Steadily at the top of this summer's action/thriller K-dramas, Connection starring the wonderful and handsome Ji Sung has taken South Korea by storm! The police/drug/mystery drama has reached the second most-watched spot in South Korea, according to Nielsen Korea. We're here to share the top 10 fun facts about Ji Sung that you might not know about (we at Dojeon have some really fun connections)!
After an adrenaline-packed episode from this past weekend, Connection has been one of the most popular action/thriller dramas trending in South Korea right now! The main reason is Ji Sung (Adamas 2023)! This man is talented to the max! With his on-screen charm, charisma, and tough guy persona, Connection has been a pleasure to watch and we can't wait to see what's next!
Let's get to know more about this amazing actor!
1. Ji Sung's English name is "Justin"!
A little of a personal note, my younger brother is also named Justin! Let us know if "Justin" is a good name for Ji Sung! Could we have more in common? Read on to find out!
2. He is married to actress Lee Bo Young
On the set of the 2004 series Save Last Dance for Me the couple confirmed their real-life relationship. On-screen, they were also engaged! Lee Bo Young's latest drama, Hide, is also a must-watch! Make sure you read our review!
3. The couple has two children
Ji Sung and Lee Bo Young have two children, a boy and a girl!
4. Dustin Hoffman's Rain Man was the inspiration for Ji Sung to pursue acting!
The 1988 Best Picture Rain Man starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise is the main reason why Ji Sung wanted to become an actor! Who can truly blame him? Rain Man was an amazing film! If you haven't seen it yet, this is a must-watch for all film connoisseurs!
5. He once went by the stage name Choi Ji Sung
Although his real name is Kwak Tae Geun, Ji Sung chose the name Choi Ji Sung earlier in his acting career. He later dropped the "Choi" and just went with "Ji Sung".
6. He went to Hanyang University!
As a fellow alumni of the prestigious Hanyang University in Seoul, I get excited to see famous actors/actresses that have graduated from the same university as me! Ji Sung graduated from Hanyang with a degree in Theater and Film.
7. Ji Sung's breakthrough came from the 2003 drama All In
Ji Sung was cast as the second male lead in the gambling drama All In (2003). At that time, most male actors were afraid to be compared to the lead actor Lee Byun Hun (Our Blues 2022), but Ji Sung stepped up and approached the director for the role! All In was a big hit and Ji Sung was now a Hallyu star!
8. He served as the "military ambassador of military affairs" during his military service
Originally wanting to enlist as a regular soldier during his mandatory military service in 2005, Ji Sung was transferred to the military promotion ("entertainers") unit in 2006 as the "military ambassador of military affairs" and was discharged on June 6, 2007.
9. He was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Not only is Ji Sung cool and good-looking, but he also has a huge heart! In 2017, he was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and advocated for children's education. He visited Bhutan to spread awareness and visited a primary school in Punakha to give positive goals to the children and to help them fully realize their full potential.
10. He gained weight up to 85 kg for his role in Connection
For his most recent role as a drug-addicted detective in Connection, Ji Sung gained weight up to 85 kg and then lost 15 kg, like a drug addict! He used this physical change as part of his role saying, "I lost weight and suffered severe aftereffects, and I sublimated those parts while trying to bring them to acting". Talk about dedication!
So let us know why you love Ji Sung! Do you think he's an underrated actor? Comment below!