Kim Soo-hyun Biography: Kim Soo-hyun born February 16, 1988 is a prominent South Korean actor, widely regarded as one of the highest-paid actors in the country in 2020. His impressive list of accolades includes five Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and a Blue Dragon Film Award. He has also been recognized by Forbes in their Power Celebrity 40 and 30 Under 30 Asia lists. Additionally, he was named Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year. Kim initially took acting classes during his school years on the advice of his mother to help him overcome his introverted nature. After participating in several theatrical performances, he made his television debut in 2007 with the family sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile. He soon gained recognition with leading roles in television dramas such as Dream High.
Kim Soo-hyun Biography
Soo-Hyun Kim is one of the brightest stars in East Asia, rising to fame in South Korea in 2011 with his role as a country boy who turns out to be a musical prodigy in the teen drama Dream High. His popularity soared in 2012 when he starred as the young King Lee Hwon in the hit drama Moon Embracing the Sun, which reached a peak viewer rating of 42.2%, earning it the title of “national drama.” In 2014, Soo-Hyun Kim gained immense popularity across East Asia for his role as Do Min Joon in the drama You Who Came from the Stars. The series achieved an average viewer rating of 24.02% in South Korea and amassed over two billion views on the Chinese streaming platform iQIYI.
Kim Soo-hyun Biography Details
| Born | February 16, 1988 (age 37)
Seoul, South Korea |
| Alma mater | Chung-Ang University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Agent | Gold Medalist |
| Father | Kim Chung-hoon [ko] |
| Relatives | Kim Ju-na (younger half-sister) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Kim Soo-hyun
Kim Soo-hyun 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. He has been featured by Forbes in their Power Celebrity 40 and 30 Under 30 Asia lists.
- Born: 16 February 1988 (age 37 years), Irwon-dong, Seoul, South Korea
- Height: 8 m
- Awards: Baeksang Arts Award for Most Popular Male in Television ·
- Parents: Kim Chung-hoon
- Siblings: Kim Ju-na
Early Life and Education
Kim Soo-hyun was born on February 16, 1988. His biological father, Kim Chung-hoon, was the lead singer of the 80s band “Seven Dolphins.” Kim’s parents separated when he was very young, and he was raised by his single mother, considering himself an only child. Encouraged by his mother, Kim began taking acting classes in school to help him overcome his shy and introverted personality. His passion for acting developed between middle and high school.
His first significant acting experience was in a stage production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where he played the role of Puck. He also performed in the musical Grease as Kenickie and portrayed Hamlet in the tragedy Hamlet. By 2006, Kim had completed his elementary, middle, and high school education in Gangnam, Seoul, and made his TV debut in 2007 after auditions. He later enrolled in the Film and Theater Department at Chung-Ang University in 2009.
Personal Life
Kim was recognized as a model taxpayer by the local tax office for consistently paying his taxes on time every Tax Day. In July 2015, it was revealed that Kim has a paternal half-sister, Kim Ju-na, who is a singer. A passionate bowling enthusiast, Kim applied to become a professional bowler in October 2016. In his first try-out tournament, he ranked 10th out of 114 participants. However, he fell short of qualifying in the second round, scoring 192.3 points, just below the 200-point requirement. Kim also showcased his bowling skills during a guest appearance on MBC’s Infinite Challenge.
Kim began his mandatory military service on October 23, 2017. Initially, he was set to serve in public service due to a previous heart surgery. However, after voluntarily undergoing re-examinations, he was cleared for active duty. He subsequently entered a military camp in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, to complete his basic training.
What does Kim Soo-Hyun do for a living?
Kim Soo-Hyun is a professional actor. Most recently, he starred in Queen of Tears on Netflix, which set a new record as the most-viewed TV finale. His next project is Knock Off, a black comedy drama, according to Soompi. Despite appearing in fewer dramas, his projects are consistently regarded as some of the best in the industry. His critically acclaimed works include Queen of Tears, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, and One Ordinary Day, among others.
How does Kim Soo-Hyun make money?
Kim Soo-Hyun earns his income through acting, brand endorsements, and real estate investments. Regarded as the highest-paid actor in South Korea, Kim reportedly earned $3.7 million for starring in all episodes of Queen of Tears, according to Korea Times. His rise to prominence began with his debut film, The Thieves, which grossed over $87 million at the box office. By 2012, after roles in dramas like Dream High and Moon Embracing the Sun, Kim was already earning around $500,000 annually from his acting work.
In 2019, his popularity skyrocketed, leading to a significant increase in his acting fees. Additionally, Kim Soo-Hyun has earned approximately $6.6 million from brand endorsements, working with companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, Swiss watch brand Mido, Y.O.U Beauty, and Eider. Fans have even dubbed him the “King of Commercials” due to his widespread brand collaborations.
What is Kim Soo-Hyun’s net worth 2025
Kim Soo-Hyun is estimate to have a net worth of $117 million. His wealth primarily comes from his roles in Korean dramas, brand endorsements, and real estate investments. The highly acclaimed actor is best known for his global K-drama hits. His latest project, Queen of Tears, which aired on Netflix, achieved record-breaking success with over 600 million viewing hours and topped TV charts in 41 countries.