Yim Si-wan

Quick Facts: Who was Yim Si-wan?

Subject:

Yim Si-wan

Known for:

South Korean singer and actor known for roles in *Misaeng* and *Squid Game*.

Born:

1988-12-01

Century / Era:

1988s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Yim Si-wan (Korean: 임시완; born Yim Woong-jae, December 1, 1988) is a South Korean singer and actor. He debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group ZE:A and its sub-group ZE:A Five. As an actor, he is known for starring in the film The Attorney (2013) as well as the television series Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014) and Run On (2020). He gained international recognition for his role in the second and third seasons of Squid Game (2024–2025). Yim Si-wan was born Yim Woong-jae on December 1, 1988, in Busan, South Korea.

Career & Major Achievements

He attended Busan Gudeok High School, Pusan National University, University of East Broadcasting Arts, and is currently studying at Woosong Information College. He legally changed his name to the current name before his debut. While Yim was attending the Chin Chin Song Festival in Busan, Star Empire recruited him as a trainee. He joined a nine-member group called "Children of Empire", where he trained for three years. In 2009, the group started doing guerrilla performances around the country, when he adopted the stage name "Siwan".

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On January 7, 2010, the group debuted with their EP, Nativity under the name ZE:A. He is also a member of the sub-unit, ZE:A-Five. Yim joined the cast of the historical drama Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), playing the young version of Heo Yeom. The series surpassed 40% ratings and gained "national drama" status, launching Yim to fame. Later that year, he was cast in the revenge drama Man from the Equator. This was followed by the sitcom Standby (2012) and Drama Special Waiting for Love (2013).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1988 (1988-12-01): Birth of Yim Si-wan — South Korean singer and actor known for roles in *Misaeng* and *Squid Game*.
2. 2009: 2009 Milestone — In 2009, the group started doing guerrilla performances around the country, when he adopted the stage name "Siwan".
3. 2010: 2010 Milestone — On January 7, 2010, the group debuted with their EP, Nativity under the name ZE:A.
4. 2012: 2012 Milestone — Yim joined the cast of the historical drama Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), playing the young version of Heo Yeom.
5. 2013: 2013 Milestone — As an actor, he is known for starring in the film The Attorney (2013) as well as the television series Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014) and Run On (2020).
6. 2024: 2024 Milestone — He gained international recognition for his role in the second and third seasons of Squid Game (2024–2025).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Yim Si-wan

True or False: “Yim Si-wan's first major film role was in the critically acclaimed movie *The Attorney* (2013).”

Answer (FALSE ❌): His initial breakthrough roles were in television dramas such as *Moon Embracing the Sun* (2012), which launched him to significant fame.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Contemporary (Died in 1988) (1988): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and emotionally engaging style.
• Abdul Ghaffar Khan — Contemporary (Died in 1988) (1988): Pioneering nonviolent activist and founder of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.
• Adele — Contemporary (Born in 1988) (1988): Iconic English singer-songwriter celebrated for powerful mezzo-soprano vocals.
• Akiva Schaffer — Shared historical date (12-01 · Born) (1977): American filmmaker, comedian, and musician known for The Lonely Island.
• Aleister Crowley — Shared historical date (12-01 · Died) (1947): Founder of Thelema, a major occultist, poet, and ceremonial magician.
• Ahn Bo-hyun — Historical peer (Born in 1988) (1988): South Korean actor known for roles in Itaewon Class and My Name.
• Alan Paton — Historical peer (Died in 1988) (1988): Pioneering South African author and anti-apartheid activist.
• Aaron Swartz — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Pioneering programmer, activist, and hacktivist known for RSS, Markdown, and progressive organizing.
• Ada Louise Huxtable — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Pioneering American architecture critic who elevated urban design to public discourse.
• 2014 League of Legends World Championship — Historical peer (Born in 2014) (2014): The 4th League of Legends World Championship, held in Asia in 2014.
• 1988 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1988
• December 1 (12-01) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 1

Frequently Asked Questions about Yim Si-wan