We all have a moment in our lives when something happened and changed its course forever. It could be a choice for some, fate for others — or even happenstance. For South Korean actor Teo Yoo, many would point to his breakout portrayal as Hae Sung in Celine Song’s directorial film debut Past Lives alongside Greta Lee and John Magaro, that altered his career trajectory — one for the better, lest we forget to mention. Prior to Past Lives, many would not have known of Yoo (we hold our hands up for falling into this category, too). However, for Yoo, that moment came very much earlier in his life. Born and raised in Cologne, Germany, Yoo’s parents babysat him with a videotape of an animated film.
“I was five years old, and my parents showed me Nobody’s Boy: Remi about a child performer in the streets of France and his master, Vitalis, based on Hector Malot’s 1978 novel Sans Famille,” recalled Yoo. “It showed me that acting is an honourable profession with the highest noble standards.” Yoo later enrolled in acting school, first at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, New York, and later at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London. “I don’t believe that there was one specific lesson that was dear to me,” said Yoo when we quizzed him about the biggest lessons he held close to him throughout his acting career.
“I believe my work is an accumulation of the experiences I have had. But if there is one thing I’d say you cannot learn, it’s the obsession about the work and the never-ending curiosity.”
This story is from the September 2024 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2024 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Forged in Steel
Franck Muller celebrates Sincere Fine Watches’ 7Oth anniversary with avery special Vanguard.
Made For Modern Life
The Volvo EX30 is the much-needed vehicle for a joyful and fuss-free ride.
Eastern Charm
With a blazing display of KARLS Group's culinary bravura, the Upper House KL gives classic Asian flavours a modern twist.
When Worlds Collide
Where revered tradition meets unceasing imagination, Hennessy has teamed up with French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel for its latest collaboration.
Business Means Business: Cathay Pacific
With the return of flights, and the additional of new ones, there is little reason to doubt that doing a stopover in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific to any destination in the world from ASEAN is the best decision one might make in their lifetime. Plus, its concrete Business and Premium Economy Class offerings, and world-renowned lounges in HKIA make travelling on the Hong Kong-based airline an experience via a stopover, rather than a chore.
Malaysia's New Zenith
Celebrating the first Malaysian Zenith boutique in The Exchange TRX.
Two-Timing
Cartier's timekeeping greats for 2024 range from the classic to the experimental.
Racing Through Time
Celebrating Rolex’s timeless relationship with motor racing.
A Man And His Watch
Men's Folio Malaysia speaks to watch collectors about the first watch that drew them into the hobby.
A Cartoon's Charm
Cartoon watches might seem childish but there are reasons to feel otherwise, especially if the nostalgia transports one back to childhood days.