South Korea’s entertainment industry has long seen models make highly successful transitions to acting. Among them is Nam Joo-hyuk, the charismatic star who moved seamlessly from walking the runway to captivating audiences on the global K-drama stage. This tradition, set by A-listers like Cha Seung-won and So Ji-sub, continues today with the rise of the current “it” boy, Byeon Woo-seok.
Born in Busan, Joo-hyuk once dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player during his middle school years. When an injury cut that dream short, he turned his focus to modelling by making the most of his striking looks and towering height. His big break came when he won a modelling contest organised by YG KPlus, a talent agency for models and actors, which kickstarted his career in fashion.
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At 19, Joo-hyuk made his modelling debut in 2013, walking for SONGZIO Homme’s spring/summer 2014 show at Seoul Fashion Week. The fresh-faced newcomer went on to appear in 10 shows that season, showcasing his star potential. His boyish charm and athletic physique quickly drew attention, leading to appearances in AKMU’s “200%” and “Give Love” music videos in 2014. That same year, he made his acting debut in Surplus Princess (2014), portraying a brilliant computer genius.
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While some may have reservations about model-turned-actors and question their acting ability, Joo-hyuk steadily worked through early criticism, proving his emotional depth and versatility on screen. His breakout roles in Who Are You: School 2015 and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016) earned him international recognition, but it was his emotionally charged performances in Start-Up (2020) and Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022) that truly showcased his talent, and solidified his status as a household name.
Although Joo-hyuk has successfully transitioned into acting, he has never fully stepped away from the fashion world. Between filming projects, he returned to the runway for Dolce & Gabbana’s spring 2019 menswear show in Milan. Today, he continues to hold a strong presence in both fashion and beauty as a brand ambassador for Dior Men and Dior Beauty. Earlier this year, he attended the Dior Homme fall/winter 2026 show at Paris Fashion Week, reaffirming his enduring influence in the style scene. More recently, the 31-year-old was named the new face of French outdoor fashion brand Eider, adding yet another prestigious name to his already impressive portfolio.
Fresh from completing his mandatory military service, Joo-hyuk is ready to take on his next major role in the upcoming Netflix historical-fantasy drama East Palace. He stars as Gu-cheon, a swordsman with the extraordinary ability to traverse the spirit world and vanquish ghosts—a role that promises both intensity and intrigue. With anticipation running high, fans are eager to see if his long-awaited comeback will prove well worth the wait.