Ma Dong-seok - Biography and Filmography

Ma Dong-seok - Biography and Filmography

About Ma Dong-seok

Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, is a South Korean-American actor and former personal trainer known for his intense screen presence, action-packed roles, and charismatic performances. Born on March 1, 1971, in South Korea, he later moved to the United States and studied at Columbus State University.

Before becoming an actor, Ma trained MMA fighters, including Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman. His strong physique and natural acting skills made him a standout in action films, but he has also demonstrated versatility in comedy and drama. He gained international fame with Train to Busan (2016) and later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Eternals (2021).

Notable Movies

  1. The Outlaws (2017) – A crime action film where he plays a tough detective taking on a brutal gang.
  2. Train to Busan (2016) – A global hit zombie thriller where he played a fan-favorite character, Sang-hwa.
  3. Eternals (2021) – His Hollywood debut in the MCU, playing Gilgamesh.
  4. The Roundup (2022) – A sequel to The Outlaws, further solidifying his status as a top action star.
  5. Unstoppable (2018) – A crime thriller about a former gangster seeking revenge.
  6. Champion (2018) – A sports drama where he played an arm-wrestling champion.
  7. The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (2019) – A crime thriller where he plays a gangster teaming up with a cop to catch a serial killer.
  8. Start-Up (2019) – A comedy-drama where he plays a mentor to young delinquents.
  9. The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos (2019) – An action film based on the hit TV series.
  10. The Villainess (2017) – A high-intensity action film where he had a supporting role.

Notable TV Dramas

  1. Bad Guys (2014) – A crime series where he plays a criminal recruited to hunt down worse criminals.
  2. Squad 38 (2016) – A crime drama about tax fraud investigations.

FAQs About Ma Dong-seok

1. What is Ma Dong-seok best known for?
He is best known for Train to Busan (2016), The Outlaws (2017), and The Roundup (2022).

2. Has Ma Dong-seok won any major awards?
Yes, he has won several Grand Bell Awards and Blue Dragon Film Awards for his performances.

3. What makes him unique as an actor?
His strong physical presence, real-life combat training, and ability to blend action with humor make him stand out in the industry.

4. Why did he use the name Don Lee?
Since he lived in the U.S. for many years, he adopted an English name, Don Lee, which he also uses in Hollywood.

5. Is he married?
Yes, he is married to Ye Jung-hwa, a fitness model and trainer.


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