In 2021, Nam was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 owing to his successful acting and modeling career.[3]
Early life
Nam Joo-hyuk was born on February 22, 1994, in Yeongdo District, Busan, South Korea.[1] During his studies in Gyeongnam Middle School [ko], Nam dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player, hence he played on the basketball team for three years, however after sustaining an injury and later undergoing an operation, he was forced to quit basketball.[4][5]
After moving to Seoul, he won the contest Top Model which was sponsored by K-Plus. Soon after, Nam signed an exclusive contract under the modeling agency.[4]
Career
2013–2014: YGKPlus and music video appearances
Nam debuted in 2013 as a model for the SONGZIO Homme 2014 S/S collection.[6]
Nam landed his first major role in KBS's coming-of-age teen drama Who Are You: School 2015, in which he portrayed a high school student named Han Yi-an, who experiences growing pains such as a crush on a schoolmate and injuries affecting his swimming career.[8][9] He garnered attention with his appearance in the series, eventually winning several accolades including Best New Actor at the 4th APAN Star Awards and the Popularity Award at the 2015 KBS Drama Awards.[10][11][12]
In 2016, he played supporting roles in college romance series Cheese in the Trap and historical drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.[13][14] The same year, Nam became a cast member in the variety show Three Meals a Day.[15] He then starred in his second lead role in the youth sports drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo alongside Lee Sung-kyung, portraying a talented yet playful swimmer named Jung Joon-hyung. Nam's performance in the series received favorable reviews and garnered him more widespread recognition.[16][17]
In 2017, he led tvN's fantasy romance series The Bride of Habaek opposite Shin Se-kyung, wherein he portrayed a narcissistic Water God in pursuit of his rightful throne.[18][19] Then in 2018, Nam starred in the historical film The Great Battle, which marked his big screen debut.[20] Nam received acclaim for his performance, with Yoon Mi-sik of The Korea Herald writing that he "delivers a rock-solid portrayal of a wavering youth who is unsure of what is right or wrong." His performance in the film led him to win Best New Actor accolades at the prestigious Blue Dragon Awards.[21][22]
In 2020, Nam starred in Netflix's supernatural crime drama The School Nurse Files and in the tvN romance series Start-Up.[25][26] The same year, Nam also starred in the romance film Josée, a remake of the 2003 Japanese film Josee, the Tiger and the Fish. The film reunites Nam with The Light In Your Eyes co-star Han Ji-min.[27][28] With the success of The School Nurse Files and Start-Up, Nam was featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list under the "Entertainment & Sports" category in 2021.[29]
Nam then worked with Kim Tae-ri in leading the tvN drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One. The series, which tells the story of love between a man and a woman who met in the midst of the IMF crisis set in 1998, premiered in February 2022.[30][31] He received favorable reviews for his performance in portraying the character Baek Yi-jin, with Korean media outlet OSEN referring to Nam as the "symbol of youth" as they commended his acting skills which created what is known as the "Joohyuk's Pain" syndrome. Writer Kim Bo-ra cited his "solid physique, warm-hearted visuals, and deep sensibility" which made him "look like a character in a teen comic." Kim adds, "[Nam's] affectionate warm voice and clear gaze make viewers' hearts flutter and fall for Baek Yi-jin."[32]
Nam starred in the film Remember, which was released theatrically on October 26, 2022. He played the role of a young man who helps an Alzheimer's patient commit revenge. His performance was described as one that was able to "show sympathy that transcends generations in a way only [Nam] can."[33][34]
In 2023, Nam starred in a leading role for the drama Vigilante, based on the Naver webtoon of the same name drawn by Kim Gyu-san. He portrayed a police college student who secretly operates as the titular vigilante.[35]
Other activities
Endorsements
In November 2017, Penshoppe signed Nam as the new model of the clothing brand and he became one of its brand ambassadors.[36] On April 17, 2019, it was officially announced that Nam was chosen as the brand ambassador of Dior Men in Asia.[37]
Philanthropy
On April 6, 2019, it was reported that Nam donated about ₩30 million to the Hope Bridge Association of the National Disaster Relief for the victims of the Gangwon Province wildfire in South Korea.[38] In February 2020, he donated ₩50 million to the Daegu Social Welfare Community Chest to be used for quarantine supplies and medical support needed to prevent COVID-19.[39]
Controversy
On June 20, 2022, a netizen alleged that he was a former victim of bullying and Nam Joo-hyuk was the perpetrator of his bullying during his six years in middle school and high school, claiming that Nam was part of a group of bullies that harassed him.[40] Nam's management company denied the allegations and stated that they were untrue, and announced that they would seek criminal complaints against the netizen.[41][42] On June 28, another person made school bullying accusations against Nam which were again denied by his management. On July 5, Korean news outlet Dispatch published an article containing statements of 20 people: 2 high school teachers and 18 classmates of Nam, defending him against the allegations.[43][44][45][46] On March 28, 2024, the accuser of Nam has been found guilty of defamation and ordered to pay 7 million won in restitution to the actor by the Goyang District Court. The court stated that Nam did not bully the accuser during their six years of school together and was not associated with other bullies. Consequently, both defamers are equally responsible for defaming Nam with false allegations.[47]
Personal life
Military service
On October 17, 2022, it was reported that Nam would be enlisting in the military in December.[48] The agency later confirmed that Nam was scheduled to serve in the mandatory military service in December but has not received an official summons.[49]
On January 31, 2023, it was confirmed that Nam will enlist in the Capital Defense Command Military Police Group as a military police officer riot squad on March 20, 2023.[50][51] On March 31, 2023, it was reported that Nam had been appointed chief of the trainees at Nonsan Training Center, jointly with Y from Golden Child.[52][53] After completing his training, he serves at the 32nd Division Military Police Unit (Baekryong Unit) in Geumnam-myeon.[54] In September 2024, Nam Joo-hyuk was discharged of the mandatory military service [1] and made his first public appearance post military service at Paris Fashion Week with Dior.[2]
^ abLee Min-ji (September 7, 2021). 스물다섯 스물하나' 김태리-남주혁-보나-최현욱-이주명 출연확정(공식) [Twenty-five Twenty One' Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Bona, Choi Hyun-wook, and Lee Joo-myung confirmed to appear (official)]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 10, 2021. Retrieved September 7, 2021 – via Naver.
^Hwang Mi-hyeon (February 12, 2022). '스물다섯 스물하나' 김태리·남주혁의 1998에 응답하라 [RE:TV] ['Twenty-five Twenty One' Respond to 1998 by Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk [RE:TV]]. news1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abMoon Ji-yeon (April 20, 2022). [단독] '2521' 국민 첫사랑 남주혁, 차기작은 '비질란테'..연속 흥행 도전 [[Exclusive] '2521' National First Love Nam Joo-hyuk, next film 'Vigilante'..Continuous box office challenge] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kang Min-kyung (February 28, 2020). 남주혁, 대구 내 5천만원 쾌척 "조금이나마 도움 됐으면" [Nam Joo-hyuk, 50 million won in Daegu "I hope it helps a little"] (in Korean). Star News. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2022 – via Naver.
^"南柱赫惊爆校园霸凌六年 粉丝崩溃" [Nam Joo-hyuk accused as former school bully for six years, fans shocked]. Lianhe Zaobao (in Chinese). Singapore. June 20, 2022. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
^"[D-eye] "20명에게, 그 사건을 물었다"...남주혁, 학폭 제보 검증" [[D-eye] "I asked 20 people about the incident"... Nam Joo-hyuk, verification of allegations of bullying] (in Korean). Dispatch. July 5, 2022. Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim So-jeong (July 5, 2022). "남주혁, 학폭 가해자" 2명 주장... 동창 18명과 교사 2명의 기억은 달랐다 ["Nam Joo-hyuk, the perpetrator of school violence" claims two... The memories of 18 classmates and 2 teachers were different] (in Korean). The Chosun Ilbo. Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee Seon-myeong (April 8, 2024). [단독]남주혁 학폭주장 동창, 약식명령 불복 정식재판 청구 [[Exclusive] Nam Joo-hyuk's classmate claiming school violence requests formal trial against summary order] (in Korean). Sports Kyung Hyang. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
^Moon, Ji-yeon (October 17, 2022). [단독] 남주혁, 국방의 의무 다한다..12월 현역 입대 [[Exclusive] Nam Joo-hyuk fulfills his military duty..Enlisted for active duty in December] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2022 – via Naver.
^Park, Jung-min (October 17, 2022). 남주혁 측 "'비질란테' 촬영 마무리 후 12월 입대 예정"[공식] [Nam Joo-hyuk's side "Scheduled to enlist in December after finishing filming 'Vigilante'" [Official]] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2022 – via Naver.
^Park, Hye-jin (January 31, 2023). [단독] 남주혁, 군사경찰단 최종 합격...3월 20일, 기동대 입대 예정 [[Exclusive] Nam Joo-hyuk, passed the final pass to the military police force... Scheduled to enlist in the riot squad on March 20th] (in Korean). Dispatch. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Naver.
^Kim, Min-ji (January 31, 2023). 남주혁, 군 경찰단 기동대 합격...3월20일 입대 [공식] [Nam Joo-hyuk passed the military police riot squad... Enlisted on March 20th [Official]] (in Korean). News1. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Naver.
^Jang, Jin-ri (March 31, 2023). [단독]남주혁-골든차일드 와이, 논산훈련소 소대장 훈련병 됐다 [[Exclusive] Nam Joo-hyuk-Golden Child Y, became a platoon leader trainee at Nonsan Training Center] (in Korean). SpoTV News. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Myung-ju (March 31, 2023). 남주혁, 소대장 훈련병 발탁...4월 말 자대 배치 예정 [Nam Joo-hyeok selected as a platoon leader trainee... Scheduled to be deployed at the end of April] (in Korean). Dispatch. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023 – via Naver.
^Kim, Bo-ra (May 18, 2023). [단독] 남주혁 자대 '백룡부대'..."편지·선물 자제 부탁"(종합) [[Exclusive] Nam Joo-hyuk's 'Baekryong Squad'... "Please refrain from sending letters and gifts" (comprehensive)] (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on May 18, 2023. Retrieved May 18, 2023 – via Naver.
^Kang Shin-woo (September 15, 2022). 수리남 제작사 X 검사외전 감독 X 이성민 X 남주혁 버디무비...'리멤버' 10월 개봉 [Suriname Production Company X Prosecutor Gaiden Director X Lee Seong-min X Nam Joo-hyuk Buddy Movie... 'Remember' to be released in October] (in Korean). The Seoul Economic Daily [ko]. Archived from the original on September 15, 2022. Retrieved September 15, 2022 – via Naver.
^남주혁 측 "'달의연인' 최종 조율 중". TV Report (in Korean). November 23, 2015. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
^Yoon Hyun-ji (April 7, 2023). 남주혁X유지태 '비질란테' 하반기 공개 확정 [공식입장] [Nam Joo-hyuk X Yoo Ji-tae 'Vigilante' confirmed to be released in the second half of the year [Official position]] (in Korean). Xports News. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023 – via Naver.
^Park Seo-yeon (March 11, 2022). 김태리→남주혁, '스물다섯 스물하나' OST 직접 부른다..13일 'With' 발매[공식] [Tae-ri Kim → Joo-hyuk Nam, sang 'Twenty-Five Twenty One' OST himself.. 13th 'With' Released [Official]] (in Korean). Herald POP. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022 – via Naver.
^Cho, Yeon-gyeong (April 5, 2019). 55회 백상예술대상 영화부문 최종 후보 공개. Is Plus (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on April 7, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
^Noh Kyu-min (February 9, 2022). [공식] 제20회 디렉터스컷 어워즈, 24일 개최...'오겜' 'D.P.' '지옥' 노미네이트 [[Official] The 20th Director's Cut Awards, held on the 24th... 'Ogem' 'D.P.' 'Hell' nomination] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2022 – via Naver.
^기사입력2016.12.31 오전 12:30 (December 31, 2016). "[MBC 연기대상] 이종석, 대상 영예 안았다 (종합)". Naver (in Korean). Star MBN. Archived from the original on March 1, 2017. Retrieved January 29, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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^"Excellent Actor Prize". twitter (in Korean). August 20, 2021. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.