Kim Kang-woo

Quick Facts: Who was Kim Kang-woo?

Subject:

Kim Kang-woo

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean actor known for diverse roles in film, drama, and theater.

Born:

1978-07-11

Century / Era:

1978s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kim Kang-woo (Korean: 김강우; born 11 July 1978) is a South Korean actor who debuted in 2002. He is known for his work in various fields such as movies, dramas, and theater, and is a graduate of Chung-Ang University's Department of Theater and Film. He is best known from his roles in The Railroad, The Taste of Money, Le Grand Chef, and The Missing. Kim Kang-woo majored in Theater and Film at Chung-Ang University. He initially debuted in 1998 as a singer in the trio Guardian after 1.5 years of training, alongside Jo Hyun-jae.

Career & Major Achievements

However, the group disbanded after a single broadcast appearance due to issues with their agency. In 2001, Kim transitioned to acting, appearing in bit parts in the SBS TV Movie Series and MBC Series Wuri's Family. In the following Year, Kim make his first acting debut in film The Coast Guard, later commenting that the role of a soldier was the only one he could get without any prior experience. His subsequent performances in the drama series Breathless and Three Leafed Clover earned Kim the nickname "Mr. Right" as he became known for his portrayal of honest and diligent characters. His first leading film role was in Jeong Jae-eun's 2005 sophomore feature The Aggressives, for which he and co-star Chun Jung-myung were the co-recipients of the Best New Actor Award at the 6th Busan Film Critics Awards.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 2007, Kim starred in Park Heung-sik's film The Railroad, which told the story of two strangers who reveal their inner pain to each other when they are stranded at the last railway station before the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Kim was upset when the film was only released in ten theaters, and went to screenings by himself in an effort to promote the film, where he greeted and conversed with members of the audience. In spite of its poor box office performance, The Railroad found favour with critics, and Kim won the Best Actor Award at the 25th Torino Film Festival. Although happy to win the award, Kim found it more gratifying to observe Italian audiences responding to the film in the same way as Korean audiences, recognizing the power of film to transcend national borders. He also admitted to being anxious because of the increased expectations people would have over his future performances.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1978 (1978-07-11): Birth of Kim Kang-woo — Acclaimed South Korean actor known for diverse roles in film, drama, and theater.
2. 1998: 1998 Milestone — He initially debuted in 1998 as a singer in the trio Guardian after 1.
3. 2001: 2001 Milestone — In 2001, Kim transitioned to acting, appearing in bit parts in the SBS TV Movie Series and MBC Series Wuri's Family.
4. 2005: 2005 Milestone — His first leading film role was in Jeong Jae-eun's 2005 sophomore feature The Aggressives, for which he and co-star Chun Jung-myung were the co-recipients of the Best New Actor Award at the 6th Busan Film Critics Awards.
5. 2007: 2007 Milestone — In 2007, Kim starred in Park Heung-sik's film The Railroad, which told the story of two strangers who reveal their inner pain to each other when they are stranded at the last railway station before the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kim Kang-woo

True or False: “Kim Kang-woo's first acting role was in a major feature film immediately after his debut.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He initially debuted by appearing in bit parts in the SBS TV Movie Series and MBC Series Wuri's Family before making his first film appearance.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolf Dassler — Contemporary (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• Aldo Moro — Contemporary (Died in 1978) (1978): Italian statesman who served as Prime Minister multiple times, championing the modern Italian centre-left.
• Anastas Mikoyan — Contemporary (Died in 1978) (1978): Long-serving Soviet statesman, diplomat, and Bolshevik revolutionary from Armenia.
• Abdel Fattah al-Burhan — Shared historical date (07-11 · Born) (1960): Sudanese military officer and leader who assumed control of Sudan in 2019.
• Aga Khan III — Shared historical date (07-11 · Died) (1957): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.
• Ani Lorak — Historical peer (Born in 1978) (1978): Iconic Ukrainian-born Russian singer, celebrated for her powerful vocal style.
• Aram Khachaturian — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Leading Soviet Armenian composer, known for vibrant ballet scores and captivating melodies.
• 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.
• 1978 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1978
• July 11 (07-11) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 11

Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Kang-woo