Kim Young-kwang (actor)
A trailblazing model who became a versatile leading man, bringing a quiet intensity and sharp style to Korean dramas and films.
Born 1987 (age 39)·South Korean actor·Birthday: January 11·Millennials
Biography
Kim Young-kwang's career is a study in elegant transition, moving from the runways of Paris to the soundstages of Seoul with deliberate grace. He first turned heads as a model, his tall frame and striking features landing him historic gigs, including a landmark show for Dior Homme. This foundation in fashion gave him a distinct, polished presence when he shifted to acting. He didn't jump into romantic leads immediately, instead building his craft in supporting roles that showcased a capacity for both warmth and cold detachment. Breakthroughs in dramas like 'Pinocchio' and 'The Guardians' proved his leading man chops, often playing characters with complex, guarded interiors. He later honed a specialty in portraying cool, competent professionals—doctors, lawyers, executives—whose emotional walls slowly crumble, as seen in hits like 'The Secret Life of My Secretary' and the melancholic romance 'Call It Love.' His path reflects a model's discipline applied to the art of performance.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kim was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first Asian model to walk in a Dior Homme fashion show in 2008.
- Won the Best New Actor award at the Korea Drama Awards for his role in 'Pinocchio' (2014).
- Headlined the popular romantic comedy series 'The Secret Life of My Secretary' (2019).
- Starred as the male lead in the critically acclaimed melodrama 'Call It Love' (2023).
- Successfully transitioned from a top fashion model to a mainstream television and film actor.
Did You Know?
He is a licensed scuba diving instructor.
He served his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier in the ROK Army.
He is an ambassador for the Korean Organ Donation Agency.
He initially pursued a career in swimming before an injury led him to modeling.
“I learned that stillness speaks louder than any pose on the runway.”
