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Actor · South Korea

Kim Hye Soo

김혜수

5 Sep 1970
Born · age 56
1998
Active since
5
Screen credits

Kim Hye Soo has built a three-decade career since debuting in 1986, with roles in First Love, Tazza: The High Rollers and Signal, and more recently as Judge Shim Eun Seok in Juvenile Justice and Queen Im Hwa Ryung in Under the Queen's Umbrella.

Biography

Kim Hye Soo is one of South Korea’s most celebrated and versatile actresses, with a career spanning over three decades. Born on September 5, 1970, she made her acting debut at the age of 16 in the 1986 film Ggambo. Her early roles quickly established her as a rising star, and she soon became known for her strong on-screen presence and ability to portray complex characters. Over the years, she has played a variety of roles, ranging from historical figures to modern, powerful women in both television dramas and films.

In 1993, Kim’s performance in First Love brought her immense popularity, making the show one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time. Her bold role choices included Tazza: The High Rollers (2006) and Villain and Widow (2010). Her role in Signal (2016), as detective Cha Soo Hyun, earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Kim Hye Soo is also known for her strong advocacy for women's rights and equality. She often speaks out on social issues, and her roles often reflect her commitment to portraying powerful, independent women. In Juvenile Justice (2022), she portrayed Judge Shim Eun Seok, a strict and principled character who deals with juvenile crime. The series received global attention on Netflix.

Throughout her career, Kim has received numerous accolades, including multiple Baeksang Arts Awards, proving her ability to dominate both television and film. Her recent portrayal of Queen Im Hwa Ryung in Under the Queen's Umbrella (2022) drew a large audience. Kim Hye Soo continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry, admired not only for her acting skills but also for her passion for making a difference through her art.

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Profile data

Identity
Stage name
Kim Hye Soo
Native name
김혜수
Gender
Female
Born and physical
Date of birth
5 September 1970
Age
56
Zodiac
Virgo
Chinese zodiac
Dog
Data and sourcing
Portrait source
TMDB API
Rights holder
TMDB / respective copyright holder
Usage basis
Editorial use via TMDB API, non-commercial reference
Metadata source
TMDB, Wikipedia, and other sources cited in the record
Last updated
29 September 2026
Editor
Claude (AI content review)
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About Kim Hye Soo

Facts

  • First Debut: Kim Hye Soo debuted at the age of 16 in the movie Ggambo (1986), which set her on the path to stardom.
  • Highly Educated: She holds a bachelor’s degree in Film and Theater from Dongguk University and a master’s degree from Sungkyunkwan University, showing her dedication to both her craft and academics.
  • Multi-Award Winner: Kim has received numerous awards, including several prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards for Best Actress in both films and TV dramas.
  • Fearless Role Choices: Known for her bold choices, Kim often plays strong, unconventional women, such as her role as a detective in Signal and a judge in Juvenile Justice.
  • Longevity: Kim Hye Soo has maintained her popularity and success for over 30 years, a remarkable achievement in the entertainment industry.
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Kim Hye Soo shows and movies

Guest appearances 1 title

Frequently worked with

Counted from shared credits across the database, most shared titles first.

The photo is shown through the TMDB API and is used only to identify the person. Personal details come from public sources named on this page. Private life appears only where the person or their agency has said it publicly, with the date. Last updated 29 September 2026.