| Justin John Harvey | |
| Birth Date: | 27 March 1991 |
| Birth Place: | Bloemfontein, South Africa |
| Alma Mater: | Law School of University of Pretoria |
| Years Active: | 2019 to present |
| Agent: | Andmarq |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
Justin John Harvey (born March 27, 1991) is a South African model, actor and television personality based in South Korea. He obtained a law degree before relocating to South Korea at the age of 24 to pursue modeling. He has since became active in entertainment, films and commercials. Harvey is most recognized for his role in Park Hoon-jung 2022 film The Witch: Part 2 - The Other One. He has also appeared in Ashfall (2020) and The Childe (2023). Additionally, he has made appearances on various variety shows, including the popular television shows Welcome, First Time in Korea? South Korean Foreigners, and season 2 of Netflix show .[1] [2]
Justin John Harvey was born on March 27, 1991 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. When he was six, Harvey and his mother moved to the East Rand in Gauteng following his parents' divorce. Harvey enjoyed playing rugby and cricket as a child. His interest in acting began at the age of seven through school plays in elementary school. In high school, he choreographed and directed plays. However, Harvey chose law as major at the University of Pretoria, thinking it was a safer career path. However, his dream of becoming an actor remained.[3] [4]
Harvey arrived in South Korea at the age of 24, intending a short-term visit. He became captivated by the country and decided to stay indefinitely. He enrolled in a formal Korean language school for a month before deciding to teach himself the language, fully immersing himself in the process. Even when learning new skills such as yoga or scuba diving, he opted for lessons conducted in Korean.[5] [6]
In 2019, Harvey made his television debut on the MBC Every 1 reality show "Welcome, First Time in Korea." The show, along with "South Korean Foreigners," aired in 2020. "Welcome, First Time in Korea" features a foreigner living in South Korea who invites friends from their home country to visit for the first time, while "South Korean Foreigners" pits 10 non-Koreans against five Koreans in a competition. These programs have helped many foreigners gain recognition and become TV personalities in South Korea.[7]
In the same year, while walking along the Han River banks with his parents, Harvey saw a citizen jump into the river. He immediately jumped in and saved the person's life before the rescue team arrived. For this action, the Yeongdeungpo Fire Department awarded him a Civilian Meritorious Service Award.
In 2021, based on the same lifesaving actions, Harvey was recommended for another commendation. That year, on December 1, he was granted an honorary citizenship by the then-mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon, at the '2021 Foreigner Honourable Citizen Certificate Award Ceremony' held at Seoul City Hall. Out of 32 foreigner nominees from 24 countries, he was one of the 9 winners selected for this honor after a review process by the judging committee. He made history as first South African receiving the honor.[8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
In 2022, following years of modeling and television appearances, he secured a role in the sci-fi horror film The Witch: Part 2 - The Other One.[13] Initially, Harvey believed he got the role of Tom due to his Korean language abilities, despite his limited experience. However, director Park Hoon-jung later revealed that Harvey embodied the Tom he had envisioned, even though Harvey had to gain 10 kilograms for the role. Harvey worked again with Director Park Hoon-jung in his 2023 action film The Childe as a Western man who makes Marco an offer in a bar.[14] [15]
In 2024, Harvey appeared in Netflix entertainment show Physical: 100 Season 2 - Underground, a competition featuring 100 individuals showcasing their physical strength to determine the ultimate champion with the most perfect physique. Harvey showed his strength by landing in the TOP 4 after a fierce competition in the first-come, first-served roller race.[16] [17] [18] [19]
| Title | Role | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | ||||
| 2022 | Ashfall | 백두산 | Sniper | [20] | |
| 2022 | The Witch: Part 2. The Other One | 마녀 2: the other one | Tom | [21] | |
| 2023 | The Childe | 귀공자 | [22] |
| Title | Role | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | ||||
| 2024 | The Tyrant | 폭군 | Crocodile 1, Paul's enhanced, super-human right hand | [23] |
| Title | Role | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2020 | MBC every1 South Korean Foreigners | Contestant | [24] | ||
| 2021 | MBC every1 Welcome, First Time in Korea? | Cast member | [25] | ||
| 2022 | MBC every1 Welcome, First Time in Korea life? | Cast Member | |||
| 2024 | Contestant | Season 2, Rank 4th | [26] |
| Award Ceremony | Year | Honor | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Yeongdeungpo Fire Departement | 2019 | Civilian Meritorious Service Award | [27] [28] |
| The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Foreigner Honorary Citizenship | 2021 | Seoul Honorary Citizen | [29] [30] |