Jang Hang-jun (; born September 17, 1969) is a South Korean film and television director, screenwriter, and television personality. He is a professor in the Department of Theater and Film at Digital Seoul Culture Arts University. Jang is known for the 2026 historical film The King's Warden, which recorded over 16 million admissions, making it the second most-watched and highest-grossing film in South Korean box office history.
He made his directional debut in the 2002 film Break Out. Jang has directed the feature films Spring Breeze (2003), Forgotten (2017), Rebound (2023) and anthology The Killer.
Early life Jang was born in Daegu in 1969. He grew up in a privileged household provided with a personal driver and subject-specific tutors. Despite these advantages, Jang did not prioritize his studies, choosing instead to spend his time socializing with friends. This lifestyle changed during his second year of high school when his father's construction business went bankrupt. Following this shift in circumstances, Jang enrolled in a theater department in Seoul. During his studies, he discovered a deep passion for the arts and began to seriously evaluate his professional strengths.
Career After graduating, Jang secured a position as the youngest writer at a broadcasting station, an opportunity facilitated by a senior acquaintance. His role shifted unexpectedly after six months when the lead writer disappeared. In a surprising turn of events, a script Jang had previously written was adopted by the station, resulting in his promotion to Field Director.
While working as a writer for the SBS entertainment department on the show Good Friends, Jang found inspiration in his friend Jang Jin's success in the Spring Literary Contest. This achievement motivated him to transition from television entertainment to the film industry. He began focusing on screenwriting and gained significant recognition in 1996 with his script for The Adventure of Mrs. Park, which effectively launched his cinematic career.
In 2011, he co-wrote and directed Sign, a medical crime investigation drama starring Park Shin-yang and Kim Ah-joong.
In 2026, he wrote and directed the historical film The King's Warden. The film was released on February 4, 2026, coinciding with the Korean New Year holiday. It received positive reviews and did well at the box office. Philanthropy Jang and his wife, Kim Eun-hee, donated 30 million won to the Children's Fund in Ukraine on March 4, 2022, to support those affected by the Russian invasion.
Personal life Jang married Kim Eun-hee in 1998. They have a daughter named Jang Yeon-soo.
Filmography Film + Year Title Credited as Notes EnglishKorean Director Writer 1996 1999 The Great Chef 북경반점 2002 Break Out 라이터를 켜라 2003 2008 Manner of Battle 전투의 매너 Television film 2017 Forgotten 기억의 밤 2020 죽지않는 인간들의 밤 2022 Open the Door 오픈 더 도어 2023 Rebound 리바운드 2024 The Killers 더 킬러스 Segment: "Everyone Is Waiting For The Man" 2026 The King's Warden 왕과 사는 남자
Television series Year Title Credited as EnglishKoreanDirectorWriterCreator 2010 Golden House 위기일발 풍년빌라 2011 Sign 싸인 2012-2013 The King of Dramas 드라마의 제왕 2013 Who Are You? 후아유
Acting credits Film YearTitleRole English Korean 1996The Adventure of Mrs. Park 박봉곤 가출 사건 Cameo 2002 Break Out 라이터를 켜라 2003 Spring Breeze 불어라 봄바람 Cameo 2004 Ghost House 귀신이 산다 Luna Bar Building Manager 2010 Attack the Gas Station 2Director Jang Loveholic2012 The ScentChinese restaurant owner The Suck Up Project: Mr. XXX-Kisser Cameo Part-time Manager 2014 Venus Talk 2008 Hellcats Manner of Battle 2015 Trap Cameo 2016 My New Sassy Girl Theater Company Director
Television YearTitleRole English Korean 2001 웬만해선 그들을 막을 수 없다 Yoon Hang-jun 2009–2010 High Kick Through the Roof Brothers Water Purifier Repairman 2011 Sign 싸인 The Greatest Love 최고의 사랑Director Jang 2012 I Need a Fairy Phantom 2012–2013 The King of Dramas드라마의 제왕 2013 Who Are You?후아유 My Love from the StarDirector Park 2014 Potato Star 2013QR3 Cameo Pinocchio Film director 2022–2023 Unlock My Boss Cameo
Television shows
+ Year Title Role Note(s) 2007 Host20102012Korea's Got Talent 2 Judge2019Cast2020–2021HostSeason 1 and 22021Crime TriviaCast member2022The Dictionary of Useless KnowledgeHost2023 Very Private Southeast Asia Cast Member Listen, See, It's Okay Director
Web shows + Year Title Role 2021 King of Quotes Host
Radio
+ Year Title Role 2018-2019 DJ 2022 Bae Chul-soo's Music Camp Special DJ (August 8)
Awards and nominations +Awards and nominations received by JangAward ceremonyYearCategoryNominee / WorkResult Baeksang Arts Awards 2026 Gucci Impact Award The King's Warden Best Film Best Director – Film Brand Customer Loyalty Awards 2026 Most influential figure Jang Hang-jun Golden Cinematography Awards 2026Best Director The King's Warden KBS Entertainment Awards 2018Entertainment DJ of the Year Award Korea First Brand Awards 2024 Entertainer of the Year Jang Hang-jun
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