Yoo Yeon Seok is regarded as one of South Korea's finest actors, with plenty of compelling performances.

Yoo, who went from breakout in "Reply 1994" to his latest turn in the edge-of-your-seat mystery drama "When the Phone Rings," is proof that good actors are versatile.

However, like most of the stars, he had never been spared from the controversies and rumors, which had become a challenge for him to overcome.

From Rags to Rock Stars

Yoo, whose real name is Ahn Yeon-seok, was born in Seoul on 11 April 1984 to parents who placed a premium on education.

His father was an engineering professor who encouraged him to be disciplined and hard-working from a young age.

Yoo came from a very academic background. However, he ended up falling in love with acting while still in high school.

He moved to Seoul, where he lived with his older brother and took acting lessons as he pursued his dream.

Yoo made his film debut in the acclaimed 2003 feature "Oldboy" as the younger version of Yoo Ji-tae's character.

It was a great start for his career, but Yoo decided to take a break and leave the entertainment industry for a while to further his studies at Sejong University and enlist in the army.

Breaking Through the Industry

Yoo returned to acting after his break, taking roles in "General Hospital 2" and "Midnight Hospital" dramas.

However, it was his portrayal of a spoiled antagonist in "Architecture 101" (2012) and his performance in "A Werewolf Boy" that really put him on the map.

His breakthrough came with national darling "Reply 1994," a nostalgia-stoked campus drama that remains one of the cultural touchstones of his career.

He shot to fame through his role as Chilbong, a well-meaning baseball player with some ambition. This success led to leading roles in features like "Whistleblower" and dramas like "Mr. Sunshine."

Navigating Controversies

In March 2023, Yoo's rave went to the examination after charges arose blaming him for ridiculing a security monitor at his past loft building.

A guard alleged that Yoo and some of his mates had mocked the guard's bicycle, which in turn caused huge embarrassment to the guard and resulted in him quitting the job.

Public opinion was divided by the accusations. Immediately, some online fans fiercely defended Yoo; others did not.

A few days later, a post appeared online, seemingly from the accuser, saying the claims were false and had never happened.

The apology itself became part of the controversy when the accuser had denied writing it.

During that time, Yoo's agency — King Kong by Starship — stood behind him, issuing a statement describing the allegations as groundless and damaging.

The agency revealed that it would be taking legal measures to protect Yoo's character. Yoo stayed quiet about the situation, allowing his agency to work through it while Yoo got back to work.

Maintaining an Under-the-Radar Personal Life

Yoo is also not the type to open up about his personal life, despite his fame.

He was alleged to have dated actress Kim Ji-won for years, with alleged sightings of the two having dinner and fan photos adding to the speculation.

Nevertheless, both Yoo and Kim have always categorically denied such claims, giving priority to their friendship.

Continuing Success

Despite all the controversies, Yoo is shining in his career.

His performance in "When the Phones Ring" is so great, playing such a complex emotion.

With successful roles in period dramas like "Mr. Sunshine" to medical hits like Hospital Playlist, Yoo has established himself as one of the leading stars in Korean entertainment.

A Legacy in Progress

Yoo Yeon Seok is a man who has faced many challenges, but he has never forgotten his first passion, just as he was never forgotten by those who loved him.

With many different roles under his belt and more to come, his continued dedication to his art will guarantee his legacy as one of Korea's most enduring and beloved stars.