Born Gong Ji-cheol on July 10, 1979, in Busan, South Korea, Gong Yoo began his career as a video jockey on Mnet in 2000. He debuted as an actor in the television series School 4 in 2001. His breakthrough role came with the romantic comedy Coffee Prince (2007), where he portrayed a charming café owner, earning widespread acclaim. Gong Yoo's filmography includes notable works such as Train to Busan (2016), a critically acclaimed zombie thriller; Silenced (2011), a film addressing child abuse; and The Age of Shadows (2016), a historical action film. In 2021, he appeared in the globally popular Netflix series Squid Game, further solidifying his international fame. Gong Yoo is recognized for his dedication to his roles and his ability to portray a wide range of characters, making him a prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry.