Information about Cha Su Woong, the CEO of Woosung Shipping, has attracted significant attention in South Korea. The company is ranked 4th in South Korea and 10th globally in the shipping industry, with an estimated value of around 370,000 tons of won.
According to Channel A, contrary to the company’s expectations, the Cha family decided to reject the offer for the conglomerate. Cha Su Woong sold his entire stake to a joint venture before passing away due to a lack of interested heirs.
“Many people have dedicated their lives to the conglomerate. Transferring ownership to those who know nothing about the shipping industry, like us, is meaningless,” Cha In Pyo explained the reason for not inheriting the family business.
Cha In Pyo’s decision has surprised many, as he was previously known for his consistent “dedication” to the family business, despite his successful career in entertainment.
The Young Heir in the Shipping Industry
Cha In Pyo is well-known as the “heir to the shipping empire” in the South Korean entertainment industry. Stepping into the world of entertainment, Cha In Pyo has garnered public attention, especially since he did not continue the family’s business legacy.
Cha In Pyo is the son of the CEO of Woosung Shipping and is recognized as the first heir of the conglomerate. Not only born into wealth, Cha In Pyo was once dubbed the “prince of reality” due to his striking appearance and charming personality.
Since entering the entertainment industry, Cha In Pyo has consistently been cast in leading roles, becoming a prominent figure. One of his most famous roles is that of businessman Jun Hee in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.
Cha In Pyo’s handsome appearance has made female fans swoon. He received as much love as the lead character Kang Min, played by Ahn Jae Wook. His role in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is often described as “made for In Pyo.” Whether in the film or reality, he embodies the essence of a wealthy heir.
After the emergence of the “Hallyu” wave across Asian countries, Cha In Pyo quickly rose to fame, continuing to participate in various projects like The Secret of the Moonlight Tower (2007), General Gye Baek (2011), and Love Forever (2014). His role in Mr. Perfect (1999) also made a significant impact.
In Mr. Perfect, Cha In Pyo plays the character Kim Choon Sam, a poor man who rises against the odds. From It’s Okay to Not Be Okay to Mr. Perfect, Cha In Pyo has a knack for attracting female fans, regardless of the character’s societal background.
Cha In Pyo has always been recognized by filmmakers as a star with a unique charm in every role he takes on. His masculine charm is a significant asset when embodying characters, whether they are wealthy heirs or ordinary folks. His attractiveness sets him apart from contemporaries like Jang Dong Gun and Kim Min Jong.
Before officially stepping into acting, Cha In Pyo spent time studying abroad in the U.S. Eventually, he decided to pursue acting instead of taking over his father’s company. Many consider his acting career merely a diversion, given that he is the son of a shipping magnate. However, no one can deny that he has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
A Model of the Ideal Husband
As a wealthy and successful man, Cha In Pyo captivates the South Korean public, often referred to as the “ideal husband” when he publicly appears with his wife, Shin Ae Ra.
Cha In Pyo and Shin Ae Ra met on the set of the film My Love, My Bride (1994). In the film, In Pyo plays a charming heir pursuing a salesgirl. The on-screen chemistry translated into real life as he became known for his romantic pursuit of her, as reported by Newsen.
In an interview, Cha In Pyo revealed that he fell in love with Shin Ae Ra the moment they first met, a sentiment echoed by many who witnessed their chemistry. At that time, Cha In Pyo was an emerging actor, while Ae Ra was a rising star in the industry.
The love story between Cha In Pyo and Shin Ae Ra has often been likened to a “romantic film” as they came from different backgrounds. Initially, many thought Cha In Pyo was merely “playing a role” but later realized he was genuinely in love, while Ae Ra was always supportive, nurturing their relationship.
Media outlets often highlight the romance between Cha In Pyo and Shin Ae Ra, portraying him as a wealthy heir who pursues his girlfriend with sincerity. In response to the media’s portrayal, In Pyo has expressed his intent to win Ae Ra’s heart with genuine affection.
<pIn 1994, a year later, Cha In Pyo decided to propose to his girlfriend, marking the beginning of their romantic journey that attracted much media attention in March 1995.
When they got married, Cha In Pyo was 28, and Shin Ae Ra was 26. The fact that these two stars married before reaching 30 is relatively rare in the entertainment industry, especially as both were on the rise in their careers, capturing public interest for a considerable time.
In 1998, Shin Ae Ra gave birth to their first son. South Korean media reported that the actor was emotional when he witnessed the birth of his child.
According to Newsen, not wanting to risk further complications from childbirth, they decided to adopt two children. The couple’s daughters are often seen as the couple’s biological children. Their family has become a model of what a loving and supportive family should be like in the South Korean entertainment scene.
Cha In Pyo has lived with his wife for nearly 30 years, always sharing their happy life together, even as divorce rumors occasionally emerge in the entertainment industry.
The actor from Mr. Perfect continues to be a model husband, often expressing his love for his wife during public appearances. When a host jokingly remarked, “You’re too generous and don’t need to,” Cha In Pyo replied, “If I don’t say it, who will? She is my wife.”
Shin Ae Ra frequently shares her thoughts on their marriage, emphasizing the little things that matter most, like the warmth of each other’s presence in their daily lives. Their relationship, while they may have their differences, is a testament to how to maintain a loving family.
Beyond their marriage, Cha In Pyo and Shin Ae Ra are also known for their philanthropic efforts, often helping various charitable organizations, earning recognition from the South Korean government for their contributions to society.