Jeon Moo-song (Korean: 전무송; born September 28, 1941) is a South Korean actor. Jeon began his career on stage in the play 'Chunhyangjeon' in 1964 and has since been active in Korean theatre, film and television. In 1977, he performed as the title character in Crown Prince Hamyeol (an adaptation of Hamlet) at La MaMa in New York City, which marked the first time a Korean theatre troupe had traveled outside Korea. Jeon also won two trophies from the Grand Bell Awards for his portrayal of an eccentric monk in Im Kwon-taek's 1981 film Mandala.

Jeon was born on September 28, 1941, in Nae-dong, Jinsen (modern-day Incheon), Korea, during the period of Japanese rule. He was the eldest of seven children born into a working-class fishing family. His father originated from Haeju, Kōkai Province (now part of Hwanghae Province), Korea, and his mother is from Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do. During his childhood, Jeon frequently visited his maternal relatives in Seosan. His uncle, a farmer and storyteller, performed one-man shows that significantly influenced Jeon. Supported by his maternal aunt and uncle, Jeon was the only child in his family to attend kindergarten.

During his second year of elementary school, Jeon and his family evacuated their home due to the outbreak of the Korean War. He continued his education at a school near the evacuation site until the family returned to Incheon following the conclusion of the conflict. Around this time, Jeon began playing baseball at the suggestion of a friend and initially aspired to become a professional athlete.

In the 1950s, Jeon gained admission to Incheon Middle School, a prestigious institution at the time. His enrollment was a source of significant pride for his father, who hosted a celebration for local residents to mark the achievement. Although Jeon intended to continue playing baseball, the school lacked an established team. He organized a baseball club with fellow students; however, the group was soon disbanded by the principal, who argued that athletic pursuits would distract from academic responsibilities.

Following middle school, Jeon grew concerned regarding the financial burden of higher education on his family, as he had six younger siblings. At the encouragement of principal Gil Young-hee, he enrolled at Incheon Technical High School (now Incheon Mechanical Engineering High School) to study mechanical engineering. This decision resulted in a three day period of conflict with his father, who disapproved of the vocational path.

Before beginning high school, Jeon worked briefly at the Ae Kwan Theater, where he assisted a friend employed as a signboard designer. His initial duties involved whitewashing the boards for new advertisements. Though he resigned upon starting high school, his interest in the arts persisted. He frequently bypassed school hours to visit the theater district in Sinpo-dong, changing into civilian clothes to watch films and live theater. At Ae Kwan Theater he watched movies such as "Break Through the Wall" and "Long Live Freedom", along with stage productions by the Yeoseong Gukgeuk Company and Lim Chun-Aeng's Gukgeuk. He was particularly moved by the play "Princess Nangrang and Prince Hodong" and remembered "Blue Bird" with great clarity. His exposure to cinematic works like "Stagecoach" and "Samson and Delilah" eventually solidified his desire to pursue a career in acting. Jeon participated in his high school's musical program as a clarinetist in the school band.

Upon graduating, Jeon gained admission to the Department of Theater and Film at Hanyang University. The high cost of tuition, however, presented a significant financial barrier. Following a period of severe distress, Jeon attempted self harm by ingesting a substance he believed to be rat poison. He survived the incident and subsequently questioned his decision to attempt suicide.

Jeon later underwent practical training at the Incheon Mechanical Workshop under the Incheon Railroad Administration. Due to positive performance evaluations, he was hired as an apprentice following his training period. His primary responsibility involved the repetitive machining of bolts and nuts. While observing the accumulation of red, rusting iron shavings beneath his machinery, Jeon began to view the decaying metal as a metaphor for his own professional stagnation. Reflecting on this experience, Jeon stated that the sight of the iron powder made him feel as though he were rusting. He questioned his career path and eventually resigned from the company to pursue his original ambition in the arts.