Jang Keun-suk
Jang Keun-suk | |
---|---|
Born | |
Occupation(s) | Actor, Singer, Dancer, Model |
Years active | 1992-present |
Height | 180.4 cm (5 ft 11 in) |
Korean name | |
Hangul | |
Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Jang Geun-seok |
McCune–Reischauer | Chang Kŭnsŏk |
Website | http://www.princejks.com |
Jang Keun-suk (Korean: 장근석; Hanja: 張根碩) was born on 04 August 1987 in in Danyang County, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. He is a South Korean actor, singer and model. He is best known for playing the role of band leader Hwang Tae Kyung in the 2009 drama You're Beautiful, with Lee Hongki, Jung Yong Hwa, Park Shin-hye and Uee. As well as the role of Kang Mu Gyul in the 2010 romantic comedy series Mary Stayed Out All Night, with Moon Geun Young.
Biography
Jang started working as a child model at the age of five after he was discovered by a talent agent. At that time, Keun-Suk's parents were selling their house and the agent, who was a prospective buyer, saw Keun-Suk. Seeing his potential, the agent advised Keun-Suk's parents to allow him to try a career in modeling.
Jang made his acting debut in the 1997 HBS sitcom Selling Happiness (Haengbokeul Pabmoda). He then continued to work in television as a child actor. In middle school, Keun-Suk heard the music of Japanese pop singer Ken Hirai. He was inspired enough by these bands to start learning Japanese by himself. In junior high school, Keun-Suk went to school in New Zealand to learn English and Japanese. Because of his studies in New Zealand, he can carry casual conversations in both languages.
Even though Keun-Suk wanted to continue his studies in New Zealand, a job offer brought him back to South Korea, a role in the popular MBC sitcom Nonstop 4. After his work in Nonstop 4, Keun-Suk fell into a self-perceived slump and didn't think his acting was good enough. He decided then to re-devote himself to becoming a true actor.
In 2005, Keun-Suk's portrayal of the president's son in the SBS drama Lovers in Prague became a hit and was well regarded by drama fans.
In 2006, Keun-Suk made the jump to the big screen in the Japanese horror film One Missed Call: Final where he played the role of a deaf boy. Using his past experience with the Japanese language, Keun-Suk was able to communicate with his Japanese co-stars with ease. He also learned sign language in preparation for his role.
Back on the small screen, he next played the role of Kim Eun-ho, Hwang Jin-yi's first love in the TV drama Hwang Jin-i. Keun-Suk's performance gained the attention of many female fans.
In 2007, Keun-Suk was cast in the rock music-themed film The Happy Life. His portrayal of Hyeon-ju allowed Keun-Suk to show off his masculine charms, as well as display his skills as a singer. Jang was co-MC with Heechul of Super Junior on SBS's weekly live music show Inkigayo, from 25 February to 7 October 2007.
In 2008, Keun-Suk would go on to act in two more music-inspired titles with the feature film Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do and the hit MBC TV drama Beethoven Virus starring opposite Kim Myung Min. He also starred in the KBS drama, Hong Gil Dong, as Prince Lee Changhwi.
Keun-Suk's next role in the 2009 thriller The Case of Itaewon Homicide was his first villain role. The film is based on the true story of a murder that occurred at a Burger King restaurant in Itaewon, South Korea. Keun-Suk portrayed the role of Pearson who was a disturbed young Korean-American accused of stabbing a student to death. Keun-Suk spoke his lines in English throughout the entire film, a job he did well, according to BeyondHollywood.com: "Jang Keun Suk performs very well as the sullen Pearson."[1]
Film critics and moviegoers also praised Keun-Suk for his acting. A movie review posted on LondonKoreanLinks.com said: "The casting is cleverly done with Jang as the ‘innocent’ accused, his popularity allowing the audience to feel some empathy and warmth to an otherwise unattractive character. He does well in this role, a break from his normal cheerful persona and, combined with the fact he has to speak English through most of the film, it’s quite impressive. Its not perfect American accent of course, but it plays a vital part in itself."[2]
In You're Beautiful, Keun-Suk played the role of Hwang Tae-Kyung, leader of pop band A.N.Jell, who falls in love with a fellow band member who is a female pretending to be a guy on behalf of her twin brother, played by Park Shin Hye. The show also starred Lee Hong Ki and Jung Yong Hwa as the band's drummer and guitarist, respectively.
Keun-Suk was also one of the actors who appeared in the photoshoot "Kolon Christmas Photo Shoot" in 2008, along with co-actors Joo Jin Mo, Song Il-gook, Ko Soo, and Park Jae-jung. He also was a host on Tracking Your X Boyfriend. He's also known for his outspoken personality and tectonic dance.
Although he sings for some of his dramas, he has not released any music of his own except for a few songs done for advertisements: "Black Engine" for Mens cosmetics and skin care, and "Touch Holic", "Just Drag" and "Magic Drag" for Samsung's YP-M1 mp3 player from the YEPP line.
Keun-Suk did some advertisements in 2010–2011 such as Ole Beauty Candy, Zegda CF, Code Combines CF and Samsung Galaxy Player.[3]
His first single as a singer, "Let Me Cry," was released by Pony Canyon in Japan on April 27, 2011. "Let Me Cry" debuted at number 1 on Japan's Oricon single charts, selling 119,149 copies on its first week of release, making him the first non-Japanese act to have the debut single to debut at number 1 on the charts.[4] "This made him win as Best New Artist in the 26th Japan Gold Disc Awards held last January (2012)" . [5]
In August 2011, Jang Keun Suk and Moon Geun Young went to Japan for their Mary Stayed Out All Night Tour. There were a total of 4 Mary Stayed Out All Night Fanmeetings in Japan, 2 Meetings in Tokyo and 2 meetings in Osaka. Their Fanmeeting is the largest FM to date which can accommodate in more than 60,000 people.
By the month-end of September 2011, Jang officially released his first Chinese album, titled The Lounge H Vol.1, in China and throughout Southeast Asia.[6][7] Jang worked with friend and musician Big Brother (大兄弟/Jung Kurt) to create the duo in Team H. Big Brother took part in writing, producing, re-making songs, and even rapping. The Lounge H Vol.1 has 4 tracks with the leading song "Gotta Getcha." Jang has reportedly written the lyrics for this song himself. The track has a strong beat and powerful rap. The album also includes a music video for "Gotta Getcha" and special backstage clips.
Jang agreed to play the role of the pet character in the Korean movie adaptation of the Japanese drama Kimi wa Petto, based on the manga of the same name. You're My Pet was released in November 2011.
On January 18 of 2012, Oricon[8] reported that Jang will release a new album Lounge H (The First Impression was later added to the title) in Japan as part of the two-member group Team H (the other member being DJ Big Brother). To be released on March 21 and only available in Japan, this album will have its own original style with brand new jacket photos and packaging. It was emphasized that this album is not Lounge H Vol.1, which Team H released the year before. The new Japanese album will have seven tracks of rock and electronic genre, including "Gotta Getcha."[9]
On February 23 of 2012, HS Media (韩星经纪) revealed on their official Weibo that Team H had won its first awards[10] with their debut EP Lounge H Vol. 1. At the 2012 IFPI Hong Kong Record Sales Awards, based on the highest album record sales, the album was to be awarded the Best Selling Album and the Best Korean Album. Since mid-October 2011, the album had been sold in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong with impressive sales results, breaking through platinum.
The TV melodrama Love Rain, starring Jang and Girls' Generation's Yoona and made by drama PD Yoon Seok Ho, was aired on KBS2 every Monday and Tuesday at 21:55 from March 26 to May 29.[11]
By the end of May 2012, Jang released another Japanese album, now titled Just Crazy.[12] It is his official debut full-length album and it made history on the Oricon charts. "The album debuted at No. 1 on the Oricon daily singles chart with 53,000 copies sold. It again topped the weekly singles chart with 88,009 copies sold."[13] Jang Keun Suk is the first male international solo artist ever to reach the top of both the Oricon daily and weekly charts, and second overall after BoA with her "Listen To My Heart" to accomplish this feat. He is also the first artist in over 17 years to have topped both charts with the first single ("Let Me Cry") and the first studio album. [14]
On June 10th, Jang released a Japanese cookbook titled, Love Recipe. It features twenty recipes, essays, and photo shoots. [15]
Filmography
Television
Year | Title | Role | Broadcast | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1998 | Hug (포옹) | Won Joo | ||
2000 | School3 (학교3) | Kang Won Seok's younger brother | ||
2001 | Ladies Of The Palace / Women's World (여인천하) | young Jeong Ryeom | SBS | |
Four Sisters' Story (네 자매 이야기) | Yeong Hoon | MBC | ||
2002 | Orange (오렌지) | himself | ||
The Great Ambition (대망) | young Park Shi-yeong | SBS | ||
2003 | Nonstop 4 (논스톱4) | Jang Keun-Suk | MBC | |
2005 | Lovers in Prague (프라하의 연인) | Yoon Gun-hee | SBS | |
2006 | Alien Teacher / Alien Sam
(에일리언샘) |
Bong Saem (Luxurious) | Tooniverse | |
Hwang Jin-i (황진이) | Kim Eun Ho | KBS2 | First appearance in Ep. 2
award, see Awards section below | |
2008 | Hong Gil Dong (쾌도홍길동) | Lee Chang Hwi | KBS2 | two awards, see Awards section below |
Beethoven Virus (베토벤 바이러스) | Kang Geon Woo (Trumpet) | MBC | award, see Awards section below | |
2009 | You're Beautiful (미남이시네요) | Hwang Tae Kyung | SBS | two awards, see Awards section below |
2010 | Mary Stayed Out All Night / Marry Me, Mary! (매리는 외박중) | Kang Mu-Kyul | KBS2 | two awards, see Awards section below |
2011 | Ikemen desu ne (美男ですね) | as Himself / Gunsoku
(Cameo, Episode 8) |
TBS | Japanese adaptation of You're Beautiful |
2012 | The Center of the New Hallyu, I Am Jang Keun Suk
(신한류의 중심, 나는 장근석) |
Jang Keun Suk | KBS2 | KBS Special: documentary marking the 20th year since his debut into the entertainment business (aired Jan. 1st) |
Sekai no Purinsu e! Chan Gunsoku ~ 24 sai no Sugao~ | Jang Keun Suk | Fuji TV | Japanese documentary (aired Jan. 13th)
Both Japanese and Korean filming crews were present at some events. Therefore, some footage appears to be similar to that of the Korean documentary. | |
Love Rain (사랑비) | Seo In Ha & Seo Joon | KBS2 | roles of father and son characters across two time periods |
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2006 | One Missed Call: Final
(Chakushin Ari: Final) |
An Jinu | Japanese film |
2007 | The Happy Life (즐거운 인생) | Park Hyeon-jun | award, see Awards section below |
2008 | The Longest 24 Months (기다리다 미쳐) | Park Won-Jae | |
Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do
(도레미파솔라시도) |
Shin Eun-gyu | ||
Baby and I (아기와 나) | Han Joon-Su | ||
2009 | The Case of Itaewon Homicide
(이태원 살인사건) |
Robert J. Pearson | English-speaking role as a Korean-American
film based on the true story of the murder in Itaewon award, see Awards section below |
2011 | You're My Pet (너는팻) | In Ho / "Momo" | film adaption of the manga Kimi wa Petto (きみはペット) |
Discography
Korean2012
|
Chinese2011
by Team H (Jang Keun Suk and Big Brother) Note: won 2 awards, see Awards section below
Japanese2011
by Team H (Jang Keun Suk and Big Brother)
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Awards
Year | Awards |
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???? |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2010 |
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2011 |
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2012 |
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References
- ^ "Review of "The Case of the Itaewon Homicide"". BeyondHollywood.com.
- ^ "Review of "The Case of Itaewon Homicide"". LondonKoreanLinks.com.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 장근석, 新한류스타 부상..드라마 이어 영화 겨냥
- ^ "チャン・グンソク、海外歌手史上初のデビュー作初登場首位". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Oricon. May 3, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
- ^ Japan goes 'Crazy' over Jang Geun Suk - June 13, 2012, Manila Bulletin, Phils.
- ^ Template:Cn icon 张根硕首张韩文专辑预购 韩星经纪
- ^ Jang Geun Suk to release his first Chinese album
- ^ Template:Jp icon チャン・グンソクのユニット“Team H”が日本上陸 Oricon. January 18, 2012.
- ^ Jang Geun Suk to Debut as Unit Group "Team H" in Japan
- ^ a b Template:Cn icon 韩星经纪 IFPI香港唱片销量大奖2012颁奖典礼在九龙湾国际展贸举行,张根硕凭借在大中华及东南亚地区发行的首张EP专辑《The Lounge H vol.1》》(《蓄势待发第一击》)获得了“最畅销日、韩语唱片奖”。专辑自去年10月中旬在中国大陆、港、台三地上架后,销售成绩颇为可观,均已突破白金销量。 Official HS Media Sina Weibo. February 23, 2012.
- ^ [1]
- ^ a b Template:Jp icon [2] PONYCANYON
- ^ Japan goes 'Crazy' over Jang Geun Suk - June 13, 2012, Manila Bulletin, Phils.
- ^ Template:Ko icon 장근석, 日오리콘 일간·주간차트 '싹쓸이' Nate
- ^ "Jang Geun Suk to Release Cookbook on June 10". Soompi. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
- ^ Jang Geun Suk releases ‘Love Rain’ OST Part II
- ^ Jang Geun Seok Wins Two 2010 Yahoo Buzz Awards
- ^ Super Junior Sweeps Yahoo! Asia Buzz Awards
- ^ Girls’ Generation, KARA, TVXQ, 2PM, Jang Geun Suk, and B2ST awarded at 26th Japan Gold Disc Awards
- ^ Template:Cn icon 宫崎骏成龙张根硕位列三甲 凤凰网资讯. May 9, 2012.