So Ji-Sub: Life, Career, and Filmography of the South Korean Actor

So Ji-Sub (born November 4, 1977) is a prominent South Korean actor and former competitive swimmer. Over a career spanning nearly three decades, he has transitioned from fashion modeling to critical acclaim in both television dramas and feature films.

Early Life and Modeling Beginnings

Born in South Korea on November 4, 1977, So Ji-Sub grew up alongside his parents and a younger sister. During his childhood, he suffered from a weak constitution, prompting him to take up swimming at the age of ten. He trained and competed as a swimmer for a decade, eventually winning a medal at the national Korean games.

In 1995, So entered the entertainment industry by chance when a friend invited him to audition alongside him for the clothing company STORM. While his friend was unsuccessful, So was selected as a model. Two years later, he made his formal television acting debut in the SBS drama series Model.

Breakthrough and Military Service

So achieved widespread public recognition through his breakthrough role in the 2004 KBS television drama Sorry, I Love You, where he starred alongside Lim Su-Jeong. The series achieved significant ratings and established his reputation as a dramatic actor.

Following this success, So suspended his acting career in February 2006 to fulfill his mandatory two-year military service. He was discharged in April 2007 and immediately sought projects that would challenge his range, stating a desire to expand his artistic boundaries.

Personal Life

On April 7, 2020, So Ji-Sub and television presenter Cho Eun-Jung registered their marriage in a private ceremony.