1. Overview
Choi Moo-ryong (February 25, 1928 - November 11, 1999) was a prominent South Korean actor, producer, and director. He was one of the most popular actors of the 1960s, known for his handsome appearance and masculine image. Beyond his extensive career in cinema, Choi also served as a Member of the National Assembly for Paju, demonstrating a multifaceted public life. He is also known as the father of actor Choi Min-soo.
2. Life
Choi Moo-ryong's life journey spanned a significant period of Korean history, from the Japanese colonial era to the late 20th century, influencing and being influenced by the societal changes of his time.
2.1. Early Life and Education
Choi Moo-ryong was born on February 25, 1928, in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, Korea, Empire of Japan. Some sources indicate his birth name as 최한련Choi Han-ryeonKorean and his birth date as March 16, 1928. He completed his primary education at Paju Imjin Public Elementary School. He later graduated from Kaesong Commercial High School in 1946. In 1955, he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Chung-Ang University.
3. Career
Choi Moo-ryong's career was marked by significant contributions across the film industry and into the political arena, establishing him as a notable public figure.
3.1. Acting Career
Choi Moo-ryong began his acting career in 1954 and remained active until 1987. He rose to prominence in the 1960s, becoming one of the era's most popular actors alongside contemporaries like Shin Young-kyun and Kim Jin-kyu. He was particularly recognized for his handsome appearance and strong, masculine on-screen persona, which captivated audiences. His roles often mirrored the dramatic intensity of his personal life, consistently drawing public attention.
3.2. Filmography
Choi Moo-ryong appeared in numerous films throughout his career.
| Year | English title | Korean title | Romanization | Role | Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Prince Yeon-san | 연산군YeonsangunKorean | Yeonsangun | ||
| 1986 | The Liberal Wife 2 | 자유 부인 2Jayubuin 2Korean | Jayubuin 2 | ||
| 1981 | Liberal Wife '81 | 자유부인Ja-yubu-in '81Korean | Ja-yubu-in '81 | Jang Tae-yeon | |
| 1976 | Common Woman | 보통 여자Botong-yeojaKorean | Botong-yeoja | ||
| 1975 | Violent Shaking | 격동GyeogdongKorean | Gyeogdong | ||
| A Little Star | 작은 별Jag-eun byeolKorean | Jag-eun byeol | |||
| 1973 | An Eccentric General and His Inferiors All Over the Country | 별난 장군과 팔도부하Byeolnan janggungwa paldobuhaKorean | Byeolnan janggungwa paldobuha | ||
| Azaleas in My Home | 고향에 진달래Gohyang-e jindallaeKorean | Gohyang-e jindallae | |||
| Sister | 누나NunaKorean | Nuna | |||
| Weeds | 잡초JabchoKorean | Jabcho | |||
| Special Investigation Bureau : Kim So-San, the Kisaeng | 특별수사본부 기생 김소산Teugbyeolsusabonbu-wa gisaeng Gim SosanKorean | Teugbyeolsusabonbu-wa gisaeng Gim Sosan | |||
| A Companion | 동반자DongbanjaKorean | Dongbanja | |||
| A Case of a College Girl Lee Nan-Hee of Special Investigation Center | 특별수사본부 여대생 이난희 사건Teugbyeolsusabonbu yeodaesaeng I NanhuisageonKorean | Teugbyeolsusabonbu yeodaesaeng I Nanhuisageon | |||
| Leaving Myeong Dong | 명동을 떠나면서Myeongdong-eul tteonamyeonseoKorean | Myeongdong-eul tteonamyeonseo | |||
| 1972 | Aunt | 이모ImoKorean | Imo | ||
| A Lady Born in the Year of Rat 2 | 쥐띠 부인 2Jwittibu-in 2Korean | Jwittibu-in | |||
| An Honorable Student of Life | 인생 우등생Insaeng-udeungsaengKorean | Insaeng-udeungsaeng | |||
| A Judge's Wife | 판사 부인Pansabu-inKorean | Pansabu-in | |||
| A Man and a Woman | 남과 여Namgwa yeoKorean | Namgwa yeo | |||
| Looking for Sons and Daughters | 아들 딸 찾아 천리길Adeul ttal chaj-a cheonligilKorean | Adeul ttal chaj-a cheonligil | |||
| My Love of the South and the North | 남과 북의 당신Namgwa bug-ui dangsinKorean | Namgwa bug-ui dangsin | |||
| A Lady Born in the Year of Rat | 쥐띠 부인Jwittibu-inKorean | Jwittibu-in | |||
| The Wedding Ring | 결혼반지GyeolhonbanjiKorean | Gyeolhonbanji | |||
| Oh, Frailty | 약한 자여Yaghanja-yeoKorean | Yaghanja-yeo | |||
| One to One | 일대일Ildae-ilKorean | Ildae-il | |||
| The Fugitive in the Storm | 폭우 속의 도망자Pog-usog-ui domangjaKorean | Pog-usog-ui domangja | |||
| Nationwide Graduates | 팔도 졸업생Paldojol-eobsaengKorean | Paldojol-eobsaeng | |||
| Please Be Happy, My Daughters | 잘 살아다오 내 딸들아Jalsal-ada-o nae ttaldeul-aKorean | Jalsal-ada-o nae ttaldeul-a | |||
| Cruel History of Myeong Dong | 명동 잔혹사MyeongdongjanhogsaKorean | Myeongdongjanhogsa | |||
| Where Should I Go? | 어디로 가야하나Eodilo ga-yahanaKorean | Eodilo ga-yahana | |||
| Life is On the Lonely Road | 인생은 나그네 길Insaeng-eun nageunegilKorean | Insaeng-eun nageunegil | |||
| I Will Give It All | 아낌없이 바치리Akkim-eobs-i bachiliKorean | Akkim-eobs-i bachili | |||
| Me, Myself and I | 나와 나Na-wa naKorean | Na-wa na | |||
| 1971 | I | 나NaKorean | Na | ||
| A Second Mother | 두 번째 어머니Duljjae-eomeoniKorean | Duljjae-eomeoni | |||
| Beautiful Korea | 아름다운 팔도강산Aleumda-un paldogangsanKorean | Aleumda-un paldogangsan | |||
| Whirl of Betrayals on Myeongdong | 명동 삼국지MyeongdongsamgugjiKorean | Myeongdongsamgugji | |||
| Cell-mates | 동창생DongchangsaengKorean | Dongchangsaeng | |||
| The Women of Kyeongbokgung | 경복궁의 여인들Gyeongboggung-ui yeo-indeulKorean | Gyeongboggung-ui yeo-indeul | |||
| Bye, Mom | 엄마 안녕Eomma annyeongKorean | Eomma annyeong | |||
| Leaving in the Rain | 빗속에 떠날 사람Bissog-e tteonal salamKorean | Bissog-e tteonal salam | |||
| Is Your Husband Like This Too? | 댁의 아빠도 이렇습니까Daeg-ui appado ileohseubnikkaKorean | Daeg-ui appado ileohseubnikka | |||
| Woman of Fire | 화녀HwanyeoKorean | Hwanyeo | |||
| Light in the Field | 초원의 빛Cho-won-ui bichKorean | Cho-won-ui bich | |||
| Action Episodes | 활극 대사HwalgeugdaesaKorean | Hwalgeugdaesa | |||
| The Royal Emissary With No ID | 마패 없는 어사Mapae-eobsneun eosaKorean | Mapae-eobsneun eosa | |||
| What Happened That Night | 그날 밤 생긴 일Geunalbam saenggin ilKorean | Geunalbam saenggin il | |||
| Why Do You Abandon Me | 나를 버리시나이까Naleul beolisinaikkaKorean | Naleul beolisinaikka | |||
| My Love, My Foe | 현상 붙은 4인의 악녀Hyeonsangbut-eun 4in-ui agnyeoKorean | Hyeonsangbut-eun 4in-ui agnyeo | |||
| A Woman Gambler | 어느 여도박사Eoneu yeodobagsaKorean | Eoneu yeodobagsa | |||
| A Hotel Room | 여창YeochangKorean | Yeochang | |||
| Two Sons Sequel | 두 아들Du adeulKorean | Du adeul | |||
| A Student of Life | 인생 유학생Insaeng-yuhagsaengKorean | Insaeng-yuhagsaeng | |||
| Until Next Time | 미워도 안녕Mi-wodo annyeongKorean | Mi-wodo annyeong | |||
| My Wife | 내 아내여Nae anae-yeoKorean | Nae anae-yeo | |||
| 444, Jongno St. | 종로 444번지Jonglo 444beonjiKorean | Jonglo 444beonji | |||
| I'll Follow My Husband | 서방님 따라서Seobangnim ttalaseoKorean | Seobangnim ttalaseo | |||
| Brother | 오빠OppaKorean | Oppa | |||
| A Guilty Woman | 죄 많은 여인Joemanh-eun yeo-inKorean | Joemanh-eun yeo-in | |||
| His Double Life | 미스 리Miseu LeeKorean | Miseu Lee | |||
| A Bout in 30 Years | 30년만의 대결30nyeonman-ui daegyeolKorean | 30nyeonman-ui daegyeol | Dae-gyu | ||
| Foggy Jangchoongdan Stadium | 안개 낀 장충단 공원Angaekkin Jangchungdangong-wonKorean | Angaekkin Jangchungdangong-won | |||
| Twelve Women | 열두 여인Yeoldu yeo-inKorean | Yeoldu yeo-in | |||
| I Can't Forget You | 간다고 잊을소냐Gandago ij-eulsonyaKorean | Gandago ij-eulsonya | |||
| Five Fighters | 5인의 건달들5in-ui geondaldeulKorean | 5in-ui geondaldeul | |||
| Three Half-brothers | 이복 삼형제Ibog 3hyeongjeKorean | Ibog 3hyeongje | |||
| Wild Magpie | 외로운 산까치Oelo-un sankkachiKorean | Oelo-un sankkachi | |||
| Time on Myungdong | 명동에 흐르는 세월Myeongdong-e heuleuneun se-wolKorean | Myeongdong-e heuleuneun se-wol | |||
| Sorrow in Tears | 두 줄기 눈물 속에Dujulgi nunmulsog-eKorean | Dujulgi nunmulsog-e | |||
| Some Married Couple | 어느 부부Eoneu bubuKorean | Eoneu bubu | |||
| 1970 | Tokyo Lion and Myeongdong Tiger | 동경 사자와 명동 호랑이Donggyeongsaja-wa Myeongdongholang-iKorean | Donggyeongsaja-wa Myeongdongholang-i | ||
| Visitor in the Dead of the Night | 심야의 방문객Sim-ya-ui bangmungaegKorean | Sim-ya-ui bangmungaeg | |||
| Friendship of Hope | 내일 있는 우정Nae-il-issneun ujeongKorean | Nae-il-issneun ujeong | |||
| Lefty Without a Tomorrow | 내일 없는 왼손잡이Nae-il-eobsneun oensonjab-iKorean | Nae-il-eobsneun oensonjab-i | |||
| I will Bear No More | 나는 참을 수 없다Naneun cham-eul su eobsdaKorean | Naneun cham-eul su eobsda | |||
| House of a Stranger | 타인의 집Ta-in-ui jibKorean | Ta-in-ui jib | |||
| Yearning for a Lover | 임 그리워Imgeuli-woKorean | Imgeuli-wo | |||
| Please Turn Off the Light | 방에 불을 꺼주오Bang-e bul-eul kkeoju-oKorean | Bang-e bul-eul kkeoju-o | |||
| Chastity | 순결SungyeolKorean | Sungyeol | |||
| Dance with My Father | 아빠와 함께 춤을Appa-wa hamkke chum-eulKorean | Appa-wa hamkke chum-eul | |||
| Escape | 3호 탈출SamhotalchulKorean | Samhotalchul | |||
| King Yeong-chin, the Last Crown Prince | 마지막 황태자 영친왕Majimag hwangtaeja Yeongchin-wangKorean | Majimag hwangtaeja Yeongchin-wang | |||
| Back Alley No. 5 | 뒷골목 5번지Dwisgolmog obeonjiKorean | Dwisgolmog obeonji | |||
| A Portrait in the Coffin | 관 속의 미인화Gwansog-ui mi-inhwaKorean | Gwansog-ui mi-inhwa | |||
| Dangerous Liaison | 위험한 관계Wiheomhan gwangyeKorean | Wiheomhan gwangye | |||
| Blue Bedroom | 푸른 침실Puleun chimsilKorean | Puleun chimsil | |||
| Golden Operation 70 in Hong Kong | 황금70 홍콩 작전Hwanggeum70 HongkongjagjeonKorean | Hwanggeum70 Hongkongjagjeon | |||
| Between My Father's Arms | 아빠 품에Appapum-eKorean | Appapum-e | |||
| Woman with Long Eyelashes | 속눈썹이 긴 여자Sognunseob-i gin yeojaKorean | Sognunseob-i gin yeoja | |||
| Frozen Spring | 동춘DongchunKorean | Dongchun | |||
| A Woman's Battleground | 여인 전장Yeo-injeonjangKorean | Yeo-injeonjang | |||
| 1969 | Let Me Free | 이대로 떠나게 해주세요Idaeto Tteonage Hae JuseyoKorean | Idaeto Tteonage Hae Juseyo | ||
| The Third Zone | 제3지대 2Jesamjidae 2Korean | Jesamjidae | |||
| Parking Lot | 주차장JuchajangKorean | Juchajang | |||
| Love is the Seed of Tears | 사랑은 눈물의 씨앗Sarang-eun Nunmul-ui Ssi-atKorean | Sarang-eun Nunmul-ui Ssi-at | |||
| 1968 | Don't Leave Behind Your Love | 정 두고 가지마Jeong Dugo GajimaKorean | Jeong Dugo Gajima | ||
| The Third Zone | 제3지대Jesam jidaeKorean | Jesam jidae | |||
| Remarriage | 재혼JaehonKorean | Jaehon | |||
| 1967 | Can't Forget | 그래도 못잊어Geuraedo MonnijeoKorean | Geuraedo Monnijeo | ||
| The Life of Na Woon-gyu | 나운규의 일생Naungyu IlsaengKorean | Naungyu Ilsaeng | |||
| Miracle | 기적GijeokKorean | Gijeok | |||
| You and Me | 너와 나Neowa NaKorean | Neowa Na | |||
| Yeonhwa | 연화YeonhwaKorean | Yeonhwa | |||
| Tourist Train | 관광 열차Gwan-gwang YeolchaKorean | Gwan-gwang Yeolcha | |||
| 1966 | Ok-i Makes a Judge Cry | 법창을 울린 옥이Beopchangeul ulrin ok-iKorean | Beopchangeul ulrin ok-i | ||
| A Seoul Boy | 서울 머슴아Seoul meoseumaKorean | Seoul meoseuma | |||
| Bitter Daedong River | 한 많은 대동강Hanmaneun DaedonggangKorean | Hanmaneun Daedonggang | |||
| The Loser and the Winner | 잃은 자와 찾은 자Ireun Jawa Chajeun JaKorean | Ireun Jawa Chajeun Ja | |||
| Well-lighted Room of the Newly Married | 화촉신방HwachoksinbangKorean | Hwachoksinbang | |||
| Night Blues | 밤하늘의 부르스Bamhaneurui BluesKorean | Bamhaneurui Blues | |||
| Decorations Never Rust | 훈장은 녹슬지 않는다Hunjangeun Nokseulji AnneundaKorean | Hunjangeun Nokseulji Anneunda | |||
| 1965 | Lost Years | 잃어버린 세월Ireobeorin SewolKorean | Ireobeorin Sewol | ||
| The Last Passion | 마지막 정열Majimak Jeong-yeolKorean | Majimak Jeong-yeol | |||
| I Don't Want to Die | 나는 죽기 싫다Naneun Jukgi SiltaKorean | Naneun Jukgi Silta | |||
| Behold with an Angry Face | 성난 얼굴로 돌아보라Seongnan Eolgullo Dol-aboraKorean | Seongnan Eolgullo Dol-abora | |||
| Madam Oh | 오마담OmadamKorean | Omadam | |||
| Never Regret | 후회하지 않겠다Huhoehaji AngetdaKorean | Huhoehaji Angetda | |||
| Flesh and Blood | 피와 살Pi-wa SalKorean | Pi-wa Sal | |||
| The Virgin Playing Saxophone | 색스폰 부는 처녀Saxophone Buneun CheonyeoKorean | Saxophone Buneun Cheonyeo | |||
| Good and Evil | 선과 악Seongwa AkKorean | Seongwa Ak | |||
| The Foster Mother & the Natural Mother | The Foster Mother & the Natural Mother | ||||
| The Sworn Brothers | 의형제UihyeongjeKorean | Uihyeongje | |||
| The North and South | 남과 북Namgwa BukKorean | Namgwa Buk | Captain Lee | ||
| 1964 | The Heartbreaking Love of Mother | 피어린 모정Pi-eorin MojeongKorean | Pi-eorin Mojeong | ||
| Let's Meet on Thursday | 목요일에 만납시다Mogyoire MannapsidaKorean | Mogyoire Mannapsida | |||
| The Housemaid | 식모SingmoKorean | Singmo | |||
| The Intimidator | 협박자HyeopbakjaKorean | Hyeopbakja | |||
| The Sorrowful Separation | 이별만은 슬프더라Ibyeolman-eun SeulpeudeoraKorean | Ibyeolman-eun Seulpeudeora | |||
| The Night When Raining over the Acacia | 아카시아에 비오는 밤Akasi-a-e Bi-oneun BamKorean | Akasi-a-e Bi-oneun Bam | |||
| The Blues with the Black Scar | 검은 상처의 부루스Geomeun Sangcheo-ui BureuseuKorean | Geomeun Sangcheo-ui Bureuseu | |||
| The Invisible Border Line | 국경 아닌 국경선Guggyeong-anin GukgyeongseonKorean | Guggyeong-anin Gukgyeongseon | |||
| Take a Course to the South | 기수를 남쪽으로 돌려라Gisureul Namjjok-euro DollyeoraKorean | Gisureul Namjjok-euro Dollyeora | |||
| Red Scarf | 빨간 마후라Ppalgan MahuraKorean | Ppalgan Mahura | |||
| Where Can I Stand? | 내가 설 땅은 어디냐Naega Seol Ttang-eun EodinyaKorean | Naega Seol Ttang-eun Eodinya | |||
| The Lady of Gye-dong | 계동 아씨Gyedong AssiKorean | Gyedong Assi | |||
| The Chaser | 추격자ChugyeokjaKorean | Chugyeokja | |||
| 1963 | The Loneliest Man in Seoul | 서울서 제일 쓸쓸한 사나이Seo-ulseo Je-il Sseulsseulhan SanaiKorean | Seo-ulseo Je-il Sseulsseulhan Sanai | ||
| Stars on the Earth | 대지의 성좌Daeji-ui SeongjwaKorean | Daeji-ui Seongjwa | |||
| The Marines Who Never Returned | 돌아오지 않는 해병Dora-oji Anneun HaebyeongKorean | Dora-oji Anneun Haebyeong | |||
| Gaya's House | 가야의 집Gaya-ui JibKorean | Gaya-ui Jib | |||
| Prince Sun and Princess Moon | 햇님 왕자와 달님 공주Haennim Wangjawa Dalnim GongjuKorean | Haennim Wangjawa Dalnim Gongju | |||
| The Only Son | 외아들Oe-adeulKorean | Oe-adeul | |||
| Golden Grass of Yesterday | 옛날의 금잔디Yennare GeumjandiKorean | Yennare Geumjandi | |||
| 00:15 Train from Daejeon | 대전발 0시 50분Daejeonbal Yeongsi OsibbunKorean | Daejeonbal Yeongsi Osibbun | |||
| Hundred Years' Enmity | 백년한BaengnyeonhanKorean | Baengnyeonhan | |||
| Monyeo Ridge Where The Flute Is Played | 피리 불던 모녀 고개Pilibuldeon Monyeo GogaeKorean | Pilibuldeon Monyeo Gogae | |||
| Love Like Stars | 사랑아 별과 같이Sarang-a Byeol-gwa GachiKorean | Sarang-a Byeol-gwa Gachi | |||
| To Part at Busan Harbor in Tears | 울며 헤어진 부산항Ulmyeo He-eojin BusanhangKorean | Ulmyeo He-eojin Busanhang | |||
| A Beggar Prince | 거지 왕자Geoji WangjaKorean | Geoji Wangja | |||
| Bloodline | 혈맥HyeolmaekKorean | Hyeolmaek | |||
| Jimmy Is Not Sad | 지미는 슬프지 않다Jimmyneun Seulpeuji AntaKorean | Jimmyneun Seulpeuji Anta | |||
| The Fiancee | 약혼녀YakhonnyeoKorean | Yakhonnyeo | |||
| The Virgin in the Pub | 선술집 처녀Seonsuljib CheonyeoKorean | Seonsuljib Cheonyeo | |||
| Ssangeommu | 쌍검무SsanggeommuKorean | Ssanggeommu | |||
| Love and Good-bye | 만날 때와 헤어질 때Mannal Ttaewa He-eojil TtaeKorean | Mannal Ttaewa He-eojil Ttae | |||
| The Long Nakdong River | 낙동강 칠백리Nakdonggang ChilbaengriKorean | Nakdonggang Chilbaengri | |||
| 1962 | Bulgasari | 불가사리BulgasariKorean | Bulgasari | ||
| Mother's Love | 모성애Moseong-aeKorean | Moseong-ae | |||
| When the Cloud Scatters Away | 구름이 흩어질 때Gureumi Heuteojil TtaeKorean | Gureumi Heuteojil Ttae | |||
| Where Love and Death Meet | 사랑과 죽음의 해협Sarang-gwa Jugeum-ui HaehyeobKorean | Sarang-gwa Jugeum-ui Haehyeob | |||
| A Log Bridge | 외나무 다리OenamudariKorean | Oenamudari | |||
| Call 112 | 다이얼 112를 돌려라112reul DollyeoraKorean | 112reul Dollyeora | |||
| Yang Kuei-Fei | 양귀비Yang GwibiKorean | Yang Gwibi | |||
| Great Monk Wonhyo | 원효대사Wonhyo DaesaKorean | Wonhyo Daesa | |||
| Sad Miari Pass | 한 많은 미아리 고개Hanmaneun Miari GogaeKorean | Hanmaneun Miari Gogae | |||
| Son Ogong | 손오공Son OgongKorean | Son Ogong | |||
| The Way to Seoul | 서울로 가는 길Seoullo Ganeun GilKorean | Seoullo Ganeun Gil | |||
| Gyewolhyang | 평양 기생 계월향Pyeongyang Gisaeng GyewolhyangKorean | Pyeongyang Gisaeng Gyewolhyang | |||
| Between the Sky and the Earth | 하늘과 땅 사이에Haneulgwa Ttangsa-i-eKorean | Haneulgwa Ttangsa-i-e | |||
| The Best Bride and a Plain Young Man | 특등 신부와 삼등 신랑Teukdeungsinbu-wa Samdeung SillangKorean | Teukdeungsinbu-wa Samdeung Sillang | |||
| Want to Go Somewhere | 어딘지 가고 싶어Eodinji Gago SipeoKorean | Eodinji Gago Sipeo | |||
| A Lady in Black Gloves | 검은 장갑의 여인Geomeun Janggab-ui YeoinKorean | Geomeun Janggab-ui Yeoin | |||
| Great Challenge | 대도전Dae-dojeonKorean | Dae-dojeon | |||
| Even Though I Die | 목숨을 걸고Moksumeul GeolgoKorean | Moksumeul Geolgo | |||
| The War and an Old Man | 전쟁과 노인Jeonjaenggwa No-inKorean | Jeonjaenggwa No-in | |||
| There Is No Bad Man | 악인은 없다Agineun EopdaKorean | Agineun Eopda | |||
| What Happens in an Alley | 골목 안 풍경Golmogan PunggyeongKorean | Golmogan Punggyeong | |||
| Be Tough, Geumsun! | 굳세어라 금순아Gutse-eora GeumsunaKorean | Gutse-eora Geumsuna | |||
| Coming Home | 귀향GwihyangKorean | Gwihyang | |||
| 1961 | Fishermen | 어부들EobudeulKorean | Eobudeul | ||
| Ignorant but Now Rich | 촌 오복이Chon ObogiKorean | Chon Obogi | |||
| For This Moment | 이 순간을 위하여I Sungan-eul WihayeoKorean | I Sungan-eul Wihayeo | |||
| Emile | 에밀레종Emille JongKorean | Emille Jong | |||
| My Father | 아버지AbeojiKorean | Abeoji | |||
| Stars' Home | 별의 고향Byeorui GohyangKorean | Byeorui Gohyang | |||
| Farewell at Busan | 이별의 부산 정거장Ibyeol-ui Busan JeonggeojangKorean | Ibyeol-ui Busan Jeonggeojang | |||
| Wonsullang | 원술랑WonsullangKorean | Wonsullang | |||
| Yangsando | 양산도YangsandoKorean | Yangsando | Su-dong | ||
| Confession at Midnight | 심야의 고백Simya-ui GobaekKorean | Simya-ui Gobaek | |||
| Don't Touch Me | 내 몸에 손을 대지 마라Naemom-e Son-eul Daeji MaraKorean | Naemom-e Son-eul Daeji Mara | |||
| I Don't Regret | 내 청춘에 한은 없다Nae Cheongchun-e Han-eun EopdaKorean | Nae Cheongchun-e Han-eun Eopda | |||
| A Gang of Robbers | 군도GundoKorean | Gundo | Geom | ||
| On the Eve of the Liberation Day | 8.15 전야Pariro JeonyaKorean | Pariro Jeonya | |||
| A Sunflower Family | 해바라기 가족Haebaragi GajokKorean | Haebaragi Gajok | |||
| Gate to the Forbidden | 금단의 문Geumdan-ui munKorean | Geumdan-ui mun | |||
| Five Marines | 5인의 해병O in-ui haebyeongKorean | O in-ui haebyeong | |||
| Lim Kkeok-jeong | 임꺽정Lim Kkeok-jeongKorean | Lim Kkeok-jeong | |||
| Half Brothers | 이복 형제Ibok HyeongjeKorean | Ibok Hyeongje | |||
| A Mistress | 정부JeongbuKorean | Jeongbu | |||
| A Disobedient Son | 불효자BulhyojaKorean | Bulhyoja | |||
| 1960 | Obaltan | 오발탄ObaltanKorean | Obaltan | ||
| A Fig | 무화과MuhwagwaKorean | Muhwagwa | |||
| Song in My Heart | 내 가슴에 그 노래를Naegaseum-e geu nolaeleulKorean | Naegaseum-e geu nolaeleul | |||
| A Rainbow | 무지개MujigaeKorean | Mujigae | |||
| Late-night Blues | 심야의 부르스Sim-ya-ui buleuseuKorean | Sim-ya-ui buleuseu | |||
| Sorrow like a River | 슬픔은 강물처럼Seulpeum-eun gangmulcheoleomKorean | Seulpeum-eun gangmulcheoleom | |||
| A Terminal Station of Separation | 이별의 종착역Ibyeol-ui jongchag-yeogKorean | Ibyeol-ui jongchag-yeog | |||
| An Image of Mother | 모상MosangKorean | Mosang | |||
| Katyusha | 카추사KatyushaKorean | Katyusha | |||
| A Revival | 재생JaesaengKorean | Jaesaeng | |||
| A Memorandum of a Female Teacher | 어느 여교사의 수기Eoneu yeogyosa-ui sugiKorean | Eoneu yeogyosa-ui sugi | |||
| Mother's Power | 어머니의 힘Eomeoni-ui himKorean | Eomeoni-ui him | |||
| A Son's Judgement | 아들의 심판Adeul-ui simpanKorean | Adeul-ui simpan | |||
| Mother Earth | 대지의 어머니Daeji-ui eomeoniKorean | Daeji-ui eomeoni | |||
| The Moral of Youth | 청춘의 윤리Cheongchun-ui yunliKorean | Cheongchun-ui yunli | |||
| I Won't Cry | 울지 않으련다Ulji anheulyeondaKorean | Ulji anheulyeonda | |||
| Through a Darkness | 암흑을 뚫고Amheug-eul ttulhgoKorean | Amheug-eul ttulhgo | |||
| I Will Forget the Name | 그 이름을 잊으리Geu ireum-eul ij-euriKorean | Geu ireum-eul ij-euri | |||
| A Drifting Story | 표류도PyoludoKorean | Pyoludo | |||
| As You Please | 제멋대로JemeosdaeloKorean | Jemeosdaelo | |||
| Although it is Far | 길은 멀어도Gil-eun meol-eodoKorean | Gil-eun meol-eodo | |||
| A Young Blueprint | 젊은 설계도Jeolm-eun seolgyedoKorean | Jeolm-eun seolgyedo | |||
| A Stormy Hill | 폭풍의 언덕Pogpung-ui eondeogKorean | Pogpung-ui eondeog | |||
| The Milky Way in the Blue Sky | 푸른 하늘 은하수Pureunhanul EunhasuKorean | Pureunhanul Eunhasu | |||
| 1959 | Rainy Day 3 p.m. | 비오는 날의 오후 세시Bioneun Narui Ohu SesiKorean | Bioneun Narui Ohu Sesi | ||
| A Star Crying Alone | 홀로 우는 별Hollo Uneun ByeolKorean | Hollo Uneun Byeol | |||
| A Barber of Jangmaru Village | 장마루촌의 이발사Jangmaruchonui IbalsaKorean | Jangmaruchonui Ibalsa | |||
| Stars Over the Window | 별은 창 넘어로Byeoreun ChangneomeoroKorean | Byeoreun Changneomeoro | |||
| Always Thinking of You | 자나 깨나Jana KkaenaKorean | Jana Kkaena | |||
| Another Love Comes Again | 사랑 뒤에 오는 사랑Sarang Dwie Oneun SarangKorean | Sarang Dwie Oneun Sarang | |||
| I and a Star | 별 하나 나 하나Byeolhana NahanaKorean | Byeolhana Nahana | Baek Yeong-gi | ||
| Diary of Youths | 청춘 일기CheongchunilgiKorean | Cheongchunilgi | |||
| An Inn | 여인숙YeoinsukKorean | Yeoinsuk | |||
| A Vanished Dream | 꿈은 사라지고Kkumeun SarajigoKorean | Kkumeun Sarajigo | |||
| Spring Comes and Goes | 가는 봄 오는 봄Ganeun Bom Oneun BomKorean | Ganeun Bom Oneun Bom | |||
| Even the Clouds Are Drifting | 구름은 흘러도Gureumeun HeulleodoKorean | Gureumeun Heulleodo | |||
| Daewongun Regent and Queen Minbi | 대원군과 민비Daewongungwa MinbiKorean | Daewongungwa Minbi | |||
| Early Spring | 조춘JochunKorean | Jochun | |||
| Even The Love Has Gone | 사랑은 흘러가도Sarangeun HeulleogadoKorean | Sarangeun Heulleogado | |||
| Independence Association and young Lee Seung-Man | 독립협회와 청년 이승만Dongniphyeophoewa Cheongnyeon Lee Seung-manKorean | Dongniphyeophoewa Cheongnyeon Lee Seung-man | |||
| A Negro Whom I Got | 내가 낳은 검둥이Naega Naeun GeomdungiKorean | Naega Naeun Geomdungi | |||
| Men vs. Women | 남성 대 여성Namseong Dae YeoseongKorean | Namseong Dae Yeoseong | |||
| A White Pearl | 백진주BaekjinjuKorean | Baekjinju | |||
| Affection and Apathy | 유정무정YujeongmujeongKorean | Yujeongmujeong (original title: Pamun) | |||
| She Should Live | 살아야 한다Saraya HandaKorean | Saraya Handa | |||
| A Necklace of Reminiscence | 추억의 목걸이Chueogui MokgeoriKorean | Chueogui Mokgeori | |||
| No More Tragedies | 비극은 없다Bigeugeun EopdaKorean | Bigeugeun Eopda | |||
| Terms of Marriage | 결혼 조건GyeolhonjogeonKorean | Gyeolhonjogeon | |||
| A Way of a Body | 육체의 길Yukcheui GilKorean | Yukcheui Gil, The Way of All Flesh | |||
| 1958 | The Third Class Hotel | 삼등 호텔SamdeunghotelKorean | Samdeunghotel | ||
| An Incense Fire | 마도의 향불Mado-ui hyangbulKorean | Mado-ui hyangbul | |||
| The Love of Shadow | 그림자 사랑Geurimja sarangKorean | Geurimja sarang | |||
| The Lost People | 길 잃은 사람들Gil-ilh-eun salamdeulKorean | Gil-ilh-eun salamdeul | |||
| 1957 | An Exotic Garden | 이국정원Igugjeong-wonKorean | Igugjeong-won | ||
| The Lost Youth | 잃어버린 청춘Ilh-eobeolin cheongchunKorean | Ilh-eobeolin cheongchun | |||
| Life of a Woman | 그 여자의 일생Geu yeoja-ui ilsaengKorean | Geu yeoja-ui ilsaeng | Im Hak-jae | ||
| A Night at a Harbor | 항구의 일야Hanggu-ui il-yaKorean | Hanggu-ui il-ya | |||
| 1956 | The Sadness of Heredity | 유전의 애수Yujeon-ui aesuKorean | Yujeon-ui aesu | ||
| A Woman's Enemy | 여성의 적Yeoseong-ui jeogKorean | Yeoseong-ui jeog | |||
| 1955 | Box of Death | 죽엄의 상자Jugeom-ui sangjaKorean | Jugeom-ui sangja | ||
| The Youth | 젊은 그들Jeolm-eun geudeulKorean | Jeolm-eun geudeul | Ahn Jae-young | ||
| 1954 | Turbid Water | 탁류TangnyuKorean | Tangnyu |
3.3. Directing Career
In addition to his acting, Choi Moo-ryong also directed several films. His directorial works include:
- 1965: Blood-stained Guwolsan (피어린 구월산Pi-eorin GuwolsanKorean)
- 1966: The Life of Na Woon-gyu (나운규의 일생Naungyu-ui IlsaengKorean)
- 1966: Hateful Seok-yi's Mother (한 많은 석이 엄마Han Maneun Seog-i EommaKorean)
- 1967: Stepmother (계모GyemoKorean)
- 1967: Seoul is Full (서울은 만원이다Seoul-eun ManwonidaKorean)
- 1967: Melancholy (애수AesuKorean)
- 1967: Yeonhwa (연화YeonhwaKorean)
- 1968: North Korea (북한BukhanKorean)
- 1968: Don't Leave Behind Your Love (정 두고 가지마Jeong Dugo GajimaKorean)
- 1968: The Third Zone (제3지대JesamjidaeKorean)
- 1969: Wound (상처SangcheoKorean)
- 1969: Under a Certain Sky (어느 하늘 아래서Eoneu Haneul AraeseoKorean)
- 1969: The Third Zone 2 (제3지대 2Jesamjidae 2Korean)
- 1970: Underground Women's College (지하여자대학JihayeojadaehakKorean)
- 1983: This Body Becomes a Stone (이 한몸 돌이 되어I Hanmom Dol-i DoeeoKorean)
- 1987: Trap (덫DeotKorean)
3.4. Political Career
Choi Moo-ryong also ventured into politics. He was elected as a Member of the National Assembly for the Paju constituency in the 13th National Assembly election in 1988. Representing the New Democratic Republican Party, he secured 34,219 votes, accounting for 41.80% of the total, and was elected in first place, serving as a first-term legislator.
4. Personal Life
Choi Moo-ryong's personal life was often as dramatic as the films he starred in, frequently drawing public attention.
4.1. Family Relations
Choi Moo-ryong was married twice. His first marriage was in 1952 to actress Kang Hyo-shil (born February 10, 1932, died November 2, 1996), the daughter of renowned actress Jeon Ok (nicknamed "Queen of Tears") and singer Gang Hong-sik. They had one son and four daughters: Choi Min-soo (born March 27, 1962), Choi Jung-woo, Choi Hyun-sook, Choi Ye-sook, and Choi Jin-kyung. However, Choi Moo-ryong and Kang Hyo-shil divorced in 1962 due to his affair with Kim Ji-mee, who was the most popular actress at the time.
Choi Moo-ryong married Kim Ji-mee in 1963. They had one daughter, Choi Young-sook (born 1968). However, this marriage also ended in divorce in 1969, largely due to the massive debts Choi incurred from his failed film production ventures. During this period, the phrase "Because I love you, I have to part from her" became widely circulated among the public, reflecting the dramatic nature of his personal relationships.
His son, Choi Min-soo, followed in his footsteps and became a well-known actor. Choi Min-soo is married to Kang Joo-eun (born April 15, 1971), and they have two sons, Choi Yu-seong (born 1996) and Choi Yu-jin (born 2001). Choi Young-sook, his daughter with Kim Ji-mee, is married to Son Jeong-ho (born 1964).
5. Awards and Evaluation
Choi Moo-ryong's contributions to South Korean cinema were recognized with numerous awards throughout his career, though his public image was also shaped by personal controversies.
5.1. Major Award History
Choi Moo-ryong received several prestigious awards for his acting and directing:
- 1963: The 1st Blue Dragon Film Awards - Special Award: Group Acting (for 돌아오지 않는 해병Dora-oji Anneun HaebyeongKorean)
- 1964: The 2nd Blue Dragon Film Awards - Best Supporting Actor (for Red Scarf (빨간 마후라Ppalgan MahuraKorean))
- 1965: The 3rd Blue Dragon Film Awards - Best Actor
- 1971: The 10th Grand Bell Awards - Best Supporting Actor (for 마지막 황태자 영친왕Majimag Hwangtaeja Yeongchin-wangKorean)
- 1971: The 7th Baeksang Arts Awards - Best Film Actor (for 방에 불을 꺼주오Bang-e Bul-eul Kkeoju-oKorean)
- 1971: The 8th Blue Dragon Film Awards - Best Actor (for 30 Years' Confrontation (30년만의 대결30nyeonman-ui DaegyeolKorean))
- 1972: The 9th Blue Dragon Film Awards - Favorite Actor
- 1973: The 9th Baeksang Arts Awards - Favorite Film Actor selected by readers
- 1973: The 10th Blue Dragon Film Awards - Favorite Actor
- 1974: The 10th Baeksang Arts Awards - Favorite Film Actor selected by readers
- 1976: The 22nd Asia Film Festival - Best Actor (for Common Woman (보통 여자Botong YeojaKorean))
- 1999: The 36th Grand Bell Awards - Film Development Lifetime Achievement Award
- 1999: Order of Cultural Merit (Bo-gwan Class)
- 2000: The 4th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival - Special Achievement Award
5.2. Public Evaluation and Controversies
Choi Moo-ryong's artistic contributions were widely recognized, establishing him as a leading figure in South Korean cinema during its golden age. His masculine image and charismatic presence made him a beloved star. However, his public evaluation was significantly intertwined with his dramatic personal life, particularly his affair and subsequent marriages and divorces with two prominent actresses, Kang Hyo-shil and Kim Ji-mee. These events often became subjects of public discussion and tabloid fodder, sometimes overshadowing his professional achievements. Despite the controversies, he maintained a strong public presence and continued to be a notable figure in Korean entertainment and, later, politics.
6. Other
6.1. Actors Who Played Choi Moo-ryong
Choi Moo-ryong's life and persona have been depicted in other media. For instance, in the 2003 SBS drama Rustic Period (야인시대Yain SidaeKorean), he was portrayed by actor Jung Jae-gon.