Kim Sung-kyun

Quick Facts: Who was Kim Sung-kyun?

Subject:

Kim Sung-kyun

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean character actor known for villainous roles and dramatic range.

Born:

1980-07-05

Century / Era:

1980s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kim Sung-kyun (Korean: 김성균; born May 25, 1980) is a South Korean character actor. He began his career in theater in 2003, remaining active as a theater actor in Daehangno (akin to Off-Broadway) from 2004 to 2012. In 2012, he transitioned to film, making his Chungmuro debut in a series of formidable villain roles. These included a gangster in Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time, a serial killer in The Neighbor, a National Intelligence Service agent in Secretly, Greatly, and a knifeman in Hwayi: A Monster Boy. He ventured into television with supporting roles in Reply 1994 (2013), Reply 1988 (2015–2016), and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), as well as leading roles in series D.P. (2021–2023) and Divorce Attorney Shin (2023).

Career & Major Achievements

Kim Sung-kyun was born on May 25, 1980 and spent his childhood in Daegu. He debuted in the 2003 play Romeo and Juliet. His acting career truly commenced in Daehangno after he moved to Seoul in 2004, where he dedicated a decade to theater, starring in productions like Liar, Room Number 13, and I Miss You. He attended Gaya University's Department of Theater and Film for two years before dropping out and marrying in 2010. Kim made his film debut in 2012 with Yoon Jong-bin's gangster film starring Choi Min-sik and Ha Jung-woo.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He appeared as Park Chang-woo, the right-hand man of Ha Jung-woo's character. His performance garnered praise from the lead actors, leading him to be dubbed a "Chungmuro blue chip." He received nominations for Best New Actor at seven awards ceremonies, winning three: at the Baeksang Arts Awards, the Buil Film Awards, and the Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards. His second film, the thriller The Neighbor, centers on a serial killer residing in the same apartment building as his victims, one of whom is a murdered girl, and the neighbors who become aware of his presence. In the film, Kim portrays Seung-hyeok, a deep-sea fishing boat crew member and the serial killer. His portrayal earned him the Best New Actor award from the Busan Film Critics Awards in 2012, as well as the Grand Bell Awards and the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards in the same year.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1980 (1980-07-05): Birth of Kim Sung-kyun — Acclaimed South Korean character actor known for villainous roles and dramatic range.
2. 1994: 1994 Milestone — He ventured into television with supporting roles in Reply 1994 (2013), Reply 1988 (2015–2016), and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), as well as leading roles in series D.
3. 2003: 2003 Milestone — He began his career in theater in 2003, remaining active as a theater actor in Daehangno (akin to Off-Broadway) from 2004 to 2012.
4. 2004: 2004 Milestone — His acting career truly commenced in Daehangno after he moved to Seoul in 2004, where he dedicated a decade to theater, starring in productions like Liar, Room Number 13, and I Miss You.
5. 2010: 2010 Milestone — He attended Gaya University's Department of Theater and Film for two years before dropping out and marrying in 2010.
6. 2012: 2012 Milestone — In 2012, he transitioned to film, making his Chungmuro debut in a series of formidable villain roles.
7. 2021: 2021 Milestone — (2021–2023) and Divorce Attorney Shin (2023).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kim Sung-kyun

True or False: “Kim Sung-kyun's film debut role in 2012 was as a heroic protagonist fighting crime syndicates.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): His film debut in 2012 was in a gangster film where he played the right-hand man of another character.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abby Wambach — Contemporary (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Contemporary (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• Alejo Carpentier — Contemporary (Died in 1980) (1980): Influential Cuban novelist, essayist, and musicologist of the Latin American Boom.
• Al-Mustansir Billah — Shared historical date (07-05 · Born) (1029): Eighth Fatimid Caliph, whose long reign marked the twilight of the dynasty.
• Andrei Gromyko — Shared historical date (07-05 · Born) (1909): Soviet diplomat who served as Foreign Minister during the height of the Cold War.
• Alexei Kosygin — Historical peer (Died in 1980) (1980): Soviet statesman who chaired the Council of Ministers from 1964 to 1980.
• Alexei Yagudin — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Pioneering Russian figure skater, celebrated for multiple World and Olympic titles.
• Alberto Sordi — Historical peer (Died in 2003) (2003): Pillar of Italian Cinema, master of Commedia all'italiana comedy.
• Alija Izetbegović — Historical peer (Died in 2003) (2003): Bosnian politician, Islamic philosopher, and author who led Bosnia through its tumultuous independence.
• A. A. K. Niazi — Historical peer (Died in 2004) (2004): Pakistani general who commanded Eastern Command during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• 1980 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1980
• July 5 (07-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 5

Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Sung-kyun