1. Early Life and Education
Cha Seung-won was born on June 7, 1970, in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, near Seoul. He attended Seoul Jamjeon Elementary School and Sincheon Middle School, and later graduated from Dankook University High School. He pursued higher education at Sungkyunkwan University, studying film in the College of Arts, but ultimately dropped out in 2001 to focus on his burgeoning career.
2. Modeling Career
Cha Seung-won embarked on his successful career as a fashion model in 1988, while still in his third year of high school. His distinctive looks and commanding presence quickly made him an in-demand model throughout the 1990s. During this period, he earned significant recognition, including the Model Line '95 Best Dressed Award, Model of the Year from both the Korea Model Association and the Korea Fashion Photographers Association in 1995, and Male Model of the Year from the Korea Fashion Association in 1996. His achievements culminated in the Grand Prize (Daesang) in Fashion at the Model Center's Adieu Fashion Festival in 1997 and the Best Dressed award at the 16th Korea Best Dresser Swan Awards in 1999. His successful modeling career paved the way for his transition into acting.
Cha Seung-won has continued to participate in fashion shows even after establishing his acting career, including the '06/07 F/W SFAA Seoul Collection Songzio fashion show in 2006, and various Seoul Fashion Week collections for Songzio in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
3. Acting Career
Cha Seung-won's acting career spans film, television, web series, and theater, showcasing his versatility across various genres and character types. From his early comedic successes to more dramatic and complex roles, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences and critics alike.
3.1. Film
Cha Seung-won's film career began in 1997 with Holiday In Seoul. While his initial roles did not immediately establish him as a major star, his performance as an arsonist in the 2000 firefighting film Libera Me garnered significant attention. The following year, his leading role in Kim Sang-jin's comedy Kick the Moon sold over 4.3 M tickets, solidifying his status as a leading actor with strong box office appeal.
In 2003, Cha took on a more serious role as a corrupt schoolteacher transferred to a country school in My Teacher, Mr. Kim, which grossed over 2.4 M admissions and earned him further praise. He reunited with director Jang Gyu-seong for the 2007 comedy Small Town Rivals. In 2004, he re-teamed with director Kim Sang-jin for Ghost House, a successful comedy about a man whose dream home is haunted.
Cha diversified his roles in 2005, moving away from comedy to star in the period thriller Blood Rain, which became a commercial success and confirmed his broad appeal. He further showcased his versatility in Jang Jin's Murder, Take One (also known as The Big Scene). In 2006, he starred in his first melodrama, Over the Border, portraying a North Korean defector. He reunited with Jang Jin again in My Son (2007), noting that his own experience as a father greatly aided his portrayal of the character. This was followed by stylish crime thrillers Eye for an Eye (2008) and Secret (2009).
2010 was a busy year for Cha, as he appeared in Lee Joon-ik's period action film Blades of Blood and the Korean War film 71: Into the Fire, where he portrayed Park Moo-rang.

In 2014, he starred in the comedy neo-noir film Man on High Heels, his third collaboration with director Jang Jin, where he played a transgender homicide detective, a role that subverted his established "macho" image. He also provided the Korean voice dubbing for the narrator in the 2015 animated film Minions. In 2016, he played cartographer and geologist Kim Jeong-ho in the period epic The Map Against The World (also known as Gosanja, Daedongyeojido), directed by Kang Woo-suk. He made a special appearance as Brian Lee in the 2018 crime thriller Believer and reprised this role in the 2023 Netflix film Believer 2. In 2019, he starred in the family comedy-drama Cheer Up, Mr. Lee, and in 2021, he appeared in the disaster film Sinkhole and the Netflix film Night in Paradise. His upcoming film roles include King Seonjo in the 2024 Netflix film Uprising and a cameo as Mr. Kim in the 2025 Netflix series Mercy For None.
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1997 | Holiday In Seoul | Leg model's boyfriend | |
1998 | If the Sun Rises in the West | Ji-min | |
1999 | Ghost in Love | Na Han-su | |
Attack the Gas Station | Hot-headed youth | Bit part | |
Fin de Siecle | Sang-woo | ||
2000 | Black Honeymoon | Kim Joon-ho | |
Libera Me | Yeo Hee-su | ||
2001 | Kick the Moon | Choi Ki-woong | |
2002 | Break Out | Yang Cheol-gon | |
Jail Breakers | Choi Mu-seok | ||
2003 | My Teacher, Mr. Kim | Kim Bong-doo | |
2004 | Ghost House | Park Pil-gi | |
Lovely Rivals | Kim Bong-doo | Cameo | |
2005 | Blood Rain | Lee Won-gyoo | |
Murder, Take One | Choi Yeon-gi | ||
2006 | Over the Border | Kim Sun-ho | |
2007 | Small Town Rivals | Jo Choon-sam | |
My Son | Lee Kang-shik | ||
2008 | Eye for an Eye | Ahn Hyun-min | |
2009 | Secret | Kim Seong-yeol | |
2010 | Blades of Blood | Lee Mong-hak | |
71: Into the Fire | Park Moo-rang | ||
2012 | The Suck Up Project: Mr. XXX-Kisser | Cha Seung-won | Cameo |
2014 | Man on High Heels | Yoon Ji-wook | |
2015 | Minions | Narrator | Voice, Korean dubbed |
2016 | The Map Against The World | Kim Jeong-ho | |
2018 | Believer | Brian Lee | |
2019 | Cheer Up, Mr. Lee | Chul-soo | |
2021 | Night in Paradise | Executive Ma | Netflix film |
Sinkhole | Jeong Man-soo | ||
2023 | Believer 2 | Brian Lee | Netflix film |
2024 | Uprising | Seonjo of Joseon | Netflix film |
2025 | Aewolusga eopda (어쩔수가없다) | Go Si-jo |
3.2. Television Series
Cha Seung-won's television career began in 1997 with the SBS sitcom New York Story. He gained significant popularity through various drama roles, becoming a household name. In 2003, he starred as a private bodyguard in KBS2's weekend drama Bodyguard. His return to television in 2009 in the political romantic comedy City Hall, penned by writer Kim Eun-sook, was well-received.
In 2010, he appeared in the spy series Athena: Goddess of War. A major turning point came in 2011 with the hit romantic comedy series The Greatest Love, where his portrayal of the arrogant top star "Dokko Jin" became a pop culture phenomenon, leading to numerous commercial deals and parodies, as well as several awards for Cha.
He continued his television presence in the police series You're All Surrounded (2014) and then took on the historical role of Prince Gwanghae in the 2015 period drama Splendid Politics, which depicted the power struggles within the Joseon Dynasty. In 2017, Cha was cast in tvN's fantasy romantic comedy drama A Korean Odyssey by the Hong sisters, portraying Woo Hwi-chul. In 2022, he appeared in the tvN drama Our Blues as Choi Han-soo, a character that resonated with viewers. His upcoming projects include Pigpen in 2025 as the pension owner.
Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1997 | New York Story | Himself | SBS | Sitcom |
1998 | Song of the Wind | Lee Ji-hoon | SBS | |
Run Barefoot | Director Park | MBC | ||
Shy Lovers | Im Sung-bom | MBC | ||
Angel's Kiss | Jang Tae-ju | KBS2 | ||
1999 | Woman vs. Woman | MBC | Sitcom | |
Roses and Bean Sprouts | Choi Gyu-dae | MBC | ||
I Show You The Taste (also known as Have a Taste) | Seung-il | SBS | Yeong-nam's husband, psychiatrist | |
TV Movie: Love Story - Message | Mr. Popular | SBS | One-act drama | |
2003 | Bodyguard | Hong Kyung-tak | KBS2 | |
2009 | City Hall | Jo Gook | SBS | |
2010 | Athena: Goddess of War | Son Hyuk | SBS | |
2011 | The Greatest Love | Dokko Jin | MBC | |
2014 | You're All Surrounded | Seo Pan-seok | SBS | |
2015 | Splendid Politics | Prince Gwanghae | MBC | |
2017 | A Korean Odyssey | Woo Hwi-chul | tvN | |
2022 | Our Blues | Choi Han-soo | tvN | |
2024 | The Tyrant | Lim Sang-won | Disney+ | 4-episode series |
2025 | Pigpen | The pension's owner |
3.3. Web Series
Cha Seung-won has expanded his acting portfolio to include web-based drama series, featuring in productions for popular streaming platforms. In 2021, he starred alongside Kim Soo-hyun in the Coupang Play original series One Ordinary Day, which was based on the British television series Criminal Justice. He is also set to appear as a main role in the 2024 Disney+ original web series The Tyrant, and will make a cameo appearance as Mr. Kim in the upcoming Netflix series Mercy For None.
Year | Title | Role | Platform | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | One Ordinary Day | Shin Jung-han | Coupang Play | Original series |
2024 | The Tyrant | Lim Sang-won | Disney+ | Main role; 4-episode series |
TBA | Mercy For None | Mr. Kim | Netflix | Cameo |
3.4. Theater
Cha Seung-won made his stage debut in 2004 with a cameo appearance in the play Taxi Driver. He then took on a more significant role in 2012, starring in the stage play Bring Me My Chariot Fire alongside Japanese actors Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Ryōko Hirosue, Teruyuki Kagawa, and Korean veteran actor Kim Eung-soo. Set in the historically turbulent early 1900s, the play focused on the friendship of artists from Korea and Japan who collaborated to preserve traditional Korean arts. He continued this role into 2013, expressing a desire to return to the origins of acting through theater.
Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2004 | Taxi Driver | Taxi passenger |
2012-2013 | Bring Me My Chariot of Fire | Lee Soon-woo |
4. Other Ventures
Beyond his acting career, Cha Seung-won has cultivated a diverse presence in various entertainment and public life endeavors, including reality television, music video appearances, and numerous endorsements.
4.1. Variety and Television Shows
Cha Seung-won has been a frequent and beloved presence on South Korean variety and television shows. His early hosting gigs include co-hosting Lee Seung-yeon's Say Say Say, Kim Hye-soo Plus You, and hosting GO! Our Heaven and Music Camp in 1998. He made guest appearances on popular talk shows such as Happy Together (various seasons), Ya Sim Man Man, Kim Yong-man Shin Dong-yup's Enjoyment, Come to Play, Infinite Challenge, and Healing Camp.
A significant turning point in his variety career came with his participation in the cable reality show Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village (2015), filmed on the remote Manjae Island. His surprising and versatile cooking skills, even with minimal ingredients, earned him the affectionate nickname "Chajumma" (a portmanteau of his surname "Cha" and the Korean word for "auntie," 아줌마ajummaKorean), which became a mini pop culture phenomenon and garnered him widespread acclaim. He reprised this role in subsequent seasons, including Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village 2 (2015), Three Meals a Day: Gochang Village (2016), and Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village 5 (2020), and most recently, Three Meals a Day Lite (2024).
Other notable appearances include Cha Seung-won's Health Club (2006), Korean Hostel in Spain (2019), where he was a cast member, and Follow Hyung to Maya (2023), where he joined as a cast member with the nickname "Cha-baksa" (Dr. Cha). He also appeared as a guest on Hangout with Yoo in 2021 and You Quiz on the Block in 2019 and 2024.
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1998 | Lee Seung-yeon's Say Say Say | Co-host | |
GO! Our Heaven | Host | ||
TV is Love Silko (TV is Carrying Love) | Guest | August 14, 1998 | |
Kim Hye-soo Plus You | Co-host | ||
Music Camp | MC | ||
2003 | Kim Yong-man Park Soo-hong's Special Gift | Guest | Episode 16 (February 25, 2003) |
Happy Together Season 1 | Guest | March 13, 2003 (Bookbag Talk, Tray Karaoke) | |
2004 | Happy Together Season 1 | Guest | September 9, 2004 (with Son Tae-young, Jang Seo-hee, Kim Je-dong, Yoo Jae-suk) |
Ya Sim Man Man | Guest | Episode 77 (September 13, 2004) | |
Kim Yong-man Shin Dong-yup's Enjoyment | Guest | Episode 20 (September 14, 2004, with Son Tae-young, Jang Seo-hee) | |
Come to Play | Guest | Episode 18 (September 18, 2004) | |
2005 | Ya Sim Man Man | Guest | Episodes 107, 108 (April 11 & 18, 2005); Episodes 124, 125 (August 8 & 15, 2005); Episode 159 (April 17, 2006) |
Happy Together Season 1 | Guest | April 21, 2005 (with Park Yong-woo, Ji Sung, Kim Je-dong, Yoo Jae-suk) | |
Kim Yong-man Shin Dong-yup's Enjoyment | Guest | Episodes 51 (April 25, 2005); Episode 66 (August 9, 2005) | |
Infinite Challenge (Early Version) | Guest | Episode 17 (August 13, 2005) | |
2006 | Sunday Sunday Night - Cha Seung-won's Health Club | Cast member | February 26 to April 16, 2006 |
Sang Sang Plus | Guest | Episode 75 (April 15, 2006) | |
2007 | Sang Sang Plus | Guest | Episode 121 (March 20, 2007) |
Golden Fishery - The Knee-Drop Guru | Guest | Episode 35 (March 21, 2007) | |
2009 | Family Outing | Guest | Episodes 75, 76 (April 19 & 26, 2009) |
2010 | Win Win | Guest | Episode 19 (June 15, 2010) |
2011 | MBC Special - 50th Anniversary Special 'Chungju Seongsim School Baseball Team Part 1, 2' | Narration | |
Joo Byung-jin Talk Concert | Guest | Episode 2 (December 8, 2011) | |
2013 | The Knee-Drop Guru | Guest | Episode 11 (February 7, 2013) |
Baek Ji-yeon's People INSIDE | Guest | Episode 325 (March 25, 2013) | |
2014 | Kareisuki 150 Years of Return Home | Narration | |
Happy Together | Guest | Episode 348 (May 29, 2014) | |
Infinite Challenge | Guest | Episodes 406, 407 (November 29 & December 6, 2014) | |
2015 | The Return of Superman | Special appearance | Episode 63 (February 1, 2015) |
Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village | Cast member | January 23 to March 20, 2015 | |
''KBS Cheongju Headquarters 70th Anniversary Special 'Traditional Market, A Very Special Coexistence'''' | Narration | ||
Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village Season 2 | Cast member | October 9 to December 11, 2015 | |
2016 | Three Meals a Day: Gochang Village | Cast member | July 1 to September 16, 2016 |
JTBC Newsroom | Guest | September 8, 2016 (Pop Culture Invitation - Cha Seung-won) | |
2019 | Korean Hostel in Spain | Cast member | March 15 to May 24, 2019 |
You Quiz on the Block | Guest | Episode 32 (August 27, 2019) | |
Work with Me | Guest | Episode 2 (August 31, 2019) | |
Room Corner 1st Row | Guest | Episode 70 (September 1, 2019) | |
2020 | Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village Season 5 | Cast member | May 1 to July 10, 2020 |
2021 | Hangout with Yoo | Guest | |
2023 | Follow Hyung to Maya: Nine Keys | Cast member | August 4 to September 29, 2023 |
2024 | Babina Hanjanhae (밥이나 한잔해) | Guest | Episode 3 (May 30, 2024) |
You Quiz on the Block | Guest | Episode 257 (August 14, 2024) | |
Three Meals a Day Lite | Cast member | Starting September 20, 2024 |
Cha Seung-won also did narration for the EBS FM program EBS Reading Radio Series in 2016.
4.2. Music Video Appearances
Cha Seung-won has appeared in several music videos, lending his charismatic presence to various artists. He featured in music videos for Kim Jang-hoon's "Even if the World Fools You" (1998) and "I am a Man" (2000), Uhm Jung-hwa's "Poison" (1998), Position's "I Love You" (2001) and "Desperado" (2003), and 4U's "In My Heart" (2002). He also appeared in the music video for the "Project X" music short film in 2003. In 2011, he starred in T-ara's music videos for "Cry Cry" and "Lovey Dovey" (2012), and for Lena Park's "I'm Sorry" (2012). Later, he featured in Wanna One's "Beautiful" (2017) and is slated to appear in Jisoo's "Earthquake" in 2025.
Year | Title | Artist |
---|---|---|
1998 | "Even if the World Fools You" | Kim Jang-hoon |
"Poison" | Uhm Jung-hwa | |
1999 | "Hera's Jealousy" | Son Sang-mi |
2000 | "I am a Man" | Kim Jang-hoon |
"Noel's Yeon-ga" | Joo Young-hoon | |
2001 | "I Love You" | Position |
2002 | "In My Heart" | 4U |
2003 | Project X | Project X (Music Short Film) |
"Desperado" | Position | |
2008 | "Rain Shower" | Kim Jang-hoon |
2011 | "Cry Cry" | T-ara |
2012 | "Lovey Dovey" | |
"I'm Sorry" | Lena Park | |
2017 | "Beautiful" | Wanna One |
2025 | "Earthquake" | Jisoo |
4.3. Endorsements and Ambassadorships
Cha Seung-won has been a prominent figure in advertising, endorsing a wide range of products and services. His endorsement activities span various industries including fashion, electronics, food, telecommunications, and finance. He has appeared in campaigns for brands such as Geumgang Shoes (Landrover), Ssangbangwool (Try, X-Zone underwear), E-Land (Roem women's clothing), LG Electronics (Freeway mobile phones), Lotte Confectionery (Lotte Gum), Unam Construction, Youngjin Pharm (Ssark), Orion (Hot Break, O-Friend snacks), Binggrae (Spicy Bean Ramen), Hite Jinro (Hite beer), Oxy Reckitt Benckiser (Power Clean), ONMEDIA, Korea Dairy & Beef Association (Milk Sharing Campaign), Aekyung Industrial (Sunsam), Konica Film (Centuria), Chamont Cosmetics (Vov for Men), Philips Korea (Philishave), Cosmetic Land (Woman Plus), SG Global (Vasso men's suits), Woongjin Food (Green Cider), Lotte Nestle Korea (Taster's Choice coffee), Taeseung Apparel (ru jeans), KT (1541 Collect Call, KT Home Phone ANN), LG U+ (Economic Common Sense for Couples), Zespri International Korea (Gold Kiwi), SK Telecom (Nate Drive, SK Telecom band LTE), Lotte Chilsung (MBP Bone General, Del Monte Cold Juice), Woori Home Shopping (woori.com), LF (Townzen men's suits), Daesang (Sunchang Gochujang), HK Inno.N (Condition), Ottogi (Jin Ramen, Jin Ramen CUP), CJ (Channel CGV), Ildong International (Duldul Chicken), Bohae (Bokbunja Wine), Kwangdong Pharmaceutical (Sunkist, Kwangdong Hutgaecha), Winia Electronics (Classe air conditioner), Dongkook Pharmaceutical (Complex Madecassol), Woongjin Thinkbig (Thinkbig learning materials), KDB Life (corporate promotion), S-Oil (gas station), Heim Intertrade (Hedgren bags), SK Pantech (Sky VEGA smartphone), Namyang Dairy Products (Delicious Milk GT), Ourhome (Handmade Natural Pork Frankfurt Sausage), Samil Pharmaceutical (Zerojeong), Giorgio Armani Korea (Giorgio Armani Mineral for Men), Hyundai Motor (Santa Fe The Style), Dongwon F&B (Dongwon Tuna), Samsung Card (Samsung S-Class), MK Trend (Buckaroo), FILA Korea (Fila Sport), Home & Shopping, Samsung Electronics (Samsung Zipel Asak Grande Style 508 kimchi refrigerator), Edgewell Personal Care Korea (Schick razors), Amorepacific (Median dental care), Lotte Asahi Liquor (Asahi Super Dry), Shinhan Korea (JDX Multisports golf wear), Coca-Cola Beverage (Schweppes, Seagram sparkling water), Paldo (Paldo Bibim Myeon x Three Meals a Day), Lotteria (Lotteria Gangjeong Burger), Netmarble (Raven mobile game), RGP Korea (Yogiyo House delivery app), Samsung Securities (Samsung Securities POP UMA), Sempio (Cooking Essence Yeondo), Takeda Pharmaceutical Korea (Actinum), Hankook Tire (T Station), KB Financial Group (KB Kookmin Card Only You Card), Rankingdakcom, and HMC Networks (CareNation care platform).
He also received the "Good Model Award" from the Korea Advertisers Association in 2003 and 2015, and the "Best CF Model for 2006" from TVCF Awards in 2007, recognizing his significant impact in commercial advertising.
5. Personal Life
Cha Seung-won is married to Lee Soo-jin. The couple has a biological daughter, Cha Ye-ni, born in 2003. Their son, Cha No-ah, born in 1989, was legally adopted by Cha Seung-won when he married Lee Soo-jin, and No-ah was three years old at the time. Cha Seung-won had previously stated his marriage date as 1989 to match his son's age, and later apologized for falsifying the date, explaining that his son was unaware of his paternity.
In July 2014, a man claiming to be the biological father of Cha No-ah filed a defamation lawsuit against Cha Seung-won, seeking 100.00 M KRW in damages. The lawsuit was quickly dropped, but it led to Cha Seung-won's public admission of No-ah's adoption and the circumstances surrounding his marriage date. This event highlighted Cha Seung-won's commitment to his family, regardless of biological ties. Separately, in 2013, Cha No-ah faced legal issues, including an indictment for marijuana use and accusations of confinement and sexual assault of a high school student, which were widely reported in the media.
Cha Seung-won's height is 6.2 ft (1.88 m) and his weight is 168 lb (76 kg). His blood type is AB. He is a Roman Catholic.
6. Accolades
Cha Seung-won has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career as a model, actor, and public figure, reflecting his widespread popularity and critical acclaim.
6.1. Awards and Nominations
Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
A-Awards | 2011 | The Best Black Collar Workers of 2011 - Style Award | Cha Seung-won | Won |
2016 | The Best Black Collar Workers of 2016 - Style Award | Won | ||
APAN Star Awards | 2015 | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama | Splendid Politics | Nominated |
Asia Model Festival Awards | 2010 | Asia Special Award, Film category | Cha Seung-won | Won |
2015 | Asia Star Award | Won | ||
Baeksang Arts Awards | 2003 | Best Actor - Film | Jail Breakers | Won |
2004 | Best Actor - Television | Bodyguard | Nominated | |
2006 | Best Actor - Film | Blood Rain | Nominated | |
2012 | Best Actor - Television | The Greatest Love | Nominated | |
Best Dressed Awards | 1995 | Best Dressed, Model category | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Blue Dragon Film Awards | 2000 | Best Supporting Actor | Libera Me | Nominated |
2001 | Best Actor | Kick the Moon | Nominated | |
2003 | Best Actor | My Teacher, Mr. Kim | Nominated | |
Broadcast Advertising Festival | 2022 | CF Star Award | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Buil Film Awards | 2021 | Best Supporting Actor | Night in Paradise | Nominated |
Chunsa Film Art Awards | 2007 | Best Actor | My Son | Won |
2021 | Best Supporting Actor | Night in Paradise | Nominated | |
Consumers' Day KCA Culture and Entertainment Awards | 2024 | Actor of the Year | The Tyrant | Won |
Elle Style Awards | 2017 | Super Icon (Male) | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Golden Cinema Film Festival | 2002 | Popularity Award | Kick the Moon | Won |
2021 | Cinematographers' Choice Popularity Award | Sinkhole | Won | |
Grand Bell Awards | 2000 | Best New Actor | A Century's End | Nominated |
2001 | Best Actor | Libera Me | Nominated | |
2003 | Best Actor | My Teacher, Mr. Kim | Nominated | |
Grimae Awards | 2003 | Best Actor | Bodyguard | Won |
2011 | Best Actor | The Greatest Love | Won | |
Hong Kong Cable TV Awards | 2011 | Best Actor | City Hall | Won |
KBS Drama Awards | 2003 | Popularity Award | Bodyguard | Won |
Top Excellence Award, Actor | Won | |||
Korea Advertisers Association | 2003 | Good Model Award | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Korea Best Dresser Swan Awards | 1999 | Best Dressed | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Korea Broadcasting Awards | 2011 | Best Actor | The Greatest Love | Won |
Korea Drama Awards | 2011 | Best Actor | The Greatest Love | Nominated |
2015 | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Splendid Politics | Nominated | |
Korea Fashion & Design Awards | 2007 | Fashion Icon Award | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Korea Fashion Association | 1996 | Male Model of the Year | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Korea Fashion Photographers Association | 1995 | Model of the Year | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Korea Jewelry Awards | 2008 | Sapphire Award | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Korea Lifestyle Awards | 2011 | Best Dressed of the Year - Male | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Korea Model Association | 1995 | Model of the Year | Cha Seung-won | Won |
MBC Drama Awards | 2011 | Best Couple Award | Cha Seung-won (with Gong Hyo-jin) The Greatest Love | Won |
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | The Greatest Love | Won | ||
2015 | Top 10 Stars Award | Splendid Politics | Won | |
Grand Prize (Daesang) | Nominated | |||
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Project Drama | Nominated | |||
Mnet 20's Choice Awards | 2011 | Hot Drama Star - Male | The Greatest Love | Won |
Hot Male Body (Best Six-Pack) | Cha Seung-won | Won | ||
Model Center's Adieu Fashion Festival | 1997 | Grand Prize (Daesang) in Fashion | Cha Seung-won | Won |
Model Line | 1995 | Best Dressed Award | Cha Seung-won | Won |
SBS Drama Awards | 2009 | Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Special | City Hall | Won |
Top 10 Stars | Won | |||
2011 | Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Planning Drama | Athena: Goddess of War | Nominated | |
2014 | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Special | You're All Surrounded | Nominated | |
Style Icon Awards | 2011 | Style Icon of the Year | Cha Seung-won | Won |
TVCF Awards | 2007 | Best CF Model for 2006 | Cha Seung-won | Won |
6.2. State Honors
Country | Award Body | Year | Award |
---|---|---|---|
South Korea | The Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards | 2017 | Presidential Commendation |
7th Finance Day (organized by the Financial Services Commission) | 2022 | Chairman of the Financial Services Committee Commendation | |
South Korea | Seoul Regional Tax Office (53rd Taxpayer's Day) | 2019 | Commendation from the Seoul Regional Tax Office |
6.3. Listicles
Publisher | Year | Listicle | Placement |
---|---|---|---|
Forbes | 2012 | Korea Power Celebrity 40 | 25th |
2016 | 11th | ||
The Screen | 2009 | 1984-2008 Top Box Office Powerhouse Actors in Korean Movies | 12th |
7. Public Image and Impact
Cha Seung-won has cultivated a distinctive public image that balances his rugged, "macho" screen persona with a surprising domestic charm. His ability to portray diverse characters, from comedic villains to serious detectives, and his consistent box office success have made him one of South Korea's most bankable stars. His long and successful career, spanning both modeling and acting, demonstrates remarkable longevity in the highly competitive entertainment industry.
A significant part of his public impact comes from his role in variety television, particularly his "Chajumma" (차줌마ChajummaKorean) nickname from the reality show Three Meals a Day. This persona, highlighting his unexpected culinary skills and a warm, albeit sometimes gruff, "motherly" presence, resonated deeply with the public, creating a new dimension to his image and further endearing him to audiences. This unexpected success in reality television not only brought him commercial deals and parodies but also demonstrated his versatility and willingness to challenge public perceptions. His character "Dokko Jin" in The Greatest Love also became a mini pop culture phenomenon, showcasing his ability to create iconic and memorable characters. Cha Seung-won's career reflects a unique blend of rugged masculinity and approachable warmth, making him a beloved and enduring figure in Korean popular culture.