching international films – He’s an avid film viewer and loves studying acting performances from global cinema.
Spending time with his son – Being a family man, he values simple activities like drawing or playing with his young son during downtime.
Interests
Character analysis – He’s deeply interested in breaking down and rebuilding characters from different emotional angles.
Theater acting – Despite his fame in dramas, he still follows theater productions and hopes to return to the stage.
Philosophy and human psychology – He often reflects on human behavior, which influences how he approaches complex roles.
Mentorship and teaching – Jung has shown interest in possibly teaching acting one day, especially to help late bloomers like himself.
Social topics in drama – He is drawn to projects that carry social relevance or ask moral questions, such as The Glory.
Facts
He debuted in 2000s but rose to fame in 2022 – Despite starting in the early 2000s, he only achieved mainstream recognition through The Glory.
He has a signature deep voice – His naturally deep and resonant voice has become one of his most recognized traits.
He studied acting formally – He is an alumnus of the Korea National University of Arts, known for its elite acting program.
He is married with one son – He married his long-time partner in 2016 and they have a son born in 2017.
He avoids social media – Jung Sung Il has a minimal online presence and values privacy, which is rare among celebrities.
Secrets
He almost quit acting – Before The Glory, he considered leaving the industry due to years of low-profile work and limited recognition.
He kept his marriage private – He didn’t publicly announce his marriage at the time, preferring to protect his family’s privacy.
He didn’t expect global fame – Jung has admitted in interviews that he never imagined The Glory would bring such international attention.
He’s very shy in real life – Despite intense on-screen roles, he is introverted and avoids public appearances unless necessary.
He cried after fan letters – Jung confessed that heartfelt letters from international fans after The Glory moved him to tears.
Funny Things
He forgets his lines when nervous – Though a seasoned actor, he sometimes blanks out during emotional or romantic scenes.
He once rehearsed with a stuffed animal – While preparing for a father-son scene, he practiced his emotions using a plush toy.
He’s bad at selfies – Jung jokingly said he always looks “awkward” in selfies and lets staff take his photos instead.
He’s scared of fan events – He gets very nervous around fan gatherings and often mumbles out of embarrassment.
He used to wear mismatched socks – His wife once revealed in a rare anecdote that he didn’t care about matching socks early in their marriage.
Fears
Failing as a father – He’s said in interviews that his biggest fear is disappointing his son as a parent and role model.
Losing his voice – As his voice is a key part of his screen presence, he fears damaging it with overuse or illness.
Public misjudgment – He worries about being misunderstood, especially since he plays morally ambiguous characters.
Sudden fame – Jung has expressed unease with overnight fame and prefers a quiet, stable life.
Losing emotional depth – He fears becoming numb or too routine in his acting and works hard to keep his performances fresh.
News
1. Breakthrough Role in Netflix’s “The Glory” (2022–2023)
Jung Sung Il gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ha Do-young in the Netflix series The Glory. His performance as the conflicted husband of a school bully captivated audiences and critics alike, marking a significant turning point in his acting career.
2. Lead Role in Upcoming Drama “The Guardians”
In April 2023, it was reported that Jung Sung Il would take on his first leading role in the upcoming drama The Guardians. The series focuses on probation officers and electronic monitoring, a unique theme in South Korean television.
3. Casting in Disney+ Thriller Series “Unmasked”
Jung Sung Il is set to star alongside Kim Hye-soo in the Disney+ thriller series Unmasked. The show revolves around an investigative news team and is slated for release in 2025.
4. Award-Winning Performance in Film “Uprising”
In the 2024 film Uprising, Jung Sung Il played the role of Genshin, a Japanese military vanguard. His performance earned him the Best New Actor award at the 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards.
5. Transition to New Agency Ahead of K-Drama Comeback
In April 2024, Jung Sung Il parted ways with his previous agency, KeyEast, and signed with a new agency as he prepared for his return to the small screen. This move signifies a new chapter in his career.
TV Drama
Music / OST
🎵 Jung Sung Il – His Relationship with Music Beyond the Screen
Although Jung Sung Il is globally recognized as an actor — especially after his breakout performance in The Glory — many fans are curious about his potential involvement in music. While he is not a professional singer or musician, music plays a reflective and influential role in his creative process and personal life.
🎬 No Official Music Debut
To date, Jung Sung Il has not released any albums or singles and is not affiliated with any musical agency or idol training background. His primary focus has been theater and screen acting since graduating from the Korea National University of Arts. Unlike many Korean celebrities who juggle acting and idol careers, Jung Sung Il pursued a more traditional acting path.
🎭 Music as a Creative Tool
Despite not being active in the music industry, Jung Sung Il often mentions music in interviews as a source of inspiration. He listens to instrumental, classical, and emotional soundtracks to get into character or decompress after intense scenes. In preparation for The Glory, he noted that he used emotionally charged music to understand the psychological weight of his character, Ha Do-young.
🎤 On-Screen Musical Moments
Interestingly, while not a singer, Jung Sung Il has participated in scenes that involve music or singing, especially in theater. In his early stage career, he occasionally performed in productions that included vocal performances or choreographed movement to rhythm. However, these were not solo singing showcases but rather part of a larger ensemble.
🎧 Musical Preferences and Personality
In fan Q&As and interviews, Jung Sung Il has shared that he enjoys listening to artists like Yiruma, Kim Dong Ryul, and Korean traditional ballads. His taste leans toward music that reflects deep emotions or complex storytelling, much like the roles he chooses to play. He once said that a well-written song can “say what dialogue cannot.”
✅ Summary
While Jung Sung Il does not have a formal music career, his appreciation and use of music as an emotional and artistic tool enrich his acting performances. Whether preparing for a role or winding down after a shoot, music remains a quiet but significant part of his journey as an actor.
Gallery
