Chun Woo Hee (천우희)
chun woo-hee acting journeywoman-bangs-black-jacket-earrings. chun woo hee chun woo hee -2024 Brand of the Year Awards

Chun Woo Hee (천우희)

천우희
  • Korean Name:천우희
  • Nickname:Queen of Independent Films, Woohee-vely
  • Birthday:April 20, 1987
  • Nationality:South Korean
  • Zodiac Sign:Aries
  • Height:160 cm (5 ft 3 in)
  • Weight:Approximately 45 kg (99 lbs)
  • MBTI Type:INFJ
  • Blood Type:O
  • Occupation:Actress
  • Years Active:2004–present
  • Agency:Blitzway Entertainment
  • Education:Kyonggi University (Department of Acting)
  • SNS:thousand_wooo https://www.instagram.com/thousand_wooo

Biography

Chun Woo-hee is a highly acclaimed South Korean actress renowned for her exceptional versatility and ability to embody a wide range of complex and often challenging characters. From indie darlings to blockbuster hits and compelling television dramas, Chun Woo-hee has consistently delivered powerful performances, establishing herself as one of the most respected and sought-after actresses in the industry.

Early Career & Breakthrough (2004-2013):

Chun Woo-hee first appeared in the 2004 film Love, So Divine. While her early roles were minor, she began to draw attention with her intense performance as a glue-addicted student named Sang-mi in the 2011 box-office hit Sunny. This role, though supporting, was a turning point, making filmmakers and critics take notice.

chun woo hee han gong ju

Her big break arrived in 2013 with the independent drama Han Gong-ju. Her portrayal of a traumatized young woman trying to rebuild her life after a tragedy (inspired by the Miryang gang rape case of 2004) garnered immense critical acclaim, earning her Best Actress awards at prestigious ceremonies like the Blue Dragon Film Awards, the Korean Association of Film Critics, and the Wildflower Film Awards.

Established Stardom & Acclaim (2014-Present):

Following Han Gong-ju, Chun Woo-hee became a sought-after leading lady.

Film Success

Chun Woo-hee – Waiting for Rain (2021)

She continued to impress in films such as The Piper (2015), a post-Korean War rural mystery, and particularly in Na Hong-jin’s critically praised horror-thriller The Wailing (2016), where her mysterious character, Mu-myeong, captivated audiences. She also showcased her versatility in films like Love, Lies (2016), One Day (2017), Idol (2018), and the romantic drama Waiting for Rain (2021). In 2022, she starred in the psychological thriller Anchor and I Want to Know Your Parents.

Television Presence

Chun Woo-hee – Be Melodramatic (2019)

While primarily known for her film work, Chun Woo-hee has made a significant impact on the small screen. She starred in the critically acclaimed drama Argon (2017) and gained widespread praise for her role as Im Jin-joo in the quirky and insightful slice-of-life drama Be Melodramatic (2019).

Recent Successes (2023-2024)

Delightfully Deceitful netflix

The first half of 2024 was particularly notable for Chun Woo-hee, with two major Netflix projects released almost simultaneously. She starred as the cunning Lee Ro-woom in the tvN drama Delightfully Deceitful (2023). In 2024, she took on contrasting roles in Netflix’s The 8 Show, where she played the eccentric and unnerving Song Se-ra (8F), and JTBC’s The Atypical Family (also on Netflix), where she portrayed Do Da-hae, a con artist intertwined with a superpowered family. Both dramas topped Netflix Korea’s series ratings, creating a rare instance of Chun Woo-hee competing against herself and cementing her status as a global star.

Upcoming Projects

As of July 2025, Chun Woo-hee is set to star in the JTBC drama My Youth, a project developed by the scriptwriter of Run On.

Philanthropy

chun woo hee thumbnail

Chun Woo-hee is also known for her philanthropic efforts. In February 2023, she donated ₩20 million (approximately $15,000 USD) to help victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquakes through the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. In March 2025, she made another donation of ₩40 million (approximately $30,000 USD) to the same association for wildfire victims in Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam regions.

Fun Facts

  1. Before starring in the film Sunny, Chun Woo-hee did not have an agency.
  2. After Sunny, she experienced a two-year slump. She reportedly met fewer than five people in a year during that time.
  3. Through her connection with actor Won Bin—whom she became close with after working together on the film Mother she signed an exclusive contract with Namoo Actors in June 2011, following his advice.
  4. Her career turned around when she swept multiple awards with Han Gong-ju, which also led to widespread recognition of her acting abilities by the public.
  5. Chun Woo-hee herself expressed deep affection for the film Han Gong-ju, saying she hoped it would be considered her representative work.
  6. She wrote the lyrics and sang for the OST of her film Love, Lies (Haeuhwa).
  7. The song, titled "The Heart of Joseon", showcased her high-level singing skills.
  8. She revealed that she went through a difficult time after the sudden death of actor Kim Joo-hyuk, with whom she worked on the drama Argon.
  9. Her cute appearance and short haircut once became hot topics online. She has even been called the “Korean Emma Stone.”
  10. Chun Woo-hee is known for her impressive impersonations of BoA, Christina (likely referring to Christina Aguilera), and veteran actress Kim Hye-ja.
  11. Despite not having worked with them, she is known to be close with fellow actors such as Kim Hye-soo, Jeon Do-yeon, Uhm Jung-hwa, Moon Geun-young, Han Ye-ri, Jang Dong-yoon, Ryu Deok-hwan, Lee Je-hoon, Lee Mi-do, Choi Hee-seo, and Go Kyung-pyo.
  12. She was reportedly offered leading roles in dramas like Voice, Fight for My Way, Falsify, The Third Charm, and Grid, but declined all of them.