Kim Soo-hyun

Kim Soo-hyun is a South Korean actor born on February 16, 1988, in Gangnam District, Seoul. Raised primarily by a single mother following his parents' separation, Kim was encouraged to take acting classes during his youth to help overcome an introverted personality. His interest in the craft grew throughout middle and high school, leading to stage performances in plays such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Grease, and Hamlet. He completed his secondary education in 2006 and later enrolled in Chung-Ang University's Film and Theater Department in 2009.

Kim made his television debut in 2007 with a supporting role in the sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile. In 2008, he landed a lead role in the youth drama Jungle Fish, which received a Peabody Award. Over the next two years, he hosted the variety show Delicious Quiz and co-hosted Boys & Girls Music Countdown, while appearing in short films like Cherry Blossom and Worst Friends. After signing with the agency KeyEast in early 2010, his portrayals of younger character versions in Will It Snow for Christmas? and Giant earned him early industry recognition, including an SBS Drama Award.

Kim achieved widespread recognition in 2011 with the high school musical series Dream High, for which he trained at JYP Entertainment to perform his own singing and dancing. His popularity grew further in 2012 when he played King Leehwon in the hit period drama Moon Embracing the Sun, winning the Best Actor award at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards. That year, he also made his big-screen debut in the successful film The Thieves. He followed this in 2013 by starring in the box-office hit Secretly, Greatly, which earned him honors at both the Grand Bell Awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards.

From 2013 to 2014, Kim starred in the fantasy series My Love from the Star, which gained popularity across Asia and established him as a prominent figure in international television. He continued his television success with the 2015 series The Producers, earning multiple Grand Prizes at domestic broadcast award ceremonies. After starring in the 2017 film Real, Kim paused his career in October 2017 to complete 21 months of mandatory military service in South Korea.

Following his military discharge and brief cameo appearances, Kim joined the newly formed agency Goldmedalist in 2020. He returned to lead television roles in the drama series It's Okay to Not Be Okay in 2020, One Ordinary Day in 2021, and Queen of Tears in 2024, the latter becoming a major broadcast and streaming success. Kim was subsequently confirmed to star in the Disney+ series Knock-Off.

Throughout his career, Kim has engaged in numerous commercial endorsements, public service roles, and charitable causes. He has served as an ambassador for various institutions and events, including Korean tourism and the city of Seoul. His philanthropic efforts include recurring donations to support children's rights, low-income families, and disaster relief.