Yeo Jin-goo Biography: Movies, Parents, Age, Net Worth, Awards, Ethnicity, Instagram

Yeo Jin-goo is a South Korean actor who rose to fame as one of the country’s most talented child actors before successfully transitioning into adult leading roles.

Known for his mature acting style and deep voice from a young age, he first captured public attention in Sad Movie (2005) and later gained nationwide recognition for his role as the young crown prince in Moon Embracing the Sun (2012).

Profile

• Full name: Yeo Jin-goo (여진구)
• Date of birth: August 13, 1997
• Age: 28 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
• State of origin: Seoul
• Nationality: South Korean
• Profession: Actor
• Height: 176 cm (5 ft 9 in)
• Weight: 67 kg (148 lbs)
• Eye color: Dark Brown
• Hair color: Black
• Parents: Father – Yeo (businessman), Mother – homemaker
• Siblings: One younger brother, Yeo Tae-gu
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship status: Single
• Religion: Protestant Christian
• Ethnicity: Asian (Korean)
• Net worth: $4 million – $5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Yeo Jin-goo was born on August 13, 1997, in Seoul, South Korea, as the eldest of two sons. He has a younger brother named Yeo Tae-gu.

His parents were supportive of his ambitions and encouraged his early interest in acting. He began attending acting classes at the age of seven and made his screen debut at just eight years old in the film Sad Movie (2005).

He attended Namgang High School, an all-boys institution known for its academic discipline, and graduated in 2016. That same year, he enrolled at Chung-Ang University, where he majored in Theater Studies in the College of Arts.

Personal Life

Yeo Jin-goo is known for his private, low-profile lifestyle. He has never been publicly linked to any confirmed romantic partner, and in interviews, he has often stated that he is focused on his career and self-growth rather than relationships.

He maintains close friendships with fellow actors such as IU (Lee Ji-eun), Kim Min-jae, and Park Bo-gum, who are often described as his industry peers and “92–97 line” friends.

Career

Yeo Jin-goo’s acting journey began in 2005 with Sad Movie, where he portrayed the son of actress Yum Jung-ah. His performance immediately caught the attention of directors, leading to a steady stream of child roles throughout the late 2000s. He played younger versions of lead actors in hit dramas such as:

• A Frozen Flower (2008) – younger Jo In-sung
• Giant (2010) – younger Lee Beom-soo
• Missing You (2012) – younger Park Yoochun

His big break came in 2012 with the mega-hit historical drama Moon Embracing the Sun, in which he played the young version of King Lee Hwon.

The show’s national ratings exceeded 40%, and Yeo’s emotional depth drew both public and critical praise, solidifying his image as “the nation’s child actor.”

In 2013, he took his first major leading role in Hwayi: A Monster Boy, directed by Jang Joon-hwan. His portrayal of a boy raised by criminals won him multiple Best New Actor awards, marking his official transition into adult roles.

Recently, Yeo starred in the blockbuster historical disaster film Hijack 1971 (2024) and is reportedly in talks for an upcoming Netflix global thriller project.

Awards and Nominations

• 2012 MBC Drama Awards: Best Young Actor (Moon Embracing the Sun, Missing You) – Won
• 2013 Blue Dragon Film Awards: Best New Actor (Hwayi: A Monster Boy) – Won
• 2014 Korea Film Critics Awards: Best New Actor (Hwayi: A Monster Boy) – Won
• 2015 KBS Drama Awards: Best New Actor (Orange Marmalade) – Won
• 2016 SBS Drama Awards: Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama (The Royal Gambler) – Won
• 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Actor – Television (The Crowned Clown) – Nominated
• 2021 Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Actor – Television (Beyond Evil) – Nominated
• 2021 APAN Star Awards: Top Excellence Award, Actor (Beyond Evil) – Won

Net Worth

Yeo Jin-goo’s estimated net worth is $4–5 million USD. His income stems from acting fees for film and television, and endorsements for major Korean and Asian brands, including cosmetics, fashion, and tech firms.

Social Media

• Instagram: @yeojin9oo

Filmography

Films:

• Sad Movie (2005)
• Sa-kwa (2006)
• No Mercy for the Rude (2006)
• Dance of the Dragon (2007)
• Santamaria (2008)
• Antique Bakery (2008)
• A Frozen Flower (2008)
• Sky Force 3D (2013)
• Hwayi: A Monster Boy (2013)
• Mr. Perfect (2014)
• Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014)
• Shoot Me in the Heart (2015)
• The Long Way Home (2015)
• Warriors of the Dawn (2017)
• 1987: When the Day Comes (2017)
• Ajoomma (2022)
• Ditto (2022)
• Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023)
• Hijack 1971 (2024)

Television Series:

• Giant (2010)
• Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
• Missing You (2012)
• Orange Marmalade (2015)
• The Royal Gambler (2016)
• Circle (2017)
• The Crowned Clown (2019)
• Hotel del Luna (2019)
• Beyond Evil (2021)

Discography

Yeo Jin-goo has performed occasional OST tracks for his dramas, including:

• “Dreaming” (Orange Marmalade, 2015)
• “Remember Me” (Hotel del Luna, 2019, duet with IU)

Books

• Yeo Jin-goo: The Journey from Boy to Actor (2020, photo and essay book)