Kim Woo-bin

Screen name: 김우빈 / Kim Woo-bin
Legal name: 김현중 / Kim Hyun-joong
Profession: Actor, Model and MC
Birthdate: July 16, 1989
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Height: 188cm
Star sign: Cancer
Blood type: B

Links

@ ____kimwoobin
Kim Woo-bin
Kim Woo-bin

• Kim Woo-bin’s stage name was given to him by his first agency. His real name is Kim Hyun-joong. He decided to adopt the stage name Kim Woo-bin at the beginning of his acting career in 2011 to avoid any confusion with Kim Hyun-joong of SS501, who played Yoon Ji Hoo in the iconic K-drama Boys Over Flowers and was already well-known in the entertainment industry. The decision was made to ensure that there would be no mix-up between the two actors, allowing Kim Woo-bin to build his own unique identity in the industry.

• Kim Woo-bin is affectionately nicknamed Woob by his fans and close friends. This nickname has become a popular way to refer to the actor, especially among his fans who appreciate his charismatic yet approachable personality.. 

• Kim Woo-bin’s fans call themselves WooRiBin. This nickname comes from combining Woo from Woo-bin and Ri meaning “us” in Korean, signifying the close bond between the actor and his fans. Other fans affectionately refer to themselves as Woori or Binizens. These endearing fan names reflect their admiration for the talented actor and his unique charm.

• Kim Woo-bin took calligraphy lessons when he was young. He said it is because his father did it as a hobby and his mother encouraged him to write with a fountain pen. This could explain his beautiful penmanship. In 2014, actor Kim Woo-bin’s handwritten letter was posted by his high school teacher, who praised Woo-bin’s hard work and predicted his success. Fans also praised his neat and elegant penmanship.

• In 2015, Kim Woo-bin made history as the first East Asian model for Calvin Klein Watches + Jewelry. He appeared in an ad campaign for the brand, marking a significant milestone in his career and expanding representation in the fashion industry.

• While filming the movie Master, Kim Woo-bin was almost detained in the Philippines for a month due to a wanted criminal with the same name, Kim Hyun-joong. He was contacted a week before departure and informed that he might not be able to leave the country. To prove his identity, he had to undergo a detailed process of documentation and fingerprinting. Fortunately, the issue was resolved within the week, and he returned home as scheduled.

• In 2017, Kim Woo-bin was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, prompting him to take a hiatus from his career to undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy. His agency confirmed the diagnosis, and he received widespread support from fans and the entertainment industry. After completing his treatment, he made a public appearance in 2019 at the 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards, expressing gratitude for the support. By 2020, his agency announced his recovery, and he resumed his activities in the entertainment industry, highlighting his resilience and determination.

Kim Woo-bin was born to upper-middle-class parents. Woo-bin grew up in Seoul but his family moved to Jeonju after middle school. There isn’t extensive public information available about Kim Woo-bin’s family, however, it is known that his father worked as an engineer. For a time, his father also run a café, Cham in Coffee located in Jeonju Hanok Village (which has permanently closed).

In an interview, Woo-bin mentioned that his mother managed a writing academy for a very long time.

Kim Woo-bin has a younger sister born in 1992. He is known to be protective of his younger sister. During his early years in the industry, he was frequently asked which of his friends he would want his sister to date, with names like Lee Jong-suk, Lee Jun-ho, Kang Ha-neul, Lee-Minho and G-Dragon often coming up in these conversations. It is obvious from his answers that he doesn’t welcome the idea.

Photo credit: Kim Woo-bin’s Instagram and various sources from Pinterest

Elementary and Middle School
o Unfortunately, specific details about Kim Woo-bin’s elementary and middle school education are not widely available.

Jeonil High School
Address: 249 Ujeon-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea

• This school was featured in the School 2013 Special: Let’s Go to School (TV Movie 2013), where they visited and interviewed one of Kim Woo-bin’s teachers.

Daekyung University
Year Founded: 1992
Address: 65 Danbuk 1-gil, Jain-myeon, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Department of K-Modelling & Acting

• DaeKyung University’s Modeling Department honored Kim Woo Bin as one of the mascot of the department and featured his photos as well as career history on their website.
  

Jeonju University
Year Founded: 1964
Address: 303 Cheonjam-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea

Performance and Entertainment Studies

In 2013, Kim Woo-bin was named honorary ambassador for his alma mater, Jeonju University.

Kim Woo-bin was exempted from mandatory military service due to health reasons. In May 2017, he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, which led to his exemption from military duty.

• Kim Woo-bin appeared in the music video for Kiss by Dara, a member of the popular K-pop group 2NE1. He appeared alongside Lee Minho.

• Date Released: January 30, 2011

• In the 2011 mystery drama White Christmas, Kim Woo-bin portrayed Kang Mi-reu, a rebellious and enigmatic student at an isolated high school. Kang Mi-reu’s character, marked by defiance and a complex mix of bravado and vulnerability, frequently clashes with authority, revealing his insecurities and hidden strengths.

• Kim Woo-bin’s compelling performance in this role highlighted his acting range and contributed to the show’s tense atmosphere, helping to establish him as a promising actor in the South Korean entertainment industry.

• Date Released: July 31, 2011

• In the romantic comedy drama Cupid Factory, Kim Woo-bin took on the role of Roy, a charming musician who has the magical ability to matchmake couples with his music.

• Date Released: May 26, 2012

• In the 2012 romantic comedy-drama A Gentleman’s Dignity, Kim Woo-bin played the role of Kim Dong-hyub, a rebellious high school student. Dong-hyub is a troublemaker who frequently finds himself at odds with his teachers, particularly with Seo Yi-soo, played by Kim Ha-neul. Despite his rough exterior and defiant attitude, Dong-hyub’s character reveals a more vulnerable and loyal side as the series progresses.

• Date Released: May 30, 2012

• In the action-comedy film Runway Cop, Kim Woo-bin made a cameo appearance.

• Date Released: August 15, 2012

• In the 2012 romantic comedy To the Beautiful You, Kim Woo-bin played the role of John Kim, a charismatic and highly sought-after personal trainer. John Kim is hired to help Kang Tae-joon, played by Minho of SHINee, regain his athletic form after an injury.

• Date Released: December 3, 2012

• In the drama School 2013, Kim Woo-bin portrayed Park Heung-soo, a transfer student with a troubled past. Heung-soo’s arrival at Seungri High School reunites him with his estranged best friend, Go Nam-soon, played by Lee Jong-suk, leading to intense emotional confrontations and a poignant exploration of their fractured friendship. As a complex character grappling with anger, regret, and the desire for redemption, Heung-soo’s journey resonated deeply with viewers.

• Lee Jong-suk and Kim Woo-bin’s bromance in School 2013 is one of the drama’s most compelling aspects, captivating viewers with its emotional depth and authenticity. Their on-screen chemistry brings a powerful intensity to their interactions, making their journey from estranged friends to supportive allies particularly moving. This heartfelt portrayal of male friendship not only contributed significantly to the drama’s success but also solidified Lee Jong-suk and Kim Woo-bin’s status as beloved actors in the South Korean entertainment industry and cemented their beautiful off-screen friendship.

• Date released: January 29, 2013

• School 2013 Special: Let’s Go to School is a TV movie that aired on January 29, 2013. This special episode serves as an extension of the popular series School 2013, offering fans additional content and insights into the characters’ lives. This special program featured Lee Jong-suk and Kim Woo-bin and the whole cast, who reflected on their experiences while filming and shared their thoughts on friendship and acting. The event highlighted key moments from the series, including emotional scenes that resonated with viewers.

• Date released: June 21, 2013

• Kim Woo-bin’s role in the drama version of the music video for 2EYES‘ debut single Don’t Mess With Me is quite captivating. He portrays a character who is entangled in a sci-fi themed love story with 2EYES’ member Hyerin. The narrative unfolds with Kim Woo-bin and Hyerin as former lovers who have become adversaries, adding a layer of complexity and tension to the storyline.

• Date covered: August 15, 2013

• Kim Woo-bin’s tenure as the MC for M! Countdown was marked by his charismatic hosting style and his ability to connect with both the audience and the performers. He took on the role in August 2013 until February 2014, bringing a fresh energy to the show with his solid voice and neat presentation skills.

• Kim Woo-bin considers hosting M Countdown as one of the most stressful jobs he has done, not only it is a fast-paced live broadcast show but also requires a lot of research before starting the show – listening to music, watching music videos, and getting to know all the singers who are scheduled to appear on the show.

• Date covered: October 9, 2013

• In the 2013 hit drama The Heirs, Kim Woo-bin played Choi Young-do, a complex and multifaceted character who quickly became a fan favorite. As the heir to a luxury hotel chain, Young-do is initially portrayed as a ruthless and intimidating bully, often clashing with his peers, particularly Lee Min-ho’s character, Kim Tan. However, as the series progresses, his vulnerabilities and troubled past come to light, revealing a more sympathetic and layered personality.

• Kim Woo-bin’s compelling portrayal of Choi Young-do, marked by intense emotions and a nuanced performance, earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his reputation as a talented actor capable of delivering powerful and memorable roles. The Heirs became popular domestically and internationally with a peak audience rating of 28.6% and 1 million hits on the Chinese streaming website iQiyi.

• Date released: November 14, 2013

• In the 2013 film Friend: The Great Legacy, Kim Woo-bin took on the role of Han Sung-hoon, a young man with a troubled past and a deep sense of loyalty. As the son of a former gang member, Sung-hoon finds himself entangled in the world of organized crime, struggling to navigate the complexities of his inherited circumstances. Kim Woo-bin’s portrayal of Sung-hoon is marked by a raw intensity and emotional depth, capturing the character’s inner turmoil and desire for redemption.

• Friend: The Great Legacy serves as the sequel to the 2001 box-office hit Friend, both directed by Kwak Kyung-taek, and begins 17 years after the events of the first film. Despite receiving a “Restricted” rating from the Korea Media Rating Board, the movie topped the local box office chart on its opening weekend, attracting 1.06 million admissions. The film went on to sell 2,971,475 tickets and grossed approximately $15,754,832.

• Date released: December 31, 2013

• Kim Woo-bin hosted the 2013 SBS Drama Awards held at the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Seoul with Lee Hwi-jae and Lee Bo-young.

• Date released: December 24, 2014

• In the 2014 film The Con Artists, Kim Woo-bin starred as Ji-hyuk, a brilliant and charismatic safe-cracker and master thief. Ji-hyuk is the leader of a team of skilled criminals who plan an elaborate heist to steal millions from a high-security vault within a limited timeframe. Kim Woo-bin’s portrayal of Ji-hyuk is marked by his suave and confident demeanor, combined with a sharp intellect and resourcefulness.

• The movie was a commercial success, grossing approximately $14.4 million and drawing over 2.5 million admissions in South Korea​.

• 2014 Asia Model Awards
  Won – Asia Star Award

• 2014 Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
  Won – Fantasia Award

• 2014 Style Icon Awards
  Nominated – Top 10 Style Icons

• 2015 Buil Film Awards
  Nominated – Best New Actor

• 2015 Korean Film Actors’ Guild Awards
  Won- Popularity Award

• 2016 InStyle Star Icon
  Nominated – Best Actor (Film)

• Date released: July 19, 2015

• Kim Woo-bin held his first fan meeting on July 19, 2015, to celebrate his birthday with his fans. During this event, his close friend and fellow actor Lee Jong-suk made a surprise appearance. Kim Woo-bin welcomed his friend with smiles.

• 2015 Fashionista Awards
  Nominated – Best Fashionista – Male Category

• 2015 Korea Best Dresser Swan Awards
  Won – Best Dresser Award.

• 2015 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 29th on the list

• Date released: July 20, 2016

• Kim Woo-bin’s OST tracks Picture In My Head and Do You Know were both released as part of the soundtrack for the Korean drama Uncontrollably Fond. Both songs showcase Kim Woo-bin’s vocal talents and contribute to the emotional depth of the drama’s narrative. They have been well-received by fans for their heartfelt lyrics and Kim Woo-bin’s expressive performance.

• 2016 APAN Star Awards
  Nominated – Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries

• 2016 KBS Drama Awards
  Nominated – Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama
  Nominated – Netizen Award, Actor
  Nominated – Best Couple Award with Bae Suzy

• Date released: December 21, 2016

• In the 2016 crime thriller Master, Kim Woo-bin took on the role of Park Jang-goon, a genius hacker and key member of the con artist trio led by Chairman Jin, played by Lee Byung-hun. Jang-goon is responsible for the technical operations behind their massive fraud schemes, showcasing his exceptional hacking skills and cunning intelligence. Kim Woo-bin’s portrayal of Park Jang-goon is marked by his charismatic and sly demeanor, adding a dynamic and intriguing element to the film’s plot. His performance was well-received, contributing to the movie’s commercial success and solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor capable of delivering compelling roles in diverse genres.

• Master was a box office hit. The film grossed over USD 50.5 million globally. In South Korea alone, Master garnered more than 7 million admissions and earned more than USD 48 million at the box office. This impressive performance reflects the film’s popularity and the strong draw of its star-studded cast, including Kim Woo-bin’s compelling performance.

• 2016 Fashionista Awards
  Nominated – Best Dresser – Male

• 2016 InStyle Star Icon
  Nominated – Most Stylish Male Actor

• 2016 Korean Advertisers Association Awards
  Best Model

• Date released: January 6, 2020

• Kim Woo-bin took on the role of narrator for the MBC special documentary titled Humanimal. This documentary, showcases the life and death of human beings and animals around the world, emphasizing the epic story of their coexistence.

• Trivia: Kim Woo-bin donated his narration fee from Humanimal to the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation to help children with cancer, particularly during the challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic. This gesture was in line with his previous philanthropic efforts and his personal connection to the cause, having been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer himself. Kim Woo-bin’s participation in “Humanimal” marked his return to television after a hiatus due to health issues.

• Date released: Barrier-free version 2021

• Kim Woo-bin lent his voice as the narrator for the barrier-free version of the 2013 Japanese film “Like Father, Like Son.” This version of the film is designed to be more accessible to viewers with visual impairments. Kim Woo-bin’s role as the narrator involves describing visual elements of the film to provide a richer experience for those who might not be able to see the action on screen. The film, directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, explores themes of family and identity through the story of two families who discover their sons were switched at birth.

• Date released: April 9, 2022

• In the heartfelt drama Our Blues, Kim Woo-bin portrays Park Jung-joon, a warm and caring character who works as a ship captain on Jeju Island. Jung-joon is depicted as a man of the sea, deeply rooted in the local community, embodying the spirit of the island with his resilient and compassionate nature. His storyline unfolds through his relationship with Lee Young-ok, played by Han Ji-min, a diver with a mysterious past. Together, their narrative explores themes of love, healing, and the intertwining fates of the island’s residents, showcasing Kim Woo-bin’s ability to bring depth and sincerity to his roles.

• Trivia: Our Blues marks the first time Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a worked together in a series since they started dating in 2015. In the drama, they do not play a couple; Kim Woo-bin is cast as the ship captain Park Jung-joon, while Shin Min-ah portrays Min Sun-ah, a woman harboring a secret. The series is particularly notable as it represents Kim Woo-bin’s return to television after a hiatus due to his battle with nasopharyngeal cancer, making his role in Our Blues his first project since his diagnosis five years prior.
  

• • 2022 APAN Star Awards
    Nominated – Best Couple award with Han Ji-min 

• Date released: July 20, 2022

• In the 2022 sci-fi fantasy film Alienoid, Kim Woo-bin plays the role of Guard, a robotic humanoid who is responsible for overseeing the transportation and imprisonment of alien criminals. Set in a narrative that spans both the past and the future, Guard navigates complex timelines and battles to maintain the delicate balance between humans and extraterrestrials. Kim Woo-bin’s portrayal of this futuristic character is marked by a blend of stoic strength and underlying vulnerability, adding depth to the high-stakes intergalactic conflict depicted in the film.

• Trivia: Kim Woo-bin’s return to the big screen with Alienoid was a significant moment in his career, especially after his hiatus due to his battle with nasopharyngeal cancer. When he announced his comeback, he received many project offers, but prioritized Alienoid as his return project because he wanted to work with director Choi Dong-hoon. Director Choi Dong-hoon is the director for Wiretap, a movie originally slated for a 2018 release but has since been suspended indefinitely following Kim Woo-bin’s cancer diagnosis.

• Date released: May 12, 2023

• Kim Woo-bin’s role as 5-8 in the Netflix series Black Knight is a captivating portrayal of a legendary delivery driver in a dystopian future. The character 5-8 is known for his exceptional battle skills and operates in a world where the Korean Peninsula has become a desert wasteland due to severe air pollution1. As the toughest deliveryman, 5-8 is admired by many for his good looks, charm, and heroic spirit.

• Trivia: The series Black Knight is based on a widely-acclaimed webtoon series, although the script tells a different story from the source material. Kim Woo-bin mentioned that while he did read the original webtoon, he focused mostly on the script and worked closely with the director to build his character. His collaboration with director Cho Ui-seok was a joyful reunion, as they had previously worked together on the film Master.

• Date released: October 13, 2023

• GBRB: Reap What You Sow is a variety show featuring Kim Woo-bin, EXO’s D.O., Lee Kwang-soo, and Kim Ki-bang. The concept of the show is unique as it follows these four celebrities, who are close friends in real life, as they experience farming life in the countryside. The idea of the show was partly inspired by the group’s desire to try something different and refreshing, leading them to embrace the challenges of rural and agricultural life, despite their lack of farming experience. This setting provides a backdrop for the stars to showcase their chemistry and camaraderie in a lighthearted documentary style, blending humor with the trials of farming.

• Date released: January 26, 2024

• In Alienoid 2: Return to the Future, Kim Woo-bin reprises his role as the enigmatic and solitary guard tasked with overseeing alien prisoners. His character is central to the film’s plot, moving between different time periods using a device known as the Divine Blade to maintain control over the alien inmates hidden within human hosts. The sequel continues the story from the first Alienoid film, blending elements of sci-fi and fantasy as it navigates through complex timelines and intense action sequences.

• Date released: September 13, 2024

• This action-comedy stars Kim Woo-bin as a martial arts expert who partners with a probation officer, played by Kim Sung-kyun, to handle physically demanding and high-risk scenarios. The movie blends humor and high-energy martial arts sequences as the two navigate unique challenges in their roles. Directed by Jason Kim, Officer Black Belt brings a fresh spin to the genre with a storyline that emphasizes teamwork and the protagonist’s journey toward becoming a martial arts officer​

• Date released: COMING SOON

• Ga-Young (Bae Suzy) is someone who lacks emotion. She happens to call Genie (Kim Woo-bin)out of his lamp and is granted 3 wishes to make.

Some memorable moments and photoshoots.