Kim Min Gue
Info
🙂 Native Name: 김민규 (Kim Min Kyu)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: December 25, 1994
🏠 Birth Place: South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
📏 Height: 183 cm
💍 Spouse: None
👶 Children: None
Biography
Kim Min Gue, born on December 25, 1994, in South Korea, embarked on his acting journey with a minor role in the 2013 drama Monstar. His early career was marked by supporting roles in various television series, including Signal (2016) and Because This Is My First Life (2017), where he began to showcase his versatility and depth as an actor. These formative years laid the groundwork for his emergence as a notable figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.
A significant turning point in Kim’s career came with his first leading role in the historical drama Queen: Love and War (2019–2020), portraying King Lee Kyung. This performance garnered critical acclaim and expanded his fan base. Subsequent roles in Backstreet Rookie (2020) and Snowdrop (2021–2022) further solidified his reputation, demonstrating his ability to adapt to diverse genres and complex characters.
In 2022, Kim achieved international recognition through his role as Cha Sung-hoon in the romantic comedy Business Proposal. His portrayal of the charming and composed chief secretary captivated audiences, earning him the Excellent Actor and Best Couple awards at the 2022 SBS Drama Awards. This role marked a milestone in his career, elevating his status in the global K-drama scene.
Continuing his trajectory of challenging roles, Kim starred in the 2023 fantasy drama The Heavenly Idol, playing Pontifex Lembrary, a high priest who becomes a K-pop idol. This role allowed him to blend elements of fantasy and modern entertainment, showcasing his range and commitment to diverse storytelling. Beyond acting, Kim has also ventured into music, contributing to original soundtracks, and held an art exhibition in collaboration with graffiti artist M.Chat in 2022, reflecting his multifaceted artistic pursuits.
Hobbies
Drawing and Painting
Kim Min Gue enjoys sketching and painting, and in 2022, he even held a joint art exhibition with graffiti artist M.Chat, showcasing his hidden artistic side.Watching Action Films
He’s a fan of Hollywood action and thriller movies, often referencing them as sources of inspiration for improving his acting techniques and energy.Playing Video Games
Min Gue has shared in interviews that he unwinds by gaming—especially with story-driven or fantasy-themed games.Playing Guitar
As a fan of music, he enjoys playing the guitar in his spare time, sometimes sharing small clips of his practice with fans on social media.Exercising Regularly
He maintains a disciplined fitness routine not only for physical health but also to stay camera-ready for his many dynamic roles.
Interests
Art and Visual Culture
He’s deeply interested in modern and street art, which led to his collaboration with M.Chat for an art gallery event in 2022.Learning Foreign Languages
He has expressed a desire to improve his English and learn other languages to better communicate with his growing international fanbase.Stage Acting Techniques
Min Gue has an appreciation for theater and sometimes studies live performance methods to sharpen his craft.Mythology and Fantasy Themes
Given his role in The Heavenly Idol, he enjoys fantasy narratives and is fascinated by myth-based characters and worldbuilding.Fashion and Styling
He actively participates in styling his own photoshoots and enjoys keeping up with minimalist and urban fashion trends.
Facts
He Made His Debut in 2013
His acting debut was a small role in the musical drama Monstar, marking the start of his professional journey.Breakthrough Came in 2022
His role as Cha Sung-hoon in Business Proposal made him a household name both in South Korea and globally.He’s Also a Singer
Kim Min Gue contributed to the The Heavenly Idol OST with the track “Sweet Fantasy,” showing off his vocal abilities.Graduated from Dongguk University
He studied theater and film at Dongguk University, one of Korea’s top institutions for performing arts.Fan Club is Named “WIN:D”
His official fan club is called WIN:D, representing his desire to bring a fresh breeze of warmth and talent to his fans’ lives.
Secrets
Used to Have Stage Fright
He once admitted he used to get extreme nerves before camera tests or live appearances early in his career.Almost Became an Idol
Before settling into acting, he seriously considered training as a K-pop idol but opted for acting after falling in love with performance art.He Keeps a Memory Jar
He keeps written memories or fan messages in a jar at home to read when he feels discouraged.Very Sentimental Off-Camera
While often seen as composed and cool, he is emotionally expressive and deeply touched by fan support and letters.Practices Smiles in the Mirror
He once humorously confessed to practicing different smile types to make his expressions more natural on camera.
Funny Things
Mistaken for an Idol
Due to his visuals, fans and even event staff often assume he’s part of a K-pop group rather than an actor.Almost Fell Off Stage Waving Too Excitedly
During a fan meeting, he got so excited that he tripped over stage decor—but laughed it off charmingly.Known for His “Koala Hug”
He gives famously tight and enthusiastic hugs to co-stars, which they jokingly refer to as the “Min Gue grip.”Once Mispronounced His Own Character’s Name
During a live press event for Business Proposal, he accidentally flubbed his own character’s name and turned beet red.Collects Tiny Figurines
He has a small obsession with collecting action figures and tiny animal figurines, which he arranges meticulously at home.
Fears
Being Typecast
He’s afraid of only being offered “cold but handsome” roles and has expressed a desire to try villain or comedic parts.Losing Touch with Fans
He often says he values emotional connection with fans and fears becoming distant due to fame or workload.Live Singing Pressure
Though he has a good voice, he still feels nervous singing live and prefers studio-recorded tracks.Injury on Set
He’s physically active in dramas, and the fear of injury affecting a production’s schedule is always in the back of his mind.Not Growing as an Artist
Min Gue is deeply self-reflective and fears plateauing in skill or failing to challenge himself creatively.
News
1. Kim Min Gue Enlists for Mandatory Military Service
On March 20, 2024, Kim Min Gue’s agency, Companion Company, announced that he would commence his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier on April 1, 2024. The agency expressed gratitude to fans for their support and requested continued encouragement during his service period.
2. Departure from Jellyfish Entertainment
In August 2023, Jellyfish Entertainment confirmed the conclusion of its exclusive contract with Kim Min Gue. The agency stated that the decision was mutual and wished him success in his future endeavors.
3. Lead Role in tvN’s ‘First, For Love’
Kim Min Gue returned to the small screen as the lead in tvN’s new drama “First, For Love.” He portrays Ryu Bo-hyun, a young farmer running a flower farm, who becomes entangled in a romantic storyline with a single mother and her daughter. The drama explores themes of love and second chances.
4. Viral Performance in ‘The Heavenly Idol’
In 2023, Kim Min Gue starred in the fantasy drama “The Heavenly Idol,” playing a high priest who becomes a K-pop idol. His performance, particularly an emotional scene highlighting the significance of idols to their fans, garnered widespread attention and praise online.
5. International Recognition from ‘Business Proposal’
Kim Min Gue gained international fame for his role as Cha Sung-hoon in the 2022 romantic comedy “Business Proposal.” Following the show’s success, he experienced a significant increase in social media followers and received acclaim for his on-screen chemistry with co-star Seol In Ah.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Kim Min Gue, primarily celebrated for his acting prowess in dramas like Business Proposal and The Heavenly Idol, has also showcased notable musical talents throughout his career.
Early Musical Endeavors
Before fully committing to acting, Kim Min Gue briefly trained as a K-pop idol alongside members of the boy group SEVENTEEN. During a 2022 appearance on MBC’s Radio Star, he revealed that he underwent idol training for a short period, highlighting his early inclination towards music.
Television Appearances Highlighting Vocal Skills
In 2017, Kim Min Gue participated in the fourth season of the music mystery game show I Can See Your Voice. His appearance captivated both the audience and panelists, with his performance of Lee Seok Hoon’s “10 Reasons to Love You” garnering over 22 million views online.
Contributions to Drama Soundtracks
Kim Min Gue has lent his voice to several original soundtracks (OSTs) for dramas he starred in. Notably, he performed “Answer is You” for the Drunk in Good Taste OST and “Drawing Paper” for Special Law on Romance. His involvement in these soundtracks showcases his ability to convey emotion through music, complementing his on-screen performances.
Live Performances and Fan Engagements
Beyond studio recordings, Kim Min Gue has performed live for his fans. During his first fan meeting in Manila in April 2023, he serenaded attendees with “Love, Maybe” from Business Proposal and “Suddenly” from The Heavenly Idol, demonstrating his commitment to connecting with fans through music.
Musical Role in The Heavenly Idol
In the 2023 fantasy drama The Heavenly Idol, Kim Min Gue portrayed a high priest who becomes a K-pop idol. This role allowed him to merge his acting and singing talents, as he performed several tracks for the show’s OST, further solidifying his position as a multifaceted entertainer.
While Kim Min Gue has not pursued a full-time career in music, his consistent involvement in musical projects and performances underscores his versatility and dedication to his craft.
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