Song Il-kook (; born 1 October 1971) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his role in the 2006 hit series Jumong as the titular character.
Early life and education Song is the grandson of politician Kim Du-han, great grandson of Kim Chwa-jin, the famous anarchist and Korean independence movement general during the early 1900s. Song is the son of politician and former actress Kim Eul-dong.
He graduated from Cheongju University, majoring in performing arts, and later obtained a master's degree from Chung-Ang University.
Personal life Song is the vice-president of the Korean Triathlon Confederation and participated in the 2008 Seoul International Triathlon Competition. In April 2008, Song carried the Olympic torch through Seoul.
Song is also an amateur sketch artist. He has also modelled professionally, both on the runway and in print. In 2008, he was one of the subjects of the Kolon Christmas Photo Shoot.
In 2009, the state of Hawaii designated March 21 as Song Il-kook day. In April 2010, he was invited to the Blue House to dine with Heads of State, including the president of Kazakhstan, as Jumong garnered immense popularity in the central Asian country.
Marriage On 15 March 2008, Song was wed to High Court Judge Jung Seung-yeon in a private, traditional Korean wedding at the Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul.
Song and Jung became parents to fraternal triplet sons at a hospital in Seoul on 16 March 2012. Their sons are named Dae-han, Min-guk and Man-se which, when said together mean "Long live the Republic of Korea". Song and his sons starred in the variety show The Return of Superman from 6 July 2014 to 7 February 2016. The triplets also made a cameo appearance in Song's television series Jang Yeong-sil (2016).
Song adheres to a pescetarian diet for both health and ethical reasons.Lee, Seo-hyun, '송일국-이하늬-윤진서-김효진-배종옥' 공통점은! [Song Il-kook, Lee Ha-nui, Yun Jin-seo, Kim Hyo-jin and Bae Jong-ok have something in common] (2012-01-04) (in Korean), Shinmoongo, Retrieved 2012-05-11, Archive (2012-05-11), Archive2 (2012-05-11)
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2005 The Art of Seduction Seo Min-jun Red Eye Chan-sik 2014 Entangled Hyun Ki-jeung Fly high Chang-beom Vertigo Sang-ho 2015 Tattoo Han Ji-soon
Television series Year Title Role Notes 1999 Did We Really Love? Goodbye My Love Into the Sunlight 2000 All About Eve 2002 Hard Love Na Young-jae Royal Story: Jang Hui-bin Kim Chun-taek Album of Life Shin Hyung-shik 2003 Tae-sang Bodyguard Han Sung-soo Desert Spring Ki-hyun 2004 People of the Water Flower Village Kang Sung-woo Terms of Endearment Na Jang-soo Emperor of the Sea Yeom Moon/Yeom Jang 2006 Jumong Jumong, later King Dongmyeong 2007 Lobbyist Harry/Kim Joo-ho 2008 The Kingdom of the Winds Prince Muhyul, later King Daemusin 2010 A Man Called God Michael King/Choi Kang-ta/ Peter Pan 2011 Crime Squad Park Sae-hyuk Kimchi Family Ki Ho-tae 2016 Jang Yeong-sil Jang Yeong-sil
Television shows Year Title Role Notes 2012 Qualifications of Men Triathlon Coach Ep 173–174, 178–180 2014–2016 The Return of Superman Cast member Ep 34–116, 156
Stage Musical +Musical play performances Year Title Role Notes 2016; 2020; 2022–2023 Broadway 42nd Street () Julian Marsh 2023 Mamma Mia! () Bill
Theatre +Stage play performances Year Title Role Notes 2010 I Am You () An Jung-geun 2017; 2019 The God of Carnage () Michelle 2024 Macbeth () Banquo
Accolades Awards and nominations + Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Asia Model Awards 2009 Asia Star Awards Song Il-kook Baeksang Arts Awards 2007 Best Actor – Television Jumong 2009 Best Actor – Television The Kingdom of the Winds Grimae Awards 2006 Best Actor Jumong Historical Drama Festival 2013 Historical Drama Star Who's Brightened Korea Song Il-kook KBS Drama Awards 2002 Best New Actor Album of Life 2003 Excellence Award, Actor Bodyguard 2004 Best Couple Award Song Il-kook Terms of Endearment Excellence Award, Actor Terms of Endearment 2005 Best Couple Award Song Il-kook Emperor of the Sea Excellence Award, Actor Emperor of the Sea Popularity Award, Actor 2008 Best Couple Award Song Il-kook The Kingdom of the Winds Top Excellence Award, Actor The Kingdom of the Winds 2011 Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Crime Squad 2016 Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama Jang Yeong-sil Top Excellence Award, Actor KBS Entertainment Awards 2014 Producers' Special Award The Return of Superman 2015 Excellence Award, Male in Variety Show Category The Return of Superman Korea Producer's Awards 2007 Best Actor Jumong Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards 2006 Best Actor Jumong MBC Drama Awards 2006 Grand Prize (Daesang) Jumong Top Excellence Award, Actor SBS Drama Awards 2007 Top Excellence Award, Actor Lobbyist
Honors + Name of country or organization, year given, and name of honor or award Country or organization Year Honor / Award Goodwill Cooperation Service (GCS) 2012 Award for Service Towards World Peace, Celebrities Who Serve Category National Tax Service 2007 Presidential Commendation as Exemplary Taxpayer South Korea 2011 Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation
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