Meet Na In-Woo, The New Lead Actor In "River Where The Moon Rises"
This is his first-ever lead role in a drama
Na In-woo recently made headlines, as he replaced actor Ji Soo in ongoing historical drama River Where the Moon Rises. In case you haven't read about it yet, Ji Soo was removed from the KBS series after he figured in a huge controversy early this month due to bullying and sexual assault accusations; he released an apology letter on social media to express his regret about his dark past.
Last March 5, KBS confirmed that Ji Soo was replaced by 26-year-old actor Na In-woo, who's fresh from the success of tvN series Mr. Queen. As his following grew because of his impressive portrayal (read: major second lead syndrome) of the Mr. Queen character Kim Byeong-in, the cousin of the queen (Shin Hye-sun) who's in love with her, many K-drama fans are looking forward to finally seeing him take the lead in a drama.
Get to know this handsome, up-and-coming actor who currently stars in River Where the Moon Rises. Scroll through the gallery below:
About Korean Actor Na In-Woo
About Korean Actor Na In-Woo
He's a Virgo man.
He was born on September 17, 1994, making him 26 years old now. His zodiac sign is Virgo, and the standout characteristic of those under this sign is their being a perfectionist. They're meticulous and diligent, and are also known to be kind, loyal, hardworking, and practical. He's born in the Year of the Dog, and loyalty, honesty, and kindness define the personality of those under this Chinese zodiac animal. His weakness? He says he can't speak well so he tends to talk slowly.
Photo Credit: We Got Our Eyes On These Handsome, Rising Korean Actors Ages 26 And Below!
Na In-woo isn't his real name.
Many Korean actors go by stage names (like Hyun Bin, Gong Yoo, and Park Seo-joon), and the same applies to Na In-woo. His real name is Na Jong-chan.
Photo Credit: 15 Famous Korean Celebrities With Stage Names
He debuted as an actor via a K-drama in 2015.
The historical/romance/fantasy drama "Shine or Go Crazy" marked his acting debut. He has since appeared in 11 more series. In 2015, the year he debuted, he earned a Best New Actor in a Serial Drama nomination from the MBC Drama Awards for the series "My Mom." "River Where the Moon Rises" marks his first-ever lead role in a drama.
He has appeared in films, too.
Throughout his six-year career, Na In-woo has appeared in three films so far. He's been confirmed to star in an upcoming film titled "Her Bucketlist" alongside Kim So-hye.
His height is...
...6'2"! And that makes him one of the tallest Korean actors today alongside the likes of Lee Min-ho, Lee Jong-suk, and Nam Joo-hyuk.
He has done villain roles.
Last year, in "Mystic Pop-Up Bar," his character plotted a coup d'état and was beheaded by the Crown Prince. The character resurfaces in the present day as an evil spirit, who seeks to take revenge on the reincarnation of the Crown Prince. In the recently-concluded series "Mr. Queen," he's the cousin of the queen and his love for her drives him to plot evil schemes to overthrow the king.
He has so far played three sageuk characters.
"River Where the Moon Rises" is his fourth project that has him playing a character in a historical drama, after "Shine or Go Crazy," "Mystic Pop-Up Bar" (which isn't really a period drama but had scenes from the Joseon era), and "Mr. Queen." Could his career be defined by sageuk in the future, like his leading lady Kim So-hyun who's considered a sageuk veteran? Here's a cute quote from Na In-woo after working on "Mr. Queen:" "After filming a historical drama for 7-8 months, I realize that I have picked up the habit of talking with the tone I used during the filming. I’m making an effort to go back to my usual way of speaking."
Photo Credit: Source: MK Sports
He has two actors he looks up to.
First is Kim Rae-won, who currently stars in K-drama "L.U.C.A.: The Beginning." Next is Ha Jung-woo who Na In-woo believes he'll learn a lot from given a chance to work with him.
Photo Credit: Source: MK Sports
He's a music lover.
He loves music and playing the guitar specifically. Check out his Instagram account (@10042n00), and you'll see him posting guitar covers there. He's so good, and extra handsome with his guitar! He says his favorite song to sing in a karaoke is Im Chang-jung’s "A Glass of Soju." He says, "I want to play a band. Among them, I want to learn guitar professionally so I want to upload performances. If I have a chance, I want to try it once."
Photo Credit: Source: MK Sports
He's under Cube Entertainment.
It's the same talent agency that manages the careers of K-pop groups BtoB, CLC, Pentagon, and (G)I-dle as well as idol/actor Yook Sung-jae who Na In-woo worked with in "Mystic Pop-Up Bar." He used to train with JYP Entertainment.
River Where the Moon Rises is available on VIU.
Lead photos from @10042n00, tvN, KBS2 and The Korea Times
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