Join The Joyride
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore|March 2021
With his new International Film Matin Calme set to be released sometime this year, bazaar speaks with South Korean actor Yoo Yeon-Seok about his role in the film and the passion that drives his award-winning career.
Son Anna
Join The Joyride

”Who would have thought that a minor part as a lead character’s younger self (in 2003’s Oldboy) would lead to an accoladed career spanning almost two decades, 21 films and 16 television series, not to mention a healthy splattering of music videos and theatrical productions? If there’s one thing that can be said about boyish South Korean actor Yoo Yeon-seok, it’s that he’s a hard-working man who is intensely dedicated to his craft— with a seemingly longer day than the rest of us mere mortals.

Even more exciting is the fact that this year sees the popular 36-year-old thespian in a project that many South Korean actors can only dream about: He plays the male lead in Matin Calme, an international film directed by acclaimed French director Denis Dercourt, alongside actress Olga Kurylenko—better known to moviegoers as the Bond girl in Quantum of Solace (2008).

It’s a glorious far cry from his humble start in the industry and if all goes well with this detective thriller (in which he plays a Korean detective who teams up with Kurylenko’s French forensic professor character), one could say that Yoo is at the cusp of a new era in his acting career—and it’s about time too. Yoo has more than paid his dues with an extensive portfolio across mediums, and he has to show for it numerous awards from industry ceremonies such as the MBC Drama Awards, the SBS Drama Awards, the Korea Film Actor’s Association Awards and the Asia Artist Awards.

Yet, as the actor tells it, it hasn’t always been the bed of roses that it is for him today. Looking back at his 18-year career, he recounts having to persevere through adversities, never giving up on his dream and, more recently, educating his French co-star on the intricacies of luxury seaweed from South Korea.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HARPER'S BAZAAR SINGAPOREView all
BEYOND BEACHES
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

BEYOND BEACHES

Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
DOWN TO EARTH
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

DOWN TO EARTH

In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
DO YOU FASHION, BRO?
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

DO YOU FASHION, BRO?

As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
CRUISING ALTITUDE
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

CRUISING ALTITUDE

With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
PUT A RING ON IT
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PUT A RING ON IT

Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
PERFECTING TIME
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PERFECTING TIME

With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
HAUTE BIJOUX
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

HAUTE BIJOUX

The latest and most talked-about collections.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
REPAIR REVOLUTION
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

REPAIR REVOLUTION

Unlock your skin's potential.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
LIKE SECOND SKIN
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

LIKE SECOND SKIN

Arissa Ha speaks to Christine Nagel about Barénia, Hermès first ever chypre fragrance.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024