Kim Eui-sung

Quick Facts: Who was Kim Eui-sung?

Subject:

Kim Eui-sung

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean actor known for versatile roles, from stage to blockbuster villain.

Born:

1965-12-17

Century / Era:

1965s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kim Eui-sung (Korean: 김의성; born December 17, 1965) is a South Korean actor. He is a first-generation film actor who started as a stage actor in the 1980s and 1990s. He is known for his roles in the films The Day a Pig Fell into the Well (1996), Office (2015), The Exclusive: Beat the Devil's Tattoo (2015), and Train to Busan (2016), as well as the television dramas W (2016) and Taxi Driver (2021–2026). Kim Eui-sung is a graduate of Seoul National University's Department of Business Administration, Class of 1984. He is a first-generation movie star from the 1980s and 1990s.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Kim began acting in college by joining the drama club in his sophomore year. His inspiration came from watching a school play and attending an after-party. He performed two-person plays with his senior, Jung Jin-young, traveling across the country. From 1987, he was active in various theater companies such as Cheonjeyeon, Han River, Hanyang Repertory, Yeonwoo Stage, and Hakchon. Kim made his screen debut in 1988.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1994, he played the role of photographer Jang Ik-gu in Kim Soo-hyun's work, "Farewell". He began to gain attention after appearing in director Hong Sang-soo's 1996 film The Day a Pig Fell into the Well. He also appeared in various films and dramas, including Go Alone Like a Rhinoceros, Deep Water Soup, Barricade, and Ju No Myeong Bakery. He paused his acting career for more than a decade to work as a producer, and the CEO for Vietnam at FnC Media in 2001 and CJ Media in 2006. He stepped away from acting due to dissatisfaction with his performances.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1965 (1965-12-17): Birth of Kim Eui-sung — Acclaimed South Korean actor known for versatile roles, from stage to blockbuster villain.
2. 1984: 1984 Milestone — Kim Eui-sung is a graduate of Seoul National University's Department of Business Administration, Class of 1984.
3. 1987: 1987 Milestone — From 1987, he was active in various theater companies such as Cheonjeyeon, Han River, Hanyang Repertory, Yeonwoo Stage, and Hakchon.
4. 1994: 1994 Milestone — In 1994, he played the role of photographer Jang Ik-gu in Kim Soo-hyun's work, "Farewell".
5. 1996: 1996 Milestone — He is known for his roles in the films The Day a Pig Fell into the Well (1996), Office (2015), The Exclusive: Beat the Devil's Tattoo (2015), and Train to Busan (2016), as well as the television dramas W (2016) and Taxi Driver (2021–2026).
6. 2001: 2001 Milestone — He paused his acting career for more than a decade to work as a producer, and the CEO for Vietnam at FnC Media in 2001 and CJ Media in 2006.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kim Eui-sung

True or False: “Kim Eui-sung's role in the film 12.12: The Day was critically acclaimed despite being a supporting character.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): His performance evoked significant audience anger and praise, contributing to the film's massive commercial success.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aamir Khan — Contemporary (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Indian actor and filmmaker, known as "Mr. Perfectionist" in Hindi cinema.
• Aaron Kwok — Contemporary (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Hong Kong performer, celebrated singer, dancer, and actor.
• Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah — Contemporary (Died in 1965) (1965): Founder of modern Kuwait, he oversaw its transition to an independent state.
• 13th Dalai Lama — Shared historical date (12-17 · Died) (1933): Spiritual leader of Tibet who championed national independence and modernization.
• Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan — Shared historical date (12-17 · Born) (1556): Renowned Mughal court poet and minister, celebrated for his 'dohe' couplets.
• Akina Nakamori — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Japanese singer and actress, celebrated for her powerful vocals and enduring artistry.
• Alan Freed — Historical peer (Died in 1965) (1965): Pioneering disc jockey who popularized rock and roll music across North America.
• 6ix9ine — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• A'ja Wilson — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): Elite American WNBA star known for multiple MVP awards and championship success.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam — Historical peer (Died in 2015) (2015): Visionary aerospace engineer, scientist, and former President of India.
• 1965 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1965
• December 17 (12-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 17

Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Eui-sung