Wi Ha-joon
Wi Ha-joon (born August 5, 1991) is a South Korean actor recognized for his versatile performances in television dramas and films, gaining global fame through his role as the determined police detective Hwang Jun-ho in the Netflix series Squid Game (2021–present).[1] Born in South Jeolla Province, he grew up on his family's abalone farm before moving to Seoul at age 18 to pursue acting.[2][1] Wi Ha-joon graduated from Sungkyul University's Department of Theatre and Film, where he honed his skills after initially aspiring to become a dancer.[3][1] He enlisted for mandatory military service in the Air Force in 2011 and was discharged in 2013, and made his acting debut in the 2012 short film Peace in Them.[1][4] His early career included modeling and supporting roles in dramas such as Something in the Rain (2018), where he played the brother of lead actress Son Ye-jin.[5] Wi Ha-joon's breakthrough came with the horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018), in which he portrayed the YouTube channel owner Ha-joon, contributing to the movie's success as South Korea's highest-grossing found-footage horror film with over USD 21 million in worldwide earnings.[1][5] He followed this with notable supporting roles, including freelance book designer Ji Seo-joon in the romantic comedy Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019) and baseball player Goo Ja-sung in the body-swap drama 18 Again (2020).[5] His performance in Squid Game as the undercover officer searching for his missing brother propelled him to international stardom, earning the series billions of viewing hours worldwide, with Season 1 alone surpassing 2.2 billion hours viewed as of 2025.[1][6][7] In subsequent years, Wi Ha-joon demonstrated his range across genres, starring as serial killer Do-sik in the thriller Midnight (2021), the alter ego K in the action-comedy Bad and Crazy (2021–2022), and the enigmatic Choi Do-il in the mystery drama Little Women (2022).[5] He took on a lead role as undercover agent Seo Do-jun in the crime action series The Worst of Evil (2023), further solidifying his status in Korean entertainment.[1] More recently, he headlined the romantic drama The Midnight Romance in Hagwon (2024) as instructor Lee Joon-ho and reprised Hwang Jun-ho in Squid Game Season 2 (2024) and Season 3 (2025), while he made a special appearance in the series Shark 2: The Storm (2025), with upcoming projects including the Korean adaptation Siren (2026).[3][8][9] Outside acting, he serves as a global ambassador for luxury watch brand TAG Heuer since 2022.[1]Early life and education
Childhood and family
Wi Ha-joon was born Wi Hyun-yi on August 5, 1991, in Soan-myeon, Wando County, South Jeolla Province, South Korea.[10][3] He later adopted the stage name Wi Ha-joon upon entering the entertainment industry due to the unfavorable connotations of his birth name in Korean numerology.[3][11] He spent his early years in a rural setting on his family's abalone farm located on Soando Island, where his parents managed the operations as their primary livelihood.[12][13] Wi has often credited his parents as his greatest influences and "living legends," highlighting their resilience and life experiences as a source of personal motivation during his upbringing.[13] He grew up with an older brother and an older sister, maintaining close family ties, as evidenced by his social media posts featuring interactions with his niece, the daughter of his elder sister.[14][15] His childhood was marked by an idyllic island life, surrounded by nature and the sea, though he has shared that he did not frequently consume abalone or sashimi despite the family's profession.[12][3] From a young age, Wi developed an interest in performance, particularly enjoying dance routines and stage shows, which initially fueled his dream of becoming a pop idol.[13] In his late teens, during his third year of high school, he relocated from the island to Seoul to attend an acting academy, seeking better opportunities to pursue his evolving aspirations in the arts.[13] This move represented a significant transition from his rural roots, setting the stage for his later entry into formal training and military service after high school.[13]Military service
Wi Ha-joon enlisted in the Republic of Korea Air Force at the age of 20 in late 2011, serving as a military police officer in Unit 709 of the Air Force Police Strike Team at the 10th Fighter Wing.[16][17] His service lasted approximately 24 months, culminating in his honorable discharge on November 27, 2013, at the rank of sergeant, reflecting his strong performance during active duty.[16] During his time in the military, Wi began incorporating weight training and bodyweight exercises into his routine, building a foundation of physical fitness that later supported the demanding action-oriented roles in his acting career.[18][19] This period instilled a disciplined approach to self-improvement, as he continued these habits post-service to maintain his physique for professional requirements. Following his discharge, Wi committed to acting full-time, signing with MSTeam Entertainment and expanding his portfolio beyond his initial short film appearance.[16] The experience also fostered resilience through the rigors of military life, including structured teamwork in a high-stakes environment, which he later credited for personal maturation.[17]Academic background
Wi Ha-joon received his early education in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, where he was born and raised on an abalone farm on Soando Island. During high school, he initially pursued an interest in dance, joining a school dance team, before developing a passion for acting after moving to Seoul in his senior year to attend an acting academy. This early exposure to performance arts, including attending plays, sparked his commitment to a career in theater.[20][12] Following his discharge from mandatory military service in the Air Force in November 2013, Wi enrolled at Sungkyul University, majoring in Theater and Film with a concentration in theater. For his university entrance audition at age 19, he performed the role of Edmund from Shakespeare's King Lear, demonstrating his early dedication to classical acting. During his studies, he engaged in coursework on acting techniques, script analysis, and stage performance, honing skills essential for character development through practical training and collaboration with peers.[1][12][3] Wi graduated from Sungkyul University and chose to forgo advanced studies, opting instead to fully commit to his professional acting career immediately after completing his degree. The foundational training from his academic years provided a strong basis for his subsequent roles in film and television.[1]Career
Debut and early roles (2012–2018)
Wi Ha-joon made his acting debut in 2012 with the short film Peace in Them, portraying the character Ji-hwan in a project that marked his initial foray into the industry while he was still navigating his post-military life.[21] Following his discharge from mandatory military service on November 27, 2013, he signed with MSTeam Entertainment in 2014, which provided a platform for pursuing more opportunities amid the competitive landscape of Korean entertainment.[16] This period was characterized by extensive auditions, as Wi auditioned relentlessly after his service, often facing rejections that tested his resolve to establish a foothold in acting.[22] Transitioning from short films to feature-length projects, Wi secured his first minor role in a major production with the 2015 thriller Coin Locker Girl, where he played the young Woo-gon, a brief but pivotal appearance in the crime drama that highlighted his potential in intense, character-driven narratives.[23] He continued building his resume with supporting roles in subsequent years. These early features often confined him to limited screen time, yet they allowed him to hone his craft in genres like thrillers, where his disciplined physicality—bolstered by military training—proved advantageous for demanding scenes.[24] Wi's breakthrough in this era came with the 2018 found-footage horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, in which he starred as Ha-joon, a key member of a web series crew investigating a notorious psychiatric hospital; the role showcased his intense, naturalistic delivery and helped the film achieve commercial success as one of South Korea's highest-grossing horrors.[25] Throughout 2012–2018, however, Wi grappled with significant challenges, including financial instability that left him unable to afford basic expenses like bus fares during his student days at Sungkyul University's Theater and Film department, where he balanced rigorous academics with sporadic acting gigs.[22] This era of perseverance laid the groundwork for his evolving presence in thrillers, emphasizing resilience amid inconsistent opportunities and the demands of concurrent university commitments.[10]Rise to prominence (2019–2021)
In 2019, Wi Ha-joon gained increased visibility through supporting roles in popular romantic dramas. He portrayed Yoon Seung-ho, the caring younger brother of the protagonist in Something in the Rain, a JTBC series that aired from January to March and explored complex family dynamics and relationships, earning praise for his natural depiction of familial protectiveness. Later that year, he played Ji Seo-joon, a talented freelance book designer and the charming secretary to the lead character, in the tvN romantic comedy Romance Is a Bonus Book, where his chemistry with co-stars and subtle emotional depth contributed to the show's positive reception among viewers.[26] These performances marked his transition from minor roles to more prominent supporting parts, helping to build his domestic profile under MSTeam Entertainment, his agency since enlisting in the military.[27] Wi's momentum continued into 2020 with a key role in the JTBC fantasy comedy 18 Again, where he embodied Ye Ji-hoon, a celebrated high school baseball star grappling with personal regrets and mentorship, showcasing his ability to blend athletic charisma with vulnerability in a body-swap narrative inspired by the American film 17 Again. This portrayal highlighted his versatility, drawing favorable comparisons to his earlier romantic turns and solidifying his appeal in lighter, ensemble-driven stories. For his work in Romance Is a Bonus Book, Wi received his first major award recognition, earning a nomination for Best New Actor at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards, an honor that underscored his growing reputation among industry peers.[28] By 2021, Wi expanded into leading film roles that further demonstrated his range in intense, action-oriented characters, alongside television work. In the thriller Midnight, he took on the antagonist Do-shik, a cunning serial killer pursuing a deaf witness through Seoul's nightlife, delivering a chilling performance noted for its psychological intensity and physical precision.[29] That same year, he starred as Jung Do-hyun, a former MMA champion and mentor to a bullied student seeking revenge, in the action drama Shark: The Beginning, where his portrayal of a layered anti-hero emphasized themes of resilience and moral ambiguity. He also played the dual role of Ryu Soo-yeol and his alter ego K, a vigilante detective, in the action-comedy series Bad and Crazy (2021–2022). These projects, alongside preparations for upcoming television work, cultivated a dedicated fanbase in South Korea, attracted to his portrayals of multifaceted individuals—from gentle romantics and supportive siblings to ruthless villains and determined fighters—without relying on typecasting.International breakthrough (2022–present)
Wi Ha-joon's portrayal of the determined police detective Hwang Jun-ho in the Netflix series Squid Game marked his international breakthrough, with the show's global phenomenon status surging in 2022 following its 2021 release, earning widespread acclaim for his intense performance amid the series' record-breaking viewership.[30] He reprised the role in season 2, released on December 26, 2024, where Jun-ho's storyline explored deeper themes of justice and survival, contributing to the season's massive audience of 68 million views in its first week.[31] In season 3, premiering on June 27, 2025, Wi's character received expanded screen time, focusing on his relentless pursuit to dismantle the deadly games, which he described as a fulfilling arc after a more limited presence in the prior season.[32] Building on this momentum, Wi took on the enigmatic assassin Choi Do-il in the mystery drama Little Women (2022) and the freedom fighter Kwon Il-yong in the historical thriller Gyeongseong Creature (2023–2024). He took on his first leading antagonistic role as the charismatic drug lord Jung Gi-cheul in the 2023 Disney+ crime thriller The Worst of Evil, a noir series that highlighted his versatility in action sequences and emotional depth, earning praise for elevating the ensemble cast alongside Ji Chang-wook and Im Se-mi.[33] In 2024, he starred as the earnest former student Lee Joon-ho in the romantic drama The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, portraying a character who rekindles a complex relationship with his ex-teacher, which showcased his shift toward lead roles in heartfelt narratives and garnered strong domestic ratings on tvN.[34] Wi made a special guest appearance as the returning character Jung Do-hyun in the 2025 action thriller Shark: The Storm, reuniting with co-star Kim Min-seok and adding intensity to the sequel's bullying-to-redemption storyline on TVING.[35] By mid-2025, he was confirmed for the lead role of Cha Woo-seok in the mystery romance Siren, a Korean adaptation of the Japanese series Ice World, opposite Park Min-young, blending suspense and emotional intrigue in what marks his continued pivot toward genre-blending projects.[36] The post-Squid Game fame brought increased international opportunities, including Hollywood aspirations like collaborating with directors such as Christopher Nolan, though Wi has reflected on the pressures of sudden global scrutiny, noting the stress overshadowed initial enjoyment of success.[37][38]Filmography
Feature films
Wi Ha-joon's performance as the lead in the 2018 horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum marked a significant breakthrough in his acting career, earning him recognition for his portrayal of the determined filmmaker Ha-joon investigating a notorious psychiatric hospital.[39] His feature film roles span supporting parts in thrillers and action dramas to leading roles in horror and revenge stories, showcasing his versatility in high-tension genres. He has no credited voice acting or animation roles to date.[40]| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Coin Locker Girl | Young Woo-gon |
| 2015 | Bad Guys Always Die | Cha Myeong-ho |
| 2016 | Eclipse | Jeong Tae |
| 2017 | Anarchist from Colony | Young Korean prisoner |
| 2017 | The Chase | Young Na Jeong-hyeok |
| 2018 | Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum | Ha-joon |
| 2019 | Miss & Mrs. Cops | Jung Woo-jun |
| 2021 | Shark: The Beginning | Jeong Do-hyeon |
| 2021 | Midnight | Do-sik |
Television dramas
Wi Ha-joon has portrayed a variety of characters in Korean television dramas, transitioning from supporting roles in romantic and family-oriented series to intense leads in thrillers and action genres. His performance as the determined detective Hwang Jun-ho in Squid Game marked a pivotal breakthrough, earning him widespread acclaim for adding depth to the ensemble cast.[41] The following table catalogs his key appearances in broadcast and cable dramas, including web-to-TV adaptations where applicable:| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Goodbye Mr. Black | Ha Jun | MBC |
| 2017 | My Golden Life | Ryu Jae Sin | SBS |
| 2018 | Matrimonial Chaos | Kim Shi Ho | KBS2 |
| 2019 | Something in the Rain | Yoon Seung-ho | JTBC |
| 2019 | Romance Is a Bonus Book | Ji Seo-joon | tvN |
| 2020 | 18 Again | Ye Ji-hoon | JTBC |
| 2020 | Soul Mechanic | Oh Yoo Min (Ep. 1, 4) | KBS2 |
| 2021 | Bad and Crazy | Ryu Soo-yeol / K | tvN |
| 2021 | Squid Game (Season 1) | Hwang Jun-ho | Netflix |
| 2022 | Little Women | Choi Do-il | tvN |
| 2023 | The Worst of Evil | Jung Gi-cheol | Disney+ |
| 2023 | Gyeongseong Creature | Kwon Joon-taek | Netflix |
| 2024 | The Midnight Romance in Hagwon | Lee Joon-ho | tvN |
| 2024 | Gyeongseong Creature (Season 2) | Kwon Jun-taek (Ep. 4) | Netflix |
| 2024 | Squid Game (Season 2) | Hwang Jun-ho | Netflix |
| 2025 | Shark 2: The Storm | Jung Do-hyeon (guest) | TVING |
| 2025 | Squid Game (Season 3) | Hwang Jun-ho | Netflix |
| 2026 | Siren | Cha U-seok | tvN |
Web series and variety shows
Wi Ha-joon began his foray into web series with the romantic web drama With Coffee in 2018, where he portrayed the lead role of Lee Ha-min, a young job-seeker navigating a summer romance centered around coffee shop encounters.[42] The 10-episode series, produced for online platforms like DOREMI, highlighted his early charm in lighthearted, intimate storytelling typical of short-form digital content.[43] His breakthrough in web series came with the Netflix original Squid Game (2021), in which he played Hwang Jun-ho, a determined police officer infiltrating a deadly survival game; this role marked his entry into global streaming audiences and earned widespread acclaim for his intense action sequences and emotional depth. Wi reprised the character in Squid Game Season 2 (2024) and Season 3 (2025), further solidifying his presence in high-stakes, action-oriented web narratives. The series' web-exclusive format allowed for innovative production elements, including interactive global promotion that overlapped briefly with Squid Game's online fan engagement features. From 2017 to 2025, his web work has emphasized concise, action-driven episodes suited to streaming, with a limited but expanding footprint in international digital content.[10] Wi Ha-joon has made select guest appearances on variety shows, often in comedic or promotional segments that highlight his affable personality and quick wit, without taking on hosting duties.[10] His early variety debut was on My Little Old Boy in 2016 (Episode 419), followed by multiple episodes of Amazing Saturday in 2018 (Episodes 190 and 316), where he participated in wordplay games and banter. That year, he also guested on Problem Child in House (Episode 134) and Island Trio Season 2 (Episodes 2–12), engaging in light-hearted challenges and island adventures. Post-Squid Game fame, appearances included Show!terview with Jessi (2020, Episode 57), Studio Moon Night (2021, Episode 58), and more recent 2025 outings on Heart on Wheels (Episodes 7–8) and Getaway and Go with Jangdobari (Episodes 4–6), focusing on travel and personal anecdotes.| Year | Title | Role/Appearance | Platform/Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | My Little Old Boy | Guest (Ep. 419) | SBS | Promotional segment |
| 2018 | With Coffee | Lee Ha-min (Lead) | DOREMI/YouTube | 10-episode web drama |
| 2018 | Amazing Saturday | Guest (Eps. 190, 316) | tvN | Game show challenges |
| 2018 | Problem Child in House | Guest (Ep. 134) | KBS2 | Family-oriented games |
| 2018 | Island Trio Season 2 | Guest (Eps. 2–12) | tvN | Travel variety |
| 2020 | Show!terview with Jessi | Guest (Ep. 57) | SBS MTV | Interview format |
| 2021 | Studio Moon Night | Guest (Ep. 58) | Olive TV | Talk show |
| 2025 | Heart on Wheels | Guest (Eps. 7–8) | Channel A | Cycling adventure |
| 2025 | Getaway and Go with Jangdobari | Guest (Eps. 4–6) | Netflix | Travel series |
Other activities
Music releases
Wi Ha-joon's music releases are limited and closely tied to his acting projects, consisting solely of a single original soundtrack (OST) contribution as of 2025. His debut in music came with the ballad "Maybe It's Too Late" (Korean: 늦은 거겠지), released on October 15, 2018, as Part 2 of the OST for the JTBC drama Matrimonial Chaos, in which he portrayed the character Go Deok-mun.[44][45] The track, composed and arranged by music producers under Mystic Story, features introspective lyrics about regret and missed opportunities in relationships, complementing the series' exploration of marital discord.[46] Released by distributor Music&New, it marked Wi's first and only recorded musical output to date, with no solo albums, additional singles, or collaborations announced in subsequent years.[47] While Wi has occasionally demonstrated his singing abilities through live covers at fan events, such as performances of BTS member Jungkook's "3D" and "Standing Next to You" during a 2024 fan meeting, these remain unrecorded releases rather than formal discography entries.[48] His musical endeavors thus serve as an extension of his acting persona, without shifting focus from his primary career in film and television.Endorsements and ambassadorships
Wi Ha-joon has served as a brand ambassador for several luxury and lifestyle brands, with his partnerships expanding significantly following his international breakthrough in Squid Game. In February 2022, he was appointed as the South Korean ambassador for Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer, promoting collections such as the Connected 45mm Bright Black Edition and Aquaracer Professional 300.[49][50] He continued this role through 2024, attending events like the TAG Heuer Monaco Grand Prix and a Shanghai showcase.[51][52] In the fashion sector, Wi has modeled for the American premium casual label BEENTRILL and attended events for Louis Vuitton, including the Pre-Fall 2023 Collection Show and the 2024 Spring/Summer launch.[1][53] He also became a global endorser for the Philippine clothing brand Bench in May 2022, featuring in campaigns that highlighted his rising stardom,[54] as well as serving as brand ambassador for Indonesian fashion label INTHEBOX in 2022.[1] For beauty products, Wi collaborated with YSL Beauty on a pictorial in 2022.[55] Additional endorsements include whiskey maker Johnnie Walker, for which he became the model for Johnnie Walker Black Label in 2023.[1] In public service, Wi was appointed ambassador for his hometown of Wando-gun, South Korea, promoting regional initiatives; he continued this role into 2025, attending the Wando Visit Year promotional event in February.[55][56] These deals, which surged after Squid Game, have included international advertisements and contributed to his estimated net worth of around $3 million as of 2025.[57]Awards and nominations
Major awards
Wi Ha-joon has garnered nominations at several prominent South Korean and international award ceremonies, highlighting his transition from supporting roles to leading performances in horror, drama, and thriller genres. His breakthrough in Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum earned early recognition, while his international profile rose with Squid Game, leading to a historic ensemble nomination at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Although he has yet to secure individual wins at these major events, his work continues to receive acclaim, including contributions to award-winning projects like The Worst of Evil, which won the Best Director award at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards.[58][28][59]| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best New Actor | Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum | Nominated[60] |
| 2018 | Grand Bell Awards | Best New Actor | Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum | Nominated[60] |
| 2018 | Korea Drama Awards | Best New Actor | Something in the Rain | Nominated[61] |
| 2019 | Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actor – Television | Romance Is a Bonus Book | Nominated[28] |
| 2019 | Chunsa Film Art Awards | Best New Actor | Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum | Nominated[60] |
| 2022 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Squid Game | Nominated[59] |