Actor You Need to Know: Hwang In-youp

Modelling served as Hwang In- youp’s launchpad into the public eye. His breakthrough in Korean entertainment came in 2018 when he started to land roles with the Naver TV web series Why. Insiders describe Hwang as an enthusiastic actor whose recipe for success is his ability to cling to his role and the features of his character with proficiency. That was the catalyst that allowed the gifted Hwang to showcase his artistic flair. And I think that he gives his characters quality and better substance in his own special way. For instance, Hwang played Park Dan-ho in The Tale of Nokdu (2019), an escort warrior with exceptional sword skills. How well he captured the character’s drive to be an expert swordsman and his love and loyalty for his prince, willing to lay down his life if necessary to keep him safe. So, putting aside the fact that his gorgeous appearance led him to pursue acting, his acting chops characterize his rising acclaim.

The 32-year-old, who goes by the English name Ryan Leon, was born in South Korea but spent his high school and college years in Davao City, Philippines. At the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, he completed his high-school education, and the Philippine Women’s College of Davao awarded him a Bachelor of Fine Arts in fashion design. Bottom line? Before starting his career, Hwang already had the trappings of an artist. Following his initial bit parts, the artist gained acclaim in 2020, appearing as Goo Ja-sung in 18 Again, a South Korean television series premised on the 2009 film 17 Again by Jason Filardi, which was presumably influenced by the 1988 comedy film of the same name starring George Burns. We saw Goo as a school bully and the equivalent of Stan, played by Hunter Parrish in the original movie.

Anyone who knows Hwang in any capacity will identify him as Han Seo-jun from the mega-hit romantic comedy-drama series True Beauty (2020-2021). Hwang was the second lead alongside the main leads, Cha Eun-woo and Mun Ka-young, but his intense run and slick performance elevated him to superstardom, resulting in the second lead syndrome. His commanding presence and evocative abilities were infused with great moments of subtlety in the drama. It also catapulted him to global recognition. Subsequently, Hwang appeared in the independent short film Swimming Bird, which received rave reviews from several quarters. In 2021, Hwang was cast in the fantasy musical series The Sound of Magic, sharing screen time with Ji Chang-wook and Choi Sung-eun.

The artist is steadily advancing his career by sharpening his body of work, and his first lead role in the mystery legal romance drama Why Her, which made its premiere last year, is a shining illustration of this. The actor took on the part of a 27-year-old law student who is caring and naive but conceals a troubled past. Hwang is great in the show, as usual. What I appreciate most about him is his smooth screen presence. He is, however, more than just a handsome face. His portrayals can express emotional states, particularly complex feelings, in the most interesting ways. In essence, I truly believe that Hwang In-youp represents a rising superstar.