Actor Son Jong Hak has been widely recognized for his unforgettable portrayal of an authoritarian and ruthless person “Mom Director” in the 2014 drama Misaeng: incomplete lifea role he brought to life through decades of accumulated acting experience. Since then, he has cemented his reputation as an irreplaceable actor capable of transforming any character into something uniquely his own through hit dramas such as Hot stove alloy, The good detectiveAND Flower of Evilas well as movies included Inside Men: The Original, A violent prosecutor, Steel Rain 2: SummitAND Wolf Hunt Project. Recently, public attention once again turned to the veteran actor after it was revealed that his son, rookie actor Son Moo Hyung, is quietly following in his footsteps.
Son Jong Hak began his journey as an actor in 1987 when he joined the Minye Theater Company. Although he spent much of his career on stage, he endured the hardships of being an unknown actor for a full 28 years. As the eldest grandson in the family, he faced opposition from his father, who reportedly urged him to give up acting. Before dying after an illness in 2002, his father also left heartbreaking last words: “You’ve done enough. Stop acting now.” Despite the difficulties, Son Jong Hak refused to resign. The following year, he won the Grand Prize for Acting 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 the production and distribution of drugs, he gave a raw and bold performance that commanded attention. Director Shin Sung Hoon praised the young actor, describing him as “a hard-working rookie actor with talent and admirable character.”
Meanwhile, Son Jong Hak continues to prove himself instead of settling for his established career. In early 2024, 37 years after his debut, he officially confirmed his entry into Hollywood after being cast in the action film noir 24 Hour Sonataa project that embraces classic elements of the American crime film. He is set to play a major figure: a Korean crime boss connected to a vast global crime network. Director Levar Leo reportedly admired Son Jong Hak’s acting philosophy and intelligence so deeply that he personally traveled to Korea to cast him, recognizing the veteran actor’s ability to resonate with global audiences.
Father and son are now building impressive careers in their own ways. Son Moo Hyung’s film Minors proved to be an unexpected success, rising to first place on Tving’s real-time movie chart for five consecutive days soon after release, demonstrating the surprising power of independent cinema on an OTT platform dominated by commercial films.
At a time when debates surround “nepo children” and family privileges continue to emerge in the entertainment industry, Son Jong Hak and Son Moo Hyung are earning praise for forging their own path through persistence, talent and hard work. Rather than rely on family ties, the father-son duo captured the public’s admiration by challenging themselves through dedication to their craft.
Sources: Daum
