Kim Sang-joong

Quick Facts: Who was Kim Sang-joong?

Subject:

Kim Sang-joong

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean actor known for charismatic roles in dramas like City Hunter.

Born:

1965-08-06

Century / Era:

1965s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kim Sang-joong (born August 6, 1965) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for starring in the television dramas My Husband's Woman (2007), City Hunter (2011), and The Chaser (2012). He won the Grand Prize at the MBC Drama Awards for his performance in the historical television series The Rebel (2017). Before becoming an actor, Kim Sang-joong was enlisted in the Marine Corps. But after graduating from Dongguk University with a degree in Theater and Film, he embarked on an acting career at age 25.

Career & Major Achievements

Kim made his acting debut in the stage play I Love Bread in 1990, and was one of the co-founders of the theater troupe Extreme Legend. He soon transitioned to film and television, and became known for his distinctive voice and confident and charismatic acting, often as morally ambiguous characters. Among his notable roles in television dramas include a middle-aged man having an affair with his wife's best friend in My Husband's Woman (2007), the titular besieged monarch in Eight Days, Assassination Attempts against King Jeongjo (2007), a former agent who trains his foster son as a weapon in his plans for revenge in City Hunter (2011), and a presidential candidate willing to go to any lengths to win, including murder and cover-up, in The Chaser (2012). On the big screen, Kim was praised for his comic acting in the gangster comedy My Boss, My Teacher (2006), and has also starred in arthouse films directed by Hong Sang-soo, such as The Day He Arrives (2011) and Our Sunhi (2013).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Since 2008, Kim has hosted Unanswered Questions, a long-running program with a similar format to Unsolved Mysteries. Kim is the third child among six siblings, and has two brothers and three sisters. He married in 1991, but he and his wife divorced in 1999. They have one son, born in 1993.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1965 (1965-08-06): Birth of Kim Sang-joong — Acclaimed South Korean actor known for charismatic roles in dramas like City Hunter.
2. 1990: 1990 Milestone — Kim made his acting debut in the stage play I Love Bread in 1990, and was one of the co-founders of the theater troupe Extreme Legend.
3. 1991: 1991 Milestone — He married in 1991, but he and his wife divorced in 1999.
4. 2006: 2006 Milestone — On the big screen, Kim was praised for his comic acting in the gangster comedy My Boss, My Teacher (2006), and has also starred in arthouse films directed by Hong Sang-soo, such as The Day He Arrives (2011) and Our Sunhi (2013).
5. 2007: 2007 Milestone — He is best known for starring in the television dramas My Husband's Woman (2007), City Hunter (2011), and The Chaser (2012).
6. 2008: 2008 Milestone — Since 2008, Kim has hosted Unanswered Questions, a long-running program with a similar format to Unsolved Mysteries.
7. 2017: 2017 Milestone — He won the Grand Prize at the MBC Drama Awards for his performance in the historical television series The Rebel (2017).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kim Sang-joong

True or False: “Kim Sang-joong's acting career began immediately after he graduated from Dongguk University.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He did not begin his acting career immediately upon graduation; instead, he made his debut in a stage play in 1990.

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.
• Alexander Bustamante — Shared historical date (08-06 · Died) (1977): Pioneering Jamaican politician, labor leader, and first Prime Minister of independent Jamaica.
• Alexander Fleming — Shared historical date (08-06 · Born) (1881): Pioneering microbiologist known for the discovery of penicillin, revolutionizing medicine.
• 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.
• Al Oerter — Historical peer (Died in 2007) (2007): Four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw, pioneering athletic consistency.
• Albert Ellis — Historical peer (Died in 2007) (2007): Pioneering figure in psychotherapy, founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Al Davis — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• 1965 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1965
• August 6 (08-06) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 6

Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Sang-joong