Kim Soo-hyun

Screen name: 김수현 / Kim Soo-hyun
Legal name: 김수현 / Kim Soo-hyun
Profession: Actor
Birthdate: February 16, 1988
Birthplace: Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Height: 180 cm
Star sign: Aquarius
Blood type: AB

Links

@soohyun_k216
Kim Soo-hyun
Kim Soo-hyun

• During an appearance on the variety show Running Man, Kim Soo-hyun was asked by cast members Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Kwang-soo if he had a nickname. He shyly revealed that in primary school, he was uncomfortable with how feminine his name sounded. To make it more masculine, he decided to change it from Soo-hyun to Soo-man.

• Kim Soo-hyun has had a few controversial moments from his past that have resurfaced over the years. One of the most talked-about incidents occurred when he was in high school. Kim Soo-hyun and his friends decided to play with fire in their classroom. They folded paper airplanes, set them on fire using the classroom stove, and launched them. Unfortunately, after flying about 60 paper airplanes, a fire broke out and spread to the school’s flower bed, causing significant damage.

• Kim Soo-hyun was considered for a role in the hit Korean drama Boys Over Flowers (2009). However, he ultimately did not participate in the series. The specific role he was supposed to play is not widely discussed, but given the time and his emerging status as an actor, it is speculated that he might have been considered for one of the F4 members or another significant supporting role. Instead, the role went to other actors, including Lee Min-ho, who gained massive popularity from the series.

• Kim Soo-hyun is recognized as one of the highest-paid actors in South Korea. His earnings reached new heights with his appearance in the 2020 drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, for which he reportedly earned around $165,000 per episode. This impressive salary, combined with his previous successes like My Love from the Star, solidified his status as South Korea’s top-earning actor. His immense popularity also led to lucrative endorsement deals, contributing significantly to his overall income.

Kim Soo-hyun’s biological father is Kim Chung-hoon, who was the lead singer of the 1980s band Seven Dolphins. Kim Soo-hyun’s parents separated when he was very young, leading him to grow up in a single-parent household, raised by his mother, Chung Hoon Kim. Due to this, he often considered himself an only child.

Kim Soo-hyun has a half-sister, Kim Ju-na, who is a soloist signed under Hidden Sound. She gained recognition as a contestant on the first season of the popular reality competition show Produce 101.

Elementary and Middle School: Specific details are not widely documented.

Joongdong High School
Year Founded: 1906
Address: Irwon-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Chung-Ang University
Year Founded: 1916
Address: 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak District, Seoul, South Korea

B.A. in Theater and Film

Kim Soo-hyun enlisted in the South Korean military on October 23, 2017. He began his mandatory service at a military training camp in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Despite being diagnosed with a heart condition called supraventricular tachycardia during his childhood, which could have exempted him from active duty, Kim underwent additional health assessments and was determined to be fit for active duty.

He completed five weeks of basic training and excelled, earning the title of company commander, which is awarded to the most exemplary trainee in a group. After his basic training, Kim was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, a highly demanding unit known for its rigorous training and operations. His dedication to his military duties was recognized, and he continued to serve as a soldier until his discharge. Kim Soo-hyun was officially discharged on July 1, 2019, after completing 21 months of service.

Ahn So-hee (2009)

Kim Soo-hyun was rumored to have dated Ahn So-hee, a former member of the girl group Wonder Girls. The rumor stemmed from their public appearances together and alleged interactions, but there was no concrete evidence to confirm this relationship.

Sulli (2014)

Kim Soo-hyun was linked with Sulli, a late singer and actress, during their time working together. This rumor gained traction but was never confirmed by either party.

YoonA (2015)

YoonA, a member of Girls’ Generation and actress known for her roles in The King in Love and Hush, was also speculated to be romantically linked to Kim Soo-hyun. The rumor surfaced after they were seen interacting at various events, but there was no official confirmation of their relationship.

Kim Sae-ron (? – 2020)

Kim Soo-hyun recently faced controversy over allegations that he dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. His agency refuted this, stating their relationship occurred between 2019 and 2020, after she reached adulthood. However, Kim Sae-ron’s family claims otherwise, fueling public backlash. The situation remains highly debated, with conflicting narratives from different parties.

• Date Released: November 17, 2007

• Kim Soo-hyun made his television debut in the family sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile, playing a small role as the younger version of one of the main characters. This project marked his entry into the entertainment industry.

• Date Released: May 5, 2008

• Kim Soo-hyun played Han Jae-ta, a high school student grappling with the pressures of the Korean education system in this critically acclaimed drama. The series addressed the intense academic pressures faced by Korean students.

• Date Released: 2008

• Kim Soo-hyun played the role of Han Hyun-min, a Korean student who encounters a Chinese girl named Zhang Lina, who is visiting Seoul to commemorate the first anniversary of meeting her late lover. The film is notable for its poignant exploration of love and loss, set against the backdrop of beautiful cherry blossoms.

• Kim Soo-hyun hosted the television series The Taste of Life. This show marked one of his early ventures into hosting, showcasing his versatility beyond acting.

• Date Released: January 12, 2009

• Kim Soo-hyun served as a host for the South Korean music television program Boys & Girls Music Countdown from January 12, 2009, to May 8, 2009. The show, which aired on Mnet, featured various music performances and was a platform for many artists.

• Date Released: 2009

• In the 2009 South Korean short film Worst Friends, Kim Soo-hyun played the role of Joon-ki, a boy who returns to Korea after an unsuccessful educational trip to America. The film, directed by Namkoong Sun, explores themes of friendship and loss in the bustling city of Seoul.

• Date Released: 2009

• In the 2009 television series Seven Years of Love, Kim Soo-hyun played the role of Chun-jae, a character deeply involved in a touching love story that spans seven years. His performance as Chun-jae was praised for its sincerity and emotional resonance.

• Date Released: December 2, 2009

• Kim Soo-hyun portrayed the teenage version of the lead character, Cha Kang-jin, played by Go Soo. His portrayal of the younger character’s troubled past added depth to the narrative.

• Date Released: December 28, 2009

• Kim Soo-hyun took on the role of Kang Jae-il, the younger version of Choi Min-soo’s character, in this emotional two-episode drama that explores themes of family and forgiveness.

• Date Released: May 10, 2010

• Kim Soo-hyun played the teenage version of Lee Beom-soo’s character, Lee Sung-mo, in this epic family drama set in the 1970s and 1980s. His role in the early episodes was crucial in setting up the storyline.

• 2010 SBS Drama Awards
  Won – New Star Award

• Date Released: January 3, 2011

• Kim Soo-hyun starred as Song Sam-dong, a country bumpkin with a hidden talent for singing who dreams of becoming a K-pop star. His journey from obscurity to stardom forms the core of the series.

• Trivia: Kim Soo-hyun underwent intense vocal and dance training for this role, which significantly contributed to the show’s success.

• The Dream High OST features a variety of artists from popular K-pop groups and solo acts. The soundtrack includes notable tracks like Dream High performed by Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Suzy, Kim Soo-hyun, and JOO.

• Dreaming is a song performed by Kim Soo-hyun for the Dream High OST, released in 2011. This track is one of the standout pieces from the soundtrack, highlighting Kim Soo-hyun’s vocal abilities and emotional depth.

• 2011 Baeksang Arts Awards
  Nominated – Best New Actor – Television
  Nominated – Most Popular Actor – Television

• 2011 Cyworld Digital Music Awards
  Won – Song of the Month (February) for Dreaming (Dream High)

• 2011 KBS Drama Awards
  Nominated – Netizen Award, Actor
  Won – Best New Actor
  Won – Popularity Award, Actor
  Won – Best Couple with Suzy

• 2011 Mnet 20’s Choice Awards
  Nominated – Hot Male Drama Star

• 2011 Korea Drama Awards
  Won – Best New Actor
  Won – Most Popular Actor

• 2011 KBS Drama Awards
  Nominated – Netizen Award, Actor
  Won – Popularity Award, Actor
  Won – Best New Actor
  Won – Best Couple with Bae Suzy

• 2011 Korea Best Dresser Swan Awards
  Won – Best Dresser Male Artist

• 2011 SKY PerfecTV! Awards (Japan)
  Won – Hallyu Award

• 2011 Asia Model Awards
  Won – 2011 CF Model Award

• 2011 Style Icon Awards.
  Won – New Icon

• Date Released: January 30, 2012.

• Kim Soo-hyun made a brief cameo in the first episode of Dream High 2 as his character from the original series.

• Date Released: January 4, 2012.

• Kim Soo-hyun starred in the hit historical drama Moon Embracing the Sun as the lead character, King Lee Hwon, a young monarch who falls in love with a noblewoman believed to be dead. The series was a major success, achieving extremely high ratings and solidifying Soo-hyun’s status as a leading actor in South Korea.

• 2012 APAN Star Awards
  Won – Excellence Award, Actor

• 2012 Baeksang Arts Awards
  Nominated – Most Popular Actor – Television
  Won – Best Actor – Television

• 2012 Korea Broadcasting Awards
  Won – Best Actor

• 2012 Korea Drama Awards
  Nominated – Grand Prize (Daesang)

• 2012 MBC Drama Awards
  Nominated – Best Couple Award with Han Ga-in
  Nominated – Best Couple Award with Jung Eun-pyo
  Won – Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries
  Won – Popularity Award, Actor

• 2012 Mnet 20’s Choice Awards
  Won – 20’s Drama Star – Male
  Won – 20’s Blue Carpet Popularity Award

• 2012 Nickelodeon Korea Kids’ Choice Awards
  Won – Favorite Actor

• Date Released: July 25, 2012

• In this heist film, Kim Soo-hyun played Zampano, a young and agile thief who is part of an ensemble cast. His character’s innocence contrasts with the more seasoned criminals.

• Trivia: The Thieves became one of the highest-grossing films in Korean cinema history, further boosting Kim’ Soo-hyun’s popularity.

• 2012 Blue Dragon Film Awards
  Nominated – Best New Actor
  Won – Popular Star Award

• 2012 Buil Film Awards
  Nominated – Best New Actor

• 2012 Cosmo Beauty Awards (China)
  Won – Dream Icon Award

• 2012 Style Icon Awards
  Nominated – Style Icon

• 2012 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards
  Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation

• Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 39th on the list

• Date Released: June 5, 2013

• Kim Soo-hyun portrayed Won Ryu-hwan, a North Korean spy who disguises himself as a village idiot in South Korea. The film showcases his versatility, as his character navigates between comedy and intense drama.

• Trivia: The film set a new record for the highest single-day box office earnings for a Korean film at the time of its release.

• 2014 Baeksang Arts Awards
  Won – Best New Actor – Film
  Won – Most Popular Actor – Film

• 2013 Grand Bell Awards
  Won – Best New Actor

• 2013 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
  Won – Men’s Fantasia Award

• 2013 Mnet 20’s Choice Awards
  Nominated – 20’s Movie Star – Male

• Date released: August 25, 2013

• In 2013, Kim Soo-hyun took on the role of narrator for MBC’s documentary special on acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho. The documentary delves into Bong Joon-ho’s directing style, tenacious personality, and his dedication to filmmaking, featuring insights into his renowned works like Mother, Snowpiercer, and The Host.

• Date released: December 18, 2013

• Kim Soo-hyun played Do Min-joon, an alien who has lived on Earth for 400 years and falls in love with a famous actress. The character’s unique abilities and tragic love story captivated audiences.

• Trivia: The drama’s success sparked a Hallyu wave, especially in China, where Kim Soo-hyun gained massive popularity.

• • In Front of Your House is a heartfelt song performed by Kim Soo-hyun for the popular Korean drama My Love from the Star. This song is part of the drama’s original soundtrack (OST) and has captivated many fans with its emotional depth and Kim Soo-hyun’s soothing voice.

• 2014 APAN Star Awards
  Won – Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries
  Won – Hallyu Star Award

• 2014 Korea Drama Awards
  Won – Grand Prize (Daesang)
  Won – Hallyu Star Award

• 2014 Baeksang Arts Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor – Television

• 2013 Style Icon Awards
  Nominated – Style Icon

• 2013 TVCF Awards
  Won – Model of the Year

• 2013 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 4th on the list

• Date released: January 22, 2014

• In the 2014 South Korean fantasy comedy-drama Miss Granny, Kim Soo-hyun made a memorable cameo appearance as the young Mr. Park, a character who adds a humorous twist to the story.

• 2014 BIFF with Marie Claire Asia Star Awards
  Won – Asia Star Award

• 2014 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards
  Prime Minister’s Commendation

• 2014 Style Icon Awards
  Won – Style Icon

• 2014 Seoul International Drama Awards
  Won – Best Korean Actor
  Won – People’s Choice Popular Actor

• 2014 International Drama Festival in Tokyo
  Won – Best Actor in Asia

• 2014 Sisa Journal – Who Moves Korea
  Ranked 7th on the Most Influential People in Broadcasting and Entertainment list

• 2014 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 17th on the list

• Date released: May 15, 2015

• Kim Soo-hyun portrayed Baek Seung-chan, a rookie producer at a broadcasting company. The series, shot in a mockumentary style, explores the behind-the-scenes world of Korean entertainment.

• Trivia: The drama was notable for its star-studded cast and marked a shift in Kim Soo-hyun’s career towards more mature roles.

• 2015 APAN Star Awards
  Nominated – Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries
  Won – Grand Prize (Daesang)

• 2015 Korea Drama Awards
  Won – Grand Prize (Daesang)
  Won – Hallyu Star Award

• 2016 Soompi Awards
  Won – Actor of the Year

• 2015 Busan International Advertising Festival
  Won – Best Korean Spokesmodel in China

• 2015 China the Wind from the East Entertainment Awards
  Won – South Korean Entertainment Influencer Award

• 2015 Grand Bell Awards
  Won – Popularity Award

• 2015 Korea Film Actors’ Association Awards
  Won – Most Popular Star Award

• 2015 Institute of National Brand Promotion
  Awarded National Brand Award Grand Prize – Culture Sector

• 2015 National Tax Service
  Exemplary Taxpayer Commendation

• 2015 Sisa Journal – Who Moves Korea
  Ranked 9th on the Most Influential People in Broadcasting and Entertainment list

• 2015 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 2nd on the list

• 2016 Busan International Advertising Festival
  Won – China’s Favourite Korean Advertising Model

• 2016 InStyle Star Icon Awards
  Won – Best Actor (Drama)
  Won – Fashionista Award

• 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 (Asia)
  Forbes 30 Under 30 (Asia) list

• 2016 Sisa Journal – Who Moves Korea
  Ranked 9th on the Most Influential People in Broadcasting and Entertainment list

• Date released: April 21, 2017

• In IU’s music video for Ending Scene, Kim Soo-hyun plays IU’s love interest, showcasing a poignant and emotional narrative of a couple’s breakup. The video features intimate and heartfelt scenes between the two, highlighting their chemistry and deep connection.

• Date released: June 28, 2017

• In the 2017 neo-noir action film Real, Kim Soo-hyun plays Jang Tae-young, a cold and ambitious troubleshooter in the criminal underworld who dreams of building a casino hotel. The film features a complex plot where Jang battles with his inner demons and multiple personalities.

• Trivia: The film included cameo appearances by several well-known actors, including Suzy and Park Seo-joon.

• Date released: January 19, 2020

• In the hit drama Crash Landing on You, Kim Soo-hyun makes a memorable cameo in episode 10, which aired on January 19, 2020. He reprises his character Dong-gu from the 2013 movie Secretly, Greatly, where he played a North Korean spy disguised as a dim-witted delivery man. This cameo was particularly exciting for fans as it created a crossover between the film and the drama.

• Date released: September 1, 2019

• In the 2019 fantasy drama Hotel del Luna, Kim Soo-hyun makes a memorable cameo in the final episode, which aired on September 1, 2019, as the new owner of the hotel, renamed Hotel Blue Moon. His appearance sparked excitement and speculation about a potential sequel. This cameo was particularly notable as it marked Kim Soo-hyun’s first on-screen appearance after completing his military service.

• Date released: June 20, 2020

• In the 2020 television series It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Kim Soo-hyun stars as Moon Gang-tae, a compassionate caregiver who works at a psychiatric ward while caring for his autistic older brother. His character is emotionally closed off due to past traumas, but his life changes when he meets a children’s book author with antisocial tendencies. The series explores themes of mental health, healing, and self-love.

• 2020 Asia Artist Awards
  Won – Grand Prize (Daesang)
  Won – AAA Hot Issue Award

• 2021 APAN Star Awards
  Nominated – Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries
  Nominated – KT Seezn Star Award
  Won – Popular Star Award, Actor

• 2021 Baeksang Arts Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor – Television
  Nominated – Most Popular Actor

• 2022 APAN Star Awards
  Nominated – Top Excellence Award, Actor in an OTT Drama
  Nominated – Popularity Star Award, Actor

• 2022 Asian Television Awards
  Nominated – Best Leading Male Performance – Digital

• 2021 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 20th on the list

• 2023 National Tax Service
  Presidential Commendation

• 2023 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 21st on the list

• Date released: March 9, 2024

• In the 2024 K-drama Queen of Tears, Kim Soo-hyun stars as Baek Hyun-woo, the legal director of the Queens Group and husband to Hong Hae-in, played by Kim Ji-won. The series follows their tumultuous marriage as they strive to rekindle their love amidst various challenges.

• Trivia: The show was inspired by the real-life story of a Samsung heiress. Additionally, IU was initially considered for the role of Hong Hae-in but turned it down due to other commitments.

• Date released: April 29, 2024

• Way Home (청혼) is a heartfelt track performed by Kim Soo-hyun for the OST of the 2024 K-drama Queen of Tears. Released on April 29, 2024, the song beautifully captures the emotional journey of the characters in the series. The lyrics reflect themes of longing and cherished memories, resonating deeply with fans of the show.

• 2024 Baeksang Arts Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor – Television
  Won – Most Popular Actor

• 2024 Brand of the Year Awards
  Won – Actor of the Year (Drama) – Domestic Category
  Won – Actor of the Year (Drama) – Vietnam Category

Some memorable moments and photoshoots.