Han Suk-kyu

Han went into an extended hiatus in 1999, declining several lucrative opportunities with name directors as he suffered disc problem.

Han returned in 2003 with espionage film Double Agent.[6] The film, which netted one million admissions, was seen as a failure for a star labeled by the media as "box office guarantee." This was followed by a sizable backlash from netizens and the press, who rushed to bury the co-self-produced spy thriller as the public disgrace of a former golden boy.

His press and image took further beating in the next two, even more polarizing films: the unforeseen tragedy surrounding The Scarlet Letter, and the incendiary political content of The President's Last Bang.[7][8] Nonetheless, these controversial works screened at Cannes, and were featured in a tribute to the actor at the Austrian FilmAsia festival.[9] Han then chose quickie B-movie Mr. Housewife as his next project, which he filmed as a keepsake for his children.[10] In spite of this rocky return to feature films, Han remains well regarded by such major directors as Park Chan-wook, Lee Joon-ik, Kang Woo-suk and Jang Jin. Compared to his peak popularity in the 90s, his work may seem an acquired taste for general audiences, although some cult following ensued for his ultra-sadistic turn in A Bloody Aria.[11]

He remained self-managed until as late as 2006, before joining the KM Culture agency[12] due to increased regimentation of the industry. Making 2006 a busy year, Han starred in period sex comedy Forbidden Quest, followed by black comedy film A Bloody Aria and melodrama film Solace.[13][14][15] Stylish thrillers followed, where Han starred alongside Cha Seung-won in Eye for an Eye[16] and Son Ye-jin in the adaptation of Keigo Higashino novel of White Night.[17] Han then starred in Villain and Widow with Kim Hye-soo.[18]

Han returned to the spotlight with his performance in historical drama Deep Rooted Tree, where his performance of King Sejong earned him the Grand Award at the 2011 SBS Drama Awards.[19]

In 2013, Han starred in the action thriller film The Berlin File, playing a South Korean agent.[20] He then starred in musical film My Paparotti, playing a music teacher who is stuck in a rut until he meets a delinquent teenager.[21]

He returned to the small screen in historical drama Secret Door, playing King Yeongjo. This was followed by period film The Royal Tailor, about a rivalry between two tailors at the Sanguiwon. However, both projects were less successful.[22][23]

Han bounced back with the hit medical drama Dr. Romantic, written by acclaimed screenwriter Kang Eun-kyung.[24] The drama garnered over 20% viewership ratings, and Han received positive reviews for his performance.[25] He also won the Grand Prize (Daesang) Award at the 2016 SBS Drama Awards.

Han returned to the big screen in crime drama film The Prison.[26] Han is slated to star in upcoming thrillers Idol and Father's War, and period drama film Astronomy.[27][28][29]

In 2019, Han starred in OCN's thriller drama Watcher as a detective.[30]

In 2020, Han reprised his role of Teacher Kim in Dr. Romantic 2.[31]