1. Early Life and Background
Shin Il-ryong's early life was marked by his family's history and the unique origin of his professional name, which would become synonymous with his acting career.
1.1. Childhood and Family
Shin Il-ryong was born Cho Soo-hyun on October 17, 1948. His ancestral seat was with the Changnyeong Jo clan. His father, a displaced person, was born in Bukcheong County, Hamgyeongnam-do during the Japanese colonial era and later relocated to Gyeongseong (present-day Seoul) in 1941. Shin Il-ryong was the older brother of Jo Jung-hyun, who also became known as a singer, musical actor, and entrepreneur. Upon his film debut, Shin Il-ryong adopted the stage name 'Shin Il-ryong' at the suggestion of his then-agency, Shin Film. The name was intended to signify that he would become "a dragon of Shin Film," embodying strength and success within the company.
2. Career
Shin Il-ryong's professional journey encompassed a prolific acting career in both film and television, as well as significant ventures into the business world.
2.1. Acting Career
Shin Il-ryong began his acting career as a stage actor in 1969. The following year, in 1970, he made his film debut in the movie Ghost of Chosun (이조괴담Ijo GwedamKorean), in which he was credited under his birth name, Cho Soo-hyun. He quickly gained recognition for his dynamic presence and martial arts skills, leading to an extensive filmography. His acting style and dedication to action roles earned him comparisons to Bruce Lee, solidifying his status as a prominent action star in South Korea. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he was a prolific actor, appearing in a wide range of films and television dramas.
2.2. Entrepreneurial Career
In addition to his success in the entertainment industry, Shin Il-ryong also pursued entrepreneurial endeavors. He served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CFC Korea, a testament to his versatility and business acumen beyond the film set.
3. Filmography
Shin Il-ryong's career as an actor involved numerous appearances in films, television dramas, and commercials, showcasing his versatility across different media.
3.1. Film
- 1970: Ghost of Chosun (이조괴담Ijo GwedamKorean) - credited as Cho Soo-hyun
- 1971: War and Human (전쟁과 인간Jeonjaenggwa InganKorean)
- 1971: Pyongyang Bomber (평양폭격대Pyeongyang PokgyeokdaeKorean)
- 1972: Young Teacher (청춘교사Cheongchun GyosaKorean)
- 1972: Long Live the Island Frogs (섬개구리 만세Seomgaeguri ManseKorean)
- 1972: Between Love and Affection (정과 정 사이에Jeonggwa Jeong SaieKorean)
- 1972: Bachelor Teacher (총각선생Chonggak SeonsaengKorean)
- 1972: Tiger of Inwangsan (인왕산 호랑이Inwangsan HorangiKorean)
- 1973: Special Forces Foreign Legion (특공외인부대Teukgong OeindaeKorean)
- 1973: Sunday Guests (일요일의 손님들Ilyoil-ui SonnimdeulKorean)
- 1973: Seoul Lovers (서울의 연인Seoul-ui YeoninKorean)
- 1973: Gone Love (가버린 사랑Gabeorin SarangKorean)
- 1973: Depart in the Sunset (석양에 떠나라Seogyang-e TteonaraKorean)
- 1973: Toast (축배ChukbaeKorean)
- 1973: Lover's Classroom (애인교실Aein GyosilKorean)
- 1973: Three Days' Reign (삼일천하SamilcheonhaKorean)
- 1973: Tiger General (호랑이장군HorangijanggunKorean)
- 1973: Ttolttol-i Naval Special Forces (똘똘이 해상특공대Ttolttol-i HaesangteukgongdaeKorean)
- 1973: Journey (Continued) (여로(속)Yeoro (Sok)Korean)
- 1973: Escape of Life and Death (생사의 탈출Saengsa-ui TalchulKorean)
- 1973: Secret Garden (비원BiwonKorean)
- 1973: Youth 25 Hours (청춘25시Cheongchun 25siKorean)
- 1973: Special Investigation Headquarters: The Bae Tae-ok Case (특별수사본부 배태옥사건Teukbyeolsusabonbu Bae Tae-ok SageonKorean)
- 1973: Korea Military Academy (육군사관학교Yukgun SagwanggakgyoKorean)
- 1973: Depart in the Sunset (석양에 떠나라Seogyang-e TteonaraKorean)
- 1973: Married on an Ox (황소타고 시집왔네Hwangso Tago SijibwatneKorean)
- 1973: East Wind (동풍DongpungKorean)
- 1973: Sunshine on Her Face (그 얼굴에 햇살을Geu Eolgure Haessal-eulKorean)
- 1974: Testimony (증언JeungeonKorean)
- 1974: Woman Who Speaks After Death (죽어서 말하는 여인Jugeoseo Malhaneun YeoinKorean)
- 1974: Deep Relationship (깊은 사이Gipeun SaiKorean)
- 1974: New Snow (신설SinseolKorean)
- 1974: Car Running on Plain Water (맹물로 가는 자동차Maengmullo Ganeun JadongchaKorean)
- 1974: Special Investigation Headquarters: The Life of Kim Soo-im (특별수사본부 김수임의 일생Teukbyeolsusabonbu Kim Su-im-ui IlsaengKorean)
- 1974: Dallae (달래DallaeKorean)
- 1974: Luck (행운HaengunKorean)
- 1974: Will Never Forget (잊을수는 없겠지Ijeulsuneun EopgetjiKorean)
- 1974: Saturday Night (토요일밤에Toyoilbam-eKorean)
- 1976: Arabia's Hot Wind (아라비아의 열풍Arabia-ui YeolpungKorean)
- 1976: The Judge (심판자SimpanjaKorean) - Korea-Hong Kong co-production
- 1977: New Tangshan Big Brother (신당산대형SindangsandaehyeongKorean) - Korea-Hong Kong co-production
- 1980: Phoenix (불새BulsaeKorean)
- 1981: Gyeongui Line (경의선GyeonguiseonKorean)
- 1982: Lover (애인AeinKorean)
- 1982: Abengo Paratroopers (아벤고 공수군단Abengo Gongsu GundanKorean)
- 1983: Mist Whispers Like a Woman (안개는 여자처럼 속삭인다Angaeneun Yeojacheoreom SoksagindaKorean)
- 1983: The Green Pine of Ilsongjeong (일송정 푸른 솔은Ilsongjeong Pureun Sor-eunKorean)
- 1983: Equatorial Flower (적도의 꽃Jeogdo-ui KkotKorean)
- 1984: A Cruel History of Women: Spinning Wheel (여인잔혹사 물레야 물레야Yeoin JanhoksamulleyamulleyoKorean)
- 1984: Madame Aema 2 (애마부인2Aema Buin 2Korean)
- 1984: Overnight Stay (외박OebakKorean)
- 1984: When Night Falls (밤이 무너질 때Bami Muneojil TtaeKorean)
- 1984: Day and Night (낮과 밤Najgwa BamKorean)
- 1985: Miss Kim (미스 김Miss KimKorean)
- 1986: Love That Left Autumn (가을을 남기고 간 사랑Gaeur-eul Namgigo Gan SarangKorean)
- 1986: Hwang Jin-yi (황진이Hwang Jin-yiKorean)
3.2. Television
- 1973: Bukgando (북간도BukgandoKorean), TBC historical drama
- 1989: Wind, Clouds, and Rain (바람과 구름과 비Baramgwa Gureumgwa BiKorean), KBS Monday-Tuesday drama
3.3. Commercials
- 1984-1990: Amorepacific (for products such as Kwaenam Root, Kwaenam Gold, Goryeowang Drink, Miss Kwaenam)
4. Awards and Nominations
Shin Il-ryong's distinguished career was recognized with several prestigious awards from the South Korean entertainment industry.
4.1. Major Awards
- 1973: Blue Dragon Film Award for Best New Actor for his performance in Long Live the Island Frogs (섬개구리 만세Seomgaeguri ManseKorean).
- 1976: Grand Bell Award for Best Actor for his role in Arabia's Hot Wind (아라비아의 열풍Arabia-ui YeolpungKorean).
5. Personal Life
Shin Il-ryong was married to Chae Hee-jong. Together, they had two children: a daughter, Jo Yeo-jin, born in 1979, and a son, Jo In-jun, born in 1990. His younger brother was the notable singer, musical actor, and entrepreneur, Jo Jung-hyun, born on August 15, 1964.
6. Death
Shin Il-ryong passed away on May 26, 2022, in the morning, at the age of 73. The cause of his death was liver cancer.
7. Legacy and Impact
Shin Il-ryong is remembered as a significant figure in South Korean cinema, particularly lauded for his contributions to the action film genre. Often referred to as "Korea's Bruce Lee," he captivated audiences with his charismatic presence and martial arts prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the industry during the 1970s and 1980s. His extensive filmography showcases his dedication to his craft and his versatility as an actor, while his foray into business as CEO of CFC Korea demonstrated his broad talents beyond acting. His legacy endures through his many films and the recognition he received from major film awards, cementing his place as an influential artist in Korean entertainment.