Koo Kyo-hwan (; born December 14, 1982) is a South Korean actor and film director known for his role in the films Jane (2016), Peninsula (2020), and Escape from Mogadishu (2021). He also attracted recognition for his performance in Netflix original D.P. (2021âÂÂ2023).
Koo Kyo-hwan was born on December 14, 1982. During his school years, Koo's student records noted his aptitude for entertainment. While he initially considered a career as a comedian, his interests expanded to include acting and general entertainment.
Koo enrolled at the Seoul Institute of the Arts intending to major in acting. However, he mistakenly applied to the film department rather than the theater department. This led to training in various filmmaking disciplines, including directing, cinematography, producing, and editing, which fostered a secondary interest in film direction.
Koo made his acting debut in the 2009 film Children, directed by his classmate Yoon Sung-hyun. In the film, he portrayed a high school student with a specialized interest in kite-making. That same year, he appeared in a minor role as a utility worker in Castaway on the Moon.
In 2016, Koo starred alongside Lee Min-ji in Cho Hyun-hoon's independent film Jane. He portrayed the title character, a transgender woman. To prepare for the role, Koo lost 10 kg and developed a specific high-pitched vocal delivery. For his performance, he was named Actor of the Year at the Busan International Film Festival.
Koo's first major role in a commercial production was Captain Seo in Yeon Sang-ho's 2020 film Peninsula. Director Yeon initially questioned Koo's suitability for commercial cinema but cast him after a personal meeting, later noting that Koo's interpretation added complexity to a character that might otherwise have been a conventional villain.
Koo has been in a relationship with director Lee Ok-seop since 2013.