Kwak Dong Yeon
Info
🙂 Native Name: Kwak Dong Yeon (곽동연)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: March 19, 1997
🏠 Birth Place: Daejeon, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Pisces
📏 Height: 1.78m
💍 Spouse: Not married
👶 Children: No children
Biography
Kwak Dong Yeon, born on March 19, 1997, in Daejeon, South Korea, is a talented actor and musician known for his versatility across both television and film. He moved to Seoul as a teenager to pursue his passion for acting and music, training at the FNC Academy while also studying at the School of Performing Arts Seoul. Kwak made his acting debut in 2012 with the popular family drama My Husband Got a Family, where his performance as Bang Jang-goon earned him the Best Young Actor Award at the KBS Drama Awards, marking an impressive start to his career.
Kwak’s breakout role came in 2016 when he starred in the historical drama Love in the Moonlight, portraying Kim Byung-yeon, a skilled swordsman and the loyal friend of the Crown Prince. This role garnered him widespread recognition and solidified his status as a rising star in the South Korean entertainment industry. His natural charisma and strong acting abilities in the drama earned him nominations for Best New Actor at both the KBS Drama Awards and the Korea Drama Awards, boosting his popularity.
In 2021, Kwak gained even more international attention for his role in the hit TV series Vincenzo, where he played Jang Han-seo, the half-brother of the villain Jang Jun-woo. His portrayal of the conflicted, tragic character who redeems himself won the hearts of viewers and showcased his range as an actor. The role was a critical turning point, further elevating his reputation within the industry and among global audiences.
Apart from his acting career, Kwak is also a skilled musician, having played guitar in the band Kokoma. His love for music continues to influence his career, and he has expressed interest in balancing his dual passions for music and acting. As he continues to take on more diverse roles in television and film, Kwak Dong Yeon is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the South Korean entertainment industry.
Hobbies
- Playing guitar: Kwak Dong Yeon is a talented musician, and playing guitar is one of his favorite hobbies. He has been part of a band and continues to practice in his free time.
- Reading: Kwak enjoys reading various genres of books. He has mentioned that reading helps him escape from his busy schedule and fuels his imagination.
- Cycling: As a way to stay fit and clear his mind, Kwak enjoys cycling. It allows him to explore different parts of the city while staying active.
- Cooking: Although not a professional chef, Kwak enjoys experimenting with different recipes in the kitchen. He finds cooking to be a relaxing and enjoyable activity.
- Sketching: Kwak Dong Yeon is also interested in art, and sketching is a hobby he enjoys when he wants to unwind creatively.
Interests
- Acting: Acting is not just Kwak’s profession but also his passion. He constantly seeks new roles and challenging projects to improve his craft.
- Music production: Beyond just playing the guitar, Kwak is interested in music production and has expressed a desire to compose and produce his own songs in the future.
- Fashion: Kwak has an eye for fashion and enjoys exploring different styles. He takes an interest in fashion trends and enjoys experimenting with his wardrobe.
- Psychology: Kwak has shown a curiosity for understanding human behavior, often expressing his interest in psychology, which he uses to better understand and portray his characters.
- Traveling: Kwak loves to travel, both for work and leisure. He enjoys discovering new cultures, food, and locations, which also inspire his acting and music.
Facts
- Debut at a young age: Kwak made his acting debut at the age of 15 in the drama My Husband Got a Family, which quickly launched him into stardom.
- Musician background: Before becoming an actor, Kwak trained as a musician. He initially moved to Seoul alone at a young age to pursue a career in music.
- Award-winning actor: Kwak won the Best Young Actor award at the KBS Drama Awards for his role in My Husband Got a Family, cementing his early success.
- Military enlistment: Like all South Korean men, Kwak will eventually have to serve his mandatory military service, which remains a topic of interest among his fans.
- Mother’s passing: Kwak lost his mother in 2014 due to illness, an event that deeply affected him during the early stages of his career.
Secrets
- Shy personality: Despite his confident on-screen presence, Kwak is actually quite shy in real life and often feels nervous in large social settings.
- First love: Kwak has mentioned in interviews that he experienced his first love during his high school years, but he prefers to keep personal details private.
- Perfectionist tendencies: Kwak has admitted to being a perfectionist, especially when it comes to his work, often spending long hours preparing for his roles.
- Introverted downtime: Kwak enjoys spending time alone when he’s not working, often engaging in quiet activities like reading and sketching to recharge.
- Hidden musical ambitions: Although known more for acting, Kwak harbors a desire to release his own music someday, blending his acting career with his musical passion.
Funny Things
- Prankster on set: Kwak has a playful side and is known for pulling harmless pranks on his co-stars during filming, often lightening the mood on set.
- Mismatched socks: In one interview, Kwak confessed that he often wears mismatched socks because he’s too lazy to pair them up after laundry, much to the amusement of his fans.
- Accidental clumsiness: Kwak is known for being a bit clumsy off-camera, often spilling things or tripping, which he laughs about in interviews.
- Impersonations: He enjoys doing funny impersonations of his co-stars and famous characters, which he has shown during variety shows and interviews.
- Strange sleep habits: Kwak once revealed that he can fall asleep in almost any position or location, including while sitting up on set during breaks.
Fears
- Fear of failure: Kwak has openly discussed his fear of failure, particularly in his acting career. He constantly pushes himself to avoid disappointing his fans and colleagues.
- Public speaking: Despite his fame, Kwak admits he feels nervous when speaking in front of large crowds, making public events a bit of a challenge for him.
- Heights: Kwak has a fear of heights, which has kept him from participating in certain activities like bungee jumping or paragliding, even though he loves adventure.
- Disappointing fans: One of his biggest fears is letting down his fans, which drives him to always give his best performance in every project he takes on.
- Crowded spaces: Kwak feels uncomfortable in crowded, noisy environments, which he tries to avoid unless necessary for work.
News
Breakout Role in Love in the Moonlight (2016)
Kwak Dong Yeon gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Kim Byung-yeon, a loyal swordsman, in the hit historical drama Love in the Moonlight. His performance earned him nominations for several awards, marking a pivotal moment in his acting career.Critical Acclaim for Vincenzo (2021)
Kwak’s role as Jang Han-seo in the popular TV drama Vincenzo garnered international attention. His nuanced portrayal of a conflicted character who seeks redemption resonated with both critics and fans, further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor.Mother’s Passing in 2014
In 2014, Kwak Dong Yeon faced a personal tragedy when his mother passed away from illness. This deeply affected him, but he continued to push forward in his acting career, dedicating his future success to her memory.Lead Role in My Strange Hero (2018)
In My Strange Hero, Kwak took on his first villain role, showcasing his range as an actor. His performance as Oh Se-ho was well-received, earning him a nomination for Excellence Award at the 2019 SBS Drama Awards.Military Enlistment and Future Plans
As a South Korean male, Kwak will be required to fulfill his mandatory military service, which has been a topic of discussion among his fans. However, he has assured his audience that he will continue to pursue acting after completing his service, with several projects lined up.
TV Drama
Music / OST
Kwak Dong Yeon, though primarily recognized for his acting career, has a strong background in music. He is a talented guitarist and was part of a band during his early years. Before diving into acting, Kwak trained at FNC Academy, where he focused on music and developed his skills as a musician. This foundation allowed him to join the band Kokoma, where he played guitar. His passion for music has always been evident, and he often mentions his desire to blend his acting and musical talents.
While Kwak Dong Yeon has not yet pursued a full-time music career, he has expressed interest in producing and performing more music in the future. His ability to play the guitar and his background in music theory contribute to his artistic depth, making him a well-rounded performer in the South Korean entertainment industry. Fans are hopeful that he will explore more musical opportunities alongside his successful acting career.
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