Born on March 7, 1972, in South Korea, he rose to fame in the late 1990s with roles in television dramas like "The Last Match" and "All About Eve." Transitioning to film, he gained critical acclaim with "Friend" (2001) and "Taegukgi" (2004), becoming one of Asia's top stars. Known for his versatility, he has performed in a range of genres, including action, romance, and historical films. Beyond acting, he is recognized for his philanthropy and remains a prominent figure in Korean entertainment.