Cha Chung-hwa

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Cha Chung-hwa
차청화
File:Cha Chung-hwa 2021.jpg
Cha in April 2021
Born (1980-04-28) 28 April 1980 (age 46)
Suwon, South Korea
Other namesCha Cheong-hwa
Alma materSangmyung University – Department of Theatre
Occupations
  • Television Actress
  • Musical Actress
Years active2005–present
AgentManagement Seesun
Spouse
Unknown
(m. 2023)
Children1[1]
Korean name
Hangul
차청화
Hanja
車清華
RRCha Cheonghwa
MRCh'a Ch'ŏnghwa

Cha Chung-hwa (Korean차청화; born on 28 April 1980)[2] is a South Korean character actress active in theater, film, and television. She was nominated for a Baeksang Arts Award for her role as court lady Choi in the tvN historical drama Mr. Queen (2020–21). She is also known for her roles in the television series Crash Landing on You (2019), Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021), and Dr. Park's Clinic (2022), as well as films such as As One (2012), Train to Busan (2016), and Pawn (2020).

After graduating from the Department of Theatre at Sangmyung University, Cha debuted onstage in 2005. She developed her acting skills through appearances in popular Daehak-ro productions like Lunatic, Sheer Madness, and Suspicious Heungsinso. She continued to work in various roles, including supporting and multiple roles, in plays such as Late Night Restaurant, Midnight Serenade, and Heavy Metal Girls.

Early years and education

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Born and raised in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Cha Chung-hwa was a model student during her school days. She served as class president throughout elementary, middle, and high school, and attended the top high school in Gwangmyeong.[3] Cha initially dreamed of becoming president, however her aspirations changed over time.[4] In high school, Cha interested in TV, movies, and music. She became a fan of singer Park Jin-young and aspired to become an "all-around entertainer."[3][4] Despite her parents' preference for her to pursue accounting for a stable career, Cha remained determined to pursue her dream and applied to the Department of Theatre at Sangmyung University.[5][6]

Career

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Debut

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At the age of 25 in 2006, Cha made her debut as a musical actress in Daehak-ro, playing multiple roles in the musical Backstreet Story. After completing her college education, she ventured into different professions, such as working as a shopping mall buyer and interning at an advertising and public relations company. However, she soon realized that these jobs were not a good fit for her. As she entered her 30s, her obsession with theater grew stronger.[3][7]

Starting with a minor role in 2010 film Harmony, starring Kim Yun-jin, Cha gradually expanded her filmography by working in both films and musicals.[8] In January 2011, she underwent a highly competitive audition and emerged as one of the new actors chosen to perform in the Korean encore performance of the play Shear Madness. Cha captivated the judges with her distinctive acting skills and boundless energy, showcased in her previous musicals like March of Youth and Runatic. Consequently, she was ultimately cast in the role of Kwon Young-hwa.[9]

In 2012, Cha took on another minor role in the film As One (2012).[10] She also played one of the Ochazuke sisters in the musical adaptation of Shin'ya Shokudō (深夜食堂; lit. "Midnight Diner"), which was directed by Kim Dong-yeon. The musical was adapted from a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yarō Abe, and it revolved around a late-night diner that was open from midnight to dawn, and its quirky patrons. The series had already been adapted into a Japanese drama called Midnight Diner in 2009.

In addition to reprising her role in the musical Shin'ya Shokudō in 2014, Cha also played multiple roles in the revival of the musical 'Oh! While You Were Sleeping' that same year. The musical was directed by Jang Yoo-jeong and composed by Kim Hye-seong, a recognized combination in the creative musical world.[11]

In 2015, Cha took on the role of Park Jung-ja in the musical Midnight Serenade. She first became aware of the musical while filming the 2009 film Harmony, as she saw her senior actress practicing guitar for the audition. From that moment on, Cha had a strong desire to play the role. She eventually auditioned for the 2015 revival, with the recommendation of a fellow actress.[7]

That same year, Cha landed her first supporting role on the small screen in the MBC drama Shopping King Louie. Her performance helped her to gradually establish a strong presence in the industry.

In 2016, Cha played the role of Jung-min in the play Heavy Metal Girls. Jung-min is a researcher who dedicated her youth to work and could not get married. She created hit products such as tomato ramen and honey chicken breast, dedicating 16 years of her life to her work before being laid off. Cha was praised for her sincerity in her acting, bringing the character to life on stage.[12]

Breakthrough

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In 2019, Cha won audition for supporting role in tvN miniseries Crash Landing on You, starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin. She played the role of Yang Ok-geum, a former announcer and hairdresser from North Korea. In the series, her character was responsible for making announcements in the corporate housing complex, and she was known for her fancy makeup and costumes, which made her stand out. She often spent time with Na Wol-suk, her character's friend, and their interactions added an enjoyable element to the show, with their sisterhood chemistry.[13]

In 2020, Cha was cast as court lady Choi, serving Queen Cheorin (played by Shin Hye-sun), in tvN historical fantasy drama Mr. Queen.[14] Her performance received a highly positive response from viewers, dominating real-time search terms after each episode's broadcast.[15] Cha gained critical recognition for her role, earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards.[16] Her memorable roles in those dramas also led to her being invited to make appearances on many popular television shows.[17]

Following her success in Mr. Queen, Cha remained busy in 2021. She made a special appearance in the thriller drama Beyond Evil as Lee Geum-hwa, a character vital to the plot.[18] In the KBS drama At a Distance, Spring Is Green, she portrayed the charismatic Professor Song.[19] Cha also starred in the office drama On the Verge of Insanity alongside Jung Jae-young and Moon So-ri; playing the former head of the finance team at the head office, Shin Jong-ah, who rejoins the Changin Business Department's finance team as a contract manager.[20][21] In July 2021, Cha joined the cast of the rebooted show Saturday Night Live Korea, alongside Red Velvet's Wendy.[22]

In August 2021, Cha took on a starring role in the healing drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, alongside Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho. Her character, Cho Nam-seok, owned a Chinese restaurant and was known as a village gossiper.[23][24] Her chemistry with Shin Min-a and Lee Bong-ryun received widespread praise.[25] In September of the same year, she was chosen to play the character Choi Mi-yeong in the web series Dr. Park's Clinic, which premiered on TVING in January 2022.[26]

On January 19, 2022, Cha signed an exclusive contract with YNK Entertainment.[27] In April, she joined the SBS legal drama Why Her as professor of family medicine.[28] In June, Cha made special appearance in drama Cleaning Up as sister-in-law of Su-ja (played by Kim Jae-hwa).[29]

In 2023, Cha joined the MBC drama Kokdu: Season of Deity as Gaksin, the god of rumor. Also, she played a role in My Demon as a divine being who disguised herself as a homeless woman.

In April 2025, Cha has signed an exclusive contract with the new management company Siseon.[30]

Personal life

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On October 11, 2023, Cha's agency confirmed that she would marry a younger businessman later that month.[31] The wedding ceremony was held in Seoul on October 27, 2023, with only her family and close acquaintances invited.[32] On January 24, 2024, Cha announced that she was pregnant with the couple's first child.[33]

Filmography

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Films

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List of Film
Year Title Role Ref.
English Korean
2010 Harmony 하모니 Harmony Choir, chase woman [34]
Try to Remember Ork girl / Single Bodhisattva [35]
2012 As One 코리아 Korea cheering team [35]
Almost Che 강철대오: 구국의 철가방 Dong-sook [35]
Confession of Murder 내가 살인범이다 Jang Jin-gak [35]
2013 How to Use Guys with Secret Tips 남자사용설명서 Bo-na's friend 2 [35]
Steal My Heart 캐치미 Human rights organization representative [35]
2014 Revivre 화장 Dr. Choi, urology nurse [35]
2016 Don't Forget Me 나를 잊지 말아요 Wedding Staff [35]
The Map Against the World 고산자, 대동여지도 Jeong Ho-jib madang anag [36]
Train to Busan 부산행 Middle aged woman (zombie) [35]
2020 Pawn 담보 Byeong-dal's wife [23]
2022 Birth 탄생 Kim A-gi [37][38]
2023 Brave Citizen 용감한 시민 Lee Jae-kyeong [39]

Television series

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List of Television series
Year Title Role Note Ref.
English Korean
2016 Shopping King Louie 쇼핑왕 루이 Kwon Mi-young [35]
2017 Black 블랙 Clara [35]
2017 Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me 흑기사 Team Leader
2018 The Ghost Detective 오늘의 탐정 Han Sang-seop's wife [35]
2019 Hotel del Luna 호텔 델루나 Water demon/Detective Lee Cameo [23]
The Fiery Priest 열혈사제 Ahn Dul-ja [35]
2019–20 Crash Landing on You 사랑의 불시착 Yang Ok-geum [23]
2020 Itaewon Class 이태원 클라쓰 Bureau Chief's wife Cameo (Ep.3) [40]
Eccentric! Chef Moon 유별나! 문셰프 Pi Gon-sook [41]
2020–21 Mr. Queen 철인왕후 Choi Sanggung Queen Cheorin's devoted lady-in-waiting [42]
2021 Beyond Evil 괴물 Lee Geum-hwa [43]
At a Distance, Spring Is Green 멀리서 보면 푸른 봄 Professor Song [44]
Hospital Playlist Season 2 슬기로운 의사생활 Yeon-woo's mom Cameo (Ep.1) [45]
On the Verge of Insanity 미치지 않고서야 Kim Jung-ah [46]
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha 갯마을 차차차 Jo Nam-sook [47]
2022 Dr. Park's Clinic 내과 박원장 Choi Mi-yeong [26]
Why Her 왜 오수재인가 Chae Joon-hee [48][49]
Cleaning Up 클리닝 업 Dongseo Cameo (Ep. 3) [29]
2023 Kokdu: Season of Deity 꼭두의 계절 Gaksin [50]
See You in My 19th Life 이번 생도 잘 부탁해 Kim Ae-kyung [51]
My Demon 마이 데몬 a homeless gambler / god Cameo [52]
2025 The Haunted Palace 귀궁 Yeong-geum [53]
Spring of Youth 사계의 봄 Kim Ja-young [54]

Web series

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Year Title Role Ref.
2023 Song of the Bandits Kim Seon-bok [55]

Television shows

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Year Title Role Ref.
2020 Happy Together "My Acting Class" Special [56]
2021 Saturday Night Live Korea Cast member [57][58]
On & Off [59]
2007 Actors' Association (배우반상회) [60][61]

Stage

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Musical

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List of Musical Play(s)
Year Title Role Theater Date Ref.
English Korean
2005–2006 Backstreet Story 뒷골목 스토리 Egg Nucleus Small Theater Dec 23 – Jan 22 [62]
2008 Medical Lunatic 메디컬 루나틱 Ko Dok-hae Sejong Center for the Performing Arts M Theater July 8 – Aug 29
March of Youth 젊음의 행진 Wolsuk KEPCO Art Center Nov 7 – Dec 31 [63]
2011–2012 Medical Lunatic 메디컬 루나틱 Ko Dok-hae Sungkyunkwan University 600th Anniversary Hall New Millennium Hall Apr 15 – Feb 22
2012–2013 Midnight Diner 심야식당 Ochazuke Sisters — Salted Mentaiko Dongsung Art Center Dongsung Hall Dec 11 – Feb 17 [64][65][66]
2013 2013 Seoul Musical Festival Closing Gala Show 2013 서울뮤지컬페스티벌 폐막갈라쇼 Herself Chungmu Art Center Grand Theater Aug 12
2013–2014 Oh! While You Were Sleeping 오! 당신이 잠든 사이 Multiroles Daehangno Arts Center Sep 6 – Mar 16 [67]
2014–2015 Midnight Diner 심야식당 Ochazuke Sisters — Salted Mentaiko Daehangno Musical Center Middle Theater Nov 16 – Jan 18 [68][69]
2015 Midnight Serenade 한밤의 세레나데 Park Jung-ja Art One Theater Hall 2 Mar 20 – May 21 [70]
Bachelor Vegetable Shop 총각네 야채가게 Multi-roles Woman KEPCO Art Center Nov 13 – Dec 31 [71]
2016 2016 Global Musical Live Showcase 2016 글로컬 뮤지컬 라이브 쇼케이스 Herself Lee Ha-rang Arts Theater Jan 30 – Feb 03
Heavy Metal Girls 헤비메탈 걸스 Min-jeong Plus Theater (Culturspace NU) Mar 15 – Jun 15 [72]
Bachelor Vegetable Shop 총각네 야채가게 Multi-roles Woman Suwon SK Atrium Grand Performance Hall Jul 23 [73]
Art One Theater Hall 2 Nov 19 – Dec 31
2019 Lee Seon-dong Clean Center 이선동 클린센터 The grandmother Daehakro SH Art Hall Oct 4 – Nov 10 [74]

Theater

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List of Theater Play(s)
Year Title Role Theater Date Ref.
English Korean
2010–2011 Sheer Madness 쉬어매드니스 Kwon Young-hwa Sangmyung Art Hall 1 Feb 2 – Jan 9 [75]
2012 Suspicious Heusingno 수상한 흥신소 Multi roles including Oh Deok-hee Samyung Art Hall 1 Jan 10 – Aug 19 [76]
Youth Band 청춘밴드 블루스프링 Lee In-hee Suwon Youth Culture Center Onnuri Art Hall Jul 12 – Jul 15
Small Theater Wilderness (Former Daehangno Arts Theater 3) Jul 20 – Aug 12
Gangdong Art Center Small Theater Dream Aug 15 – Sep 02
2013 Knife Handle 칼잡이 multi Sejong Center for the Performing Arts M Theater Apr 12–28
Guro Art Valley Arts Theater Jun 20–22
Suspicious Heusingno 수상한 흥신소 Multi roles including Oh Deok-hee H Theater May 31 – Nov 03
2013–2015 Secret Diary 시크릿 다이어리 Park Dong-soon H Theater Nov 21 – Feb 01
2016 Come See Me 배우 날 보러와요 Mrs. Nam Yes24 Stage2 Sep 21 – Dec 11 [77]
2017 Icheon Art Hall Small Performance Hall Feb 17–18

Awards and nominations

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Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
Baeksang Arts Awards 2021 Best Supporting Actress – Television Mr. Queen Nominated [16][78]
MBC Drama Awards 2021 Best Supporting Actress On the Verge of Insanity Nominated [79]
2023 Best Supporting Actress Kokdu: Season of Deity Won [80]

References

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