Zo In-sung
Zo In-sung (Korean: 조인성, born July 28, 1981), previously known as Cho In-sung, and occasionally referred to as Jo In-sung, is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his leading roles in the television series Something Happened in Bali (2004), Spring Day (2005), That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013), It's Okay, That's Love (2014), and Moving (2023). In film, he is known for his roles in The Classic (2003), A Dirty Carnival (2006), A Frozen Flower (2008), The King (2017), The Great Battle (2018), and Escape from Mogadishu (2021).
Also recorded as Zo In-seong · Jo In-seong · Jo In-sung · Cho In-sung
Zo In-sung

Republic of Korea · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Nationality
- South Korea.
- Occupation
- actor and model.
- Education
- Dongguk University.
- Languages
- Korean.
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Zo In-sung (Korean: 조인성, born July 28, 1981), previously known as Cho In-sung, and occasionally referred to as Jo In-sung, is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his leading roles in the television series Something Happened in Bali (2004), Spring Day (2005), That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013), It's Okay, That's Love (2014), and Moving (2023). In film, he is known for his roles in The Classic (2003), A Dirty Carnival (2006), A Frozen Flower (2008), The King (2017), The Great Battle (2018), and Escape from Mogadishu (2021).
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In this article
Early life and education
Early life and education
He also starred in the reality show Unexpected Business (2021–2024).
Zo In-sung was born and raised in Gangdong District, Seoul. He studied modeling and events management at Chunnam Techno University. He later enrolled as a Theater and Film major at Dongguk University, but was expelled in 2007 due to inadequate class attendance.
1998–2002: Beginnings and rise to fame
1998–2002: Beginnings and rise to fame
Zo made his entertainment debut in 1998 as a model for clothing brand Ziozia. He began his acting career in 1999 through the MBC sitcom Jump and, in 2000, starred in the teen drama School 3 and in the second season of the sitcom Nonstop. Zo first drew notice with a supporting role in the 2001 television drama Piano, co-starring Go Soo and Kim Ha-neul. He was then cast in his first drama leading role in 2002, as an illiterate actor in Shoot for the Stars opposite Jeon Do-yeon. The same year, he made his film debut in the movie Public Toilet. He also starred in several music videos of popular boy band g.o.d, a fellow SidusHQ artiste at that time, and was directed by actor Jung Woo-sung.
2003–2008: Mainstream popularity
2003–2008: Mainstream popularity
In 2003, Zo starred in three romantic films, most notably Kwak Jae-yong's The Classic, with Son Ye-jin and Cho Seung-woo. In 2004, he returned to television in the melodrama Something Happened in Bali, alongside Ha Ji-won and So Ji-sub. Something Happened was a huge success, with its final episode reaching a peak rating of 39.7%. Zo won Best Actor awards at both the Baeksang Arts Awards and SBS Drama Awards. In 2005, he starred opposite Go Hyun-jung in her comeback drama Spring Day, a remake of the Japanese drama Heaven's Coin. Zo collaborated with renowned director Yoo Ha in his next two films: 2006's A Dirty Carnival, in which he played a charismatic small-time gangster who seeks a happier life, and 2008's A Frozen Flower, a Goryeo-period film where his royal bodyguard character is caught in a love triangle between the king and the queen.
2009–2012: Enlistment
2009–2012: Enlistment
On April 7, 2009, Zo enlisted for his two-year mandatory military service; he reportedly wanted to join the Air Force to follow in the footsteps of his father, who served as a non-commissioned officer. He served 25 months in the Air Force and the Air Force military band, and was discharged on May 4, 2011. Upon the expiry of his contract with talent agency SidusHQ, Zo joined IOK Company in March 2012.
2013–present: Return to television and international recognition
2013–present: Return to television and international recognition
In 2013, he co-starred in the melodrama That Winter, the Wind Blows alongside Song Hye-kyo, a remake of the Japanese drama Forget Love (愛なんていらねえよ、夏, Ai nante Irane yo, Natsu). The drama placed number one in its time slot during most of its run, and Zo and Song were praised for their performances. A year later, Zo reunited with That Winter's teleplay writer and director in SBS's medical melodrama It's Okay, That's Love opposite Gong Hyo-jin. Zo won the Daesang (Grand Prize), the highest honor for television at the APAN Star Awards. In 2016, Zo was chosen as the ambassador of the National Tax Service alongside Choi Ji-woo. In 2017, Zo starred in the crime thriller The King alongside Jung Woo-sung, directed by The Face Reader director Han Jae-rim. In 2018, he starred in the historical film The Great Battle. In March 2025, Zo decided not to renew his exclusive contract with IOK Company after 13 years. On March 4, it was reported that he will establish a new company with Cha Tae-hyun, which was later named as Basecamp Company.
Endorsements
Endorsements
In 2001, Zo earned title best male rookie for CF model. In 2002, Zo ranked first among male celebrity as "the celebrity who is likely to appear the most in CF this year". In 2004, he paired with Lee Yeon-hee as advertising model for Fujifilm FinePix digital camera. In 2006, Zo was model of LG Electronics TROMM washing machine. In 2007, he became face of Amore Pacific's 'Laneige Homme'. In 2008, he was paired with Han Hyo-joo to advertise the coffee brand Maxim. After being discharged from the military in 2011, Zo reclaimed his CF King title. He was selected as a brand advertising model for SK Telesis 'W'. He signed with as a model for kimchi refrigerator "Dimchae" and LG Whisen air conditioner. Zo also signed contracts with food and beverage such as Outback Steakhouse, Cass Beer, and Woongjin Foods. In 2014, he went to Himalaya to film for an outdoor clothing brand. He was with the brand for five years from 2011 to 2016. In 2016, Angel-in-us wanted to shoot women's hearts with Zo as the model. In the following year, Zo became model for the bedding product brand Evezary. Zo signed with Asahi Beer in 2018. In 2019, Zo signed as an advertising model of food brand Ottogi. In 2020, Zo was paired with Han Ji-min to advertise Onyu Pharmaceutical, a health food brand. In February 2021, IOK Company announced that Zo became the exclusive model of Ranking Chicken Com. Ranking Chicken Com is an online platform that provides a service that allows consumers to compare and buy various chicken breast brands. In September, Zo was signed as ambassador for a luxury shopping platform, Catch Fashion. In the end of 2021, Zo re-signed as an advertising model of food brand Ottogi. It was announced on January 15, 2022, that the sales of dumpling jumped 167% compared to the same month of the previous year, recording the highest monthly sales since its launch. Ottogi released new 'XO dumplings' advertisement featuring actor Zo in the winter, the peak season for frozen dumplings.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy
According to a non-governmental organization MIRAL Welfare Foundation, Jo has generously donated 500 million won (almost 440 thousand dollars) to help the people in Tanzania. The foundation also stated that the donation was used to build Singida New Vision School located in central Tanzania.
Personal life
Personal life
In 2013, it was reported that Zo and Kim Min-hee have been in a relationship since earlier in the year. Both their agencies confirmed this. On September 24, 2014, Zo and Kim confirmed that they ended their year-and-a-half-long relationship.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.IOK Company. Zo In Sung.
- 2.Frau International. ZO IN-SUNG JAPAN OFFICIAL WEBSITE チョ・インソン ジャパンオフィシャルウェブサイト.
- 3.Korean Film Council. ZO In-sung.
- 4.Korean Film Council. International sales poster for The Classic.
- 5.Central Park Films. Love Jo. Right Now. June 25, 2017.
- 6.Eo, Seo-woong. Sports Chosun. December 25, 2003.
- 7.Chung, Ah-young. Top Movie Star Jo In-seong Dropped From University. The Korea Times via Hancinema. April 25, 2007.
- 8.Jo In Sung gives up on baseball, becomes A-class actor. JTBC Life Dead link. September 2023.
- 9.Jang, Seo-yoon. 10LINE, 조인성. 10Asia. September 14, 2014.
- 10.Yoon, Go-eun. JoongAng Ilbo. June 27, 2002.
- 11.Kim, Pyo-hyang. Hankook Ilbo. January 21, 2017.
- 12.KN News. December 22, 2004.
- 13.Nippon TV. Heaven's Coin Part 3.
- 14.Lee, Seung-jae. Too Handsome. The Dong-A Ilbo. June 8, 2006.
- 15.Jo In-sung Is Back in Dirty Carnival. The Chosun Ilbo. June 16, 2006.
- 16.Sa, Eun-young. Zo to Appear in Epic Movie. The Korea Times. August 6, 2007.
- 17.Actor Zo In-sung on the Challenges of Playing Gay. The Chosun Ilbo. December 6, 2008.
- 18.Lee, Hyo-won. Actor Joins Air Force. The Korea Times. April 6, 2009.
- 19.Lee, Haejoo. Actor bids farewell to fans going into the Air Force. Korea JoongAng Daily. April 10, 2009.
- 20.Actor Jo In-sung to Serve in Air Force. KBS Global. April 8, 2009.
- 21.Seo, Ji-eun. Zo Completes Military Service. Korea JoongAng Daily. May 6, 2011.
- 22.Kwon, Mee-yoo. Actor Zo In-sung discharged from army. The Korea Times. May 4, 2011.
- 23.Hong, Lucia. Jo In-sung signs with Ko Hyun-jung's agency. 10Asia. March 2, 2012.
- 24.Song Hye-kyo, Zo In-sung Team Up for TV Soap After Long Sabbatical. The Chosun Ilbo. February 9, 2013.
- 25.Jin, Eun-soo. Zo In-sung reflects on That Winter, the Wind Blows. The Korea Herald. April 11, 2013.
- 26.TBS Program Catalog. Forget Love.
- 27.Song Hye-kyo Basks in Latest Drama's Success. The Chosun Ilbo. April 6, 2013.
- 28.[Interview] Zo In Sung Thanks the Screenwriter and Song Hye Kyo for the Success of 'That Winter'. enewsWorld. April 14, 2013.
- 29.Kim, Hee-eun. SBS drama reveals big stars. Korea JoongAng Daily. March 18, 2014.
- 30.Baek, Byung-yeul. Jo In-sung's drama touches on mental illness. The Korea Times. July 18, 2014.
- 31.Jeong, Byung-ki. Actors chosen as faces of the NTS. Korea JoongAng Daily. April 27, 2016.
- 32.Doo, Rumy. Zo In-sung, Jung Woo-sung play 'King' and his maker. The Korea Herald. December 15, 2017.
- 33.Conran, Pierce. ZO In-sung Leads ANSI CITY into Battle. Korean Film Biz Zone. May 15, 2017.
- 34.Jin, Min-ji. Zo In-sung brings charisma to a war general : The actor takes a fresh approach to a classic period movie. Korea JoongAng Daily. September 14, 2018.
- 35.Son, Jeong-bin. Newsis. March 4, 2025.
- 36.Hong, Se-young. Sports Dong-a. March 4, 2025.
- 37.Lee, Hee-yong. Naver News. December 30, 2001.
- 38.Naver News. January 17, 2002.
- 39.Naver News. June 8, 2004.
- 40.Yoo, Sun-ho. Star News. 2006-11-10.
- 41.Yoo, Sun-ho. Star News. 2007-01-23.
- 42.Naver. June 22, 2008.
- 43.Lee, Jun-hyung. e2news. 2011-05-13.
- 44.Shim, Min-kwan. Naver News. August 17, 2011.
- 45.Chae, Jae-yong. LG휘센 에어컨 내년 초 조인성 새CF 방영. e2news. 2011-12-26.
- 46.Kim, Ji-hyun. 'CF 제왕' 조인성, 제대 한 달 만에 50억원 벌었다. tvdaily.co.kr. 2011-06-16.
- 47.Kang, Pil-seung. NewsPim. June 9, 2011.
- 48.Yang, Hyung-mo. "○○○ 재킷 입어봤어?" 아웃도어 '스타 제품'이 대세. sports.donga.com. 2014-05-13.
- 49.Park, So-yeon. The Asia Business Daily. 2011-12-06.
- 50.Park, In-hye. Maeil Business Newspaper. 2016-02-23.
- 51.Min, Kyung-jong. Jose Ilbo. 2016-06-20.
- 52.Oh, Se-eun. Asia Today. 2017-01-24.
- 53.Kim, Dong-wan. mnb.moneys.co.kr. 2018-04-22.
- 54.Lee, Dong-heon. News Works. 2019-11-21.
- 55.Yong, Won-jong. Single List. 2020-10-29.
- 56.Kim, Jung-jin. Yonhap News Agency. 2021-02-26.
- 57.Kim, Yu-jin. www.xportsnews.com. 2021-09-17.
- 58.Kim, Hye-ji. EToday. 2022-02-15.
- 59.Hong, Mi-kyung. Point Daily. 2022-01-09.
- 60.Actor Zo In-sung donates 500 million won to build school in Tanzania. The Korea Times. 2021-07-28.
- 61.Lee, Sun-min. Zo In-sung, Kim Min-hee are dating. Korea JoongAng Daily. 2013-04-24.
- 62.Ok, Hyun-ju. Jo In-sung talks about break-up with Kim Min-hee. The Korea Herald. 2014-10-05.
- 63.Yoon, Go-eun. JoongAng Ilbo. July 28, 2002.
- 64.Cine21. July 25, 2002.
- 65.Cine21. September 12, 2002.
- 66.Cine21. March 18, 2003.
- 67.Love Jo. Right Now. (2017).
- 68.Jeon Hyung-hwa. Star News. June 8, 2021.
- 69.Jeon Hyung-hwa. star.mt. May 6, 2021.
- 70.Merican, Sara. Zo In-sung, Park Jeong-min, Park Hae-joon And Nana Confirmed As Cast For Ryoo Seung-wan's 'HUMINT'. Deadline Hollywood. June 12, 2024.
- 71.Jo, Ji-young. Sports Chosun. March 30, 2023.
- 72.Ramachandran, Naman. Lee Chang-dong Sets Return With Netflix’s ‘Possible Love,’ First Feature Since ‘Burning’. Variety. 2025-08-04.
- 73.Bae, Guk-nam. Edaily. October 8, 2012.
- 74.TV Report. April 23, 2011.
- 75.Kwon, Jae-hyun. The Dong-A Ilbo. September 18, 2011.
- 76.Marie Claire Korea.
- 77.Yoon, Ga-i. The Chosun Ilbo. December 15, 2011.
- 78.Choi, Min-young. SBS미니시리즈'피아노'출연 조인성&고수. Kyunghyang Shinmun. November 16, 2011.
- 79.[TV하이라이트/12일]'대망' '솔로몬의 선택' 등. The Dong-A Ilbo. October 11, 2002.
- 80.Jeon, Young-han. The Dong-A Ilbo. January 13, 2003.
- 81.- YouTube. YouTube.
- 82.Gu, Mi-hwa. Woman Donga. March 4, 2004.
- 83.Lim, Sun-hye. OhmyNews. March 9, 2005.
- 84.Sung, So-young. Zo and Lee reunite with Noh. Korea JoongAng Daily. October 13, 2015.
- 85.Moon Ji-yeon. Sports Chosun. June 4, 2021.
- 86.Sun Jin-ah. mksports. February 1, 2021.
- 87.Kim Na-young. mksports. December 6, 2021.
- 88.Kang, Min-kyung. Ten Asia. September 27, 2023.
- 89.Choi, Na-young. The Chosun Ilbo. October 23, 2016.
- 90.Choi, Ji-ye. MyDaily. November 6, 2016.
- 91.Choi, Min-young. Kyunghyang Shinmun. May 27, 2002.
- 92.Ho, Stewart. Zo In Sung Will Act Out His Emotions on Kim C's Upcoming Music Video. enewsWorld. April 3, 2012.
- 93.Shin, Na-ra. TV Report. November 15, 2014.
- 94."조인성, "스스로에게 거는 기대 채워야"" . Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). December 21, 2004.
- 95.Kim, Soo-jin. Star News. May 20, 2005.
- 96.Lee, Jae-hoon. Newsis. October 24, 2023.
- 97.THE MERCILESS Leads Nominations for 38th Blue Dragon Film Awards. Korean Film Biz Zone. November 14, 2017.
- 98.A TAXI DRIVER Drives Off with 4 Blue Dragons. Korean Film Biz Zone. December 1, 2017.
- 99.Kim Na-ra. 제42회 청룡영화상, 후보 발표…류승완 '모가디슈' 최다 부문 노미네이트 [공식]. MyDaily. November 1, 2021.
- 100.Choi Ji-ye. Ten Asia. November 24, 2023.
- 101.Kim No-eul. 조인성·이솜 올해의 스타상 쾌거 "코로나에도 극장 찾아준 관객 감사"[2021 부일영화상]. Newsen. October 7, 2021.
- 102.Sung, So-young. Zo to hold another fan meet in China. Korea JoongAng Daily. March 13, 2015.
- 103.2000 KBS, SBS 드라마 대상. JoongAng Ilbo. February 25, 2002.
- 104.Kim, Min-ji. [N현장] 하정우→워너원·'윤식당2', 2018 소비자가 뽑은 영광의 얼굴들(종합). News1. December 17, 2018.
- 105.Kim, Kyung-hee. Yonhap News Agency. October 17, 2011.
- 106.Kim, Young-hyun. The Hankyoreh. September 19, 2007.
- 107.'The Host' Carries Off Six Trophies at Korea Film Awards. The Chosun Ilbo. November 21, 2006.
- 108."조인성, 김아중, '최고의 남녀 배우상' 수상" . Star News (in Korean). January 17, 2007.
- 109.Lee, Myung-jo. 'MBC 방송연예 대상'에 박경림. JoongAng Ilbo. January 30, 2002.
- 110.Park, Jun-beom. 조인성, 'Mnet 20's Choice' 3관왕 확정. OSEN. August 19, 2007.
- 111.Kim, Yong-eun. Edaily. October 31, 2007.
- 112.Kyunghyang Shinmun. January 1, 2002.
- 113.'SBS 연기대상'대상 안재모. Maeil Business Newspaper. January 2, 2003.
- 114.The Hankyoreh. January 1, 2005.
- 115.Bae, Young-eun. Maeil Business Newspaper. January 1, 2006.
- 116.Lee, Cory. Lee Bo-young Grabs 1st Top Prize at the 2013 SBS Drama Awards. TenAsia. January 2, 2014.
- 117.Choi, Ji-hyun. SBS 연기대상, 박유천 이종석 전지현 김수현 박신혜 등 10대 스타상 수상. 10Asia. December 31, 2014.
- 118.Kim, Min-jin. Four couples win best couple prize in SBS Drama Awards. Kpop Herald. January 1, 2015.
- 119.Jo In-sung selected as 'fashion idol of the year'. The Korea Times. January 7, 2014.
- 120.Lee, Sun-min. Zo In-sung honored in China awards. Korea JoongAng Daily. January 7, 2014.
- 121.Jo In-sung wins top style icon award. Kpop Herald. October 29, 2014.
- 122.Zo In-sung Given Honorary Citation for Military Service. The Chosun Ilbo. May 4, 2011.
- 123.NewsPim. October 30, 2012.
- 124.Kim, Ji-young. Stars receive presidential citation. Kpop Herald. March 3, 2016.
- 125.Choi, Eun-kyung. JoongAng Ilbo. February 23, 2015.
- 126.www.gallup.co.kr. 2014-11-25.
- 127.www.gallup.co.kr. November 30, 2018.
- 128.Gallup Korea. December 15, 2021.
- 129.www.gallup.co.kr. December 4, 2023.
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