Joo Woo-jae ((/dʒuːwʊdʒeɪ/; Korean: 주우재; born November 28, 1986) is a South Korean model and actor.[2] Best known for his roles in Come and Hug Me (2018) and Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023),[3] he currently stars as a regular cast member of Hangout with Yoo (since 2023).
Life and career
1986–2011: Early life
Joo Woo-jae was born on November 28, 1986,[4] in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea,[5] as the youngest of two sons.[6] In Changwon Namsan High School [ko], he received "A+" grades in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics,[7] and was tested to have an IQ of 137 at the time.[8] For his tertiary education, he studied at Hongik University in Seoul for mechanical engineering with an academic scholarship for ranking within the top 5%,[9] following his father who worked in the automobile industry and older brother who completed his studies in the same department.[6]
2012–2021: Career beginnings and rising popularity
Joo in May 2018
Amidst his studies, Joo was photographed for the cover of a fashion magazine which ranked first place on portal sites, leading to an increase in number of visits on his Cyworld page, and individuals inquiring where his clothes were bought from.[10] With one semester left, Joo requested a leave of absence to enjoy life before graduating and preparing for a job at Samsung.[11] He started an online clothing store for which he modelled and scavenged the styles himself from the Dongdaemun Market,[10] garnering ₩40 million ($40,000) within the first month with men's clothing alone.[11] Established in 2012, its growth led him to become the designer of his clothing brand,[12] SSRL (에스에스알엘) (formerly Siesta).[13] Stemmed from his love for music evoked by the radio since childhood,[14] Joo also bought equipment which included a stereo mix and microphone to broadcast his own radio show through Winamp. Joo worked on his online store during the day, and broadcast his radio show titled "You, Give Me All the Burden" (그대, 모든 짐을 내게), for two hours at midnight. With 1,200 concurrent listeners per broadcast,[15] he was offered to host an offline concert; accepting its offer, Joo programmed the show and invited musicians to guest, including Acoustic Collabo, Cheez, Giriboy, and Nucksal, amidst others,[14] wherein his best outcome garnered 1,200 attendees. Through this, Joo was contacted by a music company and was offered a job at the company, while negotiating the terms with its director, a friend of the CEO of a modelling agency, he introduced Joo to the agency for his height and was hired without an audition.
Other ventures
Philanthropy
Joo participated in a retro-themed flea market organized by YG KPlus with models including Kang Seung-hyun, Hwang Seung-eon, Lee Ho-jung, Lee Jin-i, and Shim So-young, for the 2017 Pohang earthquake.[16] Its entire proceed of ₩11.32 million was donated to its respective cause through the National Disaster Relief Association.[17]
^Park, Ha-na (February 16, 2023). 주우재 "내시경 하면 '홍김동전' 하차"...건강검진에 두려움 폭발 [Joo Woo-jae: "If I Do an Endoscopy, I'll Leave 'Beat Coin'", Fears Health Check-up]. News1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
^Yeo, Ye-rim (February 14, 2019). "Joo Woo-jae is happy to try it all: The hardworking actor has had a quick rise from student to TV star". JoongAng Ilbo. Archived from the original on November 5, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
^"주우재, 플레이리스트 신작 '팽' 출연..윤소희와 호흡(공식)". Newsen. February 16, 2021.
^Ahn, Mi-eun (March 28, 2014). [우먼 동아일보] 2014 서울패션위크 MODEL X-FILE! 런웨이를 덮친 '리얼웨이주의보' [[Woman Donga Ilbo] 2014 Seoul Fashion Week Model X-File! 'Real Way Warning' Hits the Runway]. The Dong-a Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 26, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
^Park, Si-on (March 21, 2016). [인터뷰] 봄과 닮은 그, 모델 주우재 [[Interview] He Who Resembles Spring, Model Joo Woo-jae]. BNT News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 26, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
^ abKim, Min-seo (March 25, 2015). [인터뷰] 톱모델 주우재, 그대 모든 짐을 내게 [[Interview] Top Model Joo Woo-jae, Let Me Carry All of Your Burdens]. BNT News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 26, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
^Kwon, Mi-sung (December 20, 2019). '문제적 남자' 모델 주우재, 민족사관고등학교 방문...고등학교는 어디? 학력 '관심집중' [Model Joo Woo-jae Visits Minjok Military High School on 'Problematic Man', Where Did You Go For High School? Focused on Interest of Academic Background]. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
^Ahn, So-yoon (July 13, 2019). 주우재, 'IQ134' 팀 내 2위...홍진경→조세호 중 1위는 누구? ('홍김동전') [Joo Woo-jae Ranked 2nd in the Team with 'IQ134'... Hong Jin-kyung → Jo Se-ho, Who'll Be in First Place? ('Beat Coin')]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
^Seo, Hyun-jeong (December 8, 2019). 주우재 학력 관심, 홍대 공대 출신 모델..."상위 5% 성적" [Interest in Joo Woo-jae's Academic Background, Model Studied at Hongik University of Engineering, "Top 5% Grades"]. Asia Today (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
^ abLee, Ha-na (March 9, 2023). 주우재 "대학생 때 쇼핑몰 창업, 첫달 매출 3~4천만원 대박"(옥문아) [Joo Woo-jae: "I Started an Online Store as a College Student, Its First Month Sales Were 30–40 Million Won." (Ok Moon-ah)]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
^ abLee, Hyo-ban (October 27, 2023). 주우재 "27살까지 삼성 취업 준비"→홍진경 "왜 우리랑 이러고..." (홍김동전)[종합] [Joo Woo-jae "Prepared for a Job at Samsung Around Age 27" → Hong Jin-kyung "Why Are You Here With Us" (Beat Coin) [Comprehensive]]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
^Kim, Yu-jin (November 26, 2015). [화보] 스테파니 리&주우재, 화보 속 밀착 포즈 '연인 케미' [[Pictorial] Stephanie Lee & Joo Woo-jae, Poses Close in Pictorial, 'Lover Chemistry']. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
^Choi, Su-ji (May 29, 2014). [아이엠패피] 앳스타일이 콕! 찍은 라이징 스타. 모델 겸 DJ 주우재 [[I.M Papi] At-style Perfect! Rising Star Model and DJ Joo Woo-jae]. Star1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Naver.
^ abJo, So-hee (February 19, 2022). YGK플러스 모델 주우재 "동네 오빠에서 거리 패션 모델로...숨은 재능 찾아라" [YG KPlus Model Joo Woo-jae: "From Neighborhood Guy to Street Fashion Model, Find Your Hidden Talent."]. Busan Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
^Lee, Chan-gyu (February 19, 2022). 주우재 "모델 데뷔? 다른 거 해보고 싶어서...연애 스타일=ISTP"(터키즈)[종합] [Joo Woo-jae: "Model Debut? I Wanted to Try Something Different, Dating Style=ISTP" (Turkidz) [Comprehensive]]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
^Kim, Ji-yul (November 27, 2017). YG KPLUS 톱모델들과 함께한 플리마켓 개최 성료! 전액 포항 지진 피해 성금 기부 [Successfully Held Flea Market with Top Models of YG KPLUS! To Donate the Entire Amount to the Pohang Earthquake Relief Fund]. YTN (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
^Choi, Jung-min (November 29, 2017). 톱모델 소속사 YG 케이플러스, 지진 피해 복구 성금 기탁 [Top model agency YG K Plus donates money for earthquake damage recovery]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
^"YG 웹무비 숨길 수 없어요 주우재 "순간이동 초능력 생기면? 집 앞 편의점 갈래요". Seoul Economy. August 3, 2021.
^Yeo, Ye-rim (February 15, 2019). "Joo Woo-jae is happy to try it all: The hardworking actor has had a quick rise from student to TV star". Korea JoongAng Daily.
^"[단독] 주우재, '원티드'로 연기 도전...첫 카메오". Osen. May 10, 2021.
^"주우재, '이리와 안아줘' 까칠 선배 배우 깜짝 등장 '눈도장'". Enews24. July 2, 2021.[permanent dead link]
^"주우재 출연확정, 벌써부터 기대가". International Newspaper. June 24, 2021.
^드라맥스 '최고의 치킨' 측 "박선호·김소혜 출연..내년 1월2일 첫 방송". Naver (in Korean). MK Sports. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
^"주우재 합류, 윤소희와 호흡 맞춘다". International Newspaper. August 5, 2021.
^"주우재, 드라마 '제발 그 남자 만나지 마요' 출연 확정..치과 의사 한유진". The Korea Herald. July 16, 2021.
^Jung, Seo-hee (October 11, 2022). "[단독]주우재, '힘쎈여자 강남순' 합류...대세 예능인→배우 컴백" [[Exclusive] Joo Woo-jae joins 'Strong Woman Gangnam-soon'... Popular entertainer → actor comeback] (in Korean). Sports TV News. Retrieved October 13, 2022 – via Naver.
^Baek, Seung-hoon (October 13, 2023). "유재석→주우재, '연인' 12회 특별 출연한다" [Yoo Jae Suk→Joo Woo Jae, 'My Dearest' 12th episode special appearance]. MBC Entertainment (in Korean). Retrieved October 13, 2023 – via Naver.
^"연애의 참견 주우재 남친짤 같은 일상 모습 "혼자 계신 분?...나는 행복하다". Top Star News. July 8, 2021.
^"주우재 남다른 기럭지 소유자...역시 모델". Top Star News. June 13, 2021.
^"주우재, 플레이리스트 신작 '팽' 합류..윤소희와 호흡[공식]". StarNews. July 28, 2021.
^Hwang Soo-yeon (September 23, 2021). "'팽' 윤소희를 둘러싼 네 남자...메인 포스터 공개" [The four men surrounding 'Fang' Yoon So-hee... Main poster released]. Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved September 23, 2021 – via Naver.
^Yoo Ji-hye (July 11, 2016). "주우재, 장기용과 '매니저 없이 떠나는 여행' 시즌2 출연". Maeil Broadcasting Network (in Korean). Retrieved March 11, 2021.
^Kim, Myung-mi (November 2, 2016). '힙합의민족2' 찰스-최성준-주우재-앤씨아-오현민의 힙합 도전기 (종합) ['Tribe of Hip Hop 2' Charles, Choi Seongjun, Joo Woojae, NC.A, and Oh Hyunmin Challenges Hip hop (comprehensive)]. Herald POP (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
^Lee, Ji-hyun (December 11, 2016). '복면가왕-피아노맨' 대세남 모델 주우재 "김구라도 몰랐다" [[King of Masked Singer - Piano Man] Popular Model Joo Woo-jae "Even Kim Gura Didn't Know"]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
^Choi, Bo-ran (January 8, 2018). [단독] 김숙X최화정 '연애의 참견' MC호흡...커플 향해 사이다 조언 [[Exclusive] Kim Sook X Choi Hwa-jung Collaborates as Hosts on 'Love Naggers', Refreshing Advice for Couples]. YTN (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
Jin Hyang-hee (September 23, 2021). "김나영 '마법옷장' MC 발탁..10월 12일 첫방송" [Kim Na-young's 'Magic Wardrobe' MC Selected.. First broadcast on October 12]. Star Today (in Korean). Retrieved September 23, 2021 – via Naver.
Yoon Sung-yeol (March 28, 2022). "마법옷장' 29일 시즌2로 돌아온다..김나영 MC 낙점 [공식]" [Magic Wardrobe' returns with season 2 on the 29th.. Kim Na-young MC Appointed [Official]] (in Korean). MT Star News. Retrieved March 28, 2022 – via Naver.
^Son Jin-ah (February 8, 2022). "이상민·하석진·배성재·주우재, '로컬식탁' MC 확정" [Lee Sang-min, Ha Seok-jin, Bae Seong-jae, and Joo Woo-jae confirmed as MCs for 'Local Dining Table'] (in Korean). MK Sports. Retrieved February 8, 2022 – via Naver.
^Park Pan-seok (May 19, 2022). "'도포자락휘날리며' 김종국X지현우X주우재X노상현X황대헌 출연 확정..덴마크 떠난다" [Kim Jong-kook X Ji Hyeon-woo X Joo Woo-jae X Noh Sang-hyeon X Hwang Dae-heon confirmed to appear in 'Applying and Fluttering'... Leaving Denmark] (in Korean). Osen. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via Naver.
^Hong Se-young (June 27, 2022). "[단독] 서장훈·주우재 '돈 잘 버는 젊은 사장' MC 확정, 7월 첫방" [[Exclusive] Seo Jang-hoon and Joo Woo-jae's 'Young Boss Who Makes Money' MCs Confirmed, First Air in July] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Retrieved June 27, 2022 – via Naver.
^Oh Ji-won (August 19, 2022). "당혹사4' MC 전현무 합류...음모론→미스터리로 확장" [Jeon Hyun-moo joins 'Embarrassment 4' MC... Conspiracy Theory → Mystery Expansion] (in Korean). YTN. Retrieved August 19, 2022 – via Naver.
^Ji Seung-hoon (July 6, 2022). "운명 체인지...'홍김동전', 21일 첫방...홍진경-김숙-조세호-주우재-우영 출격" [Destiny Change...'Hong Kim Dongjeon', first aired on the 21st... Hong Jin-kyung - Kim Sook - Jo Se-ho - Joo Woo-jae - Woo-young scramble] (in Korean). YTN. Retrieved July 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^Hyun, Hye-sun (February 16, 2023). "김태호 PD '지구마불', 노홍철·주우재·주현영 여행 안내 가이드 발탁" [Producer Kim Tae-ho selected tour guides for 'Earth Magic', Noh Hong-cheol, Joo Woo-jae and Joo Hyun-young] (in Korean). Seoul Economic Daily. Retrieved February 16, 2023 – via Naver.
^"주우재, '놀면 뭐하니' 새 멤버 합류...오늘(22일) 녹화재개→7월 1일 방송". Ten Asia. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
^Ko, Seon-ho (October 29, 2021). 에이블리, tvN과 패션 셀러 서바이벌 프로그램 '탑셀러' 선보인다 [Ably Presents 'Top Seller', a Fashion Selling Survival Program with tvN]. eNewsToday (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
^Kim Na-yeon (November 18, 2022). "보세요 그냥!"..'러브캐처 인 발리', 과몰입 유발 '심리 서바이벌'[종합]" [Just look!"..'Love Catcher in Bali', 'psychological survival' that induces over-immersion [Comprehensive]]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via Naver.
^Park Soo-in (December 13, 2022). "은지원 이지혜 한혜진 주우재 송윤형, 추리 예능 '씬캐처' 출연" [Eun Ji-won, Lee Ji-hye, Han Hye-jin, Joo Woo-jae, Song Yun-hyeong, appeared in the mystery variety show 'Scene Catcher] (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved December 13, 2022 – via Naver.
^Park Yoon-jin (December 6, 2022). "이말년·주호민·기안84·주우재 무인도 간다...티빙 '만찢남' 2023년 1월 공개" [Late years Lee, Ho-min Joo, Kian 84, Woo-jae Joo are going to an uninhabited island... Teabing 'Comic Ripped' to be released in January 2023] (in Korean). My Daily. Retrieved December 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim, Seon-woo (January 20, 2023). [단독]주우재·주헌·아이키, '빰빰사교클럽' 멤버 발탁...신선한 조합. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved January 20, 2023 – via Naver.
^Kim Hyun-sik (November 30, 2023). "올해 'KBS 연예대상' MC는 신동엽·조이현·주우재" [This year's 'KBS Entertainment Awards' MCs are Shin Dong-yeop, Jo I-hyun, and Joo Woo-jae.]. Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved December 10, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Eun-ho (March 12, 2015). 주우재-황소희, 월세 유세윤 '우리 싸웠어' MV서 연인 연기 [Joo Woo-jae and Hwang So-hee Play Lovers in Yoo Se-yoon's 'We Fought' M/V]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
^Lee, Chun-woo (April 15, 2015). '월세 유세윤' 4월호 '중2병', 주우재·엄예진 뮤비 참여 ['Monthly Rent Yoo Se-yoon' April Issue 'Middle School Sick', Joo Woo-jae and Eom Ye-jin Appears in Music Video]. Busan Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
^Kim, Ji-hee (October 17, 2016). 모델 주우재, '월간 윤종신' 10월호 뮤직비디오 참여 [Model Joo Woo-jae participated in the music video for the October issue of 'Monthly Yoon Jong-shin']. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved January 2, 2023.
^Kim Na-yeon (June 15, 2023). ""위를 보지 않고 틈을 본다" 극 효율성 추구하는 주우재가 일을 대하는 마인드는 K직장인들에게 깨달음을 전해준다(인생84)" ["I don't look up, I see gaps." Joo Woo-jae, who pursues extreme efficiency, brings enlightenment to office workers at work (Kian84).] (in Korean). Huffington Post. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
^"주우재, 2019 아시아모델어워즈 연기자 부문 신인상 수상!". International Newspaper. August 2, 2021.
^"'아시아모델어워즈'에서 패셔니스타상 수상자 발표 중인 이상봉 원장-모델 강리현". BNT News. August 8, 2021.
^Moon, Ji-yeon (June 24, 2024). "[공식] '무빙'·'SNL코리아' 최다 노미..제3회 청룡시리즈어워즈 후보 격돌" [[Official] 'Moving' and 'SNL Korea' most nominated..Candidates clash for the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved June 26, 2024 – via Naver.
^Lee, Seung-gil (September 1, 2022). "유재석·임영웅·아이브 등, '2022 올해의 브랜드 대상' 수상 [공식]" [Jae-seok Yoo, Young-woong Lim, Ive, etc., won the '2022 Brand of the Year Grand Prize' [Official]] (in Korean). My Daily. Retrieved September 1, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Hyun-sik (December 25, 2022). "활약 못한 후보들에 감사" 신동엽, 10년 만에 대상 품었다(종합)[2022 KBS 연예대상]" ["Thanks to the candidates who were not active" Shin Dong-yeop, 10 years later, the grand prize (comprehensive) [2022 KBS Entertainment Awards]] (in Korean). E-Daily. Retrieved December 24, 2022 – via Naver.
^Hwang So-yeong (December 24, 2023). "'KBS 연예대상' 주우재, 홍진경 울린 소감 "우리 진짜 잘했다"" ['KBS Entertainment Awards' Joo Woo-jae and Hong Jin-kyung's thoughts that made everyone cry, "We did really well"] (in Korean). JTBC News. Retrieved December 24, 2023 – via Naver.
^Cheon, Seol-hwa (December 20, 2023). KCA한국소비자평가, '제28회 소비자의 날 KCA 문화연예 시상식' 성료 [KCA Korea Consumer Rating, '28th Consumer Day KCA Culture and Entertainment Awards Ceremony' Successfully Completed]. Star Daily News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
^Kang, Mi-hwa (December 17, 2019). [영상M] 로운, 2020년 기대되는 '남자연기돌' [[Video M] Rowoon is Looked Forward to in 2020 as a 'Male Acting Idol']. Maeil Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
^Kim, Yang-soo (January 9, 2024). 임영웅x남궁민→라이즈...'대한민국 퍼스트브랜드 대상' 52개 부문 선정 [Lim Young-woong x Namgoong Min → Rize, Selected For the 'Korea First Brand Awards' Amidst 52 Categories]. JoyNews24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
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