Joo, Ji-Hoon (
Korean: 주지훈,
Hanja: 朱智勛, born on
16 May 1982) is a popular model and actor from
South Korea. He is well known for portraying Crown Prince Lee Shin in
Princess Hours, which was his acting debut.
Before entering the entertainment industry, he studied at
Tongwon College, majoring in e-Business. He was known as "Handy Man" in his school for his tall height (6'2")
Model
Joo started out as a model. In 2003, he went into modelling and advertised for brand names like
Calvin Klein,
Levi's and
Reebok. He has won many awards for modelling.
Acting2006: Breakthrough Success
Joo's debut drama was "Old Love", but it was
Princess Hours that made him notable throughout Asia. In Princess Hours, also known as Goong, he portrayed Prince Shin, a cold-hearted prince who was forced to marry a regular town girl. He starred alongside former
Baby V.O.X. member
Yoon Eun Hye and
UN member
Kim Jeong Hoon. He won the
MBC Drama Awards for "Best New Actor". The drama was so popular that a second season is expected, but due to Joo's hectic schedule, there is doubt that he could return to filming it.
2007: The Devil
In 2007, Joo starred in the 2007
KBS drama, The Devil, alongside popular actress
Shin Min-a. In The Devil, he portrays a lawyer. He also cut his hair, which use to be rather shaggy, into a neat trim that framed his long face. He also lost 5 kg by eating only chicken and exercising three times a day.In March, The Devil was one of the three most highly anticipated dramas along with The Thank You and Witch Amusement.Joo was selected in 2007 to be the New Asian Star of 2007 at the 1st Astar TV Drama Awards which was held on
March 30,
2007 at the COEX in Seoul. New Asian Stars have been chosen from Asian countries such as South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Thailand. Astar TV said the six were chosen for their high recognition in their respective countries, their celebrity status and potential to emerge as top Asian stars. Singer/actor
Kamenashi Kazuya was chosen among Japanese stars, while
Fan Bing Bing represented China. Actor
Wilson Chan was chosen among Taiwanese stars, actor
Daniel Wu among Hong Kong stars and model/actress
Patcharapa Chaichua among Thai stars.
Profile
Name:Ju Ji Hoon (朱智勛, 주지훈, Ju Ji Hun)
Education:
Tongwon College, Major: e-Business
Kyonggi University, Major: Acting
Modeling Debut: 2003
Acting Debut: 2006
Height: 187cm
Weight: 68kg
Hobbies: Games, Swimming, Basketball
Talents: Speed-reading, Self Defense
Date of Birth:May 16 1982
Blood type: A
Weight: 68 kg
Favorite sports: Basketball
Favorite drinks: Coffee
Filmography
TV SeriesThe Devil / Mawang (KBS, 2007)
Princess Hours / Goong (MBC, 2006)
Old Love (MBC, 2004)
Commercials
Crown Butter Waffle
Clride
Bon
Hi Harriet Shopping Mall
Calvin KleinCF- SKT
Cass Beer
IBMLevi'sPOLOReebokCyworldKTF
Sshil On-line game
OB Lager Beer
SK Telecom
Trivia
When it was announced that he would be playing Crown Prince Lee Shin in the drama
Princess Hours, fans of the
manhwa protested, as they wanted a familiar face to portray that role. However, after the drama was aired, criticism ceased.
Awards
2005 Most Stylish Male Model- Style Magazine
2005 Best Male Model- The Photographers' Association (2005)
Best Dresser Model Award- (2004)
Best Dresser Model Award- (2005)
21st Best Outfit(Swan Award)- Best Male model
2006
MBC Drama Awards: Best New Actor