1. Overview
Teo Yoo (born Kim Chi-hun on April 11, 1981) is a prominent South Korean actor who has garnered significant international recognition for his compelling performances. Born and raised in Cologne, West Germany, to South Korean parents, he pursued his acting education in New York City and London before establishing his career in South Korea. Yoo is widely celebrated for his starring role as Viktor Tsoi in the 2018 biographical musical film Leto, which earned him the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best New Actor in 2021. His global profile further escalated with his leading role as Hae-sung in the critically acclaimed 2023 romantic drama Past Lives, for which he received a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In recognition of his growing influence and artistic contributions to the global film industry, Yoo was invited to become a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in June 2024. He is managed by C-JeS Studios.
2. Life
2.1. Birth, Childhood, and Education
Teo Yoo was born as Kim Chi-hun (김치훈Korean) on April 11, 1981, in Cologne, West Germany. His parents were South Korean immigrants who had moved to Germany in the 1970s as part of the *Padok* (파독Korean) program; his father worked as a miner, and his mother was a nurse. Despite being born and raised in Germany, Yoo maintained his South Korean nationality from birth and did not naturalize as a German citizen.
After graduating from high school in Germany, Yoo moved to the United States to pursue his passion for acting. He enrolled in the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City. He later continued his acting studies in the United Kingdom, attending an intensive course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He is fluent in German, English, and Korean.
2.2. Early Activities and Debut
Before embarking on his acting career, Teo Yoo initially aspired to be a professional basketball player during his high school years. However, a knee injury forced him to abandon this dream, leading him to explore other paths, which ultimately led him to acting.
After completing his studies abroad, Yoo moved to South Korea in 2006, following his marriage. He made his acting debut in a short film titled Kim Bab in 2003, which was produced in Germany. His career in South Korea officially began in 2008. His early projects included various short films and supporting roles in feature films, gradually building his experience in the industry.
3. Major Activities and Works
Teo Yoo has established a diverse filmography across film, television, and web series, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He has also ventured into music and directing.
3.1. Film
Yoo has participated in numerous film productions, both in South Korea and internationally. His breakthrough role came in 2018 with the biographical musical film Leto, where he portrayed the iconic Soviet rock star Viktor Tsoi. This performance garnered him critical acclaim and significantly raised his profile.
In 2023, Yoo starred in the American romantic drama film Past Lives as Hae-sung, a role that brought him widespread international recognition and a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He also made special appearances in notable films such as Black Money (2019) as Steve Jung and director Park Chan-wook's 2022 film Decision to Leave as Director Lee.
His filmography includes:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Kim Bab | Kim | short film |
| 2004 | Brooklyn Bound | Tommy Woo | |
| 2006 | Day Night Day Night | Driver | |
| 2009 | Actresses | Emile | |
| 2010 | Innocent When You Dream | Gustav Zerga | short film |
| 2012 | Love Fiction | Secretary | |
| 2012 | Shanghai Strangers | The Lover | short film |
| 2012 | Code Name: Jackal | Moustache | |
| 2014 | One on One | Shadow | |
| 2015 | Seoul Searching | Klaus Kim | |
| 2015 | Equals | Peter | |
| 2015 | You Call It Passion | Jey | |
| 2016 | Bitcoin Heist | Thomas | |
| 2017 | The Moment | Mr. Kim | Thai Film |
| 2017 | TV Cello | Nam June Paik | short film |
| 2018 | Lim | Teo | short film |
| 2018 | Leto | Viktor Tsoi | |
| 2019 | Vertigo | Lee Jin-soo | |
| 2019 | Black Money | Steve Jung | Special appearance |
| 2020 | Pawn | Yoo Deok-hwa | |
| 2021 | New Year Blues | Rae-hwan | |
| 2021 | Log in Belgium | Director, writer, editing | |
| 2022 | Decision to Leave | Director Lee | Special appearance |
| 2023 | Past Lives | Hae-sung | American film |
| 2024 | The Dirty Money | Jang Ji-yang |
3.2. Television Series
Teo Yoo has appeared in various South Korean television dramas and international co-productions.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Arthdal Chronicles | Ragaz | Cameo |
| 2019 | Vagabond | Jerome | |
| 2019 | Chocolate | Kwon Min-sung | |
| 2020 | Money Game | Eugene Han | |
| 2021 | Drama Stage - "Proxy Emotion" | Yoo Jae-ho | Season 4; one-act drama |
| 2021 | The Window | Cho Jae-yeon | Japanese-German joint drama |
3.3. Web Series
Yoo has also taken on roles in web-based series, expanding his presence across different media platforms.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Cravings | Teo |
| 2020 | The School Nurse Files | Mackenzie |
| 2021 | Dr. Brain | Secretary Yoon |
| 2023 | Love to Hate You | Nam Kang-ho |
| 2025 | The Recruit 2 | Jang Gyun |
| TBA | The Baddest Boy |
3.4. Television Shows
Beyond his acting roles, Teo Yoo has made appearances on various South Korean television shows, including reality and variety programs.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Buzzer Beater | Cast Member | Episode 1-8 |
| 2020 | Running Man | Guest | Episode 535 (December 27, 2020), with Yoo Yeon-seok, Lee Yeon-hee, Choi Soo-young |
| 2021 | Honeymoon Tavern | Cast Member | Episode 1-9 |
| 2023 | Amazing Saturday | Guest | |
| 2023 | Omniscient Interfering View | Guest | |
| 2024 | You Quiz on the Block | Guest | Season 4 |
| 2024 | Born to Play Music | Cast Member |
3.5. Music and Directing Activities
In addition to his acting career, Teo Yoo has explored other creative avenues. In 2021, he released his first single titled "Overwhelming," which was part of the original soundtrack for his self-directed film, Log in Belgium.
Log in Belgium marked Yoo's debut as a director, writer, and editor. This multi-faceted involvement in the film showcased his artistic vision and expanded his contributions beyond acting. The film was confirmed for release in December 2021.
He has also appeared in several music videos:
- "Courting" by Lena Park (2017)
- "Our Last Day" by Noel (band) (2018)
- "Tender Love" by Kim Jae-joong (2020)
4. Personal Life
Teo Yoo married South Korean artist and photographer Nikki S. Lee in 2007. The couple met in New York City while Yoo was studying acting. They are currently based in Seoul, South Korea.
5. Awards and Nominations
Teo Yoo has received several awards and nominations throughout his career, recognizing his performances in both film and television.
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Academy Film Awards | 2024 | Best Actor in a Leading Role | Past Lives | Nominated |
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | 2021 | Best New Actor | Vertigo | Won |
| Chicago Film Critics Association Awards | 2023 | Best Actor | Past Lives | Nominated |
| Most Promising Performer | Past Lives | Nominated | ||
| Chunsa Film Art Awards | 2020 | Best New Actor | Vertigo | Nominated |
| Independent Spirit Awards | 2024 | Best Lead Performance | Past Lives | Nominated |
| Korea Arts and Culture Awards | 2021 | Film Division | Won | |
| Korea Cultural Entertainment Awards | 2018 | Best New Actor | Leto | Won |
| Marie Claire Asia Star Awards | 2023 | Asia Star Award | Past Lives | Won |
| Marie Claire Film Festival | 2023 | Marie Claire Award | Log in Belgium | Won |
| MBC Entertainment Awards | 2024 | Popularity Award (Reality) | 태어난 김에 음악일주Born to Play MusicKorean | Won |
| Starpics Thai Film Awards | 2017 | Best Supporting Actor | The Moment | Won |
6. Public Recognition and Evaluation
Teo Yoo's career has seen a steady rise in public and critical acclaim, particularly in recent years. In 2021, he was recognized by GQ Korea as one of their "2021 Men of the Year," a testament to his growing influence and appeal within popular culture.
His performance in Past Lives received widespread critical praise, with many reviewers highlighting his nuanced portrayal of Hae-sung. This role not only earned him a BAFTA nomination but also led to his invitation to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in June 2024, a prestigious recognition that solidifies his standing in the global film community. Critics have often lauded his ability to convey deep emotion and complex characters, solidifying his reputation as a compelling and versatile actor.
7. Impact
Teo Yoo's career, particularly his recent international successes, has significantly contributed to bridging cultural narratives in the global film industry. His role in Leto introduced him to a broader international audience, showcasing his talent in a Russian-language film. The success of Past Lives further amplified his global recognition, demonstrating his ability to connect with diverse audiences through universal themes of love, destiny, and identity.
As a South Korean actor born and educated in the West, Yoo embodies a unique cross-cultural background that enriches his performances and allows him to navigate both Korean and international productions seamlessly. His achievements, including his BAFTA nomination and induction into the Academy, highlight the increasing global appreciation for Korean talent and storytelling. He serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors seeking to transcend geographical and linguistic barriers, contributing to the ongoing globalization of cinema and fostering a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences.