Kim Dong-wan

Quick Facts: Who was Kim Dong-wan?

Subject:

Kim Dong-wan

Known for:

South Korean entertainer known for Shinhwa, transitioning from idol to acclaimed actor.

Born:

1979-11-21

Century / Era:

1979s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kim Dong-wan (Korean: 김동완; born November 21, 1979) is a South Korean entertainer, known as a member of South Korean boy band Shinhwa. He has been acting since 2002, and has starred in television dramas such as A Farewell to Sorrow and Children of Heaven. He has said that given the opportunity he would prefer a career in acting rather than as a singer, However, since the release of his debut album, he has stated that now he prefers singing more. From Shinhwa, Kim is the fourth member to go solo, following Lee Min-woo, Shin Hye-sung, and Jun Jin. Kim was a child actor and starred in several dramas as a teenager but opted not to pursue acting as a career.

Career & Major Achievements

He later joined S.M. Entertainment as a trainee after being "streetcasted". He was educated in Whimoon High School. Kim made his debut in 1998 as a vocalist in the boy band Shinhwa. Although he is not the lead vocalist, he began singing bigger parts on Shinhwa's 7th album, Brand New. In one song from the album "Liar", Kim is the vocalist, and he is accompanied by Eric Mun's rapping.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He also wrote, composed, and arranged a song on the album, titled "Set Free". Though he had branched out as a solo artist, he is part of Shinhwa and just released Shinhwa's 9th album. Kim was one of several Korean celebrities praised by the Japanese media for giving generous donations for flood victims in 2006. On April 16, 2007, Kim appeared as a guest on MC Mong's "Pleasure and Pain" radio show. When asked about an incident early in his career where he injured his nose, he confessed that he had undergone plastic surgery to change its shape.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1979 (1979-11-21): Birth of Kim Dong-wan — South Korean entertainer known for Shinhwa, transitioning from idol to acclaimed actor.
2. 1998: 1998 Milestone — Kim made his debut in 1998 as a vocalist in the boy band Shinhwa.
3. 2002: 2002 Milestone — He has been acting since 2002, and has starred in television dramas such as A Farewell to Sorrow and Children of Heaven.
4. 2006: 2006 Milestone — Kim was one of several Korean celebrities praised by the Japanese media for giving generous donations for flood victims in 2006.
5. 2007: 2007 Milestone — On April 16, 2007, Kim appeared as a guest on MC Mong's "Pleasure and Pain" radio show.

Notable Quotes by Kim Dong-wan

“I've been working together with the group Shinhwa, thus there was a lot of pressure working on the solo album, but since the other members showed up and helped me with most of it, it has been a great big help for me.” (2007)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kim Dong-wan

True or False: “Kim Dong-wan initially intended to pursue a career in singing rather than acting.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He stated that given the opportunity, he would prefer a career in acting over singing.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. P. Elkin — Contemporary (Died in 1979) (1979): Influential Australian anthropologist and Anglican clergyman (1891–1979)
• A. Philip Randolph — Contemporary (Died in 1979) (1979): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Aaliyah — Contemporary (Born in 1979) (1979): Pioneering R&B artist known for redefining urban pop and hip hop sounds.
• Abdul-Karim Qasim — Shared historical date (11-21 · Born) (1914): Iraqi military officer who led the country as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1963.
• Abdus Salam — Shared historical date (11-21 · Died) (1996): Pioneering Pakistani theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate.
• Aaron Paul — Historical peer (Born in 1979) (1979): American actor, renowned for portraying Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad.
• Abdul-Malik al-Houthi — Historical peer (Born in 1979) (1979): Yemeni religious leader and second principal figure of the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah).
• Abba Eban — Historical peer (Died in 2002) (2002): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Died in 2002) (2002): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.
• Aitana Bonmatí — Historical peer (Born in 1998) (1998): Star Spanish midfielder known for her decorated career with Barcelona and the Spain national team.
• 1979 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1979
• November 21 (11-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 21

Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Dong-wan