Kim Sung-hoon, professionally known as Ha Jung-woo, is a prominent South Korean actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer. Born on March 11, 1978, in Seoul, South Korea, he is one of the most versatile and commercially successful performers in modern Korean cinema. He is known for his effortless transitions between intense crime thrillers, gritty action films, and lighthearted comedies. Ha is also celebrated for a rare box-office milestone: starring in films that have accumulated over 100 million ticket sales.
- Ha Jung-woo: Quick Facts & Personal Profile
- Early Life and Family Background
- Acting Career and Breakthrough Roles
- Directorial Ventures and Artistry
- Awards and Recognition
- Net Worth and Financial Standing
- Relationships and Girlfriend
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ha Jung-woo
- What is Ha Jung-woo’s real name?
- How old is Ha Jung-woo?
- What is Ha Jung-woo’s net worth?
- Who are Ha Jung-woo’s family members?
- Is Ha Jung-woo married?
- What are some of Ha Jung-woo’s most famous movies?
Beyond his prolific career on screen, Ha has expanded into film direction and production. His dynamic range of talents has earned him critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards across Asia.
Ha Jung-woo: Quick Facts & Personal Profile
A comprehensive overview of Ha Jung-woo’s personal and professional background:
- Real Name: Kim Sung-hoon
- Stage Name: Ha Jung-woo
- Date of Birth: March 11, 1978
- Age: 48 years old
- Place of Birth: Jamwon-dong, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Height: 6 feet 0 inches (184 cm)
- Parents: Kim Yong-gun (Father), Ko Kyung-ock (Mother)
- Siblings: Kim Young-hoon (Younger brother, professional name Cha Hyun-woo)
- Relationship Status: Publicly linked to actress Cha Jung-won
- Occupation: Actor, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Film Producer
- Estimated Net Worth: $20 million USD
- Education: Chung-Ang University (Theater and Film major)
Early Life and Family Background
Ha Jung-woo was born into an established entertainment family in Seoul. His father is veteran South Korean screen actor Kim Yong-gun, whose decades-long career heavily influenced Ha’s early ambitions. Growing up alongside his younger brother, Kim Young-hoon-who later adopted the stage name Cha Hyun-woo and pursued acting and production-Ha developed a passion for performing from a young age.
He studied the arts at Chung-Ang University, majoring in Theater and Film. There, he honed his foundational acting skills through rigorous stage productions. Before establishing himself in commercial cinema, Ha completed his mandatory military service in the late 1990s within the Armed Forces Public Relations Department, gaining valuable experience in numerous promotional films.
Acting Career and Breakthrough Roles
Ha made his television debut in the 2002 SBS sitcom Honest Living and followed it with his feature film debut in 2003’s Madeleine. For his early projects, he maintained a low profile in supporting roles before achieving a major turning point in 2005. Upon signing with talent agency SidusHQ, he adopted the stage name “Ha Jung-woo” and landed a starring role in the gritty indie film The Unforgiven, a stark critique of violence within military ranks.
His definitive career breakthrough arrived in 2008 when he starred as a chilling serial killer in Na Hong-jin’s acclaimed thriller The Chaser. This performance propelled him into the upper echelon of Korean leading men. He solidified his box-office dominance through a string of critically praised and commercially successful films:
- Take Off (2009): A sports comedy-drama that captivated audiences.
- The Yellow Sea (2010): Earned him multiple Best Actor trophies, including at the Baeksang Arts Awards and Asian Film Awards.
- Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (2012): A gripping crime saga alongside veteran actor Choi Min-sik.
- The Berlin File (2013) & The Terror Live (2013): Showcased his ability to carry high-tension action and suspense.
- The Tunnel (2016): A disaster survival thriller driven largely by his solo performance.
- Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017) & The Last 49 Days (2018): Blockbuster fantasy epics that cemented his status as one of South Korea’s highest-grossing stars.
In recent years, he has continued expanding his portfolio with projects like Narco-Saints (2022), Hijack 1971, and various streaming series.
Directorial Ventures and Artistry
Ha successfully transitioned behind the camera, making his feature film directorial debut with the comedy Fasten Your Seatbelt in 2013. He subsequently directed Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (2015), Lobby, and The People Upstairs.
In addition to filmmaking, Ha is an accomplished painter. Beginning around 2007, his hybrid pop-art and expressionist paintings have been showcased in multiple solo art exhibitions. He has noted that painting acts as a vital psychological outlet, helping him cope with the intense pressures of his acting career.
Awards and Recognition
Ha Jung-woo’s contributions to film have been honored with numerous accolades:
- Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Actor wins for Take Off, The Yellow Sea, and The Berlin File.
- Asian Film Awards: Best Actor for The Yellow Sea.
- Blue Dragon Series Awards & Korea Drama Awards: Recognized for his powerful performances in television and streaming hits like Narco-Saints.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2026, Ha Jung-woo’s estimated net worth is approximately $20 million USD. His wealth stems from lucrative acting salaries-often commanding top-tier figures per film alongside backend box-office percentages-as well as earnings from his work as a director and producer. Endorsement deals with major fashion, tech, and automotive brands, alongside strategic real estate investments in Seoul, further bolster his financial portfolio.
Relationships and Girlfriend
Ha Jung-woo maintains a private personal life, though his romantic history occasionally draws media attention. He previously dated model Gu Eun-ae from 2008 to 2012. Media outlets and agency confirmations have since linked him in a long-term relationship with South Korean actress Cha Jung-won. As of 2026, the couple remains together. While marriage has been a topic of public speculation, neither has announced official wedding plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ha Jung-woo
What is Ha Jung-woo’s real name?
Ha Jung-woo’s birth name is Kim Sung-hoon. He adopted the stage name Ha Jung-woo in 2005 upon the recommendation of his former agency, SidusHQ.
How old is Ha Jung-woo?
Born on March 11, 1978, Ha Jung-woo is 48 years old.
What is Ha Jung-woo’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be around $20 million USD, earned through his extensive film career, directing, production ventures, and major brand endorsements.
Who are Ha Jung-woo’s family members?
His father is veteran actor Kim Yong-gun, and his younger brother is actor and producer Kim Young-hoon, known professionally as Cha Hyun-woo.
Is Ha Jung-woo married?
No, Ha Jung-woo has never been married. He is currently in a public relationship with actress Cha Jung-won.
What are some of Ha Jung-woo’s most famous movies?
Some of his most acclaimed films include The Chaser, The Yellow Sea, The Terror Live, The Tunnel, and the blockbuster fantasy series Along with the Gods.
