Seo Sang-won (, November 11, 1967) is a South Korean actor. He has appeared in supporting roles in various films and television dramas, but is better known for his work as a stage actor. His most known works in television series are Record of Youth (2020), Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021) and Queen of Tears (2024).
In 1986, Seo enrolled in the Department of Tourism Management at Catholic Kwandong University. During his studies, he was an active member of the university theater club, "Gil Donga People." Seo's interest in a performing arts career developed during a period of travel in Europe, where he observed the professional pride and public reception of street performers. This experience led him to re-evaluate his career goals; although he initially sought corporate employment for financial stability, he chose to pursue theater professionally in 1992.
In 1992, Seo briefly worked in the sales department of Hyundai Motor Company before joining the Theatre Company Michu. During his five-year tenure with the company, he gained experience in translation, creative writing, and performance. His credits with the troupe include General Oh's Claw by Park Jo-yeol, Namsadang Sky, and several MBC Madangnori productions.
Following his departure from the company in 1995, Seo began working as a freelance actor. In 1997, he was appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Acting at the Sungkyunkwan University Social Education Center. During this period, director Lee Gwang-mo cast Seo in his film debut, Spring in My Hometown (also known as Beautiful Days), after viewing a recording of one of Seo's stage performances. Seo has attributed his career longevity to the establishment of consistent professional values and a focused approach to his creative goals.
In 2001, Seo became member of National Theater Company of Korea (NTCK). That same year, he appeared in a production of Shakespeare's Hamlet, performing the roles of a nobleman, a Norwegian soldier, and Guildenstern.
In 2007, after six years with the National Theater Company of Korea (NTCK), Seo was cast in the title role of Terrorist Hamlet. The production was a collaboration between the NTCK and German director Jens-Daniel Herzog, the former Artistic Director of the Mannheim National Theater. The script was adapted by Kim Min-hye and Johannes Kirsten as part of the NTCK's "World Masterpiece Stage" series. The production featured a contemporary reimagining of the classic play; Seo's Hamlet was depicted wearing modern clothing and carrying a pistol, while Claudius was portrayed as a democratic leader. For his performance, Seo received the Best Actor award at the 2008 Korea Drama Awards and a 2008 Commendation from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
In 2008, the NTCK and director Jens-Daniel Herzog collaborated again for a second run of Terrorist Hamlet, staged as the 210th "World Masterpiece Stage" regular performance. Seo reprised his role as Hamlet. In 2010, Seo was awarded a Commendation from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. He did not attend the official ceremony.
In 2011, Seo performed alongside Kim Young-pil, Kim Joo-wan, and Jeon Mi-do in the play The Author by British playwright Tim Crouch. Directed by Kim Dong-hyeon, the production served as the inaugural entry in the Doosan Art Center's "Borderline" series. The play is characterized by its experimental structure, which blurs the distinction between the performers and the audience while examining the psychological impact of violent theatrical content on both creators and viewers.
Seo made his television debut in 2017 with a minor role as a pastor in the series Prison Playbook. Following this debut, he continued to take primarily minor and supporting roles in television and film while maintaining his focus on theater. In 2019, he made a cameo appearance in the independent film Lucky Chan-sil.