Kim So Yeon
Info
🙂 Native Name: 김소연
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: November 2, 1980
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
📏 Height: 167 cm (5’6″)
💍 Spouse: Lee Sang-woo (married on June 9, 2017)
👶 Children: None
Biography
Kim So Yeon, born on November 2, 1980, in Seoul, South Korea, is a celebrated actress known for her exceptional versatility and dedication to her craft. She began her career at the young age of 14, debuting in the SBS drama Dinosaur Teacher (1994). Her early roles quickly garnered attention for her talent and on-screen charisma, setting the stage for a successful career that has spanned over two decades.
A breakthrough in Kim So Yeon’s career came with the hit drama All About Eve (2000), where she portrayed the ambitious and cunning Heo Young-mi. The role solidified her status as a household name in South Korea. She continued her ascent with her performance as North Korean agent Kim Sun-hwa in the action-packed drama Iris (2009), earning widespread acclaim for her portrayal of a complex and multifaceted character.
In 2016, while filming the MBC drama Happy Home, Kim met actor Lee Sang-woo. Their on-screen chemistry blossomed into a real-life romance, and the couple tied the knot on June 9, 2017, in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. Since then, they have become one of South Korea’s most admired celebrity couples, known for their mutual support and love.
Kim’s most recent success came with the role of Cheon Seo-jin in the mega-hit series The Penthouse: War in Life (2020–2021). Her powerful performance as a complex antagonist earned her the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress in 2021. Today, Kim So Yeon remains an influential figure in the Korean entertainment industry, admired for her remarkable acting range and enduring charm.
Hobbies
- Cooking: Kim So Yeon enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, often trying out new recipes to prepare meals for her husband, Lee Sang Woo.
- Gardening: She finds peace and relaxation in tending to her plants, which she refers to as her “small oasis” at home.
- Reading: She is an avid reader who loves immersing herself in novels and self-help books that inspire her personal and professional growth.
- Yoga: To maintain her physical and mental well-being, Kim practices yoga regularly, which she considers an essential part of her routine.
- Photography: She enjoys capturing candid moments of her travels and daily life, often sharing them with her fans on social media.
Interests
- Interior Design: Kim has a passion for decorating her home, often choosing minimalist yet elegant styles that reflect her personality.
- Charity Work: She actively participates in social causes, particularly those supporting children and women in need.
- Fashion: As a public figure, she enjoys exploring new fashion trends and incorporating them into her wardrobe.
- Music: She has an eclectic taste in music, ranging from classical to contemporary pop, which she listens to during her downtime.
- Traveling: Kim loves exploring new cultures and destinations, often sharing glimpses of her trips with fans.
Facts
- Baeksang Winner: Kim won the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress in 2021 for her role in The Penthouse: War in Life.
- Youngest in History: She was the youngest MC in SBS’s history at just 15 years old, hosting the music program Inkigayo.
- Versatile Roles: Known for her ability to play both protagonists and antagonists, she is regarded as one of South Korea’s most versatile actresses.
- Longtime Celebrity Couple: She married actor Lee Sang Woo in 2017 after meeting on the set of Happy Home.
- Charity Involvement: Kim actively supports several philanthropic initiatives, including donations for underprivileged children.
Secrets
- Shy Nature: Despite her confident on-screen presence, Kim has confessed to being naturally shy in social settings.
- Early Struggles: She once considered quitting acting during a career slump in the late 2000s but persevered and emerged stronger.
- Private Life: Kim is extremely private about her personal life and rarely shares details about her marriage publicly.
- Perfectionist: She is a perfectionist who rehearses scenes extensively, often worrying about delivering her best.
- Dream Role: Kim has expressed a desire to play a historical figure in a period drama, something she has yet to explore.
Funny Things
- Clumsy Moments: Kim often jokes about her clumsiness on set, recalling incidents like accidentally tripping during scenes.
- Prankster: She enjoys light-hearted pranks on her co-stars to ease tension during long filming hours.
- Funny Nicknames: Fans and colleagues affectionately call her “Serious Yeon” because of her intense focus during rehearsals.
- Food Obsession: She humorously admits that she often thinks about her next meal while filming emotional scenes.
- Unique Dance Moves: Her occasional freestyle dancing at celebrations always leaves everyone laughing.
Fears
- Letting Fans Down: Kim often worries about disappointing her fans and puts immense pressure on herself to perform well.
- Public Speaking: Despite her acting career, she feels nervous speaking at live events without a script.
- Aging on Screen: Like many actresses, she has expressed concerns about aging in the public eye and maintaining her career longevity.
- Physical Stunts: Kim avoids physically demanding roles that involve stunts due to a fear of injuries.
- Heights: She has admitted to feeling uneasy with heights and avoids scenes or activities involving high places.
News
Kim So Yeon Reflects on ‘All About Eve’ Experience (December 2024): In a recent interview, Kim So Yeon revealed that her role in the drama All About Eve brought her both acclaim and personal challenges. She shared that the intense portrayal led to unexpected public backlash, making it a bittersweet milestone in her career.
Joint Variety Show Appearance with Husband Lee Sang Woo (October 2024): After seven years of marriage, Kim So Yeon and her husband, actor Lee Sang Woo, made their first joint appearance on a variety show. The couple shared insights into their relationship, delighting fans with their chemistry and candidness.
Defending Husband Against Gaslighting Allegations (May 2023): Kim So Yeon addressed concerns regarding her husband, Lee Sang Woo, following comments she made on a variety show. She clarified their mutual decisions about household matters, emphasizing their healthy relationship and mutual respect.
Special Appearance in ‘The Escape of the Seven’ (August 2023): Kim So Yeon was confirmed to make a special appearance in the SBS drama The Escape of the Seven, reuniting with the creators of The Penthouse. Her involvement added anticipation for the series among viewers.
Lead Role in ‘A Virtuous Business’ Finale (November 2024): Kim So Yeon starred as Jeong Suk in the JTBC drama A Virtuous Business. The series concluded with her character becoming the boss after overcoming numerous challenges, marking a pivotal moment in the storyline.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Kim So Yeon, a distinguished South Korean actress, is renowned for her extensive work in television dramas and films. While she has not pursued a professional music career, her acting roles have occasionally showcased her musical talents.
In the acclaimed series The Penthouse: War in Life (2020–2021), Kim portrayed Cheon Seo Jin, a character who is a celebrated soprano and the director of an arts school. To authentically depict this role, Kim underwent vocal training to perform operatic pieces, demonstrating her dedication to her craft.
Additionally, in the drama Iris (2009), she played Kim Sun Hwa, a North Korean agent. Although the role did not involve singing, the series’ soundtrack featured emotionally charged music that complemented her intense performance, highlighting the synergy between her acting and the show’s musical elements.
While Kim So Yeon does not have a formal music career, her ability to integrate musical performances into her acting roles adds depth to her characters and showcases her versatility as an artist.
Gallery
