Kim Seok-woo (Korean: 김석우; born August 7, 1996), better known by his stage name Rowoon, is a South Korean actor and singer. He is a former member of the South Korean boy band SF9. He is currently active as an actor, best known for his roles in television seriesExtraordinary You (2019), and The King's Affection (2021), where he won several awards for his performance in the series.
In 2015, he was a part of pre-debut team, "Neoz School", under FNC Entertainment as a member of the group called Neoz. In May 2016, he participated as a member of "Neoz Dance" in FNC Entertainment's survival show d.o.b (Dance or Band), competing against Neoz Band (later known as Honeyst). "Neoz Dance" won the competition with 51% of the votes and received the opportunity to debut. He debuted with group SF9 in October 2016 with the single "Fanfare".[1]
2017–2022: Solo activities and rising popularity[edit]
His acting career in television series began with KBS2's School 2017 with a minor supporting role.[2] After his appearance, he steadily began receiving bigger roles. In March 2018, he was confirmed to star in tvN's About Time as the female lead's brother.[3] In July 2018, he was confirmed to star in SBS's Where Stars Land in which he was nominated for the New Actor award.[4]
On May 9, 2019, Rowoon was confirmed to be the male lead in MBC's school fantasy drama, Extraordinary You based on the hit DaumwebtoonJuly Found by Chance.[5] After receiving the role of Haru, Rowoon's popularity skyrocketed, launching him into stardom. He was nominated at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards with fellow costars, Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jae-wook, for Best Couple, and was awarded with Best New Actor.[6] On May 10, 2019, Rowoon was featured in NC.A's music video, "Awesome Breeze" (밤바람).[7]
In April 2020, it was revealed that he would be the voice of Branch in the Korean dub of the animated movie Trolls World Tour.[8] On May 25, 2020, FNC Entertainment confirmed that Rowoon would star in JTBC drama She Would Never Know, based on the webtoon of the same name.[9] The drama began airing in January 2021.
In 2022, he starred in the MBC fantasy drama's Tomorrow.[12]
2023–present: Departure from SF9 and solo career[edit]
Rowoon in January 2024
In 2023, Rowoon starred in fantasy drama Destined with you which aired on JTBC from August 23 to October 12. He also starred in the period drama, The Matchmakers which aired on KBS2 from October 30 to December 25, 2023.
On September 18, 2023, FNC announced that Rowoon would be leaving SF9 to focus on his acting career while remaining in the agency.[13]
On March 18, 2024, Rowoon threw first pitch for the 'MLB World Tour Seoul Series' special match between the San Diego Padres and LG Twins was held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul.[14][15][16][17]
In January 2020, Rowoon was selected as the new model for cosmetics brand Klavuu.[18] In April 2020, Rowoon was selected as the new brand ambassador for Gong Cha Korea.[19] On August 18, 2020, it was announced that Rowoon was selected as brand ambassador for The North Face White Label 2020 Fall/Winter collection.[20] On July 1, 2021, Rowoon was selected as the new model for cosmetics brand Estée Lauder.[21] Between 2021 and 2022, he was also selected as model for SimplyO hair products because of his "bright and healthy image" [22], Clean Up Beauty[23] and Mr Pizza, a popular pizza franchise in South Korea.[24] Since March 2022, Rowoon has been the brand ambassador for clothing brand ANDZ.[25] Rowoon attended many events as guest/friend of brands such as Calvin Klein's Fall 2023 Jeans collection in Tokyo In August 2023,[26] Loewe's Fall Winter 2023 collection in Paris Fashion Week,[27] Dolce & Gabbana Men’s Fall 2024 show during Milan Fashion Week,[28] Bottega Veneta reopening of Gangnam branch of Shinsegae Department Store in Seoul[29][30] and Tiffany & Co. opening of Tiffany House of Icons event[31][32]and its latest exhibition, Tiffany Wonder, at TOKYO NODE gallery, in Tokyo on April 2024.[33] He is also a friend of the German prestigious luggage brand Rimowa and he was one of their invited celebrity guests on multiple events such as “SEIT 1898” held in Tokyo[34] and New York Fashion Week[35] and RIMOWA's official debut of its new seasonal colours—Mint and Papaya in South Korea.[36][37] Rowoon was selected as the first brand model for derma skincare brand Ilso, demonstrating his newly increased popularity.[38] On March 1, 2024, Isoi Japan named Rowoon as their new brand model.[39] On March 7, 2024, Samjin Pharmaceuticals announced that Rowoon would be their exclusive model for their total healthcare brand "Wisi Healthy".[40][41] Wontech Asia, a global company that provides laser and energy-based medical solutions, launched 'Oligio' in Thailand on the night of March 29 2024 and revealed Rowoon has been chosen model for "Oligio Thailand".[42] Rowoon has been named as the new ambassador for the Italian luxury fashion house Bottega Veneta on May 2024. [43][44][45][46][47] He recently attended the Bottega Veneta Flagship Store Grand Opening in Taipei 101, Taiwan, on June 14 2024[48][49]. He also participated in Wontech's ‘Oligio Summer Night’, a private fan meet-up event as Thailand's Oligio ambassador with 100 VIP guests, including famous local doctors and influencers, in Bangkok, Thailand, on the 18 June 2024.[50]
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^Park Eun-hae (November 26, 2021). "차은우X설현X로운, '2021 KBS 가요대축제' MC 확정(공식)" [Cha Eun-woo X Seolhyun X Rowoon confirmed as MCs for '2021 KBS Song Festival' (official)] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2021 – via Naver.
^ abJang, Ah-reum (November 4, 2021). "로운, MBC '내일' 주연 대세 행보...계약직 신입사원 연기" [Rowoon, MBC 'Tomorrow' starring trend... Postponement of new contract employees] (in Korean). News1. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021 – via Naver.
^Lee Soo-jin (November 23, 2021). "로운, '연모' OST 마지막 주자...'안녕' 오늘 발매" [Rowoon, the last runner of the OST for 'Love Yourself'... 'Hello' released today] (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2021 – via Naver.
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^Yoon, Hyo-jeong (April 29, 2020). "[단독] 로운, 이번엔 '직진남'...JTBC '선배, 그 립스틱' 주인공" [[Exclusive] Rowoon, this time a 'straight man'... JTBC 'Senior, That Lipstick' main character]. News1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
^Moon, Ji-yeon (October 14, 2022). "[단독] '바달집4' 막내 활약→로운, '이 연애는 불가항력' 주인공 '열일'" [[Exclusive] 'Badal House 4' youngest activity → Rowoon, 'This love is irresistible' main character 'Hard work] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022 – via Naver.
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