
Acting · Seoul, South Korea · Born March 28, 1980
Cho Seung-woo (조승우; born March 28, 1980) is a South Korean actor widely regarded for his versatility across film, television, and musical theatre. He made his screen debut in Chunhyang (2000), where he was selected from hundreds of candidates, marking the beginning of a career defined by careful role selection and consistent critical acclaim. In cinema, he established himself through performances in works such as Marathon (2005), Tazza: The High Rollers (2006), and Inside Men (2015), demonstrating a wide acting range that moves between restrained realism and intense character-driven roles. His filmography reflects a preference for complex narratives and morally layered characters. On television, he gained broader recognition through his role as Hwang Si-mok in Stranger (2017–2020), a performance noted for its controlled emotional expression and precision. The role further reinforced his reputation as an actor capable of conveying depth through subtlety. In addition to his screen work, Cho Seung-woo is one of the most prominent figures in Korean musical theatre. He has led major productions including Jekyll & Hyde and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, earning acclaim for his vocal ability and stage presence, and contributing significantly to the popularity of musicals in South Korea. Across mediums, he is recognized for his disciplined approach to acting and his ability to fully inhabit diverse roles, maintaining a career that balances critical recognition with enduring public respect.
TVThe East Palace
2026
as King (Lee Yeon)
TVDivorce Attorney Shin
2023
as Shin Sung-han
TVSisyphus
2021
as Han Tae-sul
MovieFeng Shui
2018
as Park Jae-sang
TVYou Quiz on the Block
2018
as Self
TVLife
2018
as Koo Seung-Hyo
TVStranger
2017
as Hwang Si-mok
MovieInside Men
2015
as Woo Jang-hoon
MovieAssassination
2015
as Kim Won-bong
TVGod's Gift - 14 Days
2014
as Ki Dong-chan
MovieLee Sang That Lee Sang
2013
as Lee Sang
MovieThe Peach Tree
2012
as Sang-hyun
TVThe King's Doctor
2012
as Baek Kwang-hyun
TVBaeksang Arts Awards
2012
as Self
MoviePerfect Game
2011
as Choi Dong-woon
MovieThe Sword with No Name
2009
as Mu-myeong
MovieGo Go 70's
2008
as Sang-ku
MovieTazza: The High Rollers
2006
as Go-ni
MovieLove Phobia
2006
as Cho Jo-kang
MovieMarathon
2005
as Yoon Cho-won
MovieLow Life
2004
as Choi Tae-woong
MovieThe Classic
2003
as Joon-ha
MovieH
2002
as Shin Hyun
MovieYMCA Baseball Team
2002
as Horseman
MovieWho Are You?
2002
as Hyung-tae
MovieWanee & Junah
2001
as Yeong-min
MovieAhmijimong
2001
as Ahn Ji-hoon
MovieChunhyang
2000
as Mongryong Lee