Kim Tae-hee

Quick Facts: Who was Kim Tae-hee?

Subject:

Kim Tae-hee

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean actress known for roles in 'Stairway to Heaven' and international success.

Born:

1980-03-29

Century / Era:

1980s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kim Tae-hee (Korean: 김태희; born 29 March 1980) is a South Korean actress. Considered one of South Korea's most beautiful actresses, she is best known for her roles in television series such as Stairway to Heaven (2003–2004), Love Story in Harvard (2004–2005), Iris (2009), My Princess (2011), Yong-pal (2015), and Hi Bye, Mama! Kim is referred to as one of "The Troika" along with Song Hye-kyo and Jun Ji-hyun, collectively known by the acronym "Tae-Hye-Ji". Kim Tae-hee was born on 29 March 1980, in Ulsan, South Korea. Her father is Kim Yoo-moon, who established, and is chairman of, Hankook Union Transportation Company in 1984.

Career & Major Achievements

She is often involved in various charities to help out underserved youths and broken families in the Ulsan area. She has an older sister, Kim Hee-won, and a younger brother, Kim Hyung-soo (stage name Lee Wan); the latter is also an actor. She attended Samshin Elementary School, Daehyun Middle School, and then enrolled at Ulsan Girls' High School. Through her younger brother, Kim's sister-in-law is professional golfer Lee Bo-mee. In 1999, Kim moved to Seoul to attend college at the prestigious Seoul National University, where she became the president of the SNU Women's Ski Club.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 2005, she graduated from SNU with a bachelor's degree in fashion design. In 2000, an advertising executive saw Kim riding the subway, and offered her a modeling job. Kim appeared in television commercials and print ads, before making her acting debut with a small role in the 2001 melodrama Last Present. In 2002, she starred in the short film Living in New Town and the sitcom Let's Go, followed by Screen and A Problem at My Younger Brother's House in 2003. Kim rose to stardom in 2003 via her portrayal of the evil stepsister in the popular SBS TV series Stairway to Heaven.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1980 (1980-03-29): Birth of Kim Tae-hee — Acclaimed South Korean actress known for roles in 'Stairway to Heaven' and international success.
2. 1984: 1984 Milestone — Her father is Kim Yoo-moon, who established, and is chairman of, Hankook Union Transportation Company in 1984.
3. 1999: 1999 Milestone — In 1999, Kim moved to Seoul to attend college at the prestigious Seoul National University, where she became the president of the SNU Women's Ski Club.
4. 2000: 2000 Milestone — In 2000, an advertising executive saw Kim riding the subway, and offered her a modeling job.
5. 2001: 2001 Milestone — Kim appeared in television commercials and print ads, before making her acting debut with a small role in the 2001 melodrama Last Present.
6. 2002: 2002 Milestone — In 2002, she starred in the short film Living in New Town and the sitcom Let's Go, followed by Screen and A Problem at My Younger Brother's House in 2003.
7. 2003: 2003 Milestone — Considered one of South Korea's most beautiful actresses, she is best known for her roles in television series such as Stairway to Heaven (2003–2004), Love Story in Harvard (2004–2005), Iris (2009), My Princess (2011), Yong-pal (2015), and Hi Bye, Mama!
8. 2005: 2005 Milestone — In 2005, she graduated from SNU with a bachelor's degree in fashion design.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kim Tae-hee

True or False: “Kim Tae-hee was immediately recognized as a top actress upon her debut in 2001.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Her early career involved modeling and small roles before achieving major stardom with the series Stairway to Heaven starting in 2003.

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• 1980 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1980
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Tae-hee