Seo In-guk Wiki, Age, Biography, Height, Girlfriend, Family, Images, And More
Seo In-guk (born October 23, 1987) is a singer-songwriter and actor from South Korea. He began his singing career after winning the talent show Superstar K in 2009, and he made his acting debut in Reply 1997. (2012). He has since appeared in the television shows Master's Sun (2013), High School King of Savvy (2014), Hello Monster (2015), Squad 38 (2016), Shopping King Louie (2016), The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018), Doom At Your Service (2021), and Café Minamdang (2022).
Childhood and education
Seo was born on October 23, 1987, in Ulsan, South Korea, to parents and a younger sister. He grew up in a low-income family; his mother was a recyclables collector and his father was a welder. Seo was a ssireum wrestler, learned boxing and mixed martial arts in school, and holds a 2nd dan in Hapkido. He decided to become a singer at the age of ten after being inspired by the Korean rock musician Kim Jung-min and watching him perform "Sad Promise." Seo sang at family gatherings and school functions before moving to Seoul by himself at the age of 20 to pursue his dream of becoming a singer, despite his father's objections.
Seo auditioned for various record labels, including JYP Entertainment and DSP Media, while studying Applied Music at Daebul University. He struggled with bulimia for a time after being repeatedly rejected and told to lose weight.
Seo later enrolled in the Department of Information and Communication at Kyung Hee Cyber University. He also earned Master's degrees in Performing Arts and Practical Music (Composition) from Dongguk University.
Career
Superstar K and music releases from 2009 to 2011.
In 2009, Seo won the first season of the Mnet singing competition program Superstar K. On October 27, 2009, he released his debut extended play Calling, with the lead single of the same name composed by Bang Si-hyuk reaching the top of multiple music sites on the same day. In the same year, Seo signed with Jellyfish Entertainment and received the Male Newcomer of the Year Award at the 2009 Cyworld Digital Music Awards.
Seo released his first single album, Just Beginning, in May 2010, with the lead single "I Love U." Seo made a brief appearance in the music video for the single, describing his first acting experience as "awkward," adding, "I felt my hands and feet shrivel." The album peaked at number seven on the Gaon Album Chart, with the single reaching number two on the Gaon Digital Chart. Three months later, a repackaged edition of the album titled My Baby U was released. Seo's physical changes caused rumors of plastic surgery after he lost over 33 pounds (15 kg) since his debut through exercise and strict diet control.
In 2011, Seo released the single "Broken," which included choreography, as well as the summer dance track "Shake It Up," for which he wrote the lyrics. Despite a successful debut, Seo was reportedly given the "cold shoulder" by the three major Korean public networks because he was a cable television star.
Reply 1997 and acting debut in 2012
Seo appeared in the jukebox musical Gwanghwamun Love Song in 2012 and made his onscreen acting debut in KBS's Love Rain as a supporting actor. According to Seo, his role in Love Rain came at a time when he was worried about the life of an entertainer, and it fueled his desire to become an actor. Later that year, he landed his first leading role in Reply 1997, a '90s nostalgia hit drama on cable channel tvN. Both audiences and critics praised Seo's portrayal of a teenage boy in unrequited love with his childhood best friend. "It's hard to believe he's a rookie, from acting in his eyes to handling lines and expressing emotions," said Yonhap News. Seo recorded two duets with co-star Jung Eun-ji for the drama's soundtrack. The first duet, "All For You," a remake of Cool's song, topped weekly and monthly music charts and was one of the year's best-selling singles on the Gaon Digital Chart. That year, the song also won Best OST at the Melon Music Awards and Mnet Asian Music Awards. In the same year, Seo appeared in MBC's weekend drama The Sons (also known as Rascal Sons) and signed with Japanese agency Irving Entertainment.
2013-2015: Japanese debut, variety shows, and acting comeback
From January to June 2013, Seo appeared on the newly launched reality/variety show I Live Alone. He returned to the music scene in April 2013 with the single With Laughter or Tears, his first soulful ballad. A few weeks later, he made his Japanese debut with the release of the single Fly Away.
In June 2013, he was cast as a former soldier from the Zaytun Division who becomes the head of security for a shopping mall company in Master's Sun, a drama series written by the Hong sisters. In October 2013, he co-starred in No Breathing, a coming-of-age drama about two swimming rivals, alongside Lee Jong-suk and Kwon Yuri. He then co-starred in Another Parting, a five-episode miniseries about a man and a woman who meet at the end of their lives and spend one special day together.
In December 2012, Seo attended the Melon Awards.
Seo released his first Japanese album, Everlasting, in 2014, which included previously released singles "Fly Away" and "We Can Dance Tonight." With a total of 12 tracks, the album includes a new track titled "Everlasting Love." On the Oricon Daily Chart, the album debuted at number nine. Seo later won the Japan Gold Disc Awards for Best 3 New Artists (Asia).
Following the cancellation of Wild Dog, Seo's second big-screen appearance, he starred in the cable romantic comedy series High School King of Savvy, in which he played a high school student and star hockey player who leads a double life when he is forced to take on his elder brother's job as an executive at an IT company. Later that year, Seo starred in his first period drama, The King's Face, as the illegitimate crown prince Gwanghae, who becomes his father King Seonjo's political and romantic rival.
From March to May of 2015, Seo appeared on the SBS variety show Law of the Jungle for the Indochina season. He was then cast as a genius profiler in Hello Monster, a police procedural/romance series that premiered on KBS2 in June 2015.
From 2016 to the present: acclaim
Seo returned to Law of the Jungle for a second season in Mongolia in 2016. He also played a professional swindler in OCN's workplace drama Squad 38. Seo described the role as a watershed moment in his acting career, and he received positive press for his ease of transitioning into multiple character personas. The drama became OCN's highest-rated drama, and Seo received a special award for his performance at the 11th Asian TV Drama Conference. He then played the lead in MBC's romantic comedy Shopping King Louie, portraying an amnesic chaebol heir with childlike innocence. Seo received the Excellence Award at the 2016 MBC Drama Awards for his performance.
Seo's contract with Jellyfish Entertainment expired on August 4, 2017, and he would not be renewing it. Seo signed a contract with BS Company on August 7.
Seo appeared in The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, a remake of the 2002 Japanese television series Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi, in 2018. Seo reunited with director Yoo Je-won, with whom he previously collaborated on High School King of Savvy. Seo had considered taking on the role but decided to join the project after numerous discussions with director Yoo. Despite the drama's low ratings, Seo's performance received positive press attention. "It is a role that could easily slip into creepiness or smugness, but Seo manages to pull off a delicate balancing act," the Straits Times wrote. Seo was set to star in the film Hip Daddy but dropped out after production was halted in 2020.
Seo made his small-screen return in May 2021 as the personification of destruction in fantasy romance drama Doom at Your Service. In the same month, he made his long-awaited return to the big screen as a drilling expert involved in an oil heist in Yoo Ha's comedy-crime film Pipeline. Regarding Seo's casting, director Yoo stated, "The first time I saw him, I was captivated. [...] His face revealed a wide range of potential." Seo signed a singer contract with AER Music in December 2021.
Seo released his new single album Love&Love and its lead single "My Love," featuring Ravi, on June 14, 2022, his first release in five years. On June 9, 2022, a teaser for the music video was released on YouTube. In the same year, he co-starred with Oh Yeon-seo in the KBS2 drama Café Minamdang as a profiler-turned-shaman. On June 14, it was announced that the Seo 'Heart & Love' fan meeting would take place on July 30 at Yes24 Live Hall. Seo will release the single "Fallen" on December 6, 2022, his first single in six months. Seo then appeared as a criminal with Jang Dong-yoon in Kim Hong-action sun's thriller Project Wolf Hunting, alongside Choi Gwi-hwa and Sung Dong-il.
Seo was confirmed to star in the upcoming TVING original series Death's Game on February 8, 2023.
Private life
Exemption from military service
It was announced in February 2017 that Seo had received his official military enlistment date, which was set for March 28. He had previously delayed his enlistment twice, beginning in March 2015, citing his health as the reason. However, neither the media nor his management company state whether or not he received treatment. He had, however, passed a physical in order to enlist. It was reported that he would begin his two-year military service quietly and without media attention. Instead, Seo chose to release a music video for his self-written song "Better Together," which he dedicated to his fans. On March 26, 2017, the video was uploaded to YouTube. Due to a fractured ankle, Seo was excused from mandatory military service just four days after joining and was scheduled for a medical re-examination to determine his fitness to return to the military. Seo was diagnosed with Osteochondritis dissecans, a bone and cartilage condition, according to the results of his medical re-examination released by his agency. He was later declared to have a Grade 5 health rating and was thus exempt from military service.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|
| 2013 | No Breathing | Jo Won-il |
| 2016 | I Love That Crazy Little Thing | Yang Ming Zhe (Cameo) |
| 2021 | Pipeline | Pin Dol-yi |
| 2022 | Project Wolf Hunting | Jong-doo |
Television series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|
| 2012 | Love Rain | Kim Chang-mo (1970s) / Kim Jeon-seol (2012) |
|
| Reply 1997 | Yoon Yoon-jae |
|
| The Sons | Yoo Seung-gi |
|
| 2013 | Master's Sun | Kang Woo |
|
| Reply 1994 | Yoon Yoon-jae | Cameo, episodes 16-17, 21 |
| 2014 | High School King of Savvy | Lee Min-seok / Lee Hyung-seok |
|
| The King's Face | Prince Gwanghae |
|
| 2015 | Hello Monster | Lee Hyun / David Lee |
|
| Oh My Ghost | Edward Seo | Cameo, episode 16 |
| She Was Pretty | Himself | Cameo, episode 9 |
| 2016 | Squad 38 | Yang Jeong-do |
|
| Shopping King Louie | Louis / Kang Ji-sung |
|
| 2018 | The Smile Has Left Your Eyes | Kim Moo-young |
|
| 2019 | Abyss | Alien "Grim Reaper" | Cameo, episode 1 |
| 2021 | Navillera | Hwang Hee | Cameo, episode 9 |
| Doom at Your Service | Myul Mang / Kim Sa-ram |
|
| 2022 | Café Minamdang | Nam Han-joon |
|
Web series
| Year | Title | Role | Platform |
|---|
| 2014 | Another Parting | Ahn Young-mo | Dramacube, YouTube |
| 2022 | Soundtrack #1 | Jay Jun (Cameo) | Disney+ |
| 2023 | Death's Game | Choi Yi-jae | TVING |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|
| 2009 | Superstar K1 | Contestant |
|
| 2013 | I'm Seo In-guk | Himself | Original documentary, 10 episodes |
| I Live Alone | Cast member | Episodes 1–14, 16, 26 |
| Mamma Mia | Host | Episode 32 (Special MC) |
| KBS Entertainment Awards | with Shin Dong-Yup and Goo Hara |
| 2014 | KBS Drama Awards | with Kim Sang-kyung and Park Min-young |
| 2015 | Law of the Jungle in Indochina | Cast member | Episodes 154–158 |
| K-Pop World Festival in Changwon | Host | with Choa and Lee Ji-Yeon |
| Mari and Me | Cast member |
|
| 2016 | Law of the Jungle in Mongolia | Episodes 229–233 |
Music video appearances
| Year | Title | Artist | Video |
|---|
| 2012 | "Please Don't..." (이러지마 제발) | K.Will | starshipTV |
| "I Just Walked" (그냥 걸었어) | Jo Moon Geun | Stone Music Entertainment |
| 2013 | "Pick Up the Phone" (다시는) | Phone | 1theK (원더케이) |
| 2014 | "Another Parting" (어떤 안녕) | Melody Day | 1theK (원더케이) |
Musical theatre
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|
| 2012 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | Hyun-woo |
Discography
Main article: Seo In-guk discography
Concerts
| Date | Title | Venue |
|---|
| December 26, 2010 | 2010 Sentimental City (with Lena Park) | Olympic Gymnastics Arena |
| December 28, 2013 | Supri-In Guk! | Ewha Womans University Auditorium |
| December 29, 2013 |
| December 31, 2016 | MINT CHOCOLATE | Yes24 Live Hall |
| December 8, 2018 | [New Year] Snow: Frame - Our Season to Be Together | Yes24 Live Hall |
| December 9, 2018 |
| December 28, 2019 | S#33 / TAKE10 | Donghae Culture and Arts Center |
Ambassadorship
| Year | Organization/Event | Notes |
|---|
| 2012 - 2014 | 2014 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference | with Jung Eun-ji |
| 2013 - 2015 | Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency: Eradicating the 4 Societal Evils | Ambassador, Honorary police officer |
| 2014 | 2014 Korea Brand & Hallyu Product Expo (KBEE) | with VIXX |
| 2015 | Baekseok University Graduate School |
|
| 2021 | Seoul Tourism Promotion: Seoul Six Senses |
|
Achievements
Awards and nominations
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result |
|---|
| APAN Star Awards | 2012 | Rising Star Award | Reply 1997 | Won |
|---|
| Best Couple Award | Seo In-guk (with Jung Eun-ji)
Reply 1997 | Won |
| Best OST | "All for You" with Jung Eun-ji | Won |
| Asia Artist Awards | 2022 | Best Artist Award – Actor | Seo In-guk | Won |
|---|
| Asian TV Drama Conference | 2016 | Special Award, Actor | Squad 38, Shopping King Louie | Won |
|---|
| Baeksang Arts Awards | 2013 | Best New Actor – Television | Reply 1997 | Nominated |
|---|
| 2016 | Most Popular Actor (TV) | Hello Monster | Nominated |
| 2017 | Shopping King Louie | Nominated |
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | 2022 | Best New Actor | Project Wolf Hunting | Nominated |
|---|
| Cyworld Digital Music Awards | 2009 | Male Newcomer of the Year | "Calling" | Won |
|---|
| Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards | 2013 | Song of the Year (September) | "All for You" with Jung Eun-ji | Won |
|---|
| 2014 | Song of the Year (December) | "Loved You" with Zia | Won |
| Japan Gold Disc Awards | Best 3 New Artists (Asia) | Everlasting | Won |
|---|
| KBS Drama Awards | 2012 | Best New Actor | Love Rain | Nominated |
|---|
| 2014 | Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama | The King's Face | Nominated |
| Best New Actor | Won |
| Netizen Award, Actor | Nominated |
| Best Couple Award | Seo In-guk (with Jo Yoon-hee)
The King's Face | Nominated |
| 2015 | Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | Hello Monster | Nominated |
| Netizen Award, Actor | Nominated |
| Best Couple Award | Seo In-guk (with Jang Na-ra)
Hello Monster | Nominated |
| 2022 | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Café Minamdang | Nominated |
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | Nominated |
| Best Couple Award | Seo In-guk (with Oh Yeon-seo)
Café Minamdang | Won |
| Korea Drama Awards | 2012 | Best New Actor | Love Rain | Won |
|---|
| Best Couple Award | Seo In-guk (with Jung Eun-ji)
Reply 1997 | Won |
| 2014 | Excellence Award, Actor | High School King of Savvy | Nominated |
| 2015 | Excellence Award, Actor | Hello Monster | Nominated |
| MBC Drama Awards | 2012 | Best New Actor | The Sons | Nominated |
|---|
| 2016 | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Shopping King Louie | Nominated |
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | Won |
| Best Couple Award | Seo In-guk (with Nam Ji-hyun)
Shopping King Louie | Nominated |
| Melon Music Awards | 2012 | Best OST | "All for You" with Jung Eun-ji | Won |
|---|
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2010 | Best New Male Artist | "I Love U" | Nominated |
|---|
| 2012 | Best OST | "All for You" with Jung Eun-ji | Won |
| 2014 | Best Collaboration | "Loved You" with Zia | Nominated |
| SBS Drama Awards | 2013 | New Star Award | Master's Sun | Won |
|---|
| Soompi Awards | 2019 | Actor of the Year | The Smile Has Left Your Eyes | Nominated |
|---|
| Best Couple Award | Seo In-guk (with Jung So-min)
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes | Nominated |
| Style Icon Awards | 2012 | Top 10 Style Icons | Seo In-guk | Won |
|---|
| 2014 | Top 10 Style Icons | Nominated |
| tvN10 Awards | 2016 | Made in tvN Actor (Drama) | Reply 1997 | Won |
|---|
| Best Kiss | Seo In-guk (with Jung Eun-ji)
Reply 1997 | Won |
Seo In-guk Biography
| Name | Seo In-guk |
| Nickname | None |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 23-Oct-1987 |
| Age in 2023 | 36 |
| Birth Place | Ulsan, South Korea |
| Country | South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 1.8 (m) |
| Weight | Unknown (KGs) |
| Profession | South Korean Singer |
| Famous as | Singer, Songwriter, And Actor |
| Height | In Centimeters: 180 cm.
In Meters: 1.8 m.
In Feet Inches: 5'11" |
| Weight | In KG: Not known
In Pound: Not known |
| Eye Color | - |
| Hair Color | - |
| Marital Status | Yet to update |
Some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Seo In-guk.
- What is the Net Worth of Seo In-guk?
The Net Worth of Seo In-guk is $50 million.
- What is the Height of Seo In-guk?
The height of Seo In-guk is 1.8.
- Where is the birthplace of Seo In-guk?
The birthplace of Seo In-guk is Ulsan, South Korea
- What is the Date of Birth of Seo In-guk?
The birthday of Seo In-guk is on 23-Oct-1987.
- Is Seo In-guk Married?
The marital status of Seo In-guk is: Yet to update.
