Kim was born on February 16, 1988. His birth father is Kim Chung-hoon [ko] and was the lead singer of the 80's band "Seven Dolphins".[7] His parents separated when he was very young, therefore he considered himself as an only son raised in a single mother family.[8]
By 2006, Kim completed elementary, middle and high school in Gangnam, Seoul and debuted as a TV actor in 2007 after auditions. He enrolled at Chung-Ang University's Film and Theater Department in 2009.[13]
Career
2007–2010: Career beginnings
Kim made his television debut with a supporting role in the 2007 family sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile,[14] and in 2008, landed a lead role in KBS's critically acclaimed youth drama, Jungle Fish.[15] Based on a true story, it tackles the serious issues of school cheating, competitive academic standards, and interactive blogging in a fresh way.[16] The drama won a number of awards, including the USPeabody Award.[17]
For the latter half of the year, Kim appeared in the food-based variety show Delicious Quiz (also known as The Taste of Life) as one of the hosts[18] and in the short filmCherry Blossom.
Kim became a household name in 2011 after starring in the high school musical drama Dream High. He plays a country bumpkin who turned out to be a musical genius.[25] The drama brought in high domestic ratings[26] and was also popular overseas, winning several international awards.[27] As the only young actor in a cast of idols, Kim studied song and dance for three months at JYP Entertainment to pull off the required scenes in the drama.[28] He recorded two songs for the drama's soundtrack, his solo "Dreaming"[29] as well as the title track "Dream High" with the rest of the cast.[30]
Kim's popularity skyrocketed when he starred in the hit period drama Moon Embracing the Sun as the King Leehwon.[31] The drama recorded a peak rating of 42.2 percent,[32] thereby earning the "national drama" status and was exported to locales across Asia, making it one of the most profitable exports in the drama genre.[33] Kim contributed his vocals to the soundtrack with the traditional ballad "Only You"[34] and the more modern composition "Another Way".[35]
Due to his popularity, he set a new record in product endorsements for being the face of 17 products simultaneously.[36] He also won the Best Actor (TV) award at the 48thBaeksang Arts Awards.[37] Beating out heavyweight veterans such as Han Suk-kyu, Shin Ha-kyun and Cha Seung-won, Kim said "I am very grateful for this moment, but I am ashamed as well. It's like getting a lot of homework. I'll keep trying to become a better actor in order to remain worthy of this award".[38]
Kim made his big-screen debut in the star-studded heist film The Thieves, touted by the press as the Korean version of Ocean's Eleven.[39] With over 12.9 million ticket sales, the film became the second highest-grossing movie in Korean film history.[40]
In 2013, Kim was cast to play the role of a North Korean spy who infiltrated South Korea as a village idiot in the movie Secretly, Greatly, an adaptation of the popular webtoon series Covertness by Hun.[41] The film broke several records and was one of the most successful box office hits of the year drawing an audience of 7 million.[42] Kim won the Best New Actor (Film) award at the 50thGrand Bell Awards and the 50thBaeksang Arts Awards.[43]
2014–2017: International popularity
From 2013 to early 2014, Kim starred in SBS fantasy romance series My Love from the Star alongside Jun Ji-hyun.[44] He also released two singles for the drama's soundtrack, titled "In Front of Your House" and "Promise".[45] It became massively popular across Asia, especially in China; it had over 14.5 billion hits as of February 2014 on the online video platformiQIYI and also sparked trends in fashion, make-up and restaurants.[46][47]
Kim experienced explosive growth in popularity throughout Asia topping various popularity polls[48] and became one of the most in-demand endorsers with 35 product endorsements.[49] He won the Daesang (or "Grand Prize"), the highest award for television, at the 7thKorea Drama Awards[50] and Most Popular Actor (TV) at 50thBaeksang Arts Awards.[51]
Kim at the press conference for The Producers, May 2015
In 2015, Kim starred in KBS variety drama The Producers, written by My Love From the Star writer Park Ji-eun.[52] The drama drew solid ratings domestically, and was also sold to several countries internationally.[53] Kim became one of South Korea's favorite leading faces on TV according to the Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation.[54] Kim once again won the Daesang (or "Grand Prize") at the 8thKorea Drama Awards,[55]4thAPAN Star Awards[56] and the 2015KBS Drama Awards for his acting performance.[57]
Kim's wax figure made in his image was displayed at Madame Tussauds, Hong Kong[58] and Musée Grévin, Seoul in 2015.[59] In the following year, he was listed under Forbes "30 Under 30 Asia list" which comprises 30 influential people under 30 years of age who have made substantial effect in their fields.[60]
Kim then starred in the action-noir film Real, directed by his cousin Lee Sa-rang,[61] which premiered in June 2017.[62] The film tanked at the box office and received negative reviews from the critics for its direction, storyline, characters' information; saying that only Kim saved the movie with his acting to some extent.[63]
In contrast, the film received favourable response after its arrival in Taiwan's cinema.[64] Expat Korean Movie Critic/Blogger Pierce Conran included Real in his list of top 15 Korean Movies of 2017 for its uniqueness and originality.[65]
In 2017, Kim took a hiatus from acting to complete his obligatory military service of 21 months.[66]
2019–present: Return to acting
Kim made headlines in news when he returned to his acting career through his special appearances on dramas Hotel del Luna and Crash Landing on You.[67] In December 2019, reports surfaced that Kim would be leaving KeyEast to form a new agency with his cousin.[68] In January 2020, Kim signed with newly formed entertainment agency Gold Medalist.[69]
In 2020, Kim took on the role of Moon Gang-tae, an orphaned psychiatric aide in the tvN broadcast romantic comedy It's Okay to Not Be Okay.[70] The series was Kim's first small screen appearance in a lead role after a five-year gap.[71] In comparison to his previous series, it recorded lesser TV viewership ratings.[67] However, it was the most popular show of 2020 on Netflix in South Korea in romance genre.[72]The New York Times named It's Okay to Not Be Okay one of "The Best International Shows of 2020,"[73] while La Tercera called it "one of the most popular Asian dramas" of 2020.[74] S. Poorvaja of The Hindu said of Kim's acting that he brought "Gang-tae alive on screen perfectly — someone whose silent world weariness slowly but steadily progressed to sparkling eyes, smiles and enthusiasm."[75] He won the Daesang (or "Grand Prize") at the 5th Asia Artist Awards in the television category.[76]
In 2021, Kim starred in Coupang Play's television series One Ordinary Day, based on the British television series Criminal Justice, played the role of Kim Hyun-soo, a normal college student whose life turns upside down when he unexpectedly becomes the key suspect of the murder case.[77] On December 21, 2021, Gold Medalist announced that it will produce and promote actor Kim Soo-hyun's digital human together with EVR Studio. That has an appearance like a real person and can use facial expressions and plans to be used in a variety of industries including entertainment, metaverse, movies, and advertising in the future.[78]
In 2022, Studio Dragon confirmed Kim's participation in the romantic comedy series Queen of Tears written by Park Ji-eun, with whom Kim had previously collaborated on My Love from the Star and The Producers.[79][80] Kim also recorded the song "Way Home" (Korean: 청혼) for the soundtrack of the series;[81] it was the first time in 10 years since he had participated in a series' soundtrack.[82] The series premiered on March 9, 2024 and was a success both domestically and internationally. It recorded a peak national viewership rating of 24.850% for its finale, becoming the highest-rated tvN series[83][84] and remained on Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English TV series rankings for 15 consecutive weeks from its initial release.[85] He was nominated for Best Drama Actor for a fourth time and won Most Popular Actor for a third time at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards.[86]
In 2024, Kim was confirmed to star as Kim Sung-joon, who goes from being an ordinary office worker to becoming the king of the global fake market in Disney+black comedy series Knock-Off, slated for release in 2025.[87]
In 2014, Kim attended two international sports events. Held on August 16, 2014, Kim sang the official theme song "Light up the Future" with several artists at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games held in Nanjing, China.[88] He also participated in the opening ceremony of the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. Along with actor Jang Dong-gun, Korean opera singer Ahn Sook-sun and people from 45 nations, they delivered the message of "One Asia" at the second part of the highlight stage.[89]
Ambassadorship
At the appointment ceremony for the Seoul Goodwill Ambassador
In 2011, Kim along with Bae Suzy were the Ambassadors of the 16th Korea Goyang International Flower Festival.[90] On April 18, 2012, Korea Tourism Organization appointed Kim as the Honorary Ambassador for Korean tourism.[91] On December 3, 2012, Kim was appointed as the Public Relation Ambassador for Lotte Hotel Busan.[92] On May 20, 2014, Kim was appointed as one of the Public Relations Ambassador for his alma mater, Chung-Ang University.[93] On October 25, 2015, Kim was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador of Seoul. For the city's promotion, he participated in various cultural events in the next two years.[94] In 2015, Kim was the Honorary Ambassador for the Incheon International Airport.[95] In 2016, Kim is the Promotional Ambassador for Paradise City.[96]
Philanthropy
Since 2012, Kim and his fans have donated a total of 20 tons of rice every year to help those in need.[97]
In April 2014, during his tour of Asia, Kim donated about ₩200 million to the China Children & Teenager's Fund from a Gucci charity event.[98] He also joined Yellow Ribbon Campaign,[99] and donated ₩300 million to help the teenage victims of Sewol ferry tragedy.[100]
In January 2017, Kim along with 32 top stars of South Korea joined an online fund raising event, Give Love, to help NGOs dedicated to protecting children's rights.[101]
In February 2020, Kim delivered ₩100 million in donations to support low income families affected by COVID-19 pandemic.[102]
Endorsements
Kim has been regarded as the "King of product endorsements" by media outlets;[103] and has been the face of variety of products ranging from food, clothing, electronics, telecoms to automobiles and more.[104] He started emerging as a blue chip in the advertising industry soon after he grabbed viewer's attention through his acting in Giant.[105] But when he starred in Moon Embracing the Sun, he set the record of being the face of 17 products simultaneously overtaking figure skater Yuna Kim, who had set the record back in 2009 by amassing 15 endorsements.[36] Kim became most in-demand advertising model after his drama My Love from the Star[49] with appearing in more than 30 advertisements, including 10 airing in China and other Asian counties.[106] He has also been the face of Jeju airlines and main character of a Chinese video game.[107][108]
In 2014, Kim Soo-hyun appeared in an ad alongside Gianna Jun for Chinese bottled water company Hengda bingquan. The move drew negative reactions from South Korean fans due to Hengda listing the source of its water as "Jang bai shan" (Changbai Mountain) rather than the Korean name, "Mount Baekdusan." Both actors sought to revoke their ad contracts after the backlash[109] but Kim eventually decided to continue with the ad, which disappointed many of his fans.[110]
In 2015, Kim along with Yuna Kim won grand prizes at the National Brand Awards for improving Korea's brand image.[111]
Kim joined the Philippine retail brand Bench as a product endorser in July 2021.[112]
On September 13, 2021, Kim was selected as a global ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger.[113]
In 2022, Dunkin' Donuts revealed that Kim is their newest product endorser.[114]
On August 17, 2023, Kim selected as the new brand ambassador of outdoor fashion brand, Eider.[115]
Personal life
In March 2015, Kim was awarded for being a model taxpayer by the local tax office for faithfully paying taxes every Tax Day.[116]
In July 2015, it was revealed that Kim has a paternal half-sister named Kim Ju-na, a singer.[117]
Bowling
A bowling enthusiast, Kim applied to become a professional bowler in October 2016.[118] He ranked 10th out of the 114 participants on his first try-out tournament[119] but failed to make the cut on the second, falling short of the 200 points needed to qualify with only 192.3.[120] Kim showcased his bowling skills on his guest appearance on MBC's Infinite Challenge.[121]
Military enlistment
Kim began his mandatory military service on October 23, 2017.[122] He was supposed to work in public service duty instead of active duty as he previously underwent a surgery related to his heart.[123] However, he voluntarily went for re-examinations and was eventually cleared for the combat.[124] He entered a military camp in Paju, Gyeonggi Province to complete his basic training.[125]
In late November 2017, Kim's agency announced that he had completed his five weeks of basic training, placing fourth as an outstanding trainee.[126] He was rewarded with a vacation by the division commander and received a self deployment to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion to continue his duty.[127]
In February 2019, Kim received an early promotion as a Sergeant for his exceptional conduct in the military.[128] Kim was discharged from his military service on July 1, 2019.[129]
^Jung A-ran (December 22, 2014). 갤럽 "올해 가장 빛난 탤런트는 김수현·이유리" [Gallup "The brightest talents of the year are Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Yu-ri"]. Yonhap (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
^Lee, Seungrok (February 13, 2012). 김수현, 아버지 알고보니 세븐돌핀스 김충훈 '새삼 화제' [Kim Soo-hyun, father turned out to be Seven Dolphins Kim Choong-hoon 'New Topic']. Naver. My Daily. Archived from the original on September 8, 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
^Hwang, Sae-joon (April 17, 2008). '정글피쉬' 김수현, 제작발표회에서 눈물 펑펑 ['Jungle Fish' Kim Soo-hyun, tears popping at the production presentation]. Naver (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
^Jang, Young-jun (March 18, 2012). 김수현 "데뷔작 '김치치즈스마일', 헤어스타일 덕에 캐스팅" [Kim Soo-hyun "Debut work, 'Kimchi Cheese Smile' casting thanks to hairstyle"]. Naver (in Korean). TV Report. Archived from the original on June 14, 2020.
^Yoon, Go-eun (September 16, 2010). 박보영ㆍ김수현 주연 '정글피쉬' 특별개봉 [Special release of 'Jungle Fish' starring Park Bo-young and Kim Soo-hyun]. Yonhap (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 5, 2018. Retrieved November 24, 2012.
^Kim, Yong-woon (May 31, 2008). 신인 김수현, '해피선데이' 새 코너 '이 맛에 산다'로 예능 도전 [Rookie Kim Soo-hyun, 'Happy Sunday' entertainment challenge with new corner 'The Taste of Life']. Naver (in Korean). Edaily [ko]. Archived from the original on April 4, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
^ ab끊임없이 도전을 꿈꾸는 배우 김수현 [Actor, Kim Soo-hyun, who constantly dreams of challenges.]. Yonhap. May 30, 2010. Archived from the original on October 11, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
^Yoon, Gai (January 19, 2011). 탄력받은 '드림하이', 1인자 굳히기 ['Dream High' gained momentum, solidifying the number one?]. Naver (in Korean). OSEN [ko].
^Yoon, Gai (May 11, 2012). 김수현의 '드림하이', 韓최초 골든로즈상 최우수 '기염' [Kim Soo-hyun's 'Dream High', Korea's first Golden Rose Award winner, 'Ki-Yeom']. Naver (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
^김수현 직접 부른 '드림하이' OST 'Dreaming' 인기 급상승 ['Dream High' OST 'Dreaming', sung by Kim Soo-hyun directly, has risen in popularity]. Maekyung.com (in Korean). February 26, 2011. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
^Yoon, Gai (January 5, 2011). 택연·우영·수지가 부른 '드림하이' OST, 인기 예감! ['Dream High' OST sung by Taecyeon, Wooyoung, and Suzy, a premonition of popularity!]. Naver (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
^Jang, Seoyoon (February 19, 2014). 김수현이 부른 '별그대' OST '너의 집앞' 공개 [Sung by Kism Soo-hyun "Star You" OST "In front of your house" released]. 텐아시아 (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 11, 2018. Lee, Mi-young (March 13, 2014). 김수현 세레나데 듣는다...'별그대' OST '약속' 공개 [Listening to Kim Soo-hyun's serenade... 'Star You' OST 'Promise' released]. Naver (in Korean). Joy News 24. Archived from the original on July 18, 2020.
^선호하는 드라마 주연배우 1위는...男 김수현-女 공효진 [Preferred drama lead actor No. 1... Male Kim Soo-hyun Female Gong Hyo-jin]. Yonhap. May 21, 2015. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
^Conran, Pierce. "Top 15 Korean Films of 2017". www.modernkoreancinema.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
^Lee, Jung-hyun (December 10, 2020). '킹덤2'와 '#살아있다', 올해 넷플릭스서 사랑받은 작품 ['Kingdom 2'and'#I live', works loved by Netflix this year]. Yonhap. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
^Martín Quevedo Rivera, Darío Zambra, Lya Rosén and Damaris Torres (September 21, 2020). "Las series de Netflix más aplaudidas en lo que va de 2020" [The most applauded Netflix series so far in 2020]. La Tercera finde (in Spanish). Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^Lee, Jung-hyun (January 5, 2021). 김수현 차기작은 사법제도 다룬 장르극 '그날 밤' [Kim Soo-hyun's next work, 'That Night', a genre drama about the judicial system]. Yonhap. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
^Park, Seo-hyun (December 5, 2022). "ko:'눈물의 여왕(가제)' 김수현X김지원 출연..2023년 상반기 크랭크인(공식)" [Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won in "Queen of Tears (tentative title)" appearance. Crank-in for the first half of 2023 (official)]. Herald POP (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
^Lee, Soo-hyun (February 6, 2024). "왜 예쁘지?"...김수현X김지원 '눈물의 여왕', 티저 공개→3월 9일 첫 방송 ["Why so pretty?"...Kim Soo-hyun X Kim Ji-won 'Queen of Tears' Teaser Released→First Broadcast on March 9] (in Korean). Top Star News. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024 – via Nate.
^Kim, Tae-hyung (April 29, 2024). 김수현, '눈물의 여왕' OST 대미 장식...'청혼' 오늘(29일) 발매 [공식] [Kim Soo-hyun, 'Queen of Tears' OST finale... 'Marriage Proposal' released today (29th) [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Seoul. Archived from the original on May 1, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024 – via Naver.
^Kim, Min-ji (April 18, 2024). [단독] '눈물의 여왕' 김수현, 10년 만에 드라마 OST 직접 부른다...기대 ↑ [[Exclusive] 'Queen of Tears' Kim Soo-hyun sings the drama OST himself for the first time in 10 years...Expectations ↑] (in Korean). News1. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024 – via Naver.
^Shin, Young-eun (April 29, 2024). '눈물의 여왕' 시청률 24.9%...'사랑의 불시착' 넘고 tvN 드라마 시청률 1위 [MK이슈] ['Queen of Tears' 24.9% Viewership Rating... Surpasses 'Crash Landing On You' and 1st place in tvN Drama Viewership Ratings [MK Issue]] (in Korean). Maeil Business. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024 – via Naver.
^Kim, Joon-suk (April 29, 2024). '눈물의 여왕' 시청률 24.9%...'사랑의 불시착' 넘어 tvN 드라마 시청률 1위 ['Queen of Tears' viewership rating of 24.9%...Surpassed 'Crash Landing on You' for tvN drama rank #1 viewership ratings] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2024 – via Naver.
^Lee, Soo-hyun (May 7, 2024). 김수현-안유진, 인기상 수상 "행복 줄 수 있는 배우 될 것" [백상예술대상] [Kim Soo-hyun and Ahn Yu-jin win the Popularity Award, "I will become an actor who can bring happiness" [Baeksang Arts Awards]] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2024 – via Naver.
^Jung, Hee-yeon (August 26, 2024). 김수현 차기작 '넉오프'...'짝퉁' 시장의 제왕으로 [공식] [Kim Soo-hyun's next work 'Knockoff'...The king of the 'fake' market [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Archived from the original on September 10, 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024 – via Naver.
^고양꽃전시회 1천만달러 계약 15일 폐막 [Goyang Flower Exhibition 10 million dollar contract closed on the 15th]. Aju News (in Korean). May 15, 2011. Archived from the original on July 11, 2018.
^비스트, 부산롯데호텔서 팬미팅 [Beast, fan meeting at Busan Lotte Hotel]. Naver (in Korean). Newsis. December 3, 2012. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
^중앙대 역대급 최강 홍보대사...김수현·유리·수영·박신혜 위촉 [Chung-Ang University's greatest public relations ambassador... Appointed Kim Soo-hyun, Yuri, Soo-young, and Park Shin-hye]. Naver (in Korean). Kyunghyang Shinmun. May 20, 2014. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
^[팝업★]김수현·정해인·지창욱·한혜진·송은이 등, 코로나19 기부 릴레이는 계속 [[Pop-up★] COVID-19 donation relay continues, including Kim Soo-hyun, Jung Hae-in, Ji Chang-wook, Han Hye-jin, and Song Eun-i]. Naver. Herald POP. February 2, 2020. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
^Kim Geum-hee (August 17, 2023). 김수현, 아웃도어 아이더 새 모델 발탁! 긍정 에너지의 아웃도어 제안 [Kim Soo-hyun, selected as a new model for Outdoor Eider! Outdoor suggestions of positive energy]. Fashion News (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 21, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
^Kim Ji-hye (July 12, 2017). 김수현 "많이 아팠는데 치료받아 현역간다" [Kim Soo-hyun "I was very sick, but I'm being treated and going to active duty"]. Naver (in Korean). SBS funE. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
^Lee Kyung-ho (November 29, 2017). 김수현, 우수훈련병 기초군사훈련 끝..수색대대 자원 [Kim Soo-hyun ends basic military training as an excellent trainer]. Naver (in Korean). Star News. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
^Yeo Hyun-goo (November 29, 2017). '우수 훈련병' 뽑혀 포상휴가까지...수색대대 배치받은 김수현 [Kim Soo-hyun selected as an'Excellent Trainer' and received reward vacation...]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
^Go Myung-jin (March 4, 2019). [단독]김수현·옥택연, 병장 조기진급...성실한 군생활 덕분 [[Exclusive] Kim Soo-hyun·Ok Taek-yeon, early promotion of sergeant... Thanks to the sincere military life]. Naver. Herald POP. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
_04.jpg)
_(cropped).jpg)
