Yoo Jae-myung is a South Korean actor known for heavy, believable supporting roles and unforgettable villains. He worked in film and theatre for years before television made him a star in his forties. Global fans know him as chairman Jang Dae-hee in Itaewon Class (2020) and from Stranger (2017) and Reply 1988 (2015).

He is 183 cm tall.

Early life

Yoo Jae-myung was born on June 3, 1973, in Busan, South Korea. He studied at Pusan National University and stayed in his home city for years, acting on stage and in small film parts.

Career and breakthrough

His breakthrough came with Reply 1988 (2015), where he played Ryu Jae-myung, a kind school principal and father. In Stranger (2017), he played Lee Chang-jun, a brilliant and dangerous chief secretary whose story drives the whole drama. He won Best Supporting Actor at the APAN Star Awards for Life (2018).

Popular roles

In Itaewon Class (2020), he plays Jang Dae-hee, the cold chairman of the Jangga food company and one of Korean drama's most hated and respected villains. In Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017), he played Do Chil-goo, showing he could join a light comedy just as naturally.

Recent work and why fans love him

He won Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards for the film Land of Happiness. Fans love him because he never overacts.