Cho Jin-woong

Beginning in theater

Cho began his acting career on stage, spending nine years with the Dongnyeok theater troupe. During this time, he appeared in several notable plays, including Baridegi (2001), The Parrot's Song (2002), Macbeth (2003), and Veronica Decides to Die (2003).^[7]

Screen debut and career as character actor

Cho made his screen debut in 2004 with the film Once Upon a Time in High School, an opportunity he came across by chance. While strolling in Samseong-dong, he met a military senior who worked at a film company and invited him to audition. he soon found himself in the company's office meeting teen star Kwon Sang-woo, which led him to believe the opportunity was legitimate. Despite being 29 or 30 years old at the time, he was cast as a high school student. Before the film's release, he asked his father for permission to adopt his name as his stage name, a choice he said was a pledge "not to bring shame to my father's name." His father's name, Jin-woong, written in hanja as "thunder" (震) and "male" (雄).^[7]

Early in his career, Cho gained a reputation as a scene-stealer in supporting roles in films such as Hwang Dong-hyuk's film Our Brother (2004), Jung Ji-woo's film Running Wild (2006), Yu Ha's film A Dirty Carnival (2006), and Kwak Kyung-taek's film Gangster High (2006). He expanded his presence on television with key roles in dramas like My Too Perfect Sons (KBS2, 2009), The Slave Hunters (KBS2, 2010), A Man Called God (MBC, 2010), and Deep Rooted Tree (SBS, 2011).^[7]

Cho's career took a significant turn with a series of acclaimed film roles, including Jang Hoon's film The Front Line(2011), Park Hee-gon's film Perfect Game (2011), and Yoon Jong-bin's film Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (2012). His filmography continued to grow with notable performances in Jang Joon-hwan's film Hwayi: A Monster Boy (2013), Kim Seong-hun's film A Hard Day (2014), and Yoon Jong-bin's film Kundo: Age of the Rampant (2014). He was part of two films that each attracted over 10 million viewers, Kim Han-min's film The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014) and Choi Dong-hoon's film Assassination (2015).^[7]

Transitioning to leading role

Working tirelessly in both television and film, Cho reached the pinnacle of his career with the tvN drama Signal in January of 2015. His portrayal of Detective Lee Jae-han captivated audiences of all ages. His honest, straightforward character won over female fans, solidifying his status as a leading man. This drama and role opened the door to a new phase of success for him.^[7]

Following Signal, he returned to film, attending the Cannes Film Festival with Park Chan-wook's film The Handmaiden. He then starred in Lee Woo-cheol's film The Hunt, where he took on his first-ever dual role. Although The Hunt was not a box office hit, his performance received critical acclaim. With his charm and box office power now proven, Cho then starred in Kim Hyung-joo's film The Sheriff in Town and appeared in the tvN drama Entourage in the second half of 2016. His next film was Lee Soo-yeon's film Bluebeard.^[7]

Cho's film Believer, a crime thriller inspired by the Hong Kong film Drug War, was released on May 22. In the film, he plays Detective Won-ho, who has been tracking a drug cartel for years. After a mysterious explosion, Won-ho pursues the hidden boss, "Mr. Lee," with the help of Oh Yeon-ok (Kim Sung-ryung), a member of the organization, and an abandoned member, Rock (Ryu Jun-yeol).^[7]

Retirement

In late 2025, he abruptly announced his retirement after his criminal record from his teenage years came to light.^[8]

Film

Television series

Television shows

Web shows

Awards and nominations

Listicles

Other accolades

In 2021, he was selected as Jury member for Actor and Actress of the Year Award in 26th Busan International Film Festival held in October.^[71]