Nam Joo Hyuk
Info
🙂 Native Name: Nam Joo Hyuk (남주혁)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: February 22, 1994
🏠 Birth Place: Busan, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Pisces
📏 Height: 187 cm
💍 Spouse: Not Married
👶 Children: None
Biography
Nam Joo Hyuk, born on February 22, 1994, in Busan, South Korea, is a renowned actor and model. His journey to stardom began when he joined the entertainment industry as a model, debuting in 2013 with the prestigious SONGZIO Homme collection. His tall stature and handsome looks quickly made him a sought-after figure in the modeling world. His transition to acting was seamless, making his first major acting debut in 2014 with a supporting role in the drama The Idle Mermaid, where his charm and talent began to shine.
Nam’s breakthrough came in 2016 with the youth sports drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, where he portrayed a young, talented swimmer. The drama became a fan favorite, especially because of his on-screen chemistry with co-star Lee Sung Kyung. This role earned him wide recognition and cemented his position as one of South Korea’s most promising young actors. His relatable and warm portrayal of the character resonated with audiences, and the drama gained a dedicated international following.
In 2020, Nam Joo Hyuk further expanded his acting career by starring in Start-Up, a Netflix hit that focused on the world of tech startups. His role as Nam Do-san, a young and ambitious entrepreneur, showcased his versatility as an actor. The show was a massive success, reaching audiences worldwide and further enhancing Nam’s global appeal. Start-Up became one of the most-watched K-dramas of the year, and Nam’s portrayal of a soft-spoken but determined tech founder received critical praise.
Aside from his acting career, Nam Joo Hyuk is known for his humility and grounded personality, which have endeared him to fans and peers alike. He continues to take on challenging roles, including the historical drama The Great Battle (2018), where he demonstrated his ability to handle action-packed, intense storylines. As of now, Nam Joo Hyuk is a leading figure in the Korean entertainment industry, and fans eagerly await his future projects.
Hobbies
- Basketball – Nam Joo Hyuk has a deep passion for basketball, which he played extensively in his school days. He even considered becoming a professional player before entering the entertainment industry.
- Photography – He enjoys taking photographs, often capturing landscapes and nature scenes, reflecting his appreciation for aesthetics and beauty.
- Video Games – Like many of his peers, Nam Joo Hyuk enjoys relaxing by playing video games in his downtime. He has expressed his fondness for multiplayer games.
- Reading – Nam enjoys reading books during his free time. It helps him relax and he often reads to prepare mentally for his acting roles.
- Traveling – Whenever he has a break from filming, Nam Joo Hyuk enjoys traveling, especially to places with beautiful nature, where he can take a break from his busy schedule.
Interests
- Fashion – As a former model, Nam Joo Hyuk has a keen interest in fashion. He enjoys experimenting with different styles and is often seen in high-end, trendy outfits.
- Movies – Nam is passionate about films, not just as an actor but as a viewer. He enjoys watching movies from various genres, which helps him improve his craft.
- Music – Although he is not a professional singer, Nam Joo Hyuk loves listening to music and finds inspiration in different genres, particularly hip-hop and R&B.
- Fitness – Staying fit is important to him. He enjoys exercising and has a fitness routine that includes gym workouts, jogging, and swimming to stay in shape.
- Acting Techniques – Nam Joo Hyuk is deeply interested in improving his acting skills, often studying different techniques and observing other actors to grow in his career.
Facts
- Homme collection in 2013, before transitioning into acting.
- First Lead Role – His first major lead role was in Who Are You: School 2015, where he gained recognition for his portrayal of a high school student.
- Close Friendship with Co-stars – Nam Joo Hyuk has built strong friendships with several of his co-stars, including Ji Soo and Lee Sung Kyung, which are often highlighted by fans.
- International Popularity – His performance in Start-Up greatly boosted his international fan base, leading him to become one of the most popular Korean actors worldwide.
- Awards – Nam has won several awards, including the Best New Actor award at the 36th MBC Drama Awards for Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo.
Secrets
- Shy Personality – Despite his confident appearance, Nam Joo Hyuk has admitted in interviews that he is naturally shy and introverted, especially around new people.
- Struggled with Confidence – Early in his acting career, he struggled with self-confidence, often doubting his abilities. He overcame this through hard work and persistence.
- Almost Became a Basketball Player – Before pursuing modeling and acting, Nam Joo Hyuk seriously considered a career in basketball, which was his first love.
- Not a Morning Person – Nam Joo Hyuk has jokingly mentioned that he is not a morning person and finds it difficult to wake up early, a fact that sometimes makes filming early scenes a challenge.
- Quiet off Camera – While his on-screen characters are often lively and expressive, Nam Joo Hyuk is known to be quiet and thoughtful when the cameras are off.
Funny Things
- Accidentally Spilled Water – During a fan event, Nam Joo Hyuk once accidentally spilled water all over his notes, creating a humorous and chaotic moment that had everyone laughing.
- Awkward Dance Moves – Despite his model looks, Nam has admitted that his dance moves are awkward and stiff, a fact that fans find endearing and funny.
- Forgot His Own Lines – On the set of Start-Up, Nam Joo Hyuk forgot his lines during a serious scene, which led to an unexpected comedic moment that cracked up the entire cast.
- Mistaken for a Student – During a shoot at a high school, Nam Joo Hyuk was once mistaken for an actual student due to his youthful appearance and school uniform outfit.
- Fan of Dad Jokes – Nam Joo Hyuk enjoys telling simple, corny jokes, often laughing harder at his own humor than anyone else, which fans find amusing.
Fears
- Failure – Nam Joo Hyuk has openly talked about his fear of failure, particularly in terms of not meeting the expectations of his fans and himself as an actor.
- Public Speaking – Despite his fame, Nam Joo Hyuk often feels nervous when speaking in front of large crowds, a fear he’s been working to overcome.
- Insects – Like many people, Nam Joo Hyuk has a fear of bugs, particularly spiders, and avoids them whenever possible.
- Letting People Down – Nam Joo Hyuk has a deep fear of disappointing those around him, whether it’s his family, friends, or fans, and he works hard to avoid this.
- Heights – Though not confirmed, fans speculate that Nam may have a fear of heights based on his reluctance to participate in high-altitude activities during variety shows.
News
Military Discharge and Physical Transformation (2024)
Nam Joo Hyuk completed his mandatory military service on September 19, 2024, after serving as a police officer. His first public appearance after discharge was at the DIOR Fashion Week in Paris, where fans were stunned by his noticeably muscular transformation.Clearing of School Bullying Allegations (2024)
In 2022, Nam Joo Hyuk faced accusations of school bullying, which caused significant controversy. However, the allegations were proven false in early 2024. The court found the accuser and the reporter guilty of defamation, clearing Nam Joo Hyuk of all charges. This resolution has paved the way for his comeback to acting.Upcoming Role in Vigilante Season 2 (2024)
Nam Joo Hyuk is expected to return for the second season of Vigilante, a popular action series based on a webcomic. Vigilante was his last drama before military enlistment, and he is now preparing to resume his role following his discharge.Participation in DIOR Fashion Week (2024)
Shortly after his military discharge, Nam Joo Hyuk attended the DIOR Spring/Summer 2025 show in Paris, making headlines for his fashion choices and physical transformation. His appearance at the prestigious event marked his official return to the public eye.New Drama Donggung in Talks (2024)
Nam Joo Hyuk is currently in talks to star in the upcoming dark fantasy K-drama Donggung. This role would mark his return to the small screen after his military service and the resolution of previous controversies.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Nam Joo Hyuk is widely recognized for his acting career, but he has not pursued an official music career. However, music has played a role in his acting projects and public appearances. For instance, Nam Joo Hyuk appeared in music-themed dramas like The Light in Your Eyes and Who Are You: School 2015, where music played an important part in setting the emotional tone of the series. Despite this, he has never taken on any significant music roles, such as releasing albums or performing professionally as a singer.
Although he doesn’t have a formal music career, Nam Joo Hyuk enjoys listening to music and has often shared his love for various genres, including hip-hop and R&B. Fans have noted that music is an integral part of his off-screen life, often mentioning it in interviews as a source of relaxation and inspiration. His involvement with music mostly remains within the scope of his acting projects, and he has not shown any interest in pursuing music professionally.
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