If 2024 is considered the year of Byeon Woo-seok in “Lovely runner!”, then 2025 might be the year of Chu Young-woo.
A rising actor who has gained attention for his impressive height of 186 cm and natural acting skills, he has achieved two consecutive hits with “The Tale of Lady Ok” and “The Trauma Code: Heroes on call.”
In the historical drama “The Tale of Lady Ok – False Identity, True Life,” which aired from late November 2024 to the end of January 2025, he took on the lead role, performing two characters with great passion. Immediately following that, starting in January 2025, he has been working hard as a trauma center surgeon in the Netflix drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on call” running around the hospital with a scalpel in hand.
Profile
Name: Chu Young-woo
Date of Birth: June 5, 1999, Seoul
Height: 186-7 cm Weight: 73 kg
Blood Type: O
MBTI: ISFP
Family: Father＊, mother, younger brother
Education: Hansol High School, Korea National University of Arts, School of Drama (currently on leave)
Hobbies: Dancing, Boxing, Reading
Debut: 2013, debuted as an actor in the film “Cold Eyes”
Agency: J,WIDE-COMPANY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cu.young/
Agency Website: http://www.jwide.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=21&wr_id=44
＊Chu Jung-woo. His father, Chu Seung-il, was a famous top model popular in the 1990s. His mother is also a former fashion model. Chu Young-woo inherited those genes, boasting a super physique of 187cm. His younger brother, Chu Jung-woo, is also active as an actor.
School 2021
The popular school drama series “School” reaches its eighth episode. This 2021 version features the early days of actors and actresses who have now become big names. Instead of focusing on the fiercely competitive university entrance exams in South Korea, it refreshingly sets the stage in a vocational training school, specifically the “Architectural Design Department.”
The story portrays the dreams, friendships, and growth of 18-year-olds, and while it is generally entertaining, the title “Exciting☆Your Future with You” has a strangely suspicious vibe, which is disappointing.
In this episode, Jo Yi-hyun, the heroine from “Our School Now,” stars alongside singer and actor Kim Yo-han, while Chu Young-woo plays a transfer student shrouded in mystery. Compared to the sweet and cute masks of the two main characters, Chu Young-woo gives off a more mature vibe. He skillfully portrays the emotional complexities and inner wounds of his character, Yong-joo, earning praise for his performance. He expresses the charm of a quiet, lonely person with a warm heart, leaving others wondering what he is really thinking.
The Tale of Lady Ok
In his first appearance in a period drama, he reportedly trained thoroughly in horseback riding, swordsmanship, Pansori (a unique form of singing from the Chosun Dynasty), and traditional Korean dance to portray the main character, Jeong Seung-hee. The much-discussed drama features Jeong Seung-hee, who loves Im Ji-yeon, a character that gained attention for her villainous role in the popular drama “The Glory: A Shining Revenge,” and Song Seo-in, played in a dual role.
Despite the high popularity of the first two episodes, the ratings weakened in the latter half due to the forced nature of the characters’ ambiguous sexual identities and the political background of Korea. However, it is undeniable that the charming personalities of the protagonists and the various supporting characters made this drama one of the most talked-about from late 2024 to January 2025.
Although he is still a newcomer, he boldly introduced the romantic main character opposite the nine-year-older actress Im Ji-yeon. Expectations for Chu Young-woo’s future growth are rising. You must know that he also possesses professional-level singing skills like other Korean super stars who are unbelievably good at singing. (Why on earth are so many Korean actors and actresses so talented?)
The Trauma Code: Heroes on call
“Hey, anus!”
“Hey, Number 1!”
“Could it be, by any chance…Disciple Number 1?”
“Noap, it’s Slave Number 1!”
A medical drama featuring genius surgeon Baek Gang-hyuk (played by Ju Ji-hoon) as the protagonist. It is inspired by the very famous legendary Professor Lee Kuk-jong in South Korea.
The character Yang Jae-won, an intern known by the nickname “Slave No. 1(previously called by anus)” due to his frequent running around, is sure to make viewers forget his previous dual role in the historical drama “The Tale of Lady Ok”
Once a relaxed proctologist in a hospital, who could easily open his own practice someday, he perfectly transforms into an outstanding fellow who struggles valiantly under a charismatic surgical doctor. It’s astonishing to see such a young actor capable of a wide acting spectrum that spans historical dramas, contemporary dramas, medical dramas, comics, and romance in such a short period! Choo Young-woo’s growth, while adorably timid and inspired by the surgical professor Ju Ji-hoon, is both charming and impressive.
This drama has gained the top spot in 14 countries, including not only South Korea but also Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America, since it began airing. Particularly in South Korea, it reached number one just one day after its release and has maintained an overwhelming lead for a week. It even surpasses ‘Squid Game 2’. Although it’s not confirmed yet, I am convinced that there will definitely be a Season 2 of Trauma Code, especially since Season 1 has finally completed the strongest team!
We love Korean Dramas! Thank you for enjoying!
XOXO
