Miss Hong: Younger Man & Park Shin-hye – Who Is He?

Seoul, February 2, 2026

Jo Han-gyeol: From Rising Star to Dramatic Force in Korean Television

Jo Han-gyeol is quickly becoming a name to watch in South Korean drama, showcasing a remarkable range in roles from intense rugby players to enigmatic historical figures.

• Jo Han-gyeol is gaining recognition for his versatility across genres.
• His recent role as Albert Oh in “Undercover Miss Hong” is capturing audience attention.
• Previous performances in dramas like “Try: We Become Miracles” and “Return to the Palace” demonstrated his acting prowess.
• He delivered a compelling performance as Jang Jae-kyung in “Connection,” solidifying his rising star status.

Viewers are taking notice of a “new face” in the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama , which is currently exceeding 8% in viewership ratings thanks to Park Shin-hye’s captivating performance. That actor is Jo Han-gyeol, who plays Albert Oh, the head of Hanmin Securities, injecting a unique tension into the storyline alongside Park Shin-hye and Go Kyung-pyo. But this isn’t a breakout role for a newcomer; Han-gyeol has been steadily building a solid foundation across diverse genres.

Early Roles Showcased Versatility

In the latter half of last year, Han-gyeol portrayed Ju-ram Joo in the SBS drama , a series centered on the dedication of young athletes in the often-overlooked sport of rugby. Yoon Kyesang starred as the head coach, while Han-gyeol played Kang Tae-poong, a talented player from Hanyang Physical Education High School. Initially, Kang Tae-poong makes a calculated decision to transfer to the prestigious Daesang High School, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. Han-gyeol skillfully navigated this character arc, culminating in a powerful performance through the final match and beyond, leaving a lasting impression on viewers with his intense portrayal.

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Still from SBS drama

A Spectrum of Roles: Fantasy and Beyond

Han-gyeol’s range also extends to the fantasy historical genre. He garnered significant praise for his role in , which achieved a peak viewership rating exceeding 10%. In this drama, he played ‘Bibi,’ an imoogi—a mythical serpent—who hunts nobles and shares a blood connection with the main character, Kang Cheol, portrayed by Yook Sungjae. His ability to seamlessly transition between a menacing persona and a tender affection for his relatives helped to ground the fantastical elements of the story. His striking appearance, featuring long hair and sharp features, combined with his focused acting, solidified his reputation as a promising talent in historical dramas.

Solidifying His Presence in “Connection”

Perhaps the role that most firmly established Jo Han-gyeol’s name with the public was his portrayal of Jang Jae-kyung in . He played the younger version of a detective grappling with drug addiction, offering a glimpse into the character’s formative years. This role was crucial, as the central plot twist of the series stemmed from events in his high school past. Han-gyeol received acclaim for his immersive performance, convincingly portraying the tragic experiences of young Jae-kyung with a depth comparable to that of the adult actor. His expressive eyes, reminiscent of Ji-sung’s intensity, were integral to the character’s believability.