Autobiography of Kim Soo-hyun

Kim Soo Hyun was born on February 16, 1988, in Seoul, South Korea. Raised by a single mother after his parents’ separation, his early years were marked by a sense of quiet determination and resilience. Kim’s introverted nature as a child gradually transformed as he discovered his passion for performing arts, initially as a way to overcome his shyness. Encouraged by his mother, he began participating in school plays, setting the stage for his future career.

Discovering Acting

During his high school years, Kim’s interest in acting deepened. He decided to pursue this passion more seriously, enrolling in the Theater and Film Department at Chung-Ang University. It was here that he honed his craft, learning the fundamentals of acting and participating in various theater productions. His dedication and talent soon caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to his first acting opportunities.

Breakthrough with “Dream High”

Kim Soo Hyun’s career took off with his role in the 2011 television series “Dream High,” where he played the musically gifted Song Sam-dong. The series was a commercial success, and Kim’s performance earned him critical acclaim and a substantial fanbase. This role not only showcased his acting skills but also his singing and dancing abilities, further establishing his versatility as a performer.

Rising Stardom and “Moon Embracing the Sun”

The 2012 historical drama “Moon Embracing the Sun” marked a turning point in Kim Soo Hyun’s career. His portrayal of King Lee Hwon captivated audiences, and the series achieved phenomenal ratings. Kim’s compelling performance earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor. This role solidified his status as one of South Korea’s leading actors.

Expanding Horizons with Film

Building on his television success, Kim transitioned to the big screen with roles in films such as “The Thieves” (2012) and “Secretly, Greatly” (2013). In “Secretly, Greatly,” he played a North Korean spy undercover as a village fool, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. The film was a box office hit, further proving Kim’s star power and versatility in different genres.

International Fame with “My Love from the Star”

Kim Soo Hyun’s role as Do Min-joon, an alien with supernatural powers, in the 2013-2014 hit drama “My Love from the Star” catapulted him to international fame. The series was a massive success across Asia and beyond, leading to a surge in his popularity and making him a household name. His performance was lauded for its nuance and charm, earning him numerous accolades and solidifying his international appeal.

Personal Growth and Military Service

In 2017, Kim Soo Hyun enlisted for mandatory military service, taking a hiatus from his acting career. Serving in the military allowed him to step away from the limelight and reflect on his life and career. He served with distinction, earning praise for his dedication and discipline. His return to civilian life in 2019 was eagerly anticipated by fans and industry professionals alike.

Return to Acting and Continued Success

Upon completing his military service, Kim Soo Hyun made a triumphant return to acting with the 2020 television series “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.” His portrayal of Moon Gang-tae, a caregiver with a complicated past, was met with critical acclaim. The series addressed important themes such as mental health and emotional healing, further showcasing Kim’s ability to take on complex and meaningful roles.

Philanthropy and Personal Interests

Beyond his acting career, Kim Soo Hyun is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable activities, including donations to disaster relief and support for underprivileged communities. His commitment to giving back reflects his compassionate nature and sense of responsibility towards society. In his personal life, Kim enjoys sports, particularly bowling, and has participated in numerous celebrity bowling tournaments.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Kim Soo Hyun aims to continue challenging himself with diverse and complex roles. He expresses a desire to explore different facets of filmmaking, including directing and producing. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Kim remains committed to his craft, striving for excellence in every project he undertakes. His journey from a shy child to a celebrated actor serves as an inspiration to many, embodying the spirit of perseverance and passion.

Kim Soo-hyun (Korean: 김수현; born February 16, 1988) is a South Korean actor. One of the highest-paid actors in South Korea in 2020, his accolades include five Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and one Blue Dragon Film Award. From 2012 to 2016, in 2021 and 2022, he appeared in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list. He was selected as Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year in 2014 and was featured by Forbes in their 30 Under 30 Asia list of 2016.

Kim took acting classes during his school years on his mother’s recommendation to overcome his introverted personality. Following a few theatrical works, he made his television debut in 2007 with the family sitcom “Kimchi Cheese Smile.” He went on to establish himself with starring roles in the television dramas “Dream High” (2011), “Moon Embracing the Sun” (2012), as well as in the top-grossing films “The Thieves” (2012) and “Secretly, Greatly” (2013). His performance as King Lee Hwon in “Moon Embracing the Sun” won him the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor – Television at 25 years old.

Kim became a top Hallyu star as he gained further success with the fantasy series “My Love from the Star” (2013–14), and the variety drama “The Producers” (2015), which earned him three Daesang (Grand Prize). He enlisted to complete his mandatory military service in October 2017 and marked his return to acting with the romantic comedy “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (2020). Following that, he starred in Coupang Play’s first drama “One Ordinary Day” (2021) and “Queen of Tears” (2024).

Early life and education
Kim was born on February 16, 1988. His biological father is Kim Chung-hoon and was the lead singer of the 80s band “Seven Dolphins.” His parents separated when he was very young, therefore he considered himself an only son raised in a single mother family.

Kim’s mother encouraged him to take acting classes during his school years to help him overcome his shy and introverted personality. His aspirations to be an actor really took off between his middle school and high school. His first major acting was in a stage play of Shakespeare’s comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” delivering the role of Puck. His later work in the theatre includes the role of Kenickie and Hamlet in the musical “Grease” and the tragedy “Hamlet.”

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.

Career
2007–2010: Television career beginnings
Kim made his television debut with a supporting role in the 2007 family sitcom “Kimchi Cheese Smile,” and in 2008, landed a lead role in KBS’s critically acclaimed youth drama, “Jungle Fish.” Based on a true story, it tackles the serious issues of school cheating, competitive academic standards, and interactive blogging in a fresh way. The drama won a number of awards, including the US Peabody Award.

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 and in the short film “Cherry Blossom.”

In 2009, Kim acted in the short film “Worst Friends” by Namkoong Sun, which won the Best Film in Social Drama award at the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival and the well-received SBS drama special “Father’s House” where he acted alongside veteran actor Choi Min-soo. He also co-hosted Mnet’s “Boys & Girls Music Countdown” along with Kara’s Han Seung-yeon in 2009.

In January 2010, KeyEast signed an exclusive contract with Kim, becoming his management company.

Kim raised his profile through memorable turns as the younger version of the male lead characters in “Will It Snow for Christmas?” and “Giant,” the latter winning him the Best New Actor award at the SBS Drama Awards.

2011–2013: Rising popularity and breakthrough
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. The drama brought in high domestic ratings and was also popular overseas, winning several international awards. 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. He recorded two songs for the drama’s soundtrack, his solo “Dreaming” as well as the title track “Dream High” with the rest of the cast.

Kim’s popularity skyrocketed when he starred in the hit period drama “Moon Embracing the Sun” as King Lee Hwon. The drama recorded a peak rating of 42.2 percent, 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. Kim contributed his vocals to the soundtrack with the traditional ballad “Only You” and the more modern composition “Another Way.”

Due to his popularity, he set a new record in product

FAQ’s

When and where was Kim Soo Hyun born?

Kim Soo Hyun was born on February 16, 1988, in Seoul, South Korea.

What inspired Kim Soo Hyun to pursue acting?

Kim Soo Hyun’s mother encouraged him to take acting classes to overcome his shyness and introverted personality. His passion for acting grew during his middle and high school years.

What was Kim Soo Hyun’s breakout role?

Kim Soo Hyun’s breakout role was in the 2011 television series “Dream High,” where he played the musically gifted Song Sam-dong.

Which drama solidified Kim Soo Hyun’s status as a leading actor?

The 2012 historical drama “Moon Embracing the Sun” solidified Kim Soo Hyun’s status as a leading actor. His portrayal of King Lee Hwon received critical acclaim and won him the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor.

What is one of Kim Soo Hyun’s most internationally acclaimed roles?

One of Kim Soo Hyun’s most internationally acclaimed roles is as Do Min-joon in the 2013-2014 hit drama “My Love from the Star.”

Did Kim Soo Hyun serve in the military?

Yes, Kim Soo Hyun enlisted for mandatory military service in October 2017 and completed his service in July 2019.

What was Kim Soo Hyun’s first project after returning from military service?

Kim Soo Hyun’s first project after returning from military service was the 2020 television series “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.”

Has Kim Soo Hyun won any significant awards?

Yes, Kim Soo Hyun has won numerous awards, including five Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and one Blue Dragon Film Award. He was also named Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year in 2014 and featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2016.

What are some of Kim Soo Hyun’s interests outside of acting?

Outside of acting, Kim Soo Hyun enjoys sports, particularly bowling. He has also participated in celebrity bowling tournaments and is involved in various philanthropic activities.

What are Kim Soo Hyun’s future aspirations?

Kim Soo Hyun aims to continue challenging himself with diverse and complex roles. He is also interested in exploring different facets of filmmaking, including directing and producing.