Born in 1962, he is a renowned South Korean actor celebrated for his intense and powerful performances. He gained international fame with his role in "Oldboy" (2003), directed by Park Chan-wook, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Known for his versatility, he has appeared in various genres, from the epic "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (2014) to the thriller "I Saw the Devil" (2010). He studied at Dongguk University and continues to be a prominent figure in Korean cinema.