Joo Ji Hoon (or Ju Ji Hoon, born on May 16, 1982) is a popular model and actor from South Korea. He is well known for portraying Crown Prince Lee Shin in Princess Hours (Goong), which was his acting debut.
Before entering the entertainment industry, he studied at Tongwon College, majoring in e-Business. He was known as "Handy Man" in his school for his tall height of 6'2".
[Edit]
Model
Joo started out as a model. In 2003, he went into modeling and advertised for brand names like Calvin Klein, Levi's and Reebok. He has won many awards for modelling.
Acting
2006: Breakthrough Success
Ji Hoon's debut drama was "Old Love," but it was Princess Hours that made him notable throughout Asia. In Princess Hours, also known as Goong, he portrayed Prince Shin, a cold-hearted prince who was forced to marry a regular town girl. He starred alongside former Baby V.O.X. member Yoon Eun Hye and UN member Kim Jeong Hoon. Fans of the manhwa initially protested the casting of Joo into the lead role, but the drama was successful. He won the MBC Drama Award for "Best New Actor." The success led to a spinoff, Goong S.
2007: The Devil
In 2007, Joo starred in the 2007 KBS drama The Devil, alongside popular actress Shin Min-a. In The Devil, he portrays a lawyer. He also cut his hair, which use to be rather shaggy, into a neat trim that framed his long face. He also lost 5 kg by eating only chicken and exercising three times a day. In March, The Devil was one of the three most highly anticipated dramas, along with The Thank You and Witch Amusement.
The actor was selected in 2007 to be the New Asian Star of 2007 at the 1st Astar TV Drama Awards which was held on March 30, 2007 at the COEX in Seoul. New Asian Stars have been chosen from Asian countries such as South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Thailand. Astar TV said the six were chosen for their high recognition in their respective countries, their celebrity status, and potential to emerge as top Asian stars. Singer/Actor Kamenashi Kazuya was chosen among Japanese stars, while Fan Bing Bing represented China. Actor Wilson Chan was chosen among Taiwanese stars, actor Daniel Wu among Hong Kong stars and model/actress Patcharapa Chaichua among Thai stars.
He was charged but was not arrested in April 25, 2009 on charges of illegal drug use, particularly Ecstasy and Ketamine. He claimed that he was "sorry" for what he did and is reflecting on it.
Kukinews claimed on April 26 that Ju told police, “I took drugs twice last year in March and April with these people, but I didn’t afterwards because of fear. I’m deeply regretful and am reflecting on my actions.”
This was part was edited because it stated false rumors about what really happened.
TV Series
2007 - The Devil (KBS)
2006 - Goong 궁 (MBC)
Movie
2009 - The Naked Kitchen
2008 - Antique Bakery
Crown Butter Waffle
Clride
Bon
Hi Harriet Shopping Mall
Calvin Klein
CF- SKT
Cass Beer
IBM
LEVI’s
POLO
Reebok
Cyworld
KTF
Sshil On-line game
OB Lageo Deung
2006 MBC Drama Awards: New Actor Award
2005 Most Stylish Male Model- Style Magazine
2005 Best Male Model- The Photographers’ Association
2004 Best Dresser Model Award
21st Best Outfit(Swan Award)- Best Male model
Education: Kyonggi University (Acting major)
Skills: Speed-reading and self defense
Hobbies: Games, swimming and basketball
Source:
Wikipedia