Yoo Yeon-seok is a South Korean actor who has a rare talent for disappearing into roles that look nothing alike, from a soft-spoken college pitcher to an ice-cold samurai.
He was born on April 11, 1984 (42 years old), in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in an academic home, as his father worked as a professor of engineering.
He first appeared on screen as the younger version of a lead character in the classic film Oldboy (2003), and then returned to acting in 2008.
His real breakthrough came with the campus drama Reply 1994 (2013), where his role as Chilbong made him a household name across Korea.
He went on to shine in Mr. Sunshine (2018), Hospital Playlist (2020 to 2021), and When the Phone Rings (2024), along with films like Architecture 101 (2012) and The Royal Tailor (2014).
Beyond acting, he also hosted the prestigious Blue Dragon Film Awards for six straight years and won Best Actor at the Asia Artist Awards in 2018.
Quick Facts of Yoo Yeon-seok
| Full Name | Ahn Yeon-seok |
| Stage Name | Yoo Yeon-seok |
| Profession | Actor |
| Age | 42 years old |
| Date of Birth | April 11, 1984 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Aries |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Current Address | Seoul, South Korea |
| Gender | Male |
Yoo Yeon-seok Early Life and Education
Yoo Yeon-seok was born as Ahn Yeon-seok in Seoul, South Korea. He grew up in an academic household, as his father worked as a university professor of engineering.
When he was around six years old, his family relocated to South Gyeongsang Province, where his father took up a teaching post at a national university. Because of this, much of his childhood was spent away from the capital.
The turning point came during his junior year of high school, when he realized he wanted to become an actor. He then followed his older brother, who was preparing for his university entrance exams, back to Seoul.
The two brothers lived together near Samseong-dong, an upscale neighborhood in Gangnam. It was here that he began taking acting classes and slowly built the foundation for his future in film.
Education
There is limited confirmed information about the specific schools Yoo Yeon-seok attended during his early years, so his schooling details are yet to be updated.
For higher studies, he enrolled at Sejong University in Seoul, a school also known for training other famous stars like Song Hye-kyo. There, he chose to major in Film Arts.
He graduated from Sejong University with a degree in Film Arts, and during his college years, he also took part in stage productions. This theatre training later shaped his strong presence in musicals.
| School | Yet to be updated |
| Alma Mater | Sejong University, Seoul |
| Highest Qualification | Graduate (Degree in Film Arts) |
Yoo Yeon-seok Personal Life
Yoo Yeon-seok is known in the industry for keeping his private life very quiet. Even after more than two decades on screen, he rarely speaks about his relationships in public.
Relationships and Rumored Girlfriends
As of now, Yoo Yeon-seok is unmarried and single. He has never officially confirmed a girlfriend, and he once said he was not thinking about marriage yet, choosing to focus on his work.
Over the years, his name has been linked to several actresses, mostly because of strong on-screen chemistry. The most talked-about rumor connected him to actress Kim Ji-won for nearly ten years.
The two first worked together in the 2012 film Horror Stories. In 2016, reports claimed they were seen on a date, but their agency, King Kong Entertainment, denied the rumors and called them close friends.
He was also linked to Hospital Playlist co-star Shin Hyun-bin, though neither of them confirmed anything beyond a good working bond. These stories remain speculation, so his current relationship status is yet to be updated.
Parents
Yoo Yeon-seok comes from an educated and supportive family. His parents are private individuals and are not part of the entertainment world.
Father
His father, reported as Ahn Ki-won, worked as a university professor of engineering. His teaching career is the reason the family moved to South Gyeongsang Province during the actor’s childhood.
Mother
His mother is often named as Jo Soon-ok in celebrity profiles and is said to be a homemaker. Further verified details about her are yet to be updated.
Siblings
Yoo Yeon-seok grew up with an older brother, who played a big role in his early path to acting. It was his brother he followed to Seoul as a teenager to begin taking acting classes. Other details about his brother are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Girlfriend | Yet to be updated |
| Parents | Father: Ahn Ki-won Mother: Jo Soon-ok |
| Siblings | One older brother |
Yoo Yeon-seok Career
Yoo Yeon-seok has built one of the most respected acting careers in South Korea, moving smoothly between films, television, and the stage. He is known for choosing very different roles, from gentle romantic leads to cold villains.
Film Debut and Early Roles (2003 to 2011)
Yoo Yeon-seok made his acting debut in the acclaimed 2003 film Oldboy, directed by Park Chan-wook. He played the younger version of Yoo Ji-tae’s character in a film led by Choi Min-sik.
After a long pause for military service and university, he returned to acting in 2008. He took small television and film parts before earning strong reviews for the independent film Re-encounter (2011), where he played a young man searching for his child.
Breakthrough on the Big Screen (2012 to 2013)
The year 2012 was a turning point for him. He gained wide attention as the rich and arrogant rival in the hit romance Architecture 101 (2012), which starred Uhm Tae-woong, Han Ga-in, Lee Je-hoon, and Bae Suzy.
That same year, he played another cold antagonist in the fantasy melodrama A Werewolf Boy (2012), led by Song Joong-ki and Park Bo-young. His villain roles made him one of the most talked-about young actors.
In 2013, he appeared in the thriller Hwayi: A Monster Boy (2013) alongside Yeo Jin-goo and Kim Yoon-seok. He also joined the fantasy series Gu Family Book (2013) as the villain, opposite Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy.
Rise to Stardom with Reply 1994 (2013)
The role that made Yoo Yeon-seok a national star came with the tvN drama Reply 1994 (2013). He played Chilbong, a shy college baseball pitcher, and won huge public love.
The nostalgic campus series featured a beloved ensemble cast, including Go Ara, Jung Woo, Kim Sung-kyun, Son Ho-jun, and Min Do-hee. It remains one of the most popular titles in the Reply series.
Leading Man in Films and Television (2014 to 2016)
His success led to bigger film roles. In 2014, he starred in the whistleblowing drama Whistle Blower (2014) with Park Hae-il, and played King Yeongjo in the period film The Royal Tailor (2014), which also starred Han Suk-kyu, Go Soo, Park Shin-hye, and Ma Dong-seok.
In 2015, he took his first network television lead as a chef in the romantic comedy Warm and Cozy (2015) opposite Kang So-ra. He also headlined the thriller Perfect Proposal (2015) with Lim Soo-jung, and appeared in The Beauty Inside (2015) with Han Hyo-joo.
In 2016, he starred in the period music drama Love, Lies (2016) with Han Hyo-joo and Chun Woo-hee. He then led the romantic comedy Mood of the Day (2016) opposite Moon Chae-won.
Career-Defining Dramas: Dr. Romantic and Mr. Sunshine (2016 to 2018)
Later in 2016, Yoo Yeon-seok returned to television in the smash hit medical drama Dr. Romantic (2016). He played the ambitious surgeon Kang Dong-joo, sharing the screen with Han Suk-kyu and Seo Hyun-jin.
In 2018, he delivered one of his most praised performances as the cold samurai Goo Dong-mae in the epic tvN drama Mr. Sunshine (2018). The series starred Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Kim Min-jung, and Byun Yo-han.
Hospital Playlist and OTT Success (2020 to 2022)
In 2020, he starred in the beloved medical drama Hospital Playlist (2020 to 2021) as the warm pediatric surgeon Ahn Jeong-won. The show made its five leads, Jo Jung-suk, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, and Jeon Mi-do, hugely popular, with Shin Hyun-bin as his love interest and Ahn Eun-jin in a key role.
He also branched into films like Steel Rain 2: Summit (2020), where he played a North Korean leader alongside Jung Woo-sung and Kwak Do-won. In 2021, he joined the ensemble romance New Year Blues (2021) with Kim Kang-woo, Yoo In-na, and Lee Yeon-hee.
In 2022, he took on a Korean French thriller titled Vanishing (2022) opposite Olga Kurylenko. He then played a menacing broker in the Netflix hit Narco-Saints (2022), which starred Ha Jung-woo, Hwang Jung-min, Park Hae-soo, and Jo Woo-jin.
Recent Work and Global Reach (2022 to 2026)
Late in 2022, he led the JTBC melodrama The Interest of Love (2022 to 2023) as a bank employee, with Moon Ga-young, Keum Sae-rok, and Jung Ga-ram. In 2023, he took a chilling turn as a serial killer in A Bloody Lucky Day (2023) opposite Lee Sung-min and Lee Jung-eun.
His biggest recent success came with the MBC and Netflix hit When the Phone Rings (2024 to 2025). He played the intense politician Baek Sa-eon opposite Chae Soo-bin, in a series that also featured Heo Nam-jun and Jang Gyu-ri.
In 2025, he made special appearances in Resident Playbook (2025) and the food drama Tastefully Yours (2025), keeping his connection with fans.
In 2026, he returned as a lead in the supernatural legal comedy Phantom Lawyer (2026). He played Shin Yi-rang, a kind lawyer who can see and be possessed by ghosts, opposite Esom and Kim Kyung-nam.
Upcoming Projects (2026)
Yoo Yeon-seok has a highly anticipated drama on the way. He is set to reunite with Seo Hyun-jin in the MBC psychological thriller The Perfect Lie (also known as Liar), which is expected to air from October 2026.
In the series, he plays Min Jun-ho, a calm cardiac surgeon and widowed single father. The story follows a couple who remember one shared night in completely opposite ways, marking his first pairing with Seo Hyun-jin since Dr. Romantic (2016).
Musicals, Hosting, and Variety Shows
Beyond acting, Yoo Yeon-seok is a respected stage performer. He has led major musicals such as Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Werther, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.
He is also a familiar face on variety television. He hosted the Blue Dragon Film Awards for six years with Kim Hye-soo, and joined shows like Youth Over Flowers, Coffee Friends, and Bro and Marble. In 2024, he co-hosted Whenever Possible with Yoo Jae-suk.
Yoo Yeon-seok Filmography
Yoo Yeon-seok has worked steadily across film, television, and streaming since 2003. Below is a complete list of his acting credits, split into movies, television shows, and upcoming projects.
Yoo Yeon-seok Movies
| Year | Title | Role | IMDb |
| 2003 | Oldboy | Young Lee Woo-jin | 8.3 |
| 2010 | Re-encounter | Han-soo | 6.7 |
| 2012 | Eighteen Nineteen (Hoya) | Ho-ya | 6.2 |
| 2012 | Architecture 101 | Jae-wook | 7.2 |
| 2012 | Horror Stories | Serial Killer | 5.7 |
| 2012 | A Werewolf Boy | Ji-tae | 7.2 |
| 2013 | Born to Sing | Kim Dong-soo | 7.1 |
| 2013 | Hwayi: A Monster Boy | Park Ji-won | 7.0 |
| 2014 | Whistle Blower | Shim Min-ho | 6.8 |
| 2014 | The Royal Tailor | King Yeongjo | 7.1 |
| 2015 | Perfect Proposal | Sung-yeol | 6.1 |
| 2015 | The Beauty Inside | Woo-jin | 7.3 |
| 2016 | Love, Lies | Kim Yoon-woo | 6.9 |
| 2016 | Mood of the Day | Kim Jae-hyun | 6.7 |
| 2020 | Steel Rain 2: Summit | Jo Seon-sa | 6.2 |
| 2021 | New Year Blues | Jae-heon | 6.2 |
| 2022 | Vanishing | Park Jin-ho | 5.2 |
| 2022 | My Heart Puppy | Min-soo | 6.7 |
| 2025 | No Other Choice | Oh Jin-ho (cameo) | 7.5 |
Yoo Yeon-seok TV Shows
| Year | Title | Role | Platform | IMDb |
| 2009 | Dream | Noh Chul-joong | Netflix | 5.8 |
| 2013 | Gu Family Book | Park Tae-seo | Rakuten Viki, Prime Video | 7.9 |
| 2013 | Reply 1994 | Chilbong | Prime Video, Netflix | 7.7 |
| 2015 | Warm and Cozy | Baek Gun-woo | Rakuten Viki, Prime Video | 6.8 |
| 2016 & 2023 | Dr. Romantic (Seasons 1 and 3) | Kang Dong-joo | Rakuten Viki, Prime Video | 8.4 |
| 2018 | Mr. Sunshine | Goo Dong-mae | Netflix | 8.7 |
| 2020 – 2021 | Hospital Playlist (Seasons 1 and 2) | Ahn Jeong-won | Netflix | 8.7 |
| 2022 | Narco-Saints | David Park | Netflix | 7.3 |
| 2022 – 2023 | The Interest of Love | Ha Sang-soo | Netflix | 6.5 |
| 2023 | A Bloody Lucky Day | Geum Hyuk-soo | Disney+ | 7.3 |
| 2024 – 2025 | When the Phone Rings | Baek Sa-eon | Netflix | 6.0 |
| 2025 | Resident Playbook | Ahn Jeong-won (Cameo) | Netflix | 8.0 |
| 2025 | Tastefully Yours | Jeon-min (special appearance) | Netflix | 7.3 |
| 2026 | Phantom Lawyer | Shin Yi-rang | Netflix | 7.6 |
Yoo Yeon-seok Upcoming Projects
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2026 | The Perfect Lie (also known as Liar) | Min Jun-ho | Psychological thriller, 12 episodes, expected from October 2026, reuniting him with Seo Hyun-jin |
| Yet to be updated | Covet the Scholar, Princess | Kim Seo-yul | Announced project, release date not confirmed |
Yoo Yeon-seok Awards and Achievements
Yoo Yeon-seok has earned wide recognition across film, television, and musical theatre. His strongest praise came from Mr. Sunshine, Dr. Romantic, and When the Phone Rings, along with the popular Blue Dragon Film Awards, which he hosted for years.
His Major Wins
- Golden Cinema Festival (2015): Won Best New Actor for The Royal Tailor (2014).
- MBC Drama Awards (2015): Won Top 10 Star Award for Warm and Cozy (2015).
- SBS Drama Awards (2016): Won Excellence Award in a Genre Drama and Best Couple Award (with Seo Hyun-jin) for Dr. Romantic (2016).
- Korea Film Actors Association Awards (2016): Won the Popularity Award for Mood of the Day (2016).
- Asia Artist Awards (2018): Won Best Actor and Artist of the Year for Mr. Sunshine (2018).
- The Seoul Awards (2018): Won Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for Mr. Sunshine (2018).
- MBC Drama Awards (2024): Won Top Excellence Award and Best Couple Award (with Chae Soo-bin) for When the Phone Rings (2024).
- SBS Entertainment Awards (2025): Won Excellence Award in Show and Variety, and Best Couple (with Yoo Jae-suk) for Whenever Possible.
His Key Nominations
- Grand Bell Awards (2011): Nominated for Best New Actor for Re-encounter (2011).
- Blue Dragon Film Awards (2012): Nominated for Best New Actor for Horror Stories (2012).
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2015): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Film for The Royal Tailor (2014).
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2019): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Television for Mr. Sunshine (2018).
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2024): Nominated for Best Actor in Television for A Bloody Lucky Day (2023).
- MBC Drama Awards (2024): Nominated for the Grand Prize (Daesang) for When the Phone Rings (2024).
Other Recognitions
- Style Icon Awards (2014): Won a spot in the Top 10 Style Icon list.
- Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 (2019): Ranked 22nd on the list.
- Korean Actors 200 (2021): Selected by the Korean Film Council for global promotion.
Yoo Yeon-seok Controversies
Yoo Yeon-seok has largely kept a clean public image throughout his career. The few issues linked to his name were either proven false or based on differences in how rules were read, rather than any wrongdoing.
Security guard rumor and defamation case (2023):
An online user claimed that Yoo Yeon-seok had been rude to a security guard at his building years earlier. His agency, King Kong by Starship, called the story completely false, and the accuser later apologized and admitted he wrote it out of jealousy. The agency still moved ahead with a defamation complaint.
Tax investigation and double taxation issue (2024 to 2025):
The National Tax Service audited Yoo Yeon-seok’s one-person company, Forever Entertainment, and first sought around 7 billion won in extra tax. His agency said this came from a disagreement over whether his YouTube and business income should be taxed as personal or corporate income.
Resolution of the tax matter (2025):
After a review, the tax office accepted that he may have faced double taxation. The amount was cut to about 3 billion won, which he paid in full, and his side stressed that there was no tax evasion involved.
Yoo Yeon-seok Net Worth
Yoo Yeon-seok has not officially declared his net worth, so all figures online are estimates that vary by source. His income comes from acting, brand endorsements, musicals, and his own business and YouTube ventures.
As of now, most estimates place his net worth in the range of around $5 million (approx. ₹48 crore) to $10 million (approx. ₹96 crore). His earning power grew further after the huge success of When the Phone Rings (2024).
His exact fee per drama or film has not been publicly confirmed, so that detail is yet to be updated. He is also known to own property in Seoul, including a villa in the upscale Itaewon area.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $5 million to $10 million (approx. ₹48 crore to ₹96 crore) |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Yoo Yeon-seok Height, Weight and Physical Stats
| Height | In centimetres: 180 cm In meters: 1.80 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 11 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 70 kg In lbs: 154 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Yoo Yeon-seok Social media
 @yoo_yeonseok | |
| YouTube |  @yoo_yeonseok |
Interesting Facts about Yoo Yeon-seok
- He is a big animal lover: Yoo Yeon-seok has a beloved pet dog named Rita and has even thrown birthday parties for her. In 2022, he served as an ambassador for the Seoul Animal Film Festival.
- His stage name was his agency’s idea: He was born Ahn Yeon-seok, but his agency suggested he use “Yoo” instead. He once joked that his real name sounded a little unusual for an actor.
- He is a published author: In 2014, he released a photo-essay book titled Yoo Yeon-seok’s Dream, sharing pictures and personal thoughts with his fans.
- He sings too: He has recorded several drama soundtracks. His song “Say My Name” for the When the Phone Rings OST even appeared on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.
- He is a familiar face in music videos: Before and during his fame, he featured in music videos for artists such as Yoon Jong-shin, Hyolyn, K.Will, and Kyuhyun.
- He follows Catholicism: Yoo Yeon-seok is Catholic, with the baptismal name Anselmo, and his blood type is A.
- He connects directly with fans: He runs his own YouTube channel and held an Asia fan tour titled “The Secret Code: Y” in 2025, meeting fans in cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangkok.
FAQs
How old is Yoo Yeon-seok?
He is 42 years old. He was born on April 11, 1984, in Seoul, South Korea.
What is the real name of Yoo Yeon-seok?
His real name is Ahn Yeon-seok. “Yoo Yeon-seok” is a stage name suggested by his agency.
What is Yoo Yeon-seok famous for?
He is known for dramas like Reply 1994, Mr. Sunshine, Hospital Playlist, and When the Phone Rings, along with films like A Werewolf Boy.
Is Yoo Yeon-seok married?
No. He is currently single and has never been married, and he keeps his private life very quiet.
What is the education of Yoo Yeon-seok?
He graduated from Sejong University in Seoul with a degree in Film Arts.
What awards has Yoo Yeon-seok won?
He has won honors like Best Actor at the Asia Artist Awards (2018) and Top Excellence and Best Couple awards at the 2024 MBC Drama Awards.
How tall is Yoo Yeon-seok?
He stands about 180 cm tall, which is around 5 feet 11 inches.
What are the upcoming projects of Yoo Yeon-seok?
He is set to appear in the fantasy legal drama Phantom Lawyer and the psychological thriller The Perfect Lie (also known as Liar).
