Born in July: A Celebration of Korean Acting Talent
As the summer heats up, so does the sparkle of the Korean entertainment industry, particularly for a special group of talented actors and actresses. July ushers in a month of celebrations for some of K-drama and K-film’s most beloved faces, whose birthdays add an extra glow to the already vibrant world of Hallyu. From seasoned veterans who have graced our screens for decades to rising stars capturing hearts with their fresh charm, these July-born luminaries have left an indelible mark on global entertainment. Join us as we shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who share their birthdays with this bright and warm month, and delve into why they continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
July 1
Ahn Jae-hyun
July 1, 1987
Ahn Jae-hyun gained popularity as a model before transitioning into acting, making a strong impression in My Love from the Star and Blood. Known for his delicate visuals and quirky charm, he often takes on romantic and lighthearted roles that appeal to younger audiences.
July 2
Kim Go-eun
July 2, 1991
Kim Go-eun is known for her emotional depth and unique charm in roles like Goblin, Yumi’s Cells, and Little Women. She made a bold debut in A Muse, and her ability to portray vulnerability and strength has earned her critical and popular acclaim.
Moon So-ri
July 2, 1974
Moon So-ri is one of South Korea’s most respected actresses, known for powerful performances in Oasis, The Handmaiden, Three Sisters, and When Life Gives You Tangerines. Also a director and scriptwriter, she is celebrated for her deep understanding of complex, often flawed female characters.
July 4
Lee Je-hoon
July 4, 1984
Lee Je-hoon is known for his intensity and versatility in projects like Signal, Move to Heaven, and Taxi Driver. A favorite of both critics and viewers, he brings a grounded presence to each role and often portrays morally conflicted characters.
Yoon Doo-joon
July 4, 1989
Yoon Doo-joon debuted as the leader of Highlight (formerly BEAST) and later impressed audiences with his acting skills in Let’s Eat and Radio Romance. His approachable charm and down-to-earth portrayals make him a reliable figure in romantic and slice-of-life dramas.
July 5
Ji Chang-wook
July 5, 1987
Ji Chang-wook rose to fame through action-packed and romantic roles in Healer, Suspicious Partner, and The Sound of Magic. Known for his physicality and expressive acting, he effortlessly moves between intense thrillers and charming rom-coms.
Jeon Jong-seo
July 5, 1994
Jeon Jong-seo made a powerful debut in Burning and further established her intense screen presence in The Call and Money Heist: Korea. Her bold role choices and magnetic energy mark her as one of the most exciting actresses of her generation.
July 7
Kim Bum
July 7, 1989
Kim Bum rose to fame with his role as So Yi-jung in Boys Over Flowers. Known for his sharp visuals and layered performances, he continued to impress in dramas like Padam Padam, Tale of the Nine-Tailed, and Ghost Doctor. With a mix of charm and depth, Kim Bum has solidified his place in both romance and fantasy genres.
Choi Tae-joon
July 7, 1991
Choi Tae-joon is known for his roles in Missing 9, Suspicious Partner, and So I Married an Anti-Fan. With a warm screen presence and emotional sincerity, he brings both relatability and depth to his roles, often portraying flawed yet endearing characters.
July 10
Gong Yoo
July 10, 1979
Gong Yoo is one of Korea’s most beloved leading men, known for iconic roles in Coffee Prince, Goblin, and Train to Busan. His ability to portray both romantic leads and action heroes has made him a household name with wide international appeal.
Moon Ga-young
July 10, 1996
Moon Ga-young gained prominence with her role in True Beauty, showcasing her comedic timing and emotional range. She has also impressed in Find Me in Your Memory and Link: Eat, Love, Kill, proving her versatility in romance and fantasy genres.
July 12
Lee Byung-hun
July 12, 1970
Lee Byung-hun is one of South Korea’s most respected actors, acclaimed for his versatility across genres. From intense roles in I Saw the Devil and Inside Men to international appearances in G.I. Joe and Squid Game, Lee has proven his global appeal. His deep emotional range and commanding screen presence have made him a key figure in Korean cinema.
Woo Do-hwan
July 12, 1992
Woo Do-hwan is known for his charismatic and complex performances in Save Me, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Bloodhounds. With his intense gaze and dynamic acting, he often plays morally ambiguous or emotionally charged roles.
July 14
Lee Kwang-soo
July 14, 1985
Lee Kwang-soo is best known for his long-running stint on Running Man, where his comedic timing and lovable personality won fans over. As an actor, he’s delivered solid performances in It’s Okay, That’s Love, Live, and The Sound of Your Heart.
July 16
Kim Woo-bin
July 16, 1989
Kim Woo-bin gained fame through The Heirs, then solidified his acting credentials with Uncontrollably Fond and Our Blues. Known for his deep voice and striking presence, he has successfully taken on a variety of roles from charismatic bad boys to vulnerable leads.
July 27
Park Gyu-young
July 27, 1993
Park Gyu-young has steadily risen in popularity through roles in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Sweet Home, and Celebrity. Her graceful and nuanced acting style allows her to portray emotionally complex characters with quiet strength.
July 28
Jo In-sung
July 28, 1981
Jo In-sung is renowned for his emotional performances in What Happened in Bali, That Winter, the Wind Blows, and It’s Okay, That’s Love. With his tall frame and expressive eyes, he’s a staple of Korean melodramas and has also made successful forays into film.
July 29
Shin Se-kyung
July 29, 1990
Shin Se-kyung began her career as a child actress and quickly rose to prominence with dramas like High Kick Through the Roof, Deep Rooted Tree, and Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung. Known for her elegant visuals and understated acting style, she has carved a niche in both historical and contemporary roles.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this celebratory look at the phenomenal Korean actors and actresses who mark their birthdays under the summer sun. Their contributions, whether through heartbreaking dramas, thrilling action, or heartwarming comedies, continue to enrich the global entertainment landscape and solidify Hallyu’s powerful reach. From captivating performances to inspiring personal journeys, these stars truly embody the vibrant spirit of Korean culture. Here’s to many more years of their incredible talent gracing our screens and bringing joy to fans around the world!
