Actor Son Jong Hak became widely recognized for his unforgettable portrayal of the authoritarian and ruthless “Manager Ma” in the 2014 drama Misaeng: Incomplete Life, a role he brought to life through decades of accumulated acting experience. Since then, he has solidified his reputation as an irreplaceable actor capable of transforming any character into something uniquely his own through hit dramas such as Hot Stove League, The Good Detective, and Flower of Evil, as well as films including Inside Men: The Original, A Violent Prosecutor, Steel Rain 2: Summit, and Project Wolf Hunting. Recently, public attention turned to the veteran actor once again after it was revealed that his son, rookie actor Son Moo Hyung, is quietly following in his footsteps.
Son Jong Hak began his acting journey in 1987 when he joined the theater company Minye. Although he spent most of his career on stage, he endured the struggles of being an unknown actor for an astonishing 28 years. As the eldest grandson in the family, he faced opposition from his father, who reportedly urged him to give up acting. Before passing away after an illness in 2002, his father even left behind heartbreaking final words: “You’ve done enough. Stop acting now.” Despite the hardship, Son Jong Hak refused to quit. The following year, he won the Grand Acting Prize at the Seoul Theater Festival, later placing the trophy on his father’s memorial table in a deeply emotional moment.
What surprised many even more was the fact that his son, Son Moo Hyung, achieved success without relying on his father’s fame or industry connections. Through a highly competitive audition process, Son Moo Hyung secured the lead role of Han Joon Ho in the independent film Minors and its sequel Minors 2. Playing a dark and intense villain involved in drug manufacturing and distribution, he delivered a raw and daring performance that attracted attention. Director Shin Sung Hoon praised the young actor, describing him as “a hardworking rookie actor with both talent and admirable character.”
Meanwhile, Son Jong Hak continues to challenge himself instead of settling into his established career. In early 2024, 37 years after his debut, he officially confirmed his Hollywood entry after being cast in the action-noir film 24-Hour Sonata, a project that embraces classic American crime film elements. He is set to portray a major figure—a Korean crime boss connected to an extensive global criminal network. Director Levar Leo reportedly admired Son Jong Hak’s acting philosophy and intelligence so deeply that he traveled to Korea personally to cast him, recognizing the veteran actor’s ability to resonate with global audiences.
The father and son are now building impressive careers in their own ways. Son Moo Hyung’s film Minors proved to be an unexpected success, climbing to No. 1 in Tving’s real-time movie rankings for five consecutive days shortly after release, demonstrating the surprising power of independent cinema on an OTT platform dominated by commercial films.
At a time when debates surrounding “nepo babies” and family privilege continue to surface in the entertainment industry, Son Jong Hak and Son Moo Hyung are earning praise for forging their paths through persistence, talent, and hard work. Rather than relying on family ties, the father-son duo has captured public admiration by proving themselves through dedication to their craft.
Sources: Daum
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