Ryu Jun Yeol
Info
🙂 Native Name: 류준열 (Ryu Jun-yeol)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: September 25, 1986
🏠 Birth Place: Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Libra
📏 Height: 183 cm (6’0″)
💍 Spouse: None
👶 Children: None
Biography
Ryu Jun-yeol, born on September 25, 1986, in Suwon, South Korea, is a distinguished actor, activist, and photographer. He pursued film studies at the University of Suwon, where he earned a scholarship. During his university years, he undertook various part-time jobs, including pizza delivery and tutoring, to support himself financially. Ryu fulfilled his mandatory military service before embarking on his acting career.
Ryu’s acting journey commenced in 2012 with roles in short films and independent productions. His breakthrough came with the 2015 film Socialphobia, which garnered critical acclaim and earned him the KAFA Rising Star Award. However, it was his portrayal of Kim Jung-hwan in the television series Reply 1988 (2015–2016) that catapulted him to fame. The series achieved record-breaking viewership ratings, and Ryu’s performance was lauded, earning him the Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actor in Television.
Following his television success, Ryu transitioned to the big screen, starring in notable films such as The King (2017), A Taxi Driver (2017), Believer (2018), Money (2019), and The Night Owl (2022). His role in The Night Owl was particularly acclaimed, earning him the Best Actor award at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2023.
Beyond acting, Ryu is recognized for his activism and photography. He actively participates in environmental campaigns and has held photography exhibitions showcasing his work. His multifaceted talents and commitment to social causes have solidified his status as one of South Korea’s most respected and influential figures in the entertainment industry.
Hobbies
Photography: Ryu Jun-yeol is an avid photographer. He held his first photo exhibition in Seoul titled “Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood,” showcasing photos taken during his stay in Los Angeles.
Traveling: He enjoys traveling and has visited various countries. He believes that traveling is more about the people you’re with than the destination itself.
Cycling: In his free time, Ryu likes to go cycling, which helps him relax and stay fit.
Playing Soccer: He has a passion for soccer and often plays the sport during his leisure time.
Learning Languages: Ryu has shown interest in learning languages and is proficient in English, which he has used in various interviews.
Interests
Environmental Activism: He is an environmental activist, having donated to Greenpeace and participated in campaigns like “Save the Arctic.”
Film and Cinema: Ryu has a deep interest in films and has expressed admiration for directors like Quentin Tarantino.
Minimalist Living: He prefers a minimalist lifestyle, focusing on simplicity and functionality in his daily life.
Art and Exhibitions: Beyond photography, Ryu appreciates various forms of art and often visits exhibitions to gain inspiration.
Marathon Running: He completed the 2023 Chicago Marathon, showcasing his dedication to physical fitness and endurance.
Facts
Birthdate and Place: Ryu Jun-yeol was born on September 25, 1986, in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
Education: He studied at the University of Suwon, majoring in Film Studies.
Acting Debut: He made his acting debut in the short film “Finding My Gundam” in 2013.
Breakthrough Role: Ryu gained widespread recognition for his role in the television series “Reply 1988” (2015–2016).
Awards: He has received several awards, including Best New Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards for his performance in “Reply 1988.”
Secrets
Stage Name in the U.S.: While living in Los Angeles, he went by the English name “Anthony.”
Part-time Jobs: Before his acting career took off, Ryu worked various part-time jobs, including handing out flyers and selling merchandise at concerts.
Early Struggles: He faced numerous rejections early in his career, which motivated him to improve his acting skills.
Personal Life: Ryu tends to keep his personal life private, rarely discussing relationships or family in public.
Avoidance of Alcohol: He doesn’t have a strong tolerance for alcohol and prefers to avoid drinking.
Funny Things
On-Set Humor: Ryu is known for his sense of humor on set, often lightening the mood with jokes and playful antics.
Accidental Singing: During a variety show, he once sang off-key, leading to a humorous moment that endeared him to fans.
Misunderstood Expressions: His serious facial expressions sometimes lead people to think he’s upset, even when he’s not.
Nickname: Fans affectionately call him “Dog Face” due to his resemblance to a puppy, a nickname he embraces.
Social Media Mishaps: He once accidentally posted a private photo on social media, quickly deleting it and laughing off the incident.
Fears
Public Speaking: Despite being an actor, Ryu has admitted to feeling nervous during public speeches or award acceptance talks.
Letting Fans Down: He fears disappointing his fans and strives to meet their expectations through his performances.
Typecasting: Ryu is concerned about being typecast in similar roles and seeks diverse characters to portray.
Environmental Concerns: His activism stems from a genuine fear of environmental degradation and its impact on future generations.
Personal Privacy: He values his privacy and fears the intrusion that can come with fame, carefully managing his public persona.
News
1. Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee Confirm Relationship Amid Controversy
In March 2024, Ryu Jun-yeol and actress Han So-hee publicly confirmed their romantic relationship. The announcement followed speculation about the timing of Ryu’s breakup with his previous partner, Hyeri, leading to public scrutiny. Han So-hee addressed the controversy by apologizing to Hyeri for a now-deleted social media post, clarifying that their relationship began after Ryu’s previous one had ended.
2. Acclaimed Performance in Netflix’s ‘Revelations’
Ryu Jun-yeol received critical acclaim for his role in Netflix’s psychological thriller Revelations, released in March 2025. Portraying Seong Min-chan, a pastor who believes he receives divine messages, Ryu delivered a haunting performance that captivated audiences and critics alike. His portrayal was noted for its intensity and emotional depth, marking a significant achievement in his acting career.
3. Addressing Public Backlash Over Personal Life
In May 2024, amidst public backlash concerning his personal relationships, Ryu Jun-yeol broke his silence in an interview. He explained his decision to remain silent during the controversy, stating that he believed it was better to endure criticism quietly rather than fuel further speculation. Ryu expressed his understanding of fans’ feelings and took time to reflect on his actions during the period.
4. Recognition for ‘The Night Owl’ and Upcoming Projects
Ryu Jun-yeol concluded 2023 with significant accolades, winning four Best Actor awards for his performance in The Night Owl. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in his upcoming film Alienoid 2, stating that the sequel would clarify the film’s message and character relationships. Ryu’s continued success underscores his prominence in the South Korean film industry.
5. Music Preferences and Upcoming Film ‘Revelation’
In March 2025, Ryu Jun-yeol appeared on MBC FM4U’s ‘A Perfect Day with Lee Sang Soon’, sharing his music preferences and discussing his upcoming film Revelation. He revealed his fondness for songs like Car, the Garden’s ‘If You Raise Me Up’ and The Black Skirts’ ‘Antifreeze’, highlighting his appreciation for music that resonates with his personal experiences.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Ryu Jun-yeol, primarily celebrated for his acting prowess, has also ventured into the music scene, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
🎤 Music Endeavors:
Debut Single “You” (2017): In September 2017, Ryu Jun-yeol released his debut single “You” as part of the Mixxxture Project, a collaboration between Amoeba Culture and LOEN Entertainment. The track was produced by Philtre, known for his work with artists like Dynamic Duo and Epik High. Ryu expressed his desire to present fans with a special gift through this musical endeavor.
Apple Music Presence: His single “You” and its instrumental version are available on Apple Music, allowing fans to experience his musical side.
🎧 Musical Preferences:
Radio Appearance: In March 2025, Ryu appeared on MBC FM4U’s “A Perfect Day with Lee Sang Soon,” where he shared his favorite songs. He highlighted “If You Raise Me Up” by Car, the Garden, and “Antifreeze” by The Black Skirts as tracks he frequently listens to, offering insight into his musical tastes.
🎬 Music Video Appearances:
Clazziquai Project’s “Still I’m By Your Side” (2014): Before his mainstream acting success, Ryu featured in the music video for this track, marking one of his early appearances in the entertainment industry.
While Ryu Jun-yeol’s primary focus remains on acting, these musical ventures highlight his multifaceted talent and willingness to explore different artistic avenues.
Gallery
