Koo Kyo-hwan, born on December 14, 1982, is a South Korean actor, film director, and screenwriter. Initially gaining prominence in the independent film circuit, he has distinguished himself with his versatility and his work both in front of and behind the camera. His leading role in the film *Jane* (2016) earned him his first major awards, solidifying his critical reputation. International recognition came with the blockbuster *Peninsula* (2020), the sequel to *Train to Busan*, for which he won the Best New Actor award at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards. He further solidified his success with acclaimed performances in the film *Escape from Mogadishu* (2021) and the globally successful Netflix series *D.P. (Deserter Pursuit)* (2021-2023), in which he plays the eccentric Corporal Han Ho-yeol. His acting style, which combines intensity with an unpredictable lightness, has made him one of the most highly regarded figures in the contemporary South Korean audiovisual landscape.