Yoo Ji Tae: From action star to social welfare advocate

Actor Yoo Ji Tae has opened up about the sense of social responsibility hidden behind his glamorous life as an actor. His journey—which began with social welfare studies triggered by the sudden death of a fellow action actor and evolved into support for women and children victims of violence—is drawing renewed attention.

Appearing on the YouTube channel 'Rhee Min-jung MJ' on the 14th, Yoo spoke candidly about his acting career and the motivations behind his interest in social welfare.

When asked about his decision to study social welfare, Yoo recalled his days training alongside other action actors.

“In our time, there was an action school, so we built camaraderie while training with other action actors,” he said. “Among them was an action actor I was close to, who passed away in an accident while returning to his accommodation from a filming set in China.”

He continued, “Experiencing that made me think deeply about reality. Since we are contract workers and irregular workers, there were blind spots where we were not protected. I felt a sense of reality check at that time, which led me to take an interest in social welfare.”

While at the height of his success as an actor, he began a new chapter of study by enrolling in the Graduate School of Social Welfare at the Catholic University of Korea. It was a process of investigating real-world social issues rather than merely pursuing a hobby.

He explained that he realized the urgent need for social support after learning about the realities faced by women and children victims of domestic violence through a graduate school colleague active in the YWCA.

“The system was such that women and children victims of domestic violence had to leave the shelter after a certain period,” Yoo shared. “A vicious cycle was repeating where they were forced back into violent situations before they were economically or mentally prepared for independence.”

To address this, he stepped forward to help establish support spaces known as 'intermediate houses.'

“After hearing there was a need for a space where they could prepare for independence, I said, ‘Then let's do it together,'” Yoo revealed. “That is how the intermediate house was created.”

He emphasized, “Because of my profession as a celebrity, this work gained visibility, and subsequently, a miracle occurred when the Korea Land and Housing Corporation provided support for 200 households. I believe our profession has a role to play. There is also a sense of responsibility that comes with being a public figure.”

Yoo also expressed his commitment to continuing his work for the socially vulnerable. He shared his hope to expand his social role into the medical and welfare sectors, stating, “I also have a dream of creating a union hospital.”

Having debuted in the 1998 film 'By Jun,' Yoo has since been recognized for his acting through various works such as 'Ditto,' 'Oldboy,' and 'One Fine Spring Day.' However, he has not limited his public influence to personal success, but has instead channeled it into social responsibility.

Rather than being just a star on the glamorous screen, Yoo's path of striving to be a supporter for those in need demonstrates new possibilities for the social role of celebrities. His social welfare activities are being viewed as a prime example of how an individual's experience of loss can expand into social solidarity, moving beyond simple acts of kindness.