Five Fun Facts About Jang Dong Gun

Ever since his debut in 1992, Jang Dong Gun has remained one of Korea's favorite actors. He began acting in the drama "Last Match" but his primary focus has been films. He appeared in "Friend," the highest grossing Korean film as of its release, and made his Hollywood debut in "Warrior's Way."

Last year, he made his drama comeback after a dozen years, appearing as Kim Do Jin in "Gentleman's Dignity."

He has been cast in a new film, an action thriller, called "Crying Man," in which he will play a killer with a heart of gold.

And here are a few more facts you may want to know about this veteran actor.

1. Although he had been in 16 films and a dozen dramas, he was insecure about playing a comedic role in "Gentleman's Dignity. He asked his friend, actor Hyun Bin for help in playing such a bold character.

"He told me to be direct and daring," said Jang. "He said the more I did comedy, the more I would want to do it and he was right."

2. He is married to actress Ko So Young, who last appeared in the drama, "Blue Fish." They starred together in the 1999 film "Love Wind, Love Song" but did not marry until May 2010. Their son was born in November 2010.

Interviewers have asked him if his wife minds that he does love scenes with other beautiful women.

"She's in the business, so she understands," he said.

But he is careful to ensure that she does not misunderstand any of his intentions. When he was recently seen reading the book, "I Regret Marrying My Wife," he removed the cover to prevent anyone from getting the wrong idea.
3. He's an adoring father and happily displays his son's photos.
"The feeling of holding my child for the first time was a stronger sensation than happiness," said Jang after his son's birth. "It was happiness, wonder and pressure all mixed up. Nothing that happened before that moment mattered as much."
4. As an actor, he feels he has to compensate for his good looks.
"It's actually a disadvantage being known as a handsome actor," he said. "I want to be known as a good actor."

He also wants to direct one day and finds it fascinating how small differences on set can change the way an actor performs.

5. He loves baseball and plays on a celebrity amateur baseball team known as the "Playboys" with fellow actor Hyun Bin.

"I like baseball very much," said Jang. "When I'm not filming on the weekend, every Sunday we play baseball."

He also enjoys playing games, reading and listening to music.

"My everyday life is quite normal."