Kim Sung Kyun
Info
🙂 Native Name: 김성균 (Kim Sung Kyun)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: May 25, 1980
🏠 Birth Place: Daegu, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Gemini
📏 Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
💍 Spouse: Kim Hye Jung (married in 2010)
👶 Children: Three children — two sons and one daughter. Their names and birth dates are not publicly disclosed.
Biography
Kim Sung Kyun is a talented South Korean actor best known for his versatile performances in both film and television. Born on May 25, 1980, in Daegu, South Korea, he studied acting at the prestigious Korea National University of Arts. Kim began his professional acting journey in theater but quickly transitioned into film, where he found widespread recognition for his raw and intense portrayals of complex characters.
He made his screen debut in the 2012 film Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time, where he played a fierce and unpredictable gangster. His performance earned critical acclaim and established him as a promising new talent in the Korean film industry. Kim continued to build momentum with impactful roles in The Neighbor (2012), The Suspect (2013), and The Attorney (2013), often portraying intense or morally conflicted characters with remarkable depth.
While he initially gained fame through darker, gritty roles, Kim Sung Kyun truly captured the hearts of mainstream audiences through television. His portrayal of the quirky yet lovable Kim Sung Kyun (sharing the same name) in the hit drama series Reply 1994 and Reply 1988 showcased his comedic timing and emotional sincerity. These roles solidified his position as a household name and proved his ability to master both serious and lighthearted genres. He further impressed viewers with roles in The Fiery Priest and D.P., earning praise for his flexibility and presence.
Off-screen, Kim Sung Kyun is known for his humble personality and devotion to family. He married Kim Hye Jung in 2010, and the couple has three children—two sons and a daughter. Despite his growing fame, he remains a private individual who values his personal life away from the spotlight. As of today, Kim continues to be one of Korea’s most respected character actors, known for bringing sincerity, intensity, and humanity to every role he takes on.
Hobbies
Fishing – Kim Sung Kyun enjoys fishing during his free time as a way to relax and disconnect from his busy acting schedule.
Camping – He often takes his family on camping trips, enjoying nature and quality time away from the spotlight.
Cooking – He’s known to enjoy cooking for his kids, particularly Korean comfort dishes like kimchi jjigae and bulgogi.
Watching Historical Dramas – As a fan of Korean history, he enjoys watching classic historical dramas and films.
Photography – Kim occasionally captures landscapes and family moments through photography, seeing it as a creative outlet.
Interests
Character Development – He is deeply interested in understanding the psychology of each role he takes on, often doing independent research.
Parenting – As a father of three, he is passionate about modern parenting techniques and spending time with his children.
Independent Films – He enjoys watching indie films for their artistic freedom and unconventional storytelling.
Stage Acting – Despite his fame in film and TV, he maintains a strong love for theater and occasionally returns to the stage.
Art Exhibitions – Kim likes to visit art galleries, particularly enjoying Korean contemporary art.
Facts
He became widely recognized after the film Nameless Gangster (2012), where he played a violent yet nuanced gangster.
He shares the same character name as his real name in Reply 1988, which added a humorous layer of meta-commentary.
Kim Sung Kyun has a background in theater, having studied acting at Korea National University of Arts.
He’s played both villains and lovable characters, showing rare duality in Korean mainstream media.
He is one of the few Korean actors to successfully transition from film to TV and comedy without being typecast.
Secrets
He originally doubted his looks, believing he wasn’t fit for on-screen roles and focused on stage acting early in his career.
He prefers supporting roles over leading ones because he enjoys complementing a story rather than carrying it.
He had to gain weight for several roles, including The Fiery Priest, to better suit the characters’ physical appearance.
He sometimes avoids reading reviews of his performances to maintain confidence and focus.
He turned down multiple lead roles early in his career, feeling he wasn’t ready for the spotlight.
Funny Things
On the set of Reply 1988, he was known for falling asleep during breaks, no matter the noise around him.
He once mistook his scene partner’s cue and delivered a serious monologue to a wall before realizing the mistake.
Fans often tease him because he always plays “dads”, despite having a youthful personality off-screen.
He has a habit of laughing at his own jokes, which sometimes ruins takes in comedic scenes.
During an interview, he confessed he cried while watching cartoons with his children because of the heartfelt stories.
Fears
Fear of disappointing his children, as he wants to be seen as a role model both on and off-screen.
Public speaking at award shows, despite being a confident actor, makes him visibly nervous.
He has admitted to a fear of stagnation, always pushing himself to improve and evolve.
He worries about being typecast in “dad” or “funny man” roles, despite his wide acting range.
Losing emotional connection to a character is one of his biggest artistic fears.
News
1. Award-Winning Performance in The Fiery Priest 2
In 2024, Kim Sung Kyun received the Excellence Award for Actor in a Seasonal Drama at the SBS Drama Awards for his role as Gu Dae-young in The Fiery Priest 2. This accolade marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to blend humor and action seamlessly.
2. Triple Success with Moving, Officer Black Belt, and The Fiery Priest 2
Kim achieved a remarkable feat by starring in three major hits: Disney+’s Moving, Netflix’s Officer Black Belt, and SBS’s The Fiery Priest 2. Each project highlighted his versatility, from portraying a superhumanly strong father to a dedicated probation officer and a charismatic team leader.
3. Starring Role in Netflix’s Karma
In April 2025, Kim took on the role of Jang Gil-ryong in Netflix’s crime thriller series Karma. The show, based on a Kakao webtoon, delves into the intertwined fates of individuals caught in ill-fated relationships, further cementing Kim’s reputation for tackling complex characters.
4. Heartfelt Bond with Co-Star Kim Woo Bin
During promotions for Officer Black Belt, Kim shared a touching camaraderie with co-star Kim Woo Bin. Their mutual admiration was evident, with Kim expressing a desire to be a better person around Woo Bin, highlighting the deep connections he forms with fellow actors.
5. Playful Recognition at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards
At the 2024 SBS Drama Awards, co-star Kim Nam Gil humorously referred to Kim Sung Kyun as his “wife” during his acceptance speech, acknowledging their close partnership in The Fiery Priest 2. This light-hearted moment showcased the strong bonds Kim forms on set.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Kim Sung Kyun, best known for his diverse roles in Korean cinema and television, does not have a professional music career. Unlike many South Korean actors who crossover into singing or have backgrounds in K-pop, Kim has focused exclusively on acting since the beginning of his entertainment journey.
Although he has participated in a few variety shows and promotional events where he may have sung casually or as part of a comedy sketch (especially in ensemble projects like Reply 1988 or The Fiery Priest), these moments are not tied to a formal music career. He has not released any solo tracks, albums, or OST (Original Soundtrack) contributions under his name.
However, Kim’s strong voice and expressive delivery have occasionally been praised by fans, especially in emotionally driven scenes that resemble musical rhythms in tone and timing. His ability to portray complex emotions through voice control has led to speculation about his potential in voice acting or audiobook narration, but no such projects have been officially confirmed.
In summary, while Kim Sung Kyun may have dabbled in music-themed moments on screen or on stage for entertainment, there is no official record of him having a music career. His strength and legacy remain rooted in his acting prowess, with a long list of critically acclaimed dramas and films.
Gallery
