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Actor, director and writer · South Korea

Namkoong Min

남궁민

12 Mar 1978
Born · age 48
177 cm · 5'10"
Height
2001
Active since
8
Screen credits

South Korean actor, director and screenwriter recognized for Hot Stove League, Doctor Prisoner and My Dearest.

Binge Brief

  • Born 12 March 1978 in Seoul, South Korea
  • Left Chung-Ang University's mechanical engineering program in his fourth year without graduating
  • Completed 18 months of alternative military service as a social service agent starting 31 August 2006
  • Won the Grand Prize (Daesang) three times: 2020 SBS Drama Awards, 2021 MBC Drama Awards and 2023 MBC Drama Awards
  • Married actress Jin Ah-reum on 7 October 2022
  • Became a father for the first time on 26 July 2026

Biography

Namkoong Min's Kdrama Career

Namkoong Min built his career in South Korean television after failing open recruitment tests at MBC and SBS in 1999. He left Chung-Ang University's mechanical engineering program in his fourth year, saying later that the subject did not suit him, and moved toward acting instead. His first film credit came in Bungee Jumping of Their Own (2001), followed by the neo-noir A Dirty Carnival (2006). He played the drama's main villain in Remember: War of the Son (2015), then took the title role in Chief Kim (2017) and Doctor Prisoner (2019) before Hot Stove League (2019-2020) established him as a leading man. Hot Stove League brought him the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2020 SBS Drama Awards, and he repeated the win at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards for The Veil and again at the 2023 MBC Drama Awards for My Dearest, becoming one of the few Korean actors to take the top prize from two different networks. Outside acting, he directed and wrote the 2016 short film Light My Fire, on which he later met his wife, actress Jin Ah-reum.

Namkoong Min Drama List

This Namkoong Min drama list runs in broadcast order:

  • Can You Hear My Heart (2011)

  • Remember: War of the Son (2015–2016)

  • Beautiful Gong Shim (2016)

  • Good Manager (2017)

  • Chief Kim (2017)

  • Doctor Prisoner (2019)

  • Hot Stove League (2019–2020)

  • The Veil (2021)

  • My Dearest (2023)

  • Marriage's Completion (2026)

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Profile data

Identity
Stage name
Namkoong Min
Native name
남궁민
Nationality
South Korean
Gender
Male
Born and physical
Date of birth
12 March 1978
Age
48
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
Zodiac
Pisces
Chinese zodiac
Horse
Height
177 cm (5'10")
Personal status
Marital status
Married
Children
One son (born 26 July 2026)
Confirmed partner
Jin Ah-reum, married 7 October 2022
Education
Middle school
Daesung Middle School, Seoul
High school
Daesung High School, Seoul
University
Chung-Ang University, Mechanical Engineering (left in his fourth year without graduating)
Career timeline
1999
Failed open recruitment talent tests at MBC and SBS
2001
Made his film debut in Bungee Jumping of Their Own
2006
Began 18 months of alternative military service as a social service agent
2015
Played the lead villain in Remember: War of the Son
2019
Starred in Doctor Prisoner and Hot Stove League
2020
Won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the SBS Drama Awards for Hot Stove League
2021
Won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the MBC Drama Awards for The Veil
2022
Married actress Jin Ah-reum on 7 October 2022
2023
Won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the MBC Drama Awards for My Dearest
2026
Became a father for the first time
Agency
935 Entertainment
Military service
Branch
Social service agent (alternative service)
Unit
Korea Army Training Center, Nonsan
Served
From 31 August 2006 (18 months)
Family
Father
Namkoong Hwon (born 1951)
Siblings
One younger brother, Namkoong Yoon (born 1982)
Personality
Skills
Acting, directing and screenwriting
Data and sourcing
Portrait source
TMDB API
Rights holder
TMDB
Usage basis
Shown through the TMDB API, not hosted locally
Metadata source
TMDB, Wikidata, English and Korean Wikipedia
Last updated
29 September 2026
Editor
DAW editorial team, 26.09.2026
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About Namkoong Min

Relationships and dating

Namkoong Min met actress Jin Ah-reum in 2015, when she auditioned for the short film "Light My Fire," which he wrote and directed; a mutual friend introduced them afterward and the two began dating. He later proposed with a ring, a moment a friend secretly filmed on his wife's phone. The couple married in a private ceremony on 7 October 2022 at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, and their first child, a son, was born on 26 July 2026.

Military service

Namkoong Min carried out his mandatory service as a social service agent rather than as an active-duty soldier, training at the Korea Army Training Center in Nonsan from 31 August 2006 for about 18 months. The assignment kept him off screen for roughly two years in the mid-2000s before he resumed acting.

Hobbies

  • Coffee Enthusiast: Namkoong Min enjoys drinking coffee, often sharing his experiences at various cafes.

  • Fitness Regimen: He maintains a disciplined workout routine, which is evident from his well-toned physique.

  • Socializing: Spending quality time with family and friends is a cherished activity for him.

  • Creative Projects: He has a penchant for staying busy with creative endeavors, frequently updating fans about his ongoing projects.

  • Fashion Interest: Namkoong Min has a keen interest in fashion, often showcasing stylish outfits and accessories.

Interests

  • Acting Craft: He is deeply passionate about acting, continuously seeking roles that challenge his versatility.

  • Directing and Screenwriting: Beyond acting, he has directed and written scripts, showcasing his multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.

  • Music Appreciation: Namkoong Min has expressed an appreciation for music, often sharing his favorite tracks with fans.

  • Travel: He enjoys exploring new places, both for leisure and to gain inspiration for his work.

  • Culinary Exploration: He has an interest in trying diverse cuisines, often sharing his culinary experiences.

Facts

  • Education: He left Chung-Ang University's mechanical engineering program in his fourth year without graduating.

  • Early Career: He debuted in the film "Bungee Jumping of Their Own" (2001) as the protagonist's best friend.

  • Military Service: He completed his mandatory military service as a Social Service Agent at the Korea Army Training Center in Nonsan.

  • Award-Winning Roles: He received the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2020 SBS Drama Awards for "Hot Stove League," repeating the win at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards for "The Veil" and the 2023 MBC Drama Awards for "My Dearest."

Funny moments

  • Humorous Roles: Despite his serious demeanor, he has portrayed comedic characters.

  • On-Set Pranks: Co-stars have recounted his playful nature on set, often lightening the mood with jokes.

  • Variety Show Appearances: His appearances on variety shows reveal a witty and humorous side, endearing him to audiences.

  • Unexpected Dance Moves: He has surprised fans with impromptu dance performances, displaying a fun-loving side.

  • Self-Deprecating Humor: Namkoong Min often uses self-deprecating humor, making light of his own experiences.

Fears and dislikes

  • Fear of Stagnation: He has expressed concerns about becoming complacent, constantly seeking growth in his craft.

  • Public Misunderstanding: Namkoong Min fears being misunderstood by the public, striving for clear communication through his work.

  • Letting Down Fans: He holds a deep-seated fear of disappointing his fans, motivating him to deliver stellar performances consistently.

  • Career Instability: Like many actors, he harbors concerns about the unpredictability of the entertainment industry.

  • Personal Vulnerability: Sharing personal aspects of his life publicly can be daunting, leading him to maintain a guarded persona.

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Namkoong Min shows and movies

Frequently asked questions

What dramas has Namkoong Min been in?

Namkoong Min's best known dramas include Hot Stove League (2019-2020), Doctor Prisoner (2019), The Veil (2021), My Dearest (2023) and Marriage's Completion (2026).

Is Namkoong Min married?

Yes. Namkoong Min married actress Jin Ah-reum on 7 October 2022, and the couple had their first child, a son, in July 2026.

Did Namkoong Min serve in the military?

Namkoong Min completed his mandatory service as a social service agent at the Korea Army Training Center in Nonsan, starting 31 August 2006, rather than as a combat soldier.

What awards has Namkoong Min won?

Namkoong Min has won the Grand Prize (Daesang) three times, at the 2020 SBS Drama Awards for Hot Stove League, the 2021 MBC Drama Awards for The Veil, and the 2023 MBC Drama Awards for My Dearest.

Did Namkoong Min finish university?

No. Namkoong Min studied mechanical engineering at Chung-Ang University but left in his fourth year, saying later that the subject did not suit him.

Where can I find a full Namkoong Min drama list?

See the Namkoong Min Drama List section on this page, which runs his dramas in broadcast order from Can You Hear My Heart (2011) to Marriage's Completion (2026).

Awards and nominations

Every ceremony on record, most recent first. Where we hold a record for the work, it links to it.

Year Ceremony Category For Result
2024 60th Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor (TV) My Dearest Won
2023 MBC Drama Awards Grand Prize My Dearest Won
2023 MBC Drama Awards Miniseries Excellence Award (Male) My Dearest Nominated
2023 MBC Drama Awards Best Couple Award (with Ahn Eun-jin) My Dearest Won
2021 MBC Drama Awards Grand Prize The Veil Won
2021 MBC Drama Awards Miniseries Excellence Award (Male) The Veil Nominated
2020 56th Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor (TV) Hot Stove League Nominated
2020 SBS Drama Awards Grand Prize Hot Stove League Won
2019 KBS Drama Awards Best Actor Doctor Prisoner Nominated
2017 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor (TV) Chief Kim Nominated
2017 KBS Drama Awards Best Actor Chief Kim Won
2017 SBS Drama Awards Top Excellence Award, Mon-Tue Drama (Male) Distorted Won
2016 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor (TV) Remember: War of the Son Nominated
2016 SBS Drama Awards Top Excellence Award, Romantic Comedy (Male) Beautiful Gong Shim Won
2016 SBS Drama Awards Top 10 Stars Remember: War of the Son / Beautiful Gong Shim Won
2015 SBS Drama Awards Special Acting Award (Male) The Girl Who Sees Smells Won
2014 MBC Entertainment Awards Best New Male We Got Married Season 4 Nominated
2014 MBC Entertainment Awards Rookie of the Year We Got Married Season 4 Won
2013 MBC Drama Awards Serial Drama Excellence Award (Male) Hur Jun, the Original Story Nominated
2011 MBC Drama Awards Miniseries Excellence Award (Male) Can You Hear My Heart Nominated
2005 KBS Drama Awards Popularity Award (Male) My Rosy Life Won
2003 KBS Drama Awards Best Actor, Single/Special Drama Drama City: For William Won
2003 KBS Drama Awards Best New Actor Pearl Necklace Nominated
1999 5th KMTV Music Star Contest VJ Grand Prize Pre-debut talent contest (no drama or program credited) Won

Frequently worked with

Counted from shared credits across the database, most shared titles first.

The photo is shown through the TMDB API and is used only to identify the person. Personal details come from public sources named on this page. Private life appears only where the person or their agency has said it publicly, with the date. Last updated 29 September 2026.