[HanCinema's News] Cha Woo-jin Confirmed to Be the Younger Brother of Ye Jung-hwa

A recent news report released on June 2nd has claimed a familial relationship between Cha Woo-jin, part of the greater ensemble of "The Roundup" with Ma Dong-seok in the leading role, and Ma Dong-seok's girlfriend, Ye Jung-hwa. Purportedly, Cha Woo-jin's real name is Ye Dong-woo. Back in 2015, both siblings appeared together in variety shows. Ye Jung-hwa, a fitness coach, was the headliner, with Cha Woo-jin's appearances being more incidental.

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Cha Woo-jin was not engaged in a career in the entertainment industry at the time, and appears to have changed his name in order to pursue such a career. Cha Woo-jin's first confirmed screen credit is a minor role in the horror mystery film "Warning: Do Not Play" from 2019. Cha Woo-jin's first fully named role was as an assistant director in the television drama "Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation" from 2020.

The revelation is begging questions of nepotism on Ma Dong-seok's part for Cha Woo-jin's benefit. Cha Woo-jin had received a named role in "Start-Up" from 2020 in addition to "The Roundup" this year. Cha Woo-jin is also the confirmed screenwriter of "The Roundup: No Way Out" which begins production this month. However, his other minor roles and involvement in upcoming independent film projects may also suggest that Cha Woo-jin has tried to distance himself from his sister to avoid such accusations.

Written by William Schwartz