Na In Woo
Info
🙂 Native Name: 나인우 (Na In-woo)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: September 17, 1994
🏠 Birth Place: Gwangju, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Virgo
📏 Height: 187 cm (6’2″)
💍 Spouse:Not Married
👶 Children: None
Biography
Na In-woo, born Na Jong-chan on September 17, 1994, in Gwangju, South Korea, is a prominent actor known for his versatility and compelling performances. He began his career in musical theater, debuting in 2013 with “Bachelor’s Vegetable Store,” which laid the foundation for his transition into television dramas.
In 2020, Na In-woo’s portrayal of Kim Byeong-in in the historical comedy-drama “Mr. Queen” garnered significant attention, showcasing his ability to blend intensity with subtle humor. This role marked a turning point in his career, leading to more prominent opportunities.
A pivotal moment came in 2021 when he stepped into the lead role of On Dal in “River Where the Moon Rises,” replacing actor Ji Soo amid controversy. Despite the abrupt change, Na delivered a commendable performance, earning him the Best New Actor award at the KBS Drama Awards and a nomination for Best New Actor at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards.
Continuing his upward trajectory, Na In-woo joined the cast of the popular variety show “2 Days & 1 Night” in 2022, further endearing him to a broader audience. In 2024, he took on a leading role in the drama “Marry My Husband,” solidifying his status as a versatile and bankable actor in the South Korean entertainment industry.
Hobbies
Playing the Guitar: Na In Woo has a passion for music and enjoys playing the guitar during his leisure time.
Singing: Alongside playing instruments, he has a talent for singing and often combines this with his guitar sessions.
Sunbathing: He appreciates spending time outdoors, particularly enjoying sunbathing as a form of relaxation.
Walking: To unwind and gather his thoughts, Na In Woo often takes walks, finding it a soothing activity.
Listening to Rock Music: He has a fondness for rock music, which influences his musical pursuits and preferences.
Interests
Musical Instruments: Beyond the guitar, Na In Woo has expressed interest in learning other instruments, particularly wind instruments.
Theater and Film: With a background in performing arts from Dankook University, he maintains a strong interest in theater and film.
Variety Shows: Since 2022, he has been a cast member of the variety show “2 Days & 1 Night,” showcasing his interest in diverse entertainment formats.
Language Learning: Having lived in Canada for three years until he was 12, he developed an interest in languages and cultural exchange.
Fashion: As an actor, he has shown interest in fashion, often being recognized for his stylish appearances.
Facts
Stage Name Meaning: His stage name, “In Woo,” means friendly or easy to get close to in Chinese, reflecting his approachable personality.
Former JYP Trainee: He was discovered on the streets of Suwon by a JYP Entertainment casting director and started training at 17 before moving to CUBE Entertainment at 19.
Musical Debut: He began his career in 2013 through the musical “Bachelor’s Vegetable Store,” marking his entry into the entertainment industry.
Name Change: In 2019, he started his activities under the name Na In Woo, transitioning from his birth name, Na Jong Chan.
Military Service Exemption: In 2025, he addressed his exemption from mandatory military service due to health reasons, expressing regret for not disclosing his illness earlier.
Secrets
Health Condition: He kept his illness a secret, which eventually led to his exemption from military service, a topic he addressed publicly in 2025.
Hidden Talent: Despite his public persona, he has a hidden talent for playing multiple musical instruments, including the guitar and bass.
Reserved Nature: While appearing outgoing on screen, he has mentioned being naturally reserved and taking time to open up to others.
Personal Struggles: He has faced personal challenges, including adapting to sudden changes in his career, which he has navigated privately.
Unpublicized Philanthropy: Na In Woo has participated in charitable activities without seeking public attention, reflecting his humble nature.
Funny Things
On-Set Pranks: Known for his sense of humor, he often engages in light-hearted pranks with co-stars during filming.
Variety Show Antics: His appearances on “2 Days & 1 Night” have showcased his playful side, including humorous reactions and challenges.
Behind-the-Scenes Humor: Co-stars have shared anecdotes of his ability to lighten the mood on set with jokes and impersonations.
Accidental Comedian: He has unintentionally created comedic moments during interviews, endearing him to fans.
Playful Interactions: His interactions with fans often include witty remarks and playful banter, highlighting his approachable demeanor.
Fears
Public Speaking Anxiety: Despite his acting career, he experiences anxiety when speaking in public settings outside of scripted performances.
Fear of Heights: He has a known fear of heights, which he has had to confront during certain filming scenarios.
Stage Fright: Early in his career, he struggled with stage fright during live performances, a challenge he worked hard to overcome.
Fear of Letting Fans Down: He harbors a deep concern about not meeting fans’ expectations, driving his commitment to his craft.
Fear of Stagnation: He fears becoming stagnant in his career and continuously seeks diverse roles to challenge himself.
News
Military Service Exemption Controversy (December 2024): In December 2024, it was reported that Na In Woo received a Grade 4 classification during his physical examination and awaited assignment for social service duty. After three years without a summons from the Military Manpower Administration, he became eligible for exemption under the Military Service Act. This situation led to public discussions regarding his exemption from mandatory military service.
Addressing Military Exemption at ‘Motel California’ Press Conference (January 2025): On January 9, 2025, during a press conference for MBC’s new drama “Motel California,” Na In Woo publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his military service exemption. He apologized for discussing personal matters in a public setting and explained his reluctance to disclose specific reasons for his exemption, citing the sensitive nature of the topic.
Departure from ‘2 Days & 1 Night’ (June 2024): In June 2024, Na In Woo announced his departure from the KBS2 variety show “2 Days & 1 Night” Season 4. This decision was made in preparation for his anticipated military enlistment, marking the end of his two-year participation in the program.
Lead Role in ‘Motel California’ (January 2025): Na In Woo took on a leading role in the MBC drama “Motel California,” which premiered on January 10, 2025. The series is a romance drama set in a rural motel, following the story of a female protagonist who reunites with her first love in her hometown after 12 years, leading to a series of ups and downs as they “remodel” their first love.
Starring in Crime Drama ‘Longing For You’ (June 2024): In June 2024, Na In Woo was cast as a reputable detective in the ENA crime drama “Longing For You.” This role marked his return to television dramas, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Music / OST
Na In-woo, primarily recognized for his acting career, has also demonstrated a strong passion for music. Before venturing into acting, he was a trainee at JYP Entertainment, aspiring to become a K-pop idol. Although he did not debut as a singer, his musical talents have been evident throughout his career.
In July 2021, Na In-woo was selected as the MC for the web music program “OUTNOW Unlimited,” which aired on Playlist and Naver Now. This role allowed him to engage with various artists and showcase his affinity for music, bridging his interests in both acting and music.
Despite not pursuing a formal music career, Na In-woo’s musical endeavors, including his instrumental skills and hosting a music program, highlight his versatility and passion for the art form.
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