Yang Dong-geun

Biography:

Yang Dong-geun, also known by his stage name YDG, is a South Korean actor and rapper. He first gained attention as a child actor in the early ’90s with roles in Seoul Ttukbaegi (1990) and Hyung (1991). However, he later made his mark in the music industry as a rapper, debuting in 2001 and establishing himself as a significant figure in Korean hip-hop.

Yang’s acting career continued to flourish with notable roles in the television dramas New Nonstop (2002) and Ruler of Your Own World (2002). He is perhaps best known internationally for his role as Park Yong-sik in the second season of Squid Game (2024). He made his return to the film industry with the 2009 film Grand Prix, where he played the male lead, Lee Woo-suk.

In 2008, Yang took part in the musical Mine, which tells the real-life story of Lieutenant Lee Jong-myung, a soldier who sacrificed his legs to save his fellow comrade. He also appeared in the variety show The Return of Superman in 2016, where he was joined by his daughter, Yang Joy.

Outside of entertainment, Yang is known for his charitable efforts. In February 2023, he donated 10 million won to help victims of the Turkey–Syria earthquakes. He is married to Park Ga-ram, and together they have three children.

Yang majored in Theatrical Performance at Yong In University and served in the South Korean military for 21 months beginning in May 2008.