Kwon Sang Woo may have the look of a classic tough guy—with a strong build, masculine image, and a macho vibe—but he also has a natural talent for comedy. He’s appeared in 21 films (excluding unreleased ones), with eight of them being comedies. His filmography is mostly split between noir and comedy, and his latest film, Hitman 2, which premiered on January 22, showcases his versatility in both genres. He has a knack for surprising audiences, whether he’s playing a serious character who turns out to be hilariously clumsy or someone who seems cool and confident but is actually a goofball. By mastering these classic comedy elements, he’s built an impressive list of comedic roles. Let’s take a look at some of his most memorable comedy films.
Make It Big (2021)
The actor made his screen debut in Volcano High (2021) and then starred in his first leading role in the film Make It Big (2021). It might be hard to believe such a movie existed today, but the combination of Song Seung Heon, Kwon Sang Woo and Kim Young Joon drew a lot of attention back in the days. The film tells the story of three students who accidentally come into possession of a large sum of stolen money. They spend it carelessly, only to find themselves trapped in a situation surrounded by the police and those trying to recover the money. Despite the collaboration between the three actors and director Jo Ui Seok (who later directed Cold Eyes), the film’s confusing story didn’t receive a great response from audiences. Kwon Sang Woo and Song Seung Heon became close friends through their work on this film (although they briefly drifted apart when Kwon Sang Woo started his family). Thanks to its energetic pace and the popularity of its handsome Korean stars, the film was released in Japan and found some success.
My Tutor Friend (2003)
A flop can be a career killer in the film industry. But Kwon Sang Woo bounced back spectacularly with My Tutor Friend (2003). Based on a popular online story and subsequent novel, the film captured the hearts of audiences with its charming romance between a rebellious high school student and his tutor. While the character of Ji Hoon, a 21-year-old still stuck in high school after repeated expulsions, might seem a bit dated now, his “bad boy” character was a hit at the time. Despite their rocky start, the two eventually fall for each other. My Tutor Friend was a massive success, exceeding 5 million viewers and becoming a cultural touchstone, perfectly encapsulating the early 2000s online novel and Cyworld era. Kwon Sang Woo and his co-star later reunited in Almost Love (2006), playing childhood friends—characters of the same age, but with a completely different dynamic.
Love, So Divine (2004)
Love, So Divine (2004) cleverly plays on the identical Korean pronunciation of “bride” and “priest,” twisting the traditional “bride” class—where women learn pre-marital domestic skills—by focusing on a seminary student preparing for the priesthood. The story follows Gyusik (Kwon Sang Woo), a seminarian on the verge of ordination, who unexpectedly falls for Bonghee (Ha Ji Won) at a spiritual camp. This role marked a significant departure for Kwon, known for his tough or playful characters in films like Once Upon a Time in High School (2001). Here, he portrays a more awkward and nerdy Gyusik, bewildered by Bonghee’s attempts to derail his path to priesthood. This reserved and hesitant side is rarely seen in his other work. Interestingly, after filming, Kwon reportedly attended catechism classes and was baptized Catholic on July 30, 2004. While the film only drew 1.2 million viewers, its featured song became a hit, and the scene where the priests sing it as a wedding chorus brings to mind the lively choir scene from Sister Act.
The Accidental Detective Series (2015, 2018)
The Accidental Detective (2015) is Kwon Sang Woo’s first series film. It tells the story of a comic book store owner with a knack for deduction and a seasoned but demoted detective with a fiery temper. The two team up to investigate a series of murders. Kwon Sang Woo and Sung Dong Il star, flipping their usual on-screen personas: Kwon handles the comedic elements, while Sung Dong Il plays the more serious and grounded detective. Both characters are sharp investigators, and their chemistry fuels the film’s blend of mystery and comedy. This unusual mix proved popular, drawing over 2 million viewers. Its success led to a sequel, The Accidental Detective 2: In Action (2018). The sequel lightened the mystery’s intensity in favor of more laughs, adding Lee Kwang Soo to the comedic duo. This shift resonated with audiences, with the sequel surpassing the original and attracting over 3 million viewers.
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