Eric Mun (born Mun Jung-hyuk on February 16, 1979) is a South Korean singer, rapper, actor, model, and television personality, best known as the leader of the long-running boy bandShinhwa.[1][2] Born in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, he measures 180 cm in height and holds a degree from Dongguk University.[3] With a career spanning over two decades, Mun has established himself as a versatile entertainer in the K-pop and drama industries, contributing to Shinhwa's status as South Korea's longest-running boy band since their debut in 1998.[4][1]Mun's music career began with Shinhwa under SM Entertainment, debuting with the single "Resolver" on August 24, 1998, and later moving to Good Entertainment in 2003.[1] As the group's leader, he has been instrumental in their evolution from teen idols to mature artists, releasing 13 studio albums and achieving milestones like their 2013 album The Classic, which topped charts and earned them the "Artist of the Year" at the Melon Music Awards.[4] Shinhwa's enduring popularity is highlighted by their 20th-anniversary world tour in 2018 and ongoing activities, including Mun's involvement in solo tracks and group comebacks as recent as 2023.[1] His stage presence and rapping skills have been key to the group's success, with Shinhwa selling over 3.5 million albums worldwide.[5]Transitioning to acting in 2004, Mun debuted in the MBC drama Breathless and gained prominence with his lead role in Phoenix (also known as Firebird), earning the MBC Drama Awards' Best New Actor.[2][1] He followed with notable roles in Super Rookie (2005), where he won the Paeksang Arts Award for Best New Actor in Television, and later in Discovery of Love (2014), securing a triple crown at the KBS Drama Awards including Excellent Actor, Netizen Award, and Best Couple.[3][1] Other significant works include Another Oh Hae-young (2016) and Eccentric! Chef Moon (2020), showcasing his range in romantic comedies and family dramas.[2] Mun has received multiple accolades, including SBS Drama Awards, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable leading man.[1]In his personal life, Mun married actress Na Hye-mi on July 1, 2017, after five years of dating, in a private ceremony at Youngnak Church in Seoul.[6] The couple welcomed their first son in March 2023 and their second son on March 19, 2025, making Mun the first Shinhwa member to become a father.[7][6] He maintains an active presence on television as a host and in variety shows, balancing family life with his entertainment commitments.[2]
Early life
Childhood and family background
Eric Mun was born Mun Jung-hyuk on February 16, 1979, in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, as the youngest of three children in a wealthy family. His family's affluent background provided a multicultural upbringing, highlighted by their relocation to the United States during his childhood.[2]Around age 12, following the completion of his elementary education in Seoul, Mun's family relocated to the United States, settling in the Fullerton area of California. This move immersed him in American culture from a young age, leading to English fluency and an early fascination with hip-hop music. He briefly transitioned to formal education in the U.S. during this period.Mun made occasional family visits to South Korea in the years following the relocation but returned permanently in 1996 at age 17.[2]
Education and return to South Korea
Mun attended elementary school in Seoul before his family moved to the United States, where he completed middle school at Parks Junior High School in Fullerton, California and then enrolled at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton. He graduated from high school in 1996.[8]These experiences, combined with his multicultural upbringing, sparked a passion for music and stage presence.In 1996, at the age of 17, Mun decided to return to South Korea to pursue opportunities in the burgeoning K-pop industry, inspired by the success of pioneering groups like H.O.T.[2] Shortly after his arrival, he auditioned for SM Entertainment and was accepted into their rigorous trainee program, beginning his formal preparation for a career as an idol.[9] This marked a pivotal transition from his American schooling to the competitive world of Korean entertainment training.
Career
1998–2007: Shinhwa debut, early acting, and injury hiatus
Mun Jung-hyuk, known professionally as Eric Mun, debuted as the leader and main rapper of the South Korean boy band Shinhwa on March 24, 1998, under SM Entertainment. Born in Seoul but raised in the United States, Mun adopted the stage name Eric to reflect his bilingual background and returned to South Korea to pursue a career in music after training with the agency. Shinhwa's debut album, Resolver, released later that year, marked their entry into the competitive K-pop scene, though it received modest commercial success initially.[10]Throughout the early 2000s, Shinhwa achieved greater prominence with subsequent releases, solidifying Mun's role as the group's charismatic frontman responsible for rap verses and leadership in performances. Their second album, T.O.P. (1999), featured the hit title track "T.O.P. (Twinkling of Paradise)," which topped charts and established their signature blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop. This was followed by Only One (2000), which included upbeat tracks emphasizing group harmony, and Perfect Man (2002), whose lead single "Perfect Man" became a defining anthem, peaking at number one on music programs and boosting their fanbase significantly. These albums not only showcased Mun's rapping skills but also highlighted Shinhwa's evolution from rookies to trendsetters in the first-generation idol landscape.[11][12][13]In parallel with his music career, Mun ventured into acting, debuting in 2002 with a cameo appearance alongside his Shinhwa bandmates in the film Emergency Act 19, a comedy about young singers evading trouble. He made his television acting debut in 2003 with a supporting role as Sin Sang Sik in the MBC drama Breathless (also known as I Run), a series exploring youthful ambition and relationships that aired from October to December.[14] He expanded his portfolio with a supporting role as Ji Woo-jae in the 2004 MBC drama Phoenix, portraying a playboy heir in a story of love and family secrets, which aired for 42 episodes and garnered attention for its ensemble cast. Mun's first lead role came in 2005 with Super Rookie on MBC, where he played rookie detective Kim Gun-woo, navigating workplace challenges and romance; the series ran for 20 episodes and earned him praise for his natural on-screen presence.[2][1][15]Shinhwa's contract with SM Entertainment expired in 2003 amid tensions, as the agency offered renewals to five members but excluded Kim Dong-wan, prompting Mun to reject a lucrative individual deal to preserve group unity. The band collectively departed to join Good Entertainment, a move that allowed greater creative control but sparked brief legal disputes over name rights. Mun's career faced a major setback in January 2006 during filming for the MBC drama Wolf, when a stuntcar struck him and co-star Han Ji-min, injuring his ankle and spine; the incident led to the show's cancellation after three episodes and a hiatus for Mun involving four weeks in a cast followed by rehabilitation. Although not a car accident in the literal sense, the on-set mishap halted his acting momentum and required ongoing recovery, marking the end of this formative period before military service.[16][17][18][19]
2008–2015: Military service, Shinhwa Company formation, and reunion
Mun enlisted for mandatory military service on October 9, 2008, becoming the first member of Shinhwa to do so.[2] Due to a prior back injury sustained during filming, he served as a public service officer at Seoul Metro, handling tasks such as CCTV monitoring and crowd control.[20] His service lasted approximately two years, culminating in his discharge on October 30, 2010, after which he was greeted by hundreds of fans outside the facility.[21]Following the completion of military duties by all members, Shinhwa established their independent label, Shinhwa Company, in 2011, with Eric Mun and Lee Min-woo serving as co-CEOs and the other members as equal shareholders.[22] This move allowed the group to manage their collective activities autonomously after their contract with Good Entertainment expired. Under the new label, Shinhwa marked their 14th anniversary and post-hiatus reunion with the release of their tenth studio album, The Return, on March 23, 2012; the album's lead single "Venus" showcased their signature blend of dance-pop and rap, positioning them as the first K-pop boy band to successfully reunite following mandatory military service.[23]In 2013, Shinhwa embarked on the 2013 Shinhwa Grand Tour: The Classic, an Asia-wide concert series supporting their eleventh studio album of the same name, released on May 16. The tour began with prologue shows in Seoul on March 16–17 at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena to celebrate their 15th anniversary, followed by stops in Hong Kong (June 8), Shanghai (June 22), Taipei (July 6–7), and Japan (July 13–14), attracting tens of thousands of fans across the region before concluding with encore performances in Seoul on August 3–4.[24] That same year, Mun departed from Top Class Entertainment, where he had been since 2007. In 2014, he co-founded E&J Entertainment with his longtime manager Lee Jong-hyun, focusing on his individual acting pursuits while continuing to oversee Shinhwa's group endeavors through Shinhwa Company.[25]Shinhwa released their twelfth studio album, WE, on February 26, 2015, emphasizing themes of enduring camaraderie with tracks like "Alright" and "Target." Mun contributed his rap verses throughout the album, delivering his characteristic energetic flow that highlighted his role as the group's primary rapper, while his leadership as CEO facilitated the project's production and promotion.[26]
2016–2019: Acting return, variety shows, and agency shifts
In 2016, Eric Mun made a notable return to acting with the lead role of Park Do-kyung, a sound director entangled in a complex romantic fate, in the tvN romantic comedy series Another Oh Hae-young.[27] His portrayal of the brooding yet endearing character alongside Seo Hyun-jin was praised for bringing depth to the rom-com genre, highlighting his chemistry and emotional range in navigating themes of mistaken identities and second chances.[28] The series, which aired from April to June, marked his first major acting project in several years and contributed to its status as a standout drama of the year.[27]That same year, Mun expanded into variety television with his appearance on MBC's Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village 3, where he joined hosts Lee Seo-jin and Yoon Kyun-sang in a rural island setting to forage, cook, and share daily life.[29] The show, which premiered in October, showcased Mun's practical skills and affable personality, particularly through his cooking segments that revealed his self-taught culinary expertise developed during earlier personal challenges.[29] His down-to-earth interactions and humor endeared him to viewers, reinforcing his versatility beyond music and acting.[30]As part of Shinhwa's ongoing group activities under Shinhwa Company, Mun participated in the release of the band's 20th anniversary album Unchanging in late 2016 and early 2017, with Part 1 (Orange) in November2016 and Part 2 (Touch) in January 2017.[31] The double-part project featured tracks like "Touch" and "Super Power," celebrating the group's longevity with a mix of upbeat dances and ballads, and included Mun's contributions to rapping and performance.[32] To commemorate the milestone, Shinhwa held fan meetings and concerts throughout 2017, allowing Mun to engage directly with supporters alongside bandmates.[31]In 2019, Mun took on another variety role in tvN's 4 Wheeled Restaurant: America, traveling across the United States with a food truck to cook Koreanfusion dishes and interact with locals from April to July.[33] The season emphasized cultural exchange and culinary challenges, where Mun's experience from prior shows helped him adapt to on-the-road preparations and team dynamics with co-stars like chef Lee Yeon-bok.[33] Later that year, he signed with TOP Media for solo promotions, becoming labelmates with fellow Shinhwa member Andy while group activities remained under Shinhwa Company.[34] This agency shift facilitated more individualized endeavors amid Shinhwa's established operations.[34]
2020–2025: Final acting roles, contract end, and independent phase
In 2020, Mun returned to acting after a brief hiatus with the lead role of Jeon Ji-hoon, a charismatic Interpol agent posing as a travel writer, in the MBC romantic spy comedy series The Spies Who Loved Me, which aired from October to December and co-starred Yoo In-na and Lim Ju-hwan.[35] The drama followed a wedding dress designer entangled in espionage through her marriages to two secretive men, earning praise for Mun's blend of charm and intensity in action sequences. Later that year, he took on the central role of Kim Seung-mo, a talented but eccentric chef, in the Channel A culinary drama Eccentric! Chef Moon, which explored themes of redemption and rivalry in the food industry.[36] These projects marked his final major acting endeavors, as subsequent years saw a shift away from on-screen roles.In 2022, Shinhwa's subunit WDJ (consisting of members Lee Min-woo, Kim Dong-wan, and Jun Jin) released their debut mini-album Come to Life, featuring the track "Shape on Body," followed by the Come to Life concert in December at Olympic Hall in Seoul, attracting over 5,000 fans across two days with performances blending synth-pop and acoustic elements; Mun did not participate in the subunit activities. In October 2022, Mun's exclusive contract with TOP Media expired after three years, transitioning him to independent status while the agency pledged ongoing support for select endeavors.[37][38] This move aligned with Shinhwa's self-managed structure under Shinhwa Company, where Mun serves as CEO, overseeing group logistics and member promotions.From 2023 onward, Mun's public appearances dwindled, prioritizing operational responsibilities at Shinhwa Company and personal commitments, with no full group comeback or new solo music releases, and no acting projects as of November 2025. His solo output consisted of sporadic social media posts on Instagram, sharing glimpses of daily life and occasional Shinhwa-related updates, alongside guest spots on variety programs such as Golf Battle: Birdie Buddies in 2023, where he competed in celebrity golf challenges. These low-key engagements reflected a deliberate reduction in visibility, emphasizing behind-the-scenes contributions to the group's legacy over frontline entertainment pursuits.[39]
Personal life
Marriage to Na Hye-mi
Eric Mun became interested in South Korean actress and model Na Hye-mi, known for her roles in dramas such as Cheese in the Trap and My Only One, after noticing her image in a magazine while at a salon. He contacted her via text, introducing himself, which initially surprised her as she thought it was a prank. This led to their friendship and romantic relationship.[40][41] The couple began dating around 2014, amid early rumors that were initially denied by Mun's agency, but they confirmed their relationship publicly on February 23, 2017, after reports of their long-term romance resurfaced.[42][43]Their engagement was announced in April 2017 through Mun's agency, E&J Entertainment, which also revealed the wedding date. The pair married on July 1, 2017, in a private ceremony at Young Nak Presbyterian Church in Seoul, attended by fellow Shinhwa members acting as groomsmen and other close celebrities and family.[44] During their courtship, Mun balanced the relationship with Shinhwa's ongoing group activities, including reunion concerts.[42]Following the wedding, Mun and Na Hye-mi made several joint public appearances, notably on the variety showHappy Together in September 2018, where Na Hye-mi shared details of their proposal and early romance.[41] Their shared backgrounds in the entertainment field—Na Hye-mi as a model who transitioned into acting with supporting roles in films and series—fostered a deep understanding that strengthened their partnership.[44][40]
Family and children
Eric Mun and his wife, actress Na Hye-mi, announced Na's first pregnancy on August 23, 2022, after five years of marriage, marking a significant milestone in their family life.[45] Their first son was born on March 1, 2023, with both mother and baby reported to be in good health.[46]On January 6, 2025, the couple revealed Na's second pregnancy, expecting the arrival in spring, as they continued to cherish their growing family.[47] Their second son was born on March 19, 2025, further expanding their household.[48]Mun and Na Hye-mi occasionally share family updates on social media, such as Instagram posts featuring matching outfits with their first son in August 2025 and a rare face reveal of the child transforming into playful fruit and vegetable characters, highlighting their emphasis on privacy while celebrating parenting joys.[49][50] In agency statements accompanying these milestones, Mun expressed happiness about fatherhood, noting that the couple is "enjoying their time as parents" and building a warm family environment.[47] As of late 2025, no further family expansions or relocations have been reported.[6]
Filmography
Television series
Mun began his acting career in 2003 with a supporting role as Sin Sang Sik in the MBC drama Breathless, a series exploring themes of youth and relationships.[51]In 2004, he took on a supporting role as Seo Jeong-min in the MBC romantic drama Phoenix, a 26-episode series centered on a wealthy woman's forbidden love and social class struggles, where his character serves as a charismatic rival suitor complicating the central romance.[52][53]Mun earned his first lead role in 2005 as Kang Ho in the MBC comedy Super Rookie, a 20-episode series following an uneducated slacker who secures a position at a major corporation due to a hiring glitch, exploring themes of workplaceadaptation, romance, and personal growth; the drama was well-received for its humorous depiction of corporate culture and boosted Mun's popularity, including international promotion in Japan.[54][55]In 2006, he starred as Bae Dae Chul in the MBC drama Wolf, a 16-episode action series about a man seeking revenge after being framed for murder. Later that year, he led as Choi Kang in the SBS spy comedy Invincible Parachute Agent, portraying a bumbling agent in humorous espionage scenarios across 16 episodes.[2]Mun took the lead role of Kang Tae Ju in the 2007 MBC romantic melodrama Que Sera Sera, an 17-episode story of love and betrayal among friends. In 2008, he played the titular character in the KBS period action comedyStrongest Chil Woo, a 20-episode series blending martial arts and humor in historical Joseon, earning praise for his comedic timing.[2]Following military service, Mun returned with a lead role in 2011 as Kang Woo in the KBS romantic comedy Myung Wol the Spy, a 20-episode series about a spy falling for a top actor. In 2014, he starred as Kang Tae Ha in the KBS romantic comedy Discovery of Romance (also known as Discovery of Love), a 16-episode exploration of modern relationships and ex-lovers, which garnered him the Excellent Actor award at the KBS Drama Awards.[2][3]In 2016, Mun starred as Park Do-kyung in the tvN romantic comedy Another Oh Hae-young (also known as Oh Hae-young Again), an 18-episode series about a sound engineer plagued by precognitive visions who becomes entangled with two women sharing the same name; his portrayal of the brooding yet tender protagonist was praised for its emotional depth, contributing to the show's high ratings and his win for Romantic-Comedy King at the 2016 tvN10 Awards.[56][57]In 2018, he provided the voice for Frog in a guest role in the tvN fantasy dramaMama Fairy and the Woodcutter.[2]Mun's 2020 television roles included Chun Sung-il (also known as Jeon Ji-hoon) in the MBC romantic spy comedy The Spies Who Loved Me, a 16-episode series involving espionage, divorce, and remarriage, where his character is an Interpol agent posing as a travel writer aiding the protagonist amid international intrigue; the drama highlighted his versatile performance in action-oriented scenes and received moderate acclaim for blending suspense with romance.[35][36] That same year, he led as Kim Seung-mo in the MBC romantic comedy Eccentric! Chef Moon, a 17-episode series following a renowned chef's life changes and romantic entanglements, earning positive reviews for his portrayal of the eccentric protagonist.[2]
Films
Mun's first screen appearance was a cameo as himself in the 2002 satirical film Emergency Act 19, alongside his Shinhwa bandmates, portraying musicians affected by a fictional government ban on popular music.[2]Mun's involvement in feature films was limited, primarily occurring early in his acting career during 2005, when he took on supporting and leading roles in two thrillers amid his rising prominence as a Shinhwa member. These projects marked his transition from television cameos to cinematic work, showcasing his versatility in action and mystery genres before he shifted focus back to dramas and variety programming. No additional narrative films followed until a non-fiction concert release in 2014, reflecting his prioritization of television roles post-military service.In A Bittersweet Life (2005), directed by Kim Jee-woon, Mun portrayed Tae-goo, a loyal enforcer in a criminal syndicate, supporting the lead performance of Lee Byung-hun as the conflicted hitman Sun-woo.[58] The film, a neo-noir action thriller blending intense gunfights with themes of betrayal and revenge, also featured co-stars Shin Min-a as the boss's mistress and Hwang Jung-min as a rival gangster.[59] Produced by CJ Entertainment, it achieved significant commercial success in South Korea, selling 3.67 million tickets and grossing approximately $7.58 million domestically, establishing it as a landmark in Korean genre cinema.[60]That same year, Mun starred as Kim Dong-wook, a determined detective investigating a serial killer case intertwined with a mysterious diary, in the mystery thriller Diary of June, directed by Im Kyung-soo.[61] Co-starring Shin Eun-kyung as a psychic medium and Yunjin Kim as another investigator, the film explored supernatural elements within a police procedural framework, drawing from themes of grief and otherworldly communication. Released by Showbox, it received moderate attention upon its premiere but did not match the box office impact of contemporaneous hits, contributing to Mun's early recognition with a Best New Actor nomination at the 42nd Baeksang Arts Awards.Mun's sole subsequent film appearance was in the concert documentary Shinhwa Live 3D: The Legend Continues (2014), where he performed as himself alongside bandmates Kim Dong-wan, Jun Jin, Andy Lee, Lee Min-woo, and Shin Hye-sung.[62] Directed by Son Seok, this 3D release captured the group's 15th anniversary concert at Seoul Olympic Park, featuring high-energy renditions of hits like "This Love" and "Venus," and marked a milestone as the first Korean film screened in 4DX format for immersive viewing.[63] Distributed by CJ Entertainment, it catered primarily to fans, extending Shinhwa's live legacy beyond arenas without narrative elements.
Variety shows
Mun first gained prominence in variety television through Shinhwa's group appearances in the early 2000s, including cameo performances on SBS's Star King, where the band showcased their music and comedic sketches alongside celebrity guests. His individual forays into the genre expanded in the 2010s, highlighting his affable, humorous persona that resonated with audiences for its relatability and down-to-earth charm.In 2016, Mun joined tvN's Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village 3 as a regular cast member, co-starring with Lee Seo-jin and Yoon Kyun-sang across 12 episodes. The program follows participants living in a remote fishing village, foraging for ingredients and preparing three daily meals from scratch, emphasizing simple rural life and communal cooking. Mun's adept cooking abilities—honed from personal interest—and playful banter earned widespread praise, with viewers dubbing him "E-Chef" for his fusion recipes like seafood pasta, contributing to the season's high ratings of up to 9.6% in its finale.[29]He reprised his role in 2017 for Three Meals a Day: Sea Ranch, another 12-episode installment set at a seaside ranch, where the cast continued the format of self-sufficient meal preparation amid scenic isolation. Mun's warm interactions, such as mentoring guests like AOA's Seolhyun during visits, further solidified his reputation for genuine camaraderie, boosting the show's appeal as a comforting escape for fans.[64]In 2018, Mun appeared on SBS's Law of the Jungle in Sabah for episodes 325–333, joining fellow Shinhwa members Lee Min-woo and Andy in a survival adventure through Malaysia's Borneorainforest. The format challenges celebrities to endure wilderness conditions, hunting and building shelters, where Mun's leadership and adaptability shone in tasks like fishing and camp setup, delighting viewers with his lighthearted resilience.[65]Mun's variety activities continued in 2019 with tvN's 4 Wheeled Restaurant: America, serving as a main member in its 12-episode third season. The travel-food series features a team, led by chef Lee Yeon-bok, operating a mobile food truck across the United States to promote Korean cuisine, with stops in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. As Lee’s apprentice, Mun assisted in creating fusion dishes such as bulgogi tacos, leveraging his bilingual skills for customer interactions and earning acclaim for his enthusiastic, relatable energy that helped achieve strong sales and positive buzz. That year, he also hosted MBC's The Barber of Seville for 10 episodes, a lighthearted program where a celebrity team runs a pop-up barbershop in Seville, Spain, blending grooming challenges with cultural exchanges.[2]In 2021, Mun joined SBS's Golf Battle: Birdie Buddies as a regular cast member for 10 episodes, participating in golf challenges and competitions that highlighted his competitive spirit and humor in a sports variety format. As of November 2025, he has focused more on family and selective projects, with no major new variety appearances announced since.[66]
Awards and nominations
Year
Award
Category
Nominated work
Result
2004
23rd MBC Drama Awards
Best New Actor
Phoenix, Breathless
Won
2004
23rd MBC Drama Awards
Popularity Award, Actor
Phoenix, Breathless
Won
2005
41st Baeksang Arts Awards
Best New Actor (TV)
Super Rookie
Won
2005
41st Baeksang Arts Awards
Most Popular Actor (TV)
Super Rookie
Won
2005
24th MBC Drama Awards
Top Excellence Award, Actor
Super Rookie
Won
2005
24th MBC Drama Awards
Best Couple Award (with Han Ga-in)
Super Rookie
Nominated
2005
24th MBC Drama Awards
Popularity Award, Actor
Super Rookie
Nominated
2006
42nd Baeksang Arts Awards
Best New Actor (Film)
Diary of June
Nominated
2006
14th SBS Drama Awards
Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries
Invincible Parachute Agent
Won
2006
14th SBS Drama Awards
Top 10 Stars
Invincible Parachute Agent
Won
2014
28th KBS Drama Awards
Top Excellence Award, Actor
Discovery of Love
Nominated
2014
28th KBS Drama Awards
Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries
Discovery of Love
Won
2014
28th KBS Drama Awards
Best Couple Award (with Jung Yu-mi)
Discovery of Love
Won
2014
28th KBS Drama Awards
Netizen Award, Actor
Discovery of Love
Won
2016
5th APAN Star Awards
Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries
Another Miss Oh
Nominated
2016
5th APAN Star Awards
Best Couple (with Seo Hyun-jin)
Another Miss Oh
Nominated
2016
tvN10 Awards
Best Actor
Another Miss Oh
Nominated
2016
tvN10 Awards
Romantic-Comedy King
Another Miss Oh
Won
2020
39th MBC Drama Awards
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Wednesday-Thursday Miniseries