Jang Ki-yong

Jang Ki-yong is a South Korean actor and former model who gained recognition through his roles in television series and films. Born on August 7, 1992, he initially established himself in the modeling industry before transitioning into acting. He gained widespread popularity with his performances in dramas such as Confession Couple, Come and Hug Me, Search: WWW, My Mister, My Roommate Is a Gumiho, and The Atypical Family.

Jang was born and raised in Ulsan, South Korea, where he lived with his parents and older brother. During his final year at Ulsan High School, he developed a passion for fashion and photography after watching a runway video featuring model Lee Soo-hyuk. Although his parents were initially hesitant about his career aspirations, he earned their approval to move to Seoul after completing his college entrance examinations. He initially studied musical acting at Yong In University before signing with the modeling agency KPlus. He later completed his higher education at Seokyeong University in the Department of Modeling and Acting.

In 2012, Jang officially debuted as a fashion model during Seoul Fashion Week, appearing in shows for brands such as General Idea, Kolon, Caruso, Loriet, and Unbounded Avenue. His appearance in music videos for singer IU in 2013 boosted his public profile, and he was named a top rookie by the Korea Model Association. He made his television acting debut in 2014 with an unscripted cameo in It's Okay, That's Love, followed by roles in The Greatest Marriage and Schoolgirl Detectives. Over the next few years, he expanded his screen credits through supporting roles in television series such as This is My Love, Beautiful Mind, and The Liar and His Lover, while also reaching the top ten on the music competition show Tribe of Hip Hop in 2016.

Jang achieved a career turning point with his supporting role in the 2017 drama Confession Couple, which led to an influx of commercial and acting opportunities. In 2018, he played a loan shark in My Mister and secured his first lead role as a detective in Come and Hug Me. His momentum continued with starring roles in the action series Kill It, the romance drama Search: WWW, the mystery series Born Again, and his feature film debut in Bad Guys in 2019. In 2021, he starred in the romantic comedy film Sweet & Sour, the series My Roommate Is a Gumiho, and the drama Now, We Are Breaking Up. He later starred as a team leader at a childcare product company in the romantic comedy series Dynamite Kiss.

In August 2021, Jang enlisted as an active-duty soldier for his mandatory military service in the 15th Infantry Division. During his term, he participated in the military musical production Blue Helmet: Meissa's Song. He completed his service and was discharged in February 2023. In February 2025, he signed an exclusive contract with the new agency United Artists Agency.

Throughout his career, Jang has received multiple accolades, including the Fashion Model Award at the 2014 Asia Model Awards, Best Dressed Model at the 2015 Korea's Best Dresser Swan Awards, Best New Actor in Television at the 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards, and an Excellence Award at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards. He has served as an endorsement model for several prominent brands, including Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Nivea Men, Sprite, Cass Light Beer, Natuur, and Perfect World. Jang has cited veteran model-actor Cha Seung-won, actor Ha Jung-woo, and actor Heath Ledger as primary creative influences on his career path.