Oh Jung-se (오정세)

It may have taken over 60 movies, 20 dramas, and 20 years, but Oh Jung-se finally has his moment in the sun. His Baeksang Award-winning performance as a sleazy landlord in 2019’s critical darling “When the Camellia Blooms” was followed almost immediately by a highly acclaimed turn as a neurodivergent artist in 2020’s gothic rom-com “It’s Okay to Not be Okay.” With more k-dramas and movies under his belt, it seems that the career of this versatile, theater-trained character actor is far from peaking.

Oh was born on March 20, 1980, in Seoul, South Korea. While his journey to stardom may seem like a fairy tale, it was anything but easy. He began acting in the early 2000s, initially taking on minor roles in television dramas and films. His determination and passion for acting soon caught the attention of casting directors. His international breakthrough came when he joined the cast of "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" (2020) as Moon Sang-tae, a man with autism spectrum disorder. His heartwarming and authentic portrayal touched the hearts of viewers worldwide. The show received critical acclaim and became a massive success, solidifying Oh's reputation as a talented actor who could tackle complex and challenging roles.

Oh Jung-se's talent has not gone unnoticed, and he has garnered several prestigious awards throughout his career, including a near-impossible feat: winning a Baeksang Arts Award two years in a row. He won his first for "When the Camellia Blooms" (2020) and then again for "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" (2021).

His success is even more remarkable as he has achieved it despite having prosopagnosia (face blindness), a disorder marked by an inability to recognize faces. It’s been quite a journey for this hardworking actor, who can take on any role in any genre--acting in as many as five dramas in a year. A familiar face to K-drama fans, his works include “Hot Stove League,” “Little Women,” and “The Revenant."

Oh Jung-se's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of South Korea's most celebrated actors is a testament to his talent, dedication, and perseverance. With a growing international fanbase and a slew of accolades, he has undoubtedly galvanized his star in the galaxy of Korean entertainment. As he continues to take on challenging roles and captivate audiences with his performances, it's clear that his star will only continue to shine brighter in the years to come.