Yoo Ji-tae to be the next James Bond?

By Jim Leap
Seoul
Last updated on April 19, 2025

So, why not a 49-year-old James Bond from South Korea?

Hot news

International April 19, 2025
Yoo Ji-tae, Time's ‘Person of the Year’ 2025?
Money April 18, 2025
Yoo Ji-tae is Highest-Paid Actor in the World
Rumor Central April 2025
Is Yoo Ji-tae secretly gay and hiding in the closet?

Is Yoo set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in March 2025. One of the names who keeps cropping up is Yoo Ji-tae.

UPDATE 19/04/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Every man, at some point in his life, wishes he could be James Bond. And with the news that Daniel Craig may well be out as 007, there are a whole bunch of actors from London to Seoul wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Yoo Ji-tae become the Seventh James Bond?

Yoo’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Midnight FM (2010) and Oldboy (2003). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Yoo now is – what next?

Three reasons Yoo Ji-tae would be good for the James Bond franchise

It would clarify that Bond is a rotating identity: If M can be a woman, why can't James Bond be a 49-year-old Korean?
No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Yoo.
It would give Yoo Ji-tae a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

This 'Yoo To Play James Bond' Rumor had the internet in a frenzy

Twitter was flooded again Friday with loads of tweets related to the rumor. Some fans even launched an online Facebook page called We Want Yoo Ji-tae for James Bond.

“His name is Yoo. Yoo Ji-tae!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) April 18, 2025

“He was perfect as Lee Woo-jin in Oldboy, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) April 18, 2025

“A Korean James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) April 18, 2025

“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Yoo has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) April 18, 2025

Rumors about Yoo Ji-tae stepping into the role's next iteration have been floating about for a while now. He is characterized by being smooth, slick, handsome, rugged and charming. These are definitely the characteristics needed to play James Bond. Don’t you agree?

Do you think Yoo Ji-tae should be the next James Bond?