Cha Seung-won

Cha Seung-won is a South Korean actor and former top model, famous for his tall frame, deep voice and effortless charisma. For more than thirty years he has moved easily between hit films, beloved dramas and popular variety shows, and he now reaches a new generation of fans as Gil-yeo in Tantara.

Cha Seung-won is 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) tall.

Early life

Cha Seung-won was born on 7 June 1970 in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He began his career as a fashion model in the late 1980s and quickly became one of Korea's most successful male models. In the late 1990s he moved into acting, bringing his strong looks and natural confidence to the screen.

Career and breakthrough

His film career took off with comedies such as Kick the Moon (2001) and Jail Breakers (2002), which showed his gift for humour. On television, City Hall (2009) and The Greatest Love (2011) made him a top star: his role as the arrogant but lovable actor Dokko Jin in The Greatest Love became one of the most famous characters in K-drama history and won him major awards.

Popular roles

Cha Seung-won keeps surprising viewers. He played Prince Gwanghae in the historical drama Hwajung, a stylish demon king in A Korean Odyssey, and a cold villain in the film Night in Paradise. In Our Blues (2022), his sad and gentle performance as Choi Han-su, a man returning to his island home, touched many hearts. He also became a variety favourite through Three Meals a Day, where fans saw his warm, fatherly cooking side.

Recent work and why fans love them

In Tantara (2026), Cha Seung-won plays Gil-yeo, adding his star power to the period story. Fans love him because he is cool without trying, funny without forcing it, and still hungry for new kinds of roles after three decades at the top.