Choi Jin Hyuk started his career by winning the grand prize on a reality show, "Survival Star Audition." Then he went on to achieve acting success in a series of increasingly successful dramas. Now that he has achieved the status of a Hallyu star, he has been recruited to host a show that celebrates the rise of the Hallyu.
The show, "From Dae Jang Geum To I'm A Singer," commemorates the 10th anniversary of the drama "Dae Jang Geum," which helped propel the Hallyu wave when the drama was distributed around the world.
The 150-minute live show will feature various forms of Hallyu entertainment, including drama content, variety shows and K-pop, with live performances by a several artists.
Representing the Hallyu is not something that Choi Jin Hyuk takes lightly.
"I'm worried about being an emcee for a live program but I will do my best for this important event that looks back at all the significant achievements of Hallyu," said Choi Jin Hyuk.
This year has been a notable one in the actor's career as it saw his breakout performance in the drama "Gu Family Book."
After playing a string of supporting roles in such dramas as "Pasta," he earned his first leading role in "It's Okay Daddy's Girl" as well as larger roles in shows such as "Panda and the Hedgehog" and "I Need Romance." But his acting skills never seemed to attract the following they deserved until he appeared as the mythical creature known as a gumiho in "Gu Family Book."
His character Wol Ryung spent eternity peacefully protecting the forest until he happens to see and fall in love with a human woman. That love cruelly betrays him and results in his turning into a demon and losing his chance at eternity. His was a heartbreaking performance and Choi Jin Hyuk created a memorable character that attracted attention from fans internationally. His appearance as Wol Ryung led to his becoming a Hallyu star in both Japan and China.
That role also led to his playing Kim Won, Lee Min Ho's older brother in the current series "The Heirs." And it also led to his appearing in the action film "God's Trick" with co-star Jung Woo Sung. He also appeared in a short film. "Beginning of a Dream," directed by Jung Woo Sung.
The special presentation, "From Dae Jang Geum to I'm A Singer" will air on Oct. 18.
