Woo Hahjoon Reveals Shocking Family Story: Sister in Australia

Original article (Korean):  위하준, 충격적인 가정사 고백…"친누나가 호주 미용사, 고3 때 편지 남기고 상경" ('세이렌')[인터뷰]  |  TenAsia

📌 Summary

South Korean actor Woo Hahjoon has opened up about his personal life and family background in a recent interview following the conclusion of his latest drama, 'Siren'. Known for his intense performances in genre films and series, Woo surprised fans by revealing that his older sister has been living and working as a hairstylist in Australia for years. He also shared that he moved to Seoul alone during his third year of high school, leaving a letter for his parents as he pursued his dream of becoming an entertainer.

Woo Hahjoon Opens Up About Moving to Seoul Alone

In a heartfelt interview after the finale of tvN’s 'Siren', actor Woo Hahjoon shared intimate details about his upbringing and the bold decision that changed the course of his life. The 36-year-old star, known for his compelling roles in thrillers like 'Sweet Home' and 'The Worst of Evil', revealed that he left his hometown of Wando — a small island in South Jeolla Province — during his final year of high school to chase his dream of stardom in Seoul.

Woo disclosed that he made the life-changing move without direct approval from his parents. Instead, he left a letter behind and headed to the capital city alone. 'I lived in Wando until May of my third year of high school,' he said. 'I had always loved performing — I even started a dance club and performed on stage. That excitement made me want to become an entertainer.' He added that limited opportunities in his hometown pushed him to act quickly. 'I thought, the sooner, the better. I left a letter for my parents and came to Seoul.'

Family Ties: Sister Living and Working in Australia

One of the most surprising revelations was about his older sister, who currently works as a hairstylist in Australia. Woo explained that her career path influenced his own interest in grooming and appearance. 'My sister is a hair designer in Australia now. Growing up around her, I developed an interest in hairstyling — I even cut my own hair sometimes,' he shared with a smile.

Though he didn’t elaborate on why his sister moved abroad, her presence overseas has clearly shaped part of his personal identity. The actor also mentioned watching 'Bok-jae Magicul', a healing variety show starring Park Bo-gum, who earned a professional hairdressing license during filming. Woo expressed admiration, saying, 'Park Bo-gum is amazing — he actually got certified. I found it fascinating and really enjoyed the show.' He even joked about wanting to appear on shows like 'Python Family' if invited.

From Dance Dreams to Acting Career

Before becoming an actor, Woo Hahjoon had his sights set on becoming a performance-focused idol, inspired by groups like 2PM. 'I loved acrobatic movements and aerial stunts — I was better at performance than strict choreography,' he explained, distinguishing between technical dancing and dynamic stage acts.

Despite his passion, early auditions didn’t go his way. 'I tried many times and failed — but I think every failure had a reason,' he reflected. After being rejected from dance group auditions, he naturally transitioned into acting by attending an acting academy. His debut came in 2015 with the film 'Chinatown', and he’s since built a solid reputation in both film and television.

Interestingly, he once asked his parents to let him attend a specialized arts high school, but they declined. 'I only pursued my dream through club activities until I realized I had to take matters into my own hands,' he said.

What Fans Are Saying

Woo Hahjoon’s candid revelations have resonated deeply with Korean entertainment fans, many of whom praised his humility and perseverance. On social media, viewers called his story 'inspiring' and 'relatable', especially his journey from a small town with big dreams. His performance in 'Siren' as Cha Woo-suk, a determined insurance investigator entangled in a dangerous romance with Park Min-young’s character, earned critical acclaim and marked his return to terrestrial drama after two years since 'Graduation'.

As fans eagerly await his next project, many are hoping to see Woo take on more variety content — possibly even a trip to Australia to visit his sister. With his grounded personality and rising star power, Woo Hahjoon continues to win hearts both on and off screen.