Seven iconic roles played by Hwang Jung-min

Hwang Jung-min is one of the most versatile and prolific actors in Korean cinema. He has played a wide range of roles, from comedy to drama, from action to romance, and has worked with some of the most acclaimed directors in the industry. His latest film, 12.12: The Day, is a historical thriller that depicts the events of the 1979 military coup that changed the course of Korean history. Hwang Jung-min portrays the charismatic and ruthless general who led the coup and ruled the country for almost a decade, in probably one of his most challenging and impressive performances to date. 

But before he became a household name and a box office star, Hwang Jung-min had a long and diverse career that spanned over three decades. He was born in 1970 and developed an interest in theater from an early age. He majored in theater in high school and graduated from the Seoul Institute of the Arts with a degree in drama. His first film role was a minor part as a bar owner in Im Kwon-taek's The General's Son (1990). However, Hwang Jung-min did not pursue film acting right away. Instead, he focused on musical theater and joined the Hakchon Theater Company, one of the most prestigious and influential theater groups in Korea. He starred in many musical productions, both original and adapted, such as Subway Line No. 1, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Cats. He gained recognition and popularity as a musical actor, but he also felt the urge to explore other genres and mediums. This week, we are looking back at some of the most important films in his career.

Waikiki Brothers (2001) by Yim Soon-rye

He returned to film acting in the late 1990s, but he had to struggle with small and supporting roles for several years. His first major role was in the second feature film of one of the most influential female directors in Korea, Yim Soon-rye, which is Waikiki Brothers. The film follows the journey of a struggling band that travels across the country to perform in nightclubs. When their saxophonist quits, the remaining members decide to take a break in their lead singer's hometown. There, he reconnects with his old friends who have moved on with their lives, and gets a chance to win over the woman he has always loved. The fate of the band hangs in the balance more than ever. Waikiki Brothers boasts a cast that was at the time made of newcomers, but in retrospect it could be deemed stellar: Hwang Jung-min as the drummer, Park Hae-il and Ryoo Seung-bum as supporting characters. Although the film did not achieve much commercial success, it became a cult classic among critics and movie fans. It was one of the four films that sparked a nationwide campaign to support independent cinema and give more exposure to quality works. Waikiki Brothers is a poignant and realistic portrayal of what happens to dreams when people have grown tired of pursuing them for decades. Hwang and Yim would finally work again together 22 years later on ​The Point Men​.

Road Movie (2002) by Kim In-shik

Road Movie is a landmark film in Korean cinema, not only for being one of the earliest queer movies, but also for showcasing Hwang Jung-min's first title role as the leading actor. The film is a poetic and unconventional exploration of relationships, using the road movie genre as a metaphor for the journey of life and love. Hwang Jung-min plays a homeless man who falls in love at first sight with a bankrupt trader, whom he rescues from the street. The two embark on a spontaneous trip across the country, seeking freedom and adventure. Along the way, they meet a woman who joins them and becomes the object of the trader's affection. The film depicts the complex and evolving dynamics between the three characters, as they face their own desires, fears and dreams.

You Are My Sunshine (2005) by Park Jin-pyo

None of these films gave him much exposure or recognition. His breakthrough came in 2005, when he starred in two films that showcased his talent and charisma: A Bittersweet Life and You Are My Sunshine. While A Bittersweet Life was a stylish and violent noir directed by Kim Jee-woon more in line with his filmography up till then, You Are My Sunshine is a heartbreaking melodrama about a farmer who falls in love with a woman infected with HIV. Hwang Jung-min had already shown his versatility in different genres, but this was the film that proved that he could play the male lead of a melodrama, and the film that really launched his career. He was chosen for the role upon Jeon Do-yeon's recommendation, who played his love interest in the film. Jeon's character is a former prostitute who has to face the stigma and discrimination of being seropositive for HIV in a conservative society. Hwang's character is a simple man living in the countryside who loves her unconditionally and supports her through her ordeal. While Jeon Do-yeon received a Grand Bell award for her performance, Hwan picked up a Blue Dragon Award. Upon receiving this award, Hwang made waves by delivering a very earnest and modest speech that marked the sprits and remains today, more than 20 years later, the most well remembered: "I actually always tell people that actors are but a small part. Why? Because around 60 staff members and actors set up a nice table, and all I have to do is eat my fill. And then it's me who receive all the spotlight. I'm so sorry."

The Unjust (2010) by Ryoo Seung-won

The Unjust is not a typical action movie, but a scathing satire that exposes the dark side of the Korean justice system. The film follows a corrupt detective who is under pressure from his superiors and the media as the investigation in a series of brutal murders has shown no progress and decides to frame an innocent man. The detective's scheme sets off a chain of events that involves a ruthless prosecutor, a shady businessman, and a gangster boss, all of whom have their own agendas and secrets. The Unjust is a nihilistic film that challenges the audience to find anyone who isn’t guilty of something. It marked a turning point in director Ryoo Seung-wan's career, as he transcended his reputation as an action movie director and proved himself as one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in Korea. The film received high praises for its complex and gripping story of corruption and mind games, as well as its stellar performances by the cast.

New World (2013) by Park Hoon-jung

One of the most anticipated films of 2013 was New World, the directorial debut of Park Hoon-jung, who wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed crime drama The Unjust. New World is a gripping thriller that explores a murky, albeit highly fantasized underworld. The film follows the dilemma of a cop who has infiltrated a powerful criminal organization as an undercover agent for seven years, and has risen to become the trusted confidant of the second-in-command, played by Hwang Jung-min. When the boss of the gang dies in a mysterious accident, Hwang's character is expected to take over, but he faces challenges from rival factions and a police operation that threatens to expose his identity. The cop, meanwhile, starts to wonder whether his true employer should be trusted. The film pays homage to many classics of the mafia genre, such as The Godfather series, but also adds its own twists and surprises.

Ode to My Father (2014) by JK Youn

Hwang Jung-min’s fame rose to a new level in 2014 when he starred in Ode to my Father, one of Korea's most watched films ever. The film, which is now the fourth highest-grossing Korean film of all time with more than 14 million admissions, tells the epic story of a man who witnesses and experiences the most important events of modern Korean history. Hwang Jung-min plays Deok-soo, a man whose family was separated from his father and sister during the Heungnam evacuation of refugees in the Korean War, and vows to take care of his mother, aunt and siblings until his father can find them. He goes through various hardships and challenges, such as fighting in the Vietnam War, working as a coal miner in West Germany, and running a shop in Busan. He also faces personal tragedies and sacrifices, but never gives up hope of finding his lost family members. Hwang Jung-min delivers a powerful and emotional performance that resonated across several generations of the Korean audience, portraying Deok-soo from his teens to his seventies, with the help of makeup and prosthetics. 

The Wailing (2016) by Na Hong-jin

Directed by Na Hong-jin, who also helmed the acclaimed The Yellow Sea (2010), The Wailing is a psychological horror and thriller film about a hapless cop who investigates a series of bizarre murders in a remote village that started to occur after a mysterious stranger has taken residence in the woods. Every time, they find whole families massacred but one surviving member who seems to have gone in a sudden rampage without remembering anything. When the cop's daughter also falls ill with a strange sickness that seems to be linked to the murders, he enlists the help of a charismatic shaman (Hwang Jung-min), who has his own secrets and agenda. The film is a gripping tale that blends Korea’s ancestral faith and beliefs (Muism, often labeled as Korean shamanism) and Christian symbolism, superstition and evil figures. All this is served by stunning cinematography and performances. The Wailing received rave reviews from international critics, especially after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. 

Asura: The City of Darkness (2016) by Kim Sung-soo

Asura: The City of Darkness​ is a dark and gritty film that exposes the corruption and greed of a powerful mayor who rules over a city with an iron fist. Hwang Jung-min plays the role of Park Sung-bae, a ruthless politician who stops at nothing to get what he wants. He is involved in various crimes, such as murder, bribery, and extortion, and he has a loyal ally in Han Do-kyung, a detective who helps him cover up his tracks. However, Park's reign of terror is challenged by two prosecutors, Kim Cha-in and Seo Yoo-sung, who are determined to bring him down. They use Han as their informant and try to expose Park's schemes.