Wi Ha Joon
Info
🙂 Native Name: 위하준 (Wi Ha Joon)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: August 5, 1991
🏠 Birth Place: Wando County, South Jeolla Province, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Leo
📏 Height: 180 cm (5’11”)
💍 Spouse: Not married (Currently single)
👶 Children: None
Biography
Wi Ha Joon was born on August 5, 1991, in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. He grew up on the island of Wando, and from a young age, he dreamt of becoming an actor. He moved to Seoul to study acting at Sungkyul University. Wi made his acting debut in the 2012 short film Peace in Them and gradually built his career with supporting roles in television dramas like Goodbye Mr. Black (2016) and My Golden Life (2017), gaining recognition in the Korean entertainment industry.
Wi’s breakthrough role came in 2021 when he starred in the global sensation Squid Game as police officer Hwang Jun-ho. His character, a detective infiltrating the deadly game in search of his missing brother, quickly became a fan favorite. The success of Squid Game catapulted Wi to international fame, and the series itself became Netflix’s most-watched show at its launch, garnering widespread acclaim.
Following the success of Squid Game, Wi continued to expand his acting portfolio, taking on leading roles in projects like Bad and Crazy (2021), where he played a vigilante with a split personality. His performance showcased his versatility and earned him critical praise. He also appeared in the thriller film Midnight (2021), where he played a serial killer, demonstrating his ability to take on darker, more intense roles.
Despite his rising fame, Wi Ha Joon has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career and keeping details about his relationships out of the spotlight. His dedication to his craft and his ability to portray a wide range of characters have made him one of the most promising actors in South Korea. As of now, Wi Ha Joon continues to work on high-profile projects, including Gyeongseong Creature (2023), further solidifying his position as a rising star.
Hobbies
- Boxing: Wi Ha Joon has been passionate about boxing for years. He incorporates it into his regular fitness routine and enjoys the challenge and discipline it offers.
- Listening to Music: Music plays a big part in Wi Ha Joon’s life, and he enjoys listening to various genres, especially ballads and OSTs. His favorite songs include Since I Let You Go by YB.
- Acrobatics: Wi enjoys practicing acrobatics and has honed his skills over time, which helps him with physical roles that require agility.
- Volleyball: During his time off, Wi enjoys playing volleyball, a sport he picked up as a student. He finds it both fun and a great way to stay active.
- Watching Movies: Wi Ha Joon loves watching films across various genres. He often watches movies as a way to relax and to gain inspiration for his roles.
Interests
- Martial Arts: Wi Ha Joon has a keen interest in martial arts, especially mixed martial arts (MMA). His fascination with the sport often complements his physical training and helps with action roles.
- Fashion: As an actor and model, Wi takes a strong interest in fashion, always aiming to look stylish both on and off the screen. He enjoys experimenting with different styles.
- Fitness: Fitness is a big part of Wi Ha Joon’s life. He is committed to maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle, as his roles often require physical endurance and strength.
- Acting: Wi Ha Joon takes his craft seriously and is always looking for ways to improve his acting. He often studies scripts intensely and seeks roles that challenge him.
- Traveling: Although his schedule is often packed, Wi enjoys traveling whenever possible. He finds inspiration in exploring new places and meeting different people.
Facts
- Breakthrough Role: Wi Ha Joon gained global recognition after starring in Netflix’s Squid Game (2021), where he played the detective Hwang Jun-ho.
- Martial Arts Enthusiast: He has a strong background in martial arts and acrobatics, which has helped him take on physically demanding roles in films and dramas.
- Sang for an OST: Wi Ha Joon contributed his voice to the soundtrack of the drama Matrimonial Chaos (2018), showing his versatility beyond acting.
- Ambassador for Major Brands: Wi has been a brand ambassador for major brands like McDonald’s Korea, Hanwha Group, and Chamisul, reflecting his rising influence.
- Diverse Roles: From a serial killer in Midnight to a lovable detective in Squid Game, Wi Ha Joon has proven his versatility by taking on diverse roles.
Secrets
- Shy Personality: Despite his confident on-screen presence, Wi Ha Joon has admitted to being shy and introverted in real life, especially when meeting new people.
- Auditioned for K-pop: Before deciding to pursue acting, Wi auditioned for both SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment in hopes of becoming a K-pop idol but was rejected.
- Wanted to Join a Boy Band: During high school, Wi was part of a dance club and aspired to become a member of a boy band before shifting his focus to acting.
- Closely Follows Fitness Routines: While filming can be exhausting, Wi Ha Joon maintains a strict workout regimen, prioritizing fitness even during busy schedules.
- Fan of Plays: Wi developed his love for acting after watching a play in Seoul during his college years, which inspired him to pursue acting seriously.
Funny Things
- Awkward Fan Encounters: Wi Ha Joon has shared that he’s had some funny encounters with fans who sometimes confuse him with other celebrities.
- Blushes Easily: Wi tends to blush when complimented, a trait his co-stars often tease him about, especially on set during interviews.
- Playful on Set: Despite his serious roles, Wi Ha Joon enjoys joking around with his co-stars, making the atmosphere on set lighthearted and fun.
- Failed Auditions: Wi humorously recalls his early failed attempts to become a K-pop idol, admitting that singing and dancing were not his strongest talents.
- Struggles with Cooking: Wi has admitted that he’s not great in the kitchen, and his attempts at cooking often result in less-than-perfect meals, which he laughs about with friends.
Fears
- Fear of Heights: Despite his athleticism, Wi Ha Joon has admitted that he’s afraid of heights and avoids extreme activities like bungee jumping.
- Stage Fright: While he excels on camera, Wi has shared that he experiences stage fright during live appearances and public speaking events.
- Fear of Failure: Wi Ha Joon often talks about his fear of failure, especially when taking on complex roles, which drives him to work harder and improve.
- Pressure from Success: The overwhelming success of Squid Game put a lot of pressure on Wi Ha Joon, as he fears not meeting the high expectations set by fans and critics.
- Public Attention: Despite being in the limelight, Wi struggles with the intense public attention that comes with fame and prefers to keep his personal life private.
News
Wi Ha Joon Gains Global Fame After Squid Game (2021)
Wi Ha Joon rose to international stardom following his role as Hwang Jun-ho, a determined police officer in Netflix’s global hit Squid Game. The series became Netflix’s most-watched show at the time of its release, bringing Wi Ha Joon worldwide recognition.Lead Role in Bad and Crazy (2021)
Following Squid Game, Wi Ha Joon landed a lead role in the South Korean drama Bad and Crazy. He played a vigilante character with a split personality, further solidifying his acting versatility.Critically Acclaimed Role in Midnight (2021)
In the thriller film Midnight, Wi Ha Joon portrayed a chilling serial killer, showcasing his ability to handle darker, more complex roles. The film was well-received, with Wi’s performance standing out.Wi Ha Joon Confirmed for Gyeongseong Creature (2023)
Wi Ha Joon was cast in the highly anticipated series Gyeongseong Creature, a thriller set in 1945. This project is expected to further expand his acting range and is one of the most awaited Korean dramas.Nominated for Baeksang Arts Awards (2021)
Wi Ha Joon received a nomination for Best New Actor – Television at the Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in 18 Again. This nomination marked a significant moment in his career, highlighting his talent in the Korean drama industry.
TV Drama
Music / OST
Wi Ha Joon, primarily known for his acting, has made brief forays into the music world through contributions to drama soundtracks. In 2018, he sang the track Maybe It’s Too Late for the OST of the South Korean drama Matrimonial Chaos. This marked a notable instance where Wi showcased his vocal abilities beyond acting. Although this remains his most significant contribution to music, Wi Ha Joon has not pursued a full-fledged music career like some other actors in the Korean entertainment industry.
His involvement in music has been limited, and he continues to focus primarily on his acting career. Wi Ha Joon’s musical endeavors are seen as complementary to his acting, adding to his versatility as an artist.
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