Yoo Hae-jin (Korean: 유해진; born January 4, 1970) is a South Korean actor. After earning a degree in Theater from the Seoul Institute of the Arts, he joined the theater troupe The Mokwha Repertoire Company. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the country’s most acclaimed actors, known for his versatility in both supporting and leading roles.
Yoo’s passion for acting began in childhood, when he would secretly slip into a nearby cultural center in Cheongju to watch performances. A turning point came in eighth grade, when he saw a monologue play that deeply moved him—a moment he describes as pivotal during his adolescence. Though he dreamed of attending an arts high school, financial hardship and a lack of support from his conservative parents prevented it. Nevertheless, he remained committed to his passion, joining a theater troupe after attending a summer acting camp during high school. Starting out by assisting senior actors and quietly observing their techniques, he gradually developed his craft despite being naturally introverted.
After high school, Yoo applied to several university acting and film programs but was rejected two years in a row, reportedly due to his appearance. Initially, he considered enlisting in the military, but his father advised him to explore another path. Taking that advice to heart, Yoo enrolled in a fashion program, thinking it might complement his acting ambitions. While he eventually fulfilled his mandatory military service, he prioritized theater over fashion studies and struggled academically, barely managing to graduate. In the end, his father’s guidance paid off—thanks to a special admissions route for college graduates based solely on academic performance, Yoo was admitted to the Seoul Institute of the Arts in 1995.
