3 Surprising Facts About My Favorite Mixed-Race Male Celeb

Julie Taeko
Good Morning, Mixed-Race America!
3 min readOct 6, 2014

Who is the hottest mixed-race Korean celebrity? Daniel Henney! Of course, there are close competitors like Dennis Oh, but who can resist his boyish charm and angel-like good looks?

1. He’s a Gorgeous Blend of Korean and Irish Heritage.

Born to a Korean mother and an Irish-American father, Daniel (다니엘 헤니) began his illustrious career modeling in the United States. Currently, he works with DNA Model Management under the Celebrity division.

2. He Landed a Role in Korea without Even Knowing Korean!

Because he is just so gorgeous, Daniel secured a role in “My Lovely Sam Soon” (a.k.a My Name is Kim Sam Soon) without even speaking the language! Now that is impressive.

Daniel played Dr. Henry Kim, a surgeon madly in love with Yoo Hee Jin (Jung Ryu Won). This show became wildly popular in 2005, launching him into stardom. Becoming a household name overnight, Daniel gracefully took on the reigns of his newfound celebrity status.

In just one year, Daniel learned Korean for his next drama, “Spring Waltz.” Obviously, he’s smart AND irresistible. Who can possibly resist him?

In this melodrama of diverse twists and turns, Daniel starred as Phillip, an Austrian-Korean, striving to become a successful musician. He falls in love with an optimistic girl, Eun-young (played by Han Hyo-Joo). It leads to a complicated relationship web with the other main characters, Jay-Hae (played by Seo Do Young) and Lee Na (played by Lee So Yeon).

A drama of socio-economic differences, and ambition versus simplicity, this show is definitely worth watching. Plus, you’ll be able to see Daniel!

3. He was the First Foreigner to Win all 6, Best New Actor Categories in Korea!

After starring in hit TV shows in Korea and venturing into the American market, Daniel began a successful film career.

In 2007, he starred in a film called “My Father.” It was a story about multi-cultural adoption, the legacy of father and son, and one man’s search for his birth parents.

His acting, and the film’s overall success, made him the first foreigner to win all 6 awards in Best New Actor categories in Korea. Quite impressive!

Two years later in 2009, he played Agent Zero in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverines, and won the People’s Choice Awards.

In 2010, Daniel worked with Bi Rain/Jung Jihoon and Lee Na Young in the popular TV show, The Fugitive Plan B.

It’s a stimulating love triangle with a twist – the woman’s father is a powerful yakuza gang member. Money, action and love – the three qualities that make dramas great, are all a part of this show. Watch one episode, and you’ll end up watching it all night!

In a nutshell, the TV shows and movies I mentioned of Daniel are a must-see.

THE END

Which of these facts surprised you the most, if any?

Who are your favorite mixed-race celebrities?

I would love to hear from you!

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Julie Taeko
Good Morning, Mixed-Race America!

Julie Taeko Passionate about #Empowering #Females #Tech #Asia #Culture #Mixedrace #Multiracial #Buddhism #Marketing. Previously @ #CAL #Google #Startups.