# Shin Goo

Shin Goo (Korean: 신구; born Shin Soon-ki, Korean: 신순기; August 13, 1936) is a South Korean film, theater, and television actor. Shin began his career on stage in 1962, in the play "Cow", and has appeared in numerous works of Korean theatre, film and television.
According to Shin, winning the Dong-A Theatre Award became a driving force for him to keep pursuing his acting career. He won the Best Actor award at the 3rd Dong-A Theatre Award for his roles in "I Want to Become Human" as the chairman of the People's Committee and in "Porgy and Bess" as Crown. He also won the Best Actor award at the 6th Dong-A Theatre Award for his portrayal of Stanley in "A Streetcar Named Desire," and later, at the 8th Dong-A Theatre Award, he won the Best Actor award for his performance as Harry in Luv.
In 2010 Shin, was awarded the 2011 Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit (South Korea) by the government. In 2022, Shin received Special Award from Lee Hae-rang Theater Award, one of the major theater awards in Korea.

## Early life and education

Shin Goo was born on August 13, 1936. Shin Goo's parents were both illiterate, with his father selling vegetables in Wangshimi Central Market and his mother working as a housekeeper. Due to their financial struggles, Shin's sister was unable to attend school. Shin himself attended Dongmyeong Elementary School, located on the outskirts of Seoul, and later went on to graduate from Gyonggi Middle School and Gyeonggi High School.
Shin was admitted to the Department of Korean Literature at Sungkyunkwan University, but his initial goal was to attend the Department of Commerce at Seoul National University. However, after failing the entrance exam twice, he became discouraged and decided to enlist to the army.
After completing his military service, Shin decided that He want to be an announcer. He attended an audio-visual education center next to Taegeukdang in Myeong-dong. One day, he happened to come across a small advertisement in the corner of a newspaper seeking first-term students for the Namsan Drama Center Actor Academy. In a 2013 interview with Kyunghyang Shinmun, Shin Gu explained, "I saw the advertisement and thought, 'This is it,' which is why I decided to pursue acting."
In the autumn of 1962, Shin enrolled in the newly established Namsan Drama Center Actor Academy, which was founded by Dongrang Yoo Chi-jin [ko] (1905-1974) and is now known as the Department of Theater and Film of Seoul Institute of the Arts. Shin's class of 1962 was the first to graduate from the academy, and his Shin's classmate included Jeon Moo-song, Lee Ho-jae, Ban Hyo-jeong (who did not graduate), and playwright Yoon Dae-seong.

## Career
### Early career

He debut onstage in 1962 in Yoo Chi-jin's play "So," with the role of a grumpy father. Instead of his real name, Shin Soon-ki, Shin acted under the stage name Shin-gu. His stage name was given to him by playwright Yoo Chi-jin [ko] when he was a first-year student at the Namsan Drama Center's Theater Academy. Shin said,
   "It seems that he gave me a long term gu (久) to tell me not to think about anything else and to be an actor for a long time. I feel joy when I stand on stage as a 'completely different me'."
After his time at the Drama Center, Shin worked in various theater companies such as Dongrang Repertory, Experiment, Freedom, Square, and affiliated theater companies. However, his decision to pursue acting was not supported by his family. It was only after winning three awards for male acting at the prestigious Dong-A Theater Awards that Shin began to gain recognition as an actor. In 1966, he won the 3rd Dong-A Theater Award for Best Male Actor for his roles as the chairman of the People's Committee in "I Will Become a Human" and as crown in Porgy and Bess.
Actor Park In-hwan recommended Shin to apply for the 6th Seoul Central Broadcasting System (currently KBS) Talent Recruitment in 1969. Shin passed the audition, but was only given minor roles in historical dramas, such as holding a knife or guarding a door. Following this, playwright Yoo Chi-jin [ko] suggested that Shin study dance in the East-West Cultural Center in Hawaii for a year. During his stay, he learned the Hwanghae-do mask dance from Kim Jin-ok and Professor Lee Doo-hyun of Seoul National University, and performed it. One of Shin's fellow students from his time in Hawaii later became a human cultural asset. This was Shin's first time traveling abroad, and the experience of encountering different cultures had a profound impact on him.
Upon returning from Hawaii, Shin continued to work in theater and won the 6th Dong-A Theater Award for Best Male Actor in 1969 for his portrayal of Stanley in Tennessee Williams's play A Streetcar Named Desire. In an interview with Kyunghyang Shin-mun, Shin expressed that this performance was his most memorable work.
Afterward, Shin began to prepare to become a member of National Theater Company of Korea (NTCK). In 1971, while he was getting ready to join the company, he happened to meet Lim Hak-song, a KBS drama producer, at a bar the day before. Shin decided to branch out to television to make ends meet, to provide for his old Mother. Subsequently, Shin made his screen debut in 1972 with the drama "Heosaengjeon" and went on to appear in numerous works, including dramas such as "Water Pattern," "Hope," "Country," "Land," "A Day About Us," and "King and Rain."
   It would be great if I could only do theater for the rest of my life, but I acted on TV, radio, and movies as a way to make ends meet. Even when I go there, there is always regret at the bottom of my heart.
Shin devoted himself to acting, juggling his work between the theater stage and television. Even after winning two acting awards, Shin never stopped and went on to receive his third best male actor award at the 8th Dong-A Theater Awards in 1971 for his role as Harry in the play "Luv." Among his most memorable and notable works as member of National Theater Company of Korea (NTCK) were Lee Hae-rang's play "Active Volcano" in 1974, and "Jingbirok" in 1975.
Initially, Shin's family did not approve of his decision to pursue acting. However, after winning multiple Dong-A Theater Awards, they began to acknowledge his talent and success. As a result, Shin was offered many work opportunities, which provided him with the strength and motivation to continue pursuing his career, particularly during times when awards and recognition were scarce.

### World Tour

In 1977, Shin joined The Dongnang Repertory World Tour. The Dongnang Repertory troupe performed as part of the World Theater Month commemorative event, sponsored by the USA headquarters of the International Association of Dramatic Arts, in New York, USA from March 15. Following this event, the troupe toured various cities in the US, including Dallas, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Hawaii, as well as Lane in France, Paris, and the Netherlands, to showcase their level of theater to audiences worldwide. Before their departure, the troupe presented one of their tour works, Tae, written by Tae-seok Oh and directed by Min-soo Ahn, from February 22 to 24 at the annex of the Seoul Civic Center, sponsored by JoongAng Ilbo and Dongyang Broadcasting.
The repertoire of the world tour includes Tae and Prince Ha Myeol. Prince Ha Myeol was adapted by Ahn Min-soo from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Tae, announced in the spring and fall of 1974 and the fall of 1975, portrays the history of the early Yi Dynasty surrounding the usurpation of the throne and the tragedy of Saksin.

### Career breakthrough

Although Shin had been acting in films since the 1970s, it wasn't until the 1990s that he began to gain recognition for his work. In 1992, he played the role of Teacher Choi, a fifth-grade homeroom teacher dominated by Eom Seok-dae, in "Our Twisted Hero". The film, originally written by Lee Moon-yeol and directed by Park Jong-won, was a turning point for Shin's career. He also appeared in director Hur Jin-ho's debut film, "Christmas in August", which is considered a monumental work of Korean melodrama. In this film, Shin played a father with hearing loss whose son, Jung Won (acted by Han Seok-kyu), was dying of an incurable disease. In 2005, Shin starred in "The Big Family Who Went Away" as a displaced father who had left his family in North Korea.
Shin won the best acting award in the play category for the play "Feel Like Heaven" at the 35th Baeksang Arts Awards in 1999.
In addition, Shin Gu was nicknamed the "national father" due to his acting as father in dramas School 1, Tomato, and Why Can't We Stop Them.

### Famous tagline

From 1999 to 2009, Shin played Chief Judge in KBS show The Clinic for Married Couples: Love and War. This was a milestone project for him, his closing remark, "See you in four weeks," became extremely popular. In 2005, Shin won Achievement Award from KBS Entertainment Awards. In 2002, Shin appeared in a hamburger commercial lying on a boat with snow crabs. The advertisement's concept was a parody of Hemingway's novel The Old Man and the Sea. Shin's tagline "You know the taste of crabs," became extremely popular. Everytime South Korean see see snow crabs on the table, It reminds them of Shin's tagline.
   It's a coincidence. It's a coincidence... . I just did the lines as they were in the continuity. It's a parody of Hemingway's 'The Old Man and the Sea'. When I thought about why that would go up and down in my mouth, maybe it was because it made sense no matter what I substituted for 'crab'. 'Do you know the taste of coffee?' 'Do you know women?' I guess that was fun.
Shin acted in the movie A Bold Family and Murder, Take One directed by Jang Jin.
In 2008, Shin has his first titular role in film. Cherry Tomato (2008). It is a human drama set in a shantytown just before the demolition. Shin-gu played a grandfather who lives a difficult life with his six-year-old granddaughter (Kim Hyang-gi) while gathering waste paper. The granddaughter lives with her grandfather because of her mother who left home and her missing father, but her young age is incredibly precocious and clever.
In 2010 Shin won Best Actor in 3rd Korea Theater Awards for Driving Miss Daisy.

### Variety show

In 2013, cable channel tvN launched the travel-reality show Grandpas Over Flowers (the title parodies the manga Boys Over Flowers). It marked producer Na Young-seok's first variety show since leaving KBS, where he was best known for creating the first season of hit variety show 2 Days & 1 Night. Defying a youth-centered entertainment industry, the hit show stars four veteran actors in their 70s, Shin alongside Lee Soon-jae, Park Geun-hyung and Baek Il-seob, with their porter Lee Seo-jin as they go on a backpacking tour of France, Taiwan and Spain.
The first season aired from July 5 to August 16, 2013, with seven episodes. It was filmed in Paris, Strasbourg, Bern, and Lucerne. It was immediately followed by the airing of the second season from August 23 to September 20, 2013. The five episodes were filmed in Taiwan, with an additional two-episode special featuring unaired footage on September 27 and October 4, 2013. The third season aired from March 7 to May 2, 2014, with eight episodes. It was filmed in Spain, specifically the cities of Barcelona, Granada, Seville, Ronda, and Madrid. Shin Goo also went on a solo trip to Lisbon. The fourth season aired from March 27 to May 8, 2015, with seven episodes. It was filmed in Dubai and Greece, with Choi Ji-woo joining as a second travel guide and assistant.
In 2017, Na Young-seok decided to introduce a new program which focuses on a group of South Korean celebrities operating a small Korean cuisine restaurant on a small island overseas. Shin starred in Season 1 alongside Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Seo-jin, Park Seo-joon and Jung Yu-mi. Season 1 was filmed in Lombok, Indonesia.
After a few years' break, a fifth season titled Grandpa Over Flowers Returns aired from June 29 to August 24, 2018, with nine episodes. Actor Kim Yong-gun joined the cast for the trip filmed in Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.

## Personal life

In 1974, Shin married Ha Jung-sook, who was four years younger than him. They had dated for about six years, and their wedding was officiated by playwright Lee Hae-rang [ko]. Two months after their wedding, their son, Shin Gyeong-hyeon, was born.
In March 2021, Shin temporarily dropped out of the play 'Last Session' due to deteriorating health. Despite his declining health, he tried to go on stage without going to the hospital to keep his promise to the audience. However, after persuasion from those around him, he was hospitalized for a week and received treatment.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1970 | Goboi gangui dari | |
| 1973 | Homecoming | |
| 1973 | Night Flight | |
| 1973 | The General in Red Robes | |
| 1973 | A Match | |
| 1974 | Ecstasy | |
| 1974 | Transgression | |
| 1975 | The North Korean Communists' Party in Japan | |
| 1975 | You Become a Star, Too | |
| 1975 | Love in the Rain | |
| 1976 | Kan-nan | |
| 1976 | Miss Yeom's Pure Heart Days | |
| 1976 | Don't Walk But Run! | |
| 1976 | Never Forget Me | Young-soo's older brother |
| 1976 | An Unfortunate Woman | |
| 1976 | Rocking Horse and a Girl | |
| 1976 | Blue Days | |
| 1976 | Seong Chun-hyang | |
| 1976 | Wild Forest | |
| 1981 | Sarajin Geotdeureul Wihayeo | |
| 1982 | Applause | |
| 1982 | Jongro Blues | |
| 1983 | The Whereabouts of Eve | |
| 1984 | The Companion | |
| 1988 | Narrow Road | |
| 1989 | My Friend, Je-je | Mu Do-ah |
| 1991 | Blood and Fire | 정보국장 |
| 1992 | Our Twisted Hero | Teacher Choi |
| 1997 | 1818 (Profanity) | Wang-ja |
| 1998 | Christmas in August | Jung-won's father |
| 1999 | A Great Chinese Restaurant | Company president Han |
| 2000 | Love Bakery | Gentleman Noh (cameo) |
| 2000 | The Foul King | Im Dae-ho's father |
| 2002 | 2009 Lost Memories | Takahashi (cameo) |
| 2002 | No Blood No Tears | Kim Geum-bok |
| 2002 | YMCA Baseball Team | Lee Ho-chang's father |
| 2003 | Natural City | Deputy assistant commissioner |
| 2004 | A Winter Story | Elder Kim (will release in 2023) |
| 2005 | A Bold Family | Kim Joong-yeob |
| 2005 | Murder, Take One | Chief Yoon |
| 2006 | Righteous Ties | Dong Chi-sung's father (cameo) |
| 2007 | Going by the Book | Jung Do-man's father (cameo) |
| 2008 | Cherry Tomato | Park Gu |
| 2008 | Love and War: The Twelfth Man | Chief judge |
| 2008 | Modern Boy | Lee Hae-myeong's father |
| 2009 | Heaven's Postman | Choi Geun-bae |
| 2012 | Unlawful Love (short film) | Elder Kim |
| 2013 | Justin and the Knights of Valour | Braulio (voice, Korean dubbed) |
| 2014 | The Con Artists | Director Oh |
| 2015 | Shoot Me in the Heart | Ascetic Sibwoonsan |
| 2017 | Bluebeard | Sung-geun's father |
| 2017 | Daddy You, Daughter Me | Grandpa |
| 2019 | Forbidden Dream | |
| TBA | Hi.5 | |

### Television series

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1972 | The Tale of Heo-saeng | | |
| 1975 | Taedong River | | |
| 1976 | Another Home | | |
| 1979 | Water Pattern | | |
| 1979 | A River That Doesn't Flow | | |
| 1980 | People on the Cliff | | |
| 1980 | Spring Blessing | | |
| 1981 | Milky Way | | |
| 1981 | Horror of Fantasy | | |
| 1981 | Back in the Day | | |
| 1982 | The Land of Promises | | |
| 1982 | Soon-ae | | |
| 1983 | Foundation of the Kingdom | Choe Yeong | |
| 1983 | Detective Squad | | |
| 1984 | Family | | |
| 1984 | I Like My Daughter Better | | |
| 1986 | Woman's Heart | | |
| 1986 | You're Right | | |
| 1987 | Eldest Sister-in-law | | |
| 1987 | Lee Hwa | | |
| 1987 | Mother | | |
| 1988 | Land of Grace | | |
| 1989 | The Region of Calm | Chang Myon | |
| 1989 | Blooming Nest | | |
| 1990 | The Rose of Betrayal | Seo Young-chul | |
| 1990 | Dawn of the Day | Syngman Rhee | |
| 1991 | The Royal Path | | |
| 1991 | Women's Time | | |
| 1991 | Asphalt Is My Hometown | | |
| 1993 | Wild Chrysanthemum | | |
| 1993 | Youth Theater | | |
| 1994 | Trip in May | | |
| 1995 | Confession | | |
| 1995 | Do You Remember Love? | Detective Woo | |
| 1995 | West Palace | Lee Won-ik | |
| 1997 | Instinct | Yoo-rim's father | |
| 1998 | The King and the Queen | Prince Yangnyeong | |
| 1998 | MBC Best Theater "Mr. Gong Choon-taek's Contract Marriage" | Gong Choon-taek | |
| 1998 | Advocate | Jin Hyung-man | |
| 1999 | School | Shin Moon-soo | |
| 1999 | Queen | Seung-ri's father | |
| 2000 | It's Half | | |
| 2000 | Taejo Wang Geon | Wang Ryung | |
| 2000 | Juliet's Man | Jang Sam's father | |
| 2000 | Why Can't We Stop Them | Noh Goo | |
| 2002 | The Woman | Baek Seon-dal | |
| 2002 | Ruler of Your Own World | Go Joong-sup | |
| 2002 | Sunrise House | Han Dae-ho | |
| 2002 | Honest Living | Shin Goo | |
| 2002 | You Are My World | | |
| 2003 | Wife | Mr. Seo | |
| 2003 | Sang Doo! Let's Go to School | Song Jong-doo | |
| 2003 | Long Live Love | Lee Deok-bo | |
| 2004 | Ms. Kim's Million Dollar Quest | Kim Hwi-taek | |
| 2004 | Beijing My Love | Chairman Hwang | |
| 2004 | Drama City: "Déjà vu" | Doctor | |
| 2004 | I'm Sorry, I Love You | Min Hyun-seok | |
| 2004 | Toji, the Land | Doctor Moon | |
| 2005 | Cute or Crazy | | |
| 2005 | Eighteen, Twenty-Nine | Kang Chi-soo | |
| 2005 | Sonaki | Yoon Cho-si | |
| 2005 | Our Attitude to Prepare Parting | Ahn Pil-bong | |
| 2006 | Seoul 1945 | Lyuh Woon-hyung | |
| 2006 | Hearts of Nineteen | Hong Young-gam | |
| 2006 | Someday | Oh Bong-soo | |
| 2007 | Thank You | Lee Byung-gook | |
| 2007 | War of Money | Dokgo Chul | |
| 2007 | Kimchi Cheese Smile | Shin Goo | |
| 2007 | The King and I | Noh Nae-shi | |
| 2008 | War of Money: The Original | Dokgo Chul | |
| 2008 | Family's Honor | Ha Man-ki | |
| 2008 | Amnok River Flows | Lee Mi-reuk's father | |
| 2009 | Queen Seondeok | Eulje | |
| 2011 | New Tales of Gisaeng | Master Joong-bong | |
| 2011 | Heartstrings | Lee Dong-jin | |
| 2011 | Can't Lose | Go Jung-dae (cameo) | |
| 2012 | Feast of the Gods | Country Lee (cameo) | |
| 2013 | A Hundred Year Legacy | Uhm Pyung-dal | |
| 2014 | God's Gift: 14 Days | Choo Byeong-woo | |
| 2016 | Dear My Friends | Kim Seok-gyun | |
| 2016 | The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop | Lee Man-sool | |
| 2018 | My Mister | Chairman Jang | |
| 2018 | After the Rain | Dal-jae | One-act drama |
| 2021 | Taxi Driver | TBA | |

### Variety show

| Year | Title | Role | Network |
| 1999-2009 | The Clinic for Married Couples: Love and War | Chief judge | KBS2 |
| 2011-2013 | True Record of Korean Economy | DJ | KBS Radio 1 |
| 2013-2018 | Grandpas Over Flowers | Cast Member | tvN |
| 2017 | Youn's Kitchen | Cast Member | tvN |

## Theater

List of Stage Play(s) :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Theater | Date | Notes |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Theater | Date | Notes |
| 1962 | The Cow | 소 | Hwang Gu-man | Namsan Drama Center | | Debut |
| 1964 | Prince Maui | 마의태자 | | Namsan Drama Center | September 23 to 28 | |
| 1965 | Charity hospital next to the airfield | 비행장옆 자선병원 | | Namsan Drama Center | January 25 to 28 | |
| 1965 | Shame | 수치 | | Namsan Drama Center | April 1 to 4 | |
| 1965 | Pungwoon Anagyu | 풍운아나운규 | | Namsan Drama Center | June 3 to 7 | |
| 1965 | Daechunhyangjeon | 대춘향전 | | Namsan Drama Center | December 10 to 12 | |
| 1966 | Cave story | 동굴설화 | | Namsan Drama Center | February 2 to 4 | |
| 1966 | Shame | 수치 | | Namsan Drama Center | March 9–12 | |
| 1966 | I Want to Be Human | 나도인간이되련다 | People's chairman | Namsan Drama Center | May 16 to 20 | |
| 1966 | Porgy and Bess | 포기와베스 | Crown | Namsan Drama Center | November 9 to 23 | |
| 1967 | Sanha-dashi Purojiri | 산하는다시푸르러지리 | | Namsan Drama Center | February 1 to 4 | |
| 1967 | Sanha-dashi Purojiri | 산하는다시푸르러지리 | | Namsan Drama Center | February 6 to March 1 | |
| 1967 | Departure | 출발 | | Namsan Drama Center | April 30 to May 3 | |
| 1969 | A Streetcar Named Desire | 욕망이라는 이름의 전차 | Stanley Kowalski | | | |
| 1969 | The Moonlight Hansan Island | 한산섬 달 밝은 밤에 | Yoshira | National Theater of Korea (Myeongdong) | April 28 to May 4 | |
| 1970 | The Birthday Party | 생일파티 | Stanley Webber | Namsan Drama Center | October 5–20 | |
| 1970 | Lion's Medal | 사자의 훈장 | Cho Chan-seok | National Theater | February 20 to 26 | |
| 1971 | Luv | LUV | Harry | Namsan Drama Center | February 1–15 | |
| 1971 | People in Shilla | 신라인 | | National Theater of Korea (Myeongdong) | March 1 to 7 | |
| 1971 | Daljip | 달집 | old man of the chief | Daegu Broadcasting Station KG Hall | October 29 to 30 | |
| 1972 | Fantasy Travel | 환상여행 | Gwon-odeog | National Theater of Korea (Myeongdong) | February 1 to 7 | |
| 1972 | POWs | 포로들 | Captain Park | National Theater of Korea (Myeongdong) | May 16 to 22 | |
| 1972 | Colorful Funeral Bier | 꽃상여 | Deok-Bo | National Theater of Korea (Myeongdong) | August 20 to September 4 | |
| 1972 | Colorful Funeral Bier | 꽃상여 | Deok-Bo | National Theater of Korea (Myeongdong) | November 4 to 6 | |
| 1972 | Hakjeong Song | 송학정 | Hak-soo | National Theater of Korea (Myeongdong) | December 26 to 28 | |
| 1973 | Admiral Yi Sun-sin | 성웅 이순신 | Jeon-in | National Theater Grand Theater | October 17 to 28 | |
| 1974 | The Active Volcano | 활화산 | Lee Sang-man | National Theater Grand Theater | February 26 to March 6 | |
| 1974 | Admiral Yi Sun-sin | 성웅 이순신 | Jeon-in | National Theater Grand Theater | April 27 to 28 | |
| 1974 | Namhansanseong Fortress - The National Tragedy of the Manchu War | 남한산성 - 병자호란의 민족적비극 | 마부대 | National Theater Grand Theater | October 21 | |
| 1975 | Jingbirok | 징비록 | Jeong Tak | National Theater Grand Theater | March 1 to 9 | |
| 1976 | Prince Ha-myeol | 하멸태자 | King Mi-hyeol | Drama Center | October 20 to 27 | |
| 1977 | Dongnang Repertory Theater Company's World Tour Return Commemorative Performance — Lifecord | 동랑레퍼터리극단 해외순회기념공연: 태 | Park Joong-rim Wang Bang-yeon | Civic Hall Annex building | February 22–24 | |
| 1977 | Dongnang Repertory Theater Company's World Tour Return Commemorative Performance — Prince Immortal (Hamlet) | 하멸태자 | King Mi-hyeol | tour of 16 cities in 3 countries in the United States, France and the Netherlands | March 9–May 30 | |
| 1977 | ITI US Headquarters' World Theater Day invitation performance—Price Immortal (Hamlet) | 하멸태자 | King Mi-hyeol | ITI US Headquarters Civic Center Annex | June 15–June 20 | |
| 1988 | (1988) Culture and Arts Festival Seoul International Theatre Festival: Indisable | (1988) 문화예술축전 서울국제연극제 : 불가불가 | — | Culture and Art Hall grand theater | August 22 to 26 | Director |
| 1988–1989 | Double liquor for one | 하나를 위한 이중주 | Dr. Feltman | Small Theater Sanwoolim | December 14 to February 19 | |
| 1989 | The Cow | 소 | Hwang Gu-man | Culture and Art Hall Grand Theater | September 1 to 6 | |
| 1990 | Namhansanseong Fortress - The National Tragedy of the Manchu War | 남한산성 - 병자호란의 민족적비극 | 마부대 | National Theater Grand Theater | March 31 to April 4 | |
| 1990 | Equus | 에쿠우스 | Martin Dysart | Exclusive Theater for Experimental Theater | September 20 to October 21 | |
| 1991 | Possessed Soul | 사로잡힌 영혼 | Jang Seung-eop | Small Theater of the National Theater of Korea | July 23 to 27 | |
| 1991 | A Day in the Life of a Chinaman in New York | 뉴욕에 사는 차이나맨의 하루 | | Grand Theater of the Culture & Arts Center | September 10 to 15 | |
| 1992 | Death and girl | 죽음과 소녀 | | Culture and Art Grand Theater | April 6 to 14 | |
| 1992 | Hidden Water | 숨은 물 | | Constellation Small Theater | December 4 to 31 | |
| 1995 | Volpone | 볼포네 | octopus foot, chairman of Daeyang Group | Seoul Arts Center Towol Theater | December 12 to 17 | |
| 1995 | Snow Flower | 눈꽃 | 연사 | National Theater Grand Theater | August 2 to 11 | |
| 1997 | Faust | 파우스트 | Mephistopheles | National Theater Grand Theater | November 17 to 24 | Director |
| 1997 | Are these Lenin? | 이것들이 레닌을? | Voice C | Seoul Arts Center small theater | December 1 to 8 | |
| 1998 | An Enemy of the People | 민중의 적 | Cameo | Sejong Center for the Performing Arts small auditorium | March 20 to April 6 | |
| 1998 | The Queen of Tears | 눈물의 여왕 | partisan leader Lee Hyun-sang | Seoul Arts Center Opera House | March 27 to April 12 | musical |
| 1998 | A Feeling, Like Nirvana | 느낌, 극락 같은 | Ham Myo-jin | Seoul Arts Center Towol Theater | May 22, June 14 | |
| 2001 | The Tempest | 템페스트 | Prospero | | | |
| 2001 | We are here | 우리 여기에 있다 | | | | |
| 2003 | Problematic Human Yeoun-San | 문제적 인간 연산 | Sung-jong | National Theater of Korea Haeoreum Theater | September 11 to 21 | |
| 2005 | Death of a Salesman | 세일즈맨의 죽음 | — | Seoul Dongnang Arts Center (formerly Drama Center) | September 29 to October 14 | Artistic Director |
| 2005 | The Robbers | 떼도적 | | National Theater of Korea Haeoreum Theater | April 29 to May 8 | |
| 2009 | Happy Jinsa Maeng's House | 맹진사댁 경사 | Jinsa Maeng | Myeongdong Arts Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul | June 5 to 21 | |
| 2010 | Driving Miss Daisy | 드라이빙 미스 데이지 | Hoke Colburn | Myeongdong Arts Theater | August 20 to September 12 | |
| 2010 | Pericles | 페리클레스 | Helicanus | Daehangno Arts Theater Grand Theater | December 2 to 12 | |
| 2013 | Antigone | 안티고네 | Creon | Seoul Arts Center CJ Towol Theater | April 15 to 28 | |
| 2013 | With Father, I and Hong-mae | 아버지와 나와 홍매와 | Father | White Wave Art Center White Hall | September 10 to October 6 | |
| 2014 | With Father, I and Hong-mae | 아버지와 나와 홍매와 | Father | National Theater of Korea Daloreum Theater | March 2 to 30 | |
| 2014 | On Golden Pond | 황금연못 | Norman Thayer | DCF Daemyung Cultural Factory Hall 1 Vivaldi Park Hall | September 19 to November 23 | |
| 2014 | On Golden Pond | 황금연못 | Norman Thayer | Jeju Art Center | December 27 to 28 | |
| 2015 | On Golden Pond | 황금연못 | Norman Thayer | Daegu Culture and Art Center | January 17 to 18 | |
| 2015 | On Golden Pond | 황금연못 | Norman Thayer | Ulsan Culture and Art Center | February 7 to 8 | |
| 2015 | Snow in March | 3월의 눈 | Jang Oh | National Theater of Korea Daloreum Theater | March 13 to 29 | |
| 2015 | Snow in March | 3월의 눈 | Jang Oh | Cheonan Arts Center | April 3 to 5 | |
| 2016 | With Father, I and Hong-mae | 아버지와 나와 홍매와 | Father | National Theater of Korea Daloreum Theater | April 9 to 24 | |
| 2017 | Mask | 가면 | | Dream Theater | April 9 to 10 | Artistic Director |
| 2017 | Defective | 불량품 | | Dongsung Stage Small Theater | May 21 to 22 | Artistic Director |
| 2017 | Daughter | 딸 | — | Dongsung Stage Small Theater | July 30–31 | |
| 2017 | Gift | 선물 | — | Daehangno Madang Cecil Theater | August 5–6 | Artistic Director |
| 2017 | Puppet | 꼭두각시 | — | Daehangno Madang Cecil Theater | September 3–4 | |
| 2017 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | National Theater of Korea Daloreum Theater | September 15 to October 8 | |
| 2017-2018 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Yes 24 Stage 1 | Dec 15 to Feb 18 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Uijeongbu Arts Centre | February 23 to 24 | |
| 2018 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Seongnam Art Centre Ensemble Theatre | March 16 to 17 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Daegu Bongsan Culture and Arts Centre | March 17 to 18 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Yeonju Sejong Korean Theater | March 24 | |
| 2018 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Gyeongju Arts Center Grand Performance Hall (Gallery Hall) | March 30 to 31 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Jeonju Chonbuk National University Samsung Cultural Center | March 31 to April 1 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Gimhae Culture Center Maru Hall | April 14 to 15 | |
| 2018 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Ulsan Culture and Arts Centre Small Performance Hall | April 20 to 21 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Guri Art Hall Cosmos Grand Theater seating chart | April 28 | |
| 2018 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Daejeon Arts Centre Ensemble Hall | May 4 to 5 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Banseok Art Hall | May 7 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Samcheok Culture & Arts Center | May 11 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Hanam Culture and Arts Center Grand Theater (Geomdan Hall) | May 26 | |
| 2018 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Centum City Sohyang Theatre Shinhan Card Hall | May 26 to 27 | |
| 2018 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Suwon SK Atrium Grand Performance Hall | June 1 to 2 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Namhansanseong Art Hall Grand Theater | July 13 to 14 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Namdong Sorae Art Hall | August 18 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Daehangno Uniplex 1 | September 7 to October 9 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Pyeongchon Art Hall Anyang | October 18 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Daejeon Arts Center Art Hall | November 3 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Iksan Arts Center Grand Hall | November 24 to 25 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Cheongju Arts Center Grand Hall | December 1 to 2 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Daegu EXCO Auditorium | December 15 to 16 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Suwon SK Atrium | December 21 to 22 | |
| 2018 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Gwangju Culture | December 28 to 29 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Suncheon Culture | January 26 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Gangneung-Wonju | March 9 to 10 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Bupyeong Arts | March 16 to 17 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Goyang Oullim Nuri | March 30 to 31 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Gyeongju Arts | April 12 to 13 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Sejong Culture | April 18 | |
| 2019 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Daehangno Uniplex 1 | March 15 to May 12 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Gumi Culture and | May 17 to 18 | |
| 2019 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Gunpo Culture & | May 24 to 25 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Gangdong Arts | May 25 to 26 | |
| 2019 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Gunsan Arts Center | May 31 to June 1 | |
| 2019 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Suseong Artpia | June 8 to 9 | |
| 2019 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Cinema Center Sky | June 15 to 16 | |
| 2019 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Icheon Art Hall | June 20 to 21 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Busan Cultural Center Central Theater | July 5 to 6 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Gwanglim Art Center Jangcheon Hall | August 30 to September 22 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Geumnarae Art Hall | November 1–2 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Gyeonggi Culture Center Grand Theater | November 30 to December 1 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Suseong Artpia Paper Hall | December 14 | |
| 2019 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Centre | December 21 to 22. | |
| 2020 | With Father, I and Hong-mae | 아버지와 나와 홍매와 | Father | Sejong Center for the Performing Arts S Theater | February 14 to 29 | |
| 2020 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Ulsan Culture and Arts Centre | June 7 | |
| 2020 | Last Session | 라스트 세션 | Sigmund Freud | Yes24 Stage 3 | July 10 to September 13 | |
| 2020 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Hanam Culture and Arts Centre Small Theatre (Arang Hall) | November 6 to 7 | |
| 2020 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Sejong Gugak Centre | November 13 to 14 | |
| 2020–2021 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Yes24 Stage 1 | December 3 to February 14 | |
| 2021 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Gyeonggi Art Centre Small Theatre, Suwon | March 27 to 28 | |
| 2021 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Guri Art Hall Cosmos Grand Theatre, Guri | April 17 | |
| 2021 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Gimhae Cultural Centre Hani Hall, Gimhae | May 1 | |
| 2021 | The Student and Monsieur Henri [fr] | 앙리할아버지와 나 | Monsieur Henri | Online | May 31 | |
| 2022 | Last Session | 라스트 세션 | Sigmund Freud | Daehangno TOM Building 1 | January 7 to March 20 | |
| 2022 | The Two Popes | 두교황 | Pope Benedict XVI | KEPCO Art Center | August 30 to September 30 | |
| 2022–2023 | My heart dances when I see a rainbow in the wide sky | 넓은 하늘의 무지개를 보면 내 마음은 춤춘다 | Cho Byeong-shik | National Theater of Korea Daloreum Theater seating chart | December 18 to February 19 | |
| 2023 | Jangsu Sanghoe | 장수상회 | Sung-chil | Doosan Art Center Yonkang Hall | April 21 to May 21 | |
| 2023 | Last Session | 라스트 세션 | Sigmund Freud | Daehangno TOM Building 1 | July 8 to September 10 | |

## Accolades
### Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
| 1939 | 7th Kyoto Awards | Best Child Actor | Man | Won |
| 1966 | 3rd Dong-A Theatre Awards | Best Actor | I Want to Be Human, Porgy and Bess | Won |
| 1969 | 6th Dong-A Theatre Awards | Best Actor | A Streetcar Named Desire | Won |
| 1971 | 8th Dong-A Theatre Awards | Best Actor | Luv | Won |
| 1976 | 12th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor (TV) | Another Home | Won |
| 1980 | 16th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor (TV) | Spring Blessing | Won |
| 1981 | 17th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor (TV) | Back in the Day | Won |
| 1994 | 30th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor (TV) | Wild Chrysanthemum | Won |
| 1995 | Seoul Institute of the Arts Alumni Association | Light of Life Award | Shin Gu | Won |
| 1999 | 35th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor (Theater) | | Won |
| 1999 | 36th Grand Bell Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Christmas in August | Nominated |
| 1999 | KBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | School 1 | Won |
| 2001 | SBS Drama Awards | Achievement Award | Why Can't We Stop Them | Won |
| 2002 | SBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Short | You Are My World | Won |
| 2005 | KBS Entertainment Awards | Achievement Award | The Clinic for Married Couples: Love and War | Won |
| 2006 | 43rd Grand Bell Awards | Best Supporting Actor | A Bold Family | Nominated |
| 2006 | KBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Hearts of Nineteen, Seoul 1945 | Won |
| 2007 | MBC Entertainment Awards | Achievement Award | Kimchi Cheese Smile | Won |
| 2007 | SBS Drama Awards | Achievement Award | The King and I, War of Money | Won |
| 2009 | MBC Drama Awards | PD Award | Queen Seondeok | Won |
| 2010 | 3rd Korea Theater Awards | Best Actor | Driving Miss Daisy | Won |
| 2014 | 9th Golden Tickets Awards | Best Theater Actor | | Won |
| 2014 | SBS Drama Awards | Special Award, Actor in a Miniseries | God's Gift: 14 Days | Nominated |
| 2018 | KBS Drama Awards | Best Actor in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama | After the Rain | Nominated |
| 2020 | 56th Grand Bell Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Forbidden Dream | Nominated |
| 2020 | 25th Chunsa Film Art Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Forbidden Dream | Nominated |
| 2022 | Beautiful Artist Awards (Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation) | Theater Artist Award | — | Won |
| 2022 | 9th E-Daily Culture Awards | Contribution Award | The Two Popes | Won |
| 2022 | Lee Hae-rang Theater Award | Special Award | The Two Popes | Won |

### State honors

List of State Honour(s) :
| State | Award Ceremony | Year | Honor | Ref. |
| South Korea | Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards | 2010 | Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit (3rd class) | |
| South Korea | Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards | 2024 | Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit (2nd Class) | |

### Listicle

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement :
| Publisher | Year | List | Placement | Ref. |
| KBS | 2023 | The 50 people who made KBS shine | 31st | |