Ma Dong Seok 마 동석

I can think of no better example of “that guy” than the incredibly popular actor Ma Dong Seok 마 동석 who personified that guy in his heroric role in Train to Busan.

Born “Lee Dong Seok” on a Monday, March 1, 1971, in Seoul, South Korea. Ma Dong Seok-nim is also known as “Don Lee.” He became an American citizen at 19 (1989) after his family emigrated to the U.S. where he attended Columbus State University.

Why do we love him so much, maybe all these reasons . . .

He is married to Ye Jung Hwa 예 중화,  a fitness coach, model and television personality/actress, scriptwriter, and director, who is 17 years younger. The news of their marriage was shared when he gave his acceptance speech for the Best Film Artist of the Year* award for his work in The Roundup at the 12th annual SACF Artists of the Year Award  (Shin Young Kyun Arts & Culture Foundation) in Seoul on October 20, 2022. The couple had been in a relationship for 6 years (since 2016) and already legally registered their marriage in 2021, although they did not have a marriage ceremony yet reportedly because of the Covid-19 pandemic and their busy schedules.

*Every year, the SACF selects artists in five categories: Film, Distinguished, Good People, Stage, and New Artist, who have made major contributions to the arts and entertainment industry over the year.