Kim Sung Ryung
Info
🙂 Native Name: 김성령
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: February 8, 1967
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
📏 Height: 5’6″ (168 cm)
💍 Spouse: Lee Ki-soo (married in 1996)
👶 Children: Two sons, Lee Chan-young and Lee Jun-ho, with Lee Ki-soo
Biography
Kim Sung-ryung, born on February 8, 1967, in Seoul, South Korea, is a distinguished actress and former beauty queen. She first gained national attention by winning the Miss Korea pageant in 1988, which led her to represent South Korea at the Miss Universe 1989 pageant.
Following her pageant success, Kim transitioned into the entertainment industry, beginning as a reporter for KBS’s showbiz news program, Entertainment Weekly. In 1991, she made her acting debut in the film Who Saw the Dragon’s Claws?, directed by Kang Woo-suk. Although she initially focused on television roles throughout the 1990s, she returned to the big screen with notable supporting roles in films such as Shadows in the Palace (2007) and Rainbow Eyes (2007).
As she entered her forties, Kim experienced a resurgence in her acting career, becoming known for her performances in popular television dramas. She portrayed memorable characters in series like You’re Beautiful (2009), The Chaser (2012), Queen of Ambition (2013), and The Heirs (2013). Her role in The Heirs, where she played the mother of Lee Min-ho’s character, was particularly well-received and contributed to her enduring popularity.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kim Sung-ryung leads a fulfilling personal life. She married businessman Lee Ki-soo in 1996, and the couple has two sons, Lee Chan-young and Lee Jun-ho. In addition to her family commitments, Kim is known for her philanthropic efforts, including adopting a daughter from Vietnam and supporting her for over a decade.
Throughout her career, Kim Sung-ryung has demonstrated remarkable versatility and resilience, transitioning seamlessly from beauty queen to respected actress, and continues to be a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.
Hobbies
- Gardening: Kim Sung Ryung enjoys spending her leisure time tending to her garden, finding peace and relaxation in nurturing plants.
- Reading: She loves reading books, especially novels and self-help literature, which she credits for inspiring her growth and creativity.
- Cooking: Experimenting with traditional Korean recipes and trying out global cuisines is one of her favorite pastimes.
- Yoga: Practicing yoga helps her maintain her physical fitness and mental well-being.
- Traveling: She finds joy in exploring new cultures and destinations, particularly with her family.
Interests
- Fashion: As a former beauty queen, Kim has a strong interest in fashion and enjoys experimenting with contemporary styles.
- Charity Work: She is deeply invested in philanthropic activities, including sponsoring children and participating in community service.
- Acting Techniques: Kim constantly studies acting methods to hone her skills and deliver authentic performances.
- Korean History: She has a deep appreciation for Korean heritage and often integrates historical elements into her projects.
- Interior Design: Kim takes a keen interest in decorating her home, often sharing insights into her aesthetic preferences.
Facts
- Miss Korea Titleholder: She won Miss Korea in 1988 and represented South Korea at the Miss Universe 1989 pageant.
- Late Career Peak: Her career reached new heights in her forties with hit dramas like The Heirs and Queen of Ambition.
- Adoptive Mother: Kim has supported an adopted daughter from Vietnam for over a decade, showcasing her generosity.
- Beauty and Talent: Despite her stunning looks, she is widely admired for her versatile acting and hard work.
- Businesswoman’s Wife: Kim is married to Lee Ki-soo, a successful businessman, and they have two sons together.
Secrets
- Introverted Nature: Despite her glamorous public image, Kim describes herself as an introvert who values quiet time.
- Early Struggles: She initially faced challenges breaking into the acting world, often doubting her abilities.
- Stage Fright: Early in her career, she battled stage fright but overcame it with perseverance.
- Private Philanthropy: Many of her charitable activities are kept private, reflecting her humble approach to giving back.
- Unexpected Career: Acting was not her first choice, as she initially pursued a career in journalism before transitioning to entertainment.
Funny Things
- Pranks on Set: Known for her sense of humor, she loves playing light-hearted pranks on her co-stars to create a fun atmosphere.
- Clumsy Moments: She often jokes about her clumsiness, like tripping on set or spilling coffee during rehearsals.
- Impersonations: Kim enjoys mimicking her fellow actors, delighting fans and colleagues with her impressions.
- Accidental Fame: She jokes about how her win at Miss Korea was a “lucky accident” that changed her life trajectory.
- Dancing Enthusiast: Kim’s impromptu dance moves during celebrations or interviews often leave everyone laughing.
Fears
- Aging in the Public Eye: Kim is candid about her fears of aging and losing relevance in the entertainment industry.
- Failure: She has admitted to fearing failure, especially when it comes to disappointing her fans or family.
- Natural Disasters: Having experienced an earthquake abroad, she now has a lingering fear of natural calamities.
- Public Speaking: Despite her acting career, she still finds large public events intimidating.
- Heights: Kim avoids high-altitude activities and roles that require stunt work involving heights.
News
Transformation for Upcoming Role (June 2023): Kim Sung-ryung surprised fans with a dramatic transformation, sporting a pixie cut and an eyebrow piercing for her role in the series “My Name Is Loh Kiwan,” where she portrays Song Joong Ki’s mother.
Cast in JTBC Drama ‘Quiet Sales’ (July 2024): Kim Sung-ryung was confirmed to star in the JTBC drama “Quiet Sales,” a story about four women venturing into adult product sales in a rural village during the 1990s.
Role in Film ‘About Family’ (November 2024): She took on the role of Mrs. Bang, a pivotal family figure, in the film “About Family,” which tells the story of unexpected family bonds forming around a dumpling restaurant owner.
Praise for ‘A Virtuous Business’ Performance (December 2024): Kim Sung-ryung received acclaim for her portrayal of Geum-hee in the drama “A Virtuous Business,” with critics highlighting her depiction of a woman seeking fulfillment beyond domestic duties.
Personal Life Revelation (December 2024): In an interview, Kim Sung-ryung shared insights into her personal life, discussing living apart from her husband and her nightly routine of drinking alone, offering a candid glimpse into her private world.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Kim Sung-ryung, primarily recognized for her accomplishments in acting and as a beauty pageant titleholder, has not pursued a professional music career. However, she has demonstrated her musical talents through various appearances and projects.
In 1995, Kim hosted a radio show titled “Music Salon with Kim Sung-ryung,” where she engaged with audiences on musical topics, showcasing her appreciation for the art form.
Additionally, during her acting career, she has participated in musical performances within certain television dramas and variety shows, allowing her to display her singing abilities.
Despite not having a formal music career, Kim Sung-ryung’s engagements in music-related activities highlight her versatility and passion for the performing arts.
Gallery
