U-Know Yunho in Talks for Japanese Remake of The Outlaws
On March 25, 2025, an official from SM Entertainment shared exciting news with Xports News regarding TVXQ’s U-Know Yunho (Jung Yunho). Reports indicate that the idol is in discussions to participate in the Japanese remake of the acclaimed 2017 film, The Outlaws. According to the agency, Yunho has received a role offer and is weighing his options.
If the deal goes through, this would signify Yunho’s debut in a Japanese film, adding a new dimension to his already impressive career in K-dramas. The buzz surrounding the role is palpable, particularly given the significant global success of the The Outlaws franchise.
The original The Outlaws, released in 2017, showcased the talents of actors Ma Dong-seok and Yoon Kye-sang, under the direction of Kang Yoon-sung. The film, set against the backdrop of the 2004 gang wars between Chinese-Korean factions in Seoul, follows Detective Ma Seok-do as he faces off against the brutal loan shark, Jang-Chen.
Loosely based on real incidents, such as the notorious 2004 shooting in Seoul’s Chinatown that resulted in multiple arrests, the film’s gripping narrative and action sequences significantly contributed to its popularity.
The Outlaws represents the inaugural chapter of The Roundup series, subsequently leading to three sequels: The Roundup in 2022, The Roundup: No Way Out in 2023, and The Roundup: Punishment in 2024.
U-Know Yunho: A Dual Career in Music and Acting
U-Know Yunho is not just a celebrated member and leader of TVXQ but also an accomplished solo artist. His journey with SM Entertainment began in 2001. The stage name “U-Know,”derived from his high school nickname, reflects his aspiration to be a leader who connects deeply with his audience.
The band’s trajectory experienced turbulence in July 2009 when three of his group members—Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu—pursued legal action against their label, culminating in their departure in 2010. Nonetheless, Yunho and Changmin persevered as a duo, continuing to produce music across both Korean and Japanese markets.
Yunho embarked on his solo career in 2015 with the Japanese EP, U Know Y, which included seven tracks, five of which had previously been showcased during TVXQ concerts in Japan. His music video for the track “Champagne,”a collaboration with Park Jisung from NCT, was released shortly thereafter.
In June 2019, he unveiled his first solo Korean album, True Colors, featuring the lead single “Follow.”This was followed by his second EP, Noir, in January 2021, which showcased the single “Thank You.”Continuing to diversify his discography, he released his second Japanese EP, You Go Ahead, on February 9, 2022, and more recently, Reality Show in August 2023.
Yunho’s acting debut took place in 2009 with the romantic comedy Heading to the Ground. Since then, he has engaged in various roles, notably in Goong and Gwanghwamun Sonata, which painted a vivid picture of life in 1980s South Korea. His notable performance in the 2012 drama King of Ambition earned him the People’s Choice Award at the 2013 Seoul International Drama Awards.
After a brief hiatus, Yunho returned to the small screen with the 2017 mystery romance, Meloholic. His most recent appearance was in the 2023 series Race, available on Disney+.
Looking ahead, he is set to star in the original Disney+ series Low Life, slated for a 2025 release, signaling his continued evolution as both a musician and an actor.