Kang Ki Young
Info
🙂 Native Name: 강기영 (Kang Ki Young)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: October 14, 1983
🏠 Birth Place: Incheon, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Libra
📏 Height: 178 cm (5’10”)
💍 Spouse: Married to a non-celebrity woman in May 2019
👶 Children: One son, born on November 12, 2021
Biography
Kang Ki Young was born on October 14, 1983, in Incheon, South Korea. He began his acting career in theater and soon transitioned to television, gaining recognition for his supporting roles in various dramas. His unique ability to deliver comedic timing, coupled with his warm, relatable screen presence, helped him gain popularity. One of his earliest prominent roles was in the hit drama Oh My Ghost (2015), where his quirky character caught the audience’s attention.
Kang’s career truly skyrocketed with his standout performance in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018), where he played the charmingly eccentric character Park Yoo Sik, the best friend of the main lead played by Park Seo Joon. His performance earned him widespread acclaim, further establishing him as a scene-stealing actor in the South Korean drama industry. This role helped solidify his reputation as a versatile actor who can seamlessly balance both humor and depth in his characters.
In May 2019, Kang Ki Young married his longtime girlfriend, a non-celebrity, after dating for over two years. The wedding was a private affair held at his residence in Gyeonggi Province. He later revealed on various talk shows that his wife has been a great source of support for him both personally and professionally. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, on November 12, 2021.
More recently, Kang has earned critical acclaim for his role as Jung Myung Seok, the senior attorney in the 2022 hit series Extraordinary Attorney Woo. His portrayal of a mentor to the show’s protagonist, Woo Young Woo, added depth and heart to the series, further cementing his status as a beloved actor in South Korea. Kang Ki Young continues to be a sought-after figure in the entertainment industry, known for his range and ability to bring humor and heart to every role.
Hobbies
- Photography: Kang Ki Young enjoys photography as a hobby. He often captures moments from his travels and enjoys experimenting with different angles and perspectives.
- Golf: He has expressed a love for golf, which he practices regularly to stay active. It’s one of his preferred leisure activities.
- Traveling: Kang likes to travel whenever his schedule allows, and he often shares travel stories on variety shows. Exploring new places helps him unwind.
- Music: He enjoys listening to various types of music, particularly to relax between shoots. Music helps him stay focused when preparing for roles.
- Cycling: Kang Ki Young enjoys cycling as part of his fitness routine, allowing him to keep healthy while spending time outdoors.
Interests
- Theater: Before transitioning to television and film, Kang had a strong interest in theater. He still carries a passion for stage performances and values it as the foundation of his acting career.
- Comedy: Kang is particularly interested in comedy and enjoys portraying humorous characters that bring lightheartedness to dramas. His knack for timing has made him a fan favorite.
- Fashion: He has an interest in fashion and is often seen sporting stylish outfits in public appearances and award shows.
- Parenthood: Since becoming a father, Kang has expressed deep interest in fatherhood and enjoys spending time with his son. He values his family life greatly.
- Charity: Kang Ki Young is involved in charitable activities, using his platform to give back to society, especially in causes related to children’s welfare.
Facts
- Acting Debut: Kang Ki Young made his acting debut in theater before moving on to television roles, gradually becoming known for his comedic timing and versatile acting skills.
- First Child: He welcomed his first child, a son, on November 12, 2021, and often mentions how fatherhood has changed him.
- Breakout Role: His breakout role came with What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018), where his portrayal of a lovable best friend earned him widespread recognition.
- Private Life: Kang married his non-celebrity girlfriend in a private ceremony in 2019, and the couple has largely kept their relationship out of the public eye.
- Award Nominations: Kang has been nominated for several acting awards for his performances, including his roles in Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Secretary Kim.
Secrets
- Introverted Personality: Despite his lively on-screen characters, Kang Ki Young is more introverted in real life and enjoys quiet, peaceful moments when not working.
- Private Relationship: He and his wife, who is a non-celebrity, kept their relationship private for a long time to avoid media scrutiny.
- First Love: Kang often jokes that he married his first love, sharing that he and his wife dated for over two years before getting married.
- Low Profile: Despite his fame, Kang likes to maintain a low profile when off-screen, avoiding excessive media attention.
- Overcame Stage Fright: Early in his career, Kang Ki Young struggled with stage fright during theater performances, but he overcame this as his career progressed.
Funny Things
- Comedic Roles: Known for his comedic timing, Kang often lightens the mood on set by joking around with his co-stars, even when filming serious scenes.
- First Impressions: He’s shared that people often think he is much more serious than he actually is, but his humor and easy-going nature usually surprise them.
- Parenting Humor: Since becoming a father, Kang has shared humorous anecdotes about adjusting to parenthood, making light of the challenges of balancing work and family life.
- Misinterpreted Friendships: Kang has jokingly mentioned how his close friendships with male co-stars sometimes lead fans to speculate on his relationship status.
- Playful with Co-Stars: He is known to prank his co-stars on set, which creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere during shoots.
Fears
- Fear of Failure: Kang has admitted to having a fear of failure, particularly early in his career when he wasn’t sure if acting would lead to a stable career.
- Public Speaking: Despite being comfortable in front of the camera, Kang has expressed nervousness during live interviews and public speaking events.
- Balancing Work and Family: Since becoming a father, Kang has shared concerns about balancing his busy career with spending enough time with his family.
- Losing Privacy: As a private individual, Kang fears losing his personal space and prefers to keep his family out of the spotlight.
- Disappointing Fans: Kang has mentioned his fear of disappointing his fans, which drives him to continuously improve his performances.
News
Kang Ki Young Takes on First Leading Role in Queen of Divorce (2024)
After years of supporting roles, Kang Ki Young landed his first lead role in JTBC’s Queen of Divorce. His performance as a lawyer in this legal drama marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his versatility beyond comedy.Kang Ki Young Dubbed ‘Korean Loki’ for Uncanny Counter Season 2 (2023)
Kang shocked fans with his dramatic transformation into a villain for Uncanny Counter Season 2. His portrayal of Pil Gwang, a stylish and cunning antagonist, earned him the nickname “Korean Loki” from fans, marking a stark departure from his usual light-hearted roles.Global Success with Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
Kang Ki Young gained international attention for his role as senior attorney Jung Myung Seok in the hit drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo. The series became a global success, with Kang’s character receiving praise for adding emotional depth and wisdom to the show.Wins Best Supporting Actor at MBC Drama Awards (2018)
In 2018, Kang won the Best Supporting Actor award at the MBC Drama Awards for his role in My Secret Terrius. This award highlighted his growing influence in the South Korean drama industry.Kang Ki Young’s Return to Acting After Becoming a Father (2021)
Following the birth of his son in 2021, Kang made a successful return to acting with Extraordinary Attorney Woo. He shared in interviews how fatherhood had changed him and motivated his career.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Kang Ki Young is primarily known for his acting career and has not pursued a formal music career. Unlike some South Korean actors who also branch out into singing or musical performances, Kang’s talents have mainly been showcased on screen through his comedic and dramatic roles. He has not released any albums, singles, or contributed to soundtracks as a singer.
Although he has not entered the music industry as a professional, Kang Ki Young has participated in variety shows and interviews where he occasionally showcases his lighthearted and playful side, sometimes singing for fun. These moments are more casual and not part of an official music career.
His focus remains on his acting, where he continues to shine in both supporting and leading roles across various genres in South Korean television dramas and films.
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