Kim Young-kwang is a South Korean actor and model known for his striking looks, towering height, and emotionally nuanced performances that have made him a staple in both K-dramas and films. Starting his career on the runway, Kim was the first Asian model to walk in Dior Homme’s Paris show—a groundbreaking moment in Korean fashion history. But it was the silver screen that truly cemented his fame. With hits like Pinocchio, The Secret Life of My Secretary, and Somebody, he’s proven himself to be much more than just a pretty face.
Born in Incheon, South Korea, Kim’s early life wasn’t glitzy. His father, a Vietnam War veteran, passed away when Kim was young, leaving a deep impact on his perspective and personality. Despite the challenges, Kim pursued his dreams with determination. He began modeling in 2006 and quickly gained international attention for his striking features and 187 cm height. His transition to acting was natural, and he debuted in 2008 with Worlds Within.
Kim has consistently taken on diverse roles, playing everything from a charming office boss to a dangerous killer. His versatility shined in the Netflix thriller Somebody (2022), where he took a sharp turn from his usual romantic roles. His nuanced portrayal earned praise for pushing boundaries and breaking his typical typecast. In 2023, he starred in the romantic drama Call It Love, proving again that he can tug at heartstrings as easily as he can build suspense.
Off-screen, Kim Young-kwang is known for his down-to-earth personality, philanthropic work, and close friendships with other actors like Lee Soo-hyuk and Sung Joon. With his magnetic screen presence and growing global fanbase, Kim continues to evolve as one of Korea’s most compelling actors.
Personal Life
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Kim Young-kwang |
| Other/Nickname | YK, YK Oppa |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor, Model |
| Birthplace | Incheon, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 38 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1987 |
| Hometown | Incheon, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Capricorn |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 187 cm |
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 70 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly available |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Deceased (Vietnam War veteran) |
| Mother’s name | Not publicly known |
| Brother’s name | Not known |
| Sister’s name | Not known |
Marital Status Affairs Boyfriends Kids & Relationship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Dating | Not publicly confirmed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Local high school in Incheon |
| College/ University | Hanyang University |
| Educational Qualification | Major in Theater and Film |
Controversies
Kim Young-kwang has maintained a clean public image with no major controversies. His bold role in the Netflix series Somebody sparked discussion due to its dark themes and graphic content, but it was widely praised for his artistic risk-taking.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Pasta |
| Favorite Movie | Not publicly known |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Jeon Do-yeon |
| Favorite Color | Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Not publicly disclosed |
| Favorite Destination | Paris |
| Favorite Cafe | Local Seoul cafés |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Dior, Nike |
| Favorite Book | Not known |
| Favorite Athlete | Son Heung-min |
Money/Net Worth
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Varies per project; approx. $50,000–$100,000 per episode |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million (2025) |
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not known |
| Phone Number | Not known |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Kim Young-kwang |
| Not officially active | |
| Not officially active | |
| @aksakfn12 (Verified) |
Personal quote:
“When you act, you’re allowed to live different lives. That’s what keeps me passionate.”
Early Life and Career:
Kim Young-kwang was born in Incheon and grew up in modest conditions. After losing his father at a young age, Kim learned to be independent and responsible early in life. He began modeling at age 19 and quickly became a sensation, even appearing at the Dior Homme show in Paris—becoming the first Asian model to do so.
His acting debut came in 2008 with a supporting role in Worlds Within, but it was in 2014 with Pinocchio where he truly broke into mainstream K-drama stardom. He was nominated for Best New Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards, and his career only accelerated from there. His ability to switch from rom-coms (The Secret Life of My Secretary) to dark thrillers (Somebody) has made him one of the most versatile and bankable stars in the Korean entertainment industry.
Current life/Events:
Kim Young-kwang remains one of Korea’s busiest actors. His recent lead role in Call It Love alongside Lee Sung-kyung was praised for its emotional depth and mature storytelling. In 2025, he is rumored to be working on a new international project, signaling his potential crossover into global markets. He’s also actively involved in charity work, often donating to causes for veterans and underprivileged children.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Kim Young-kwang
- He was the first Asian model to walk in a Dior Homme show in Paris.
- His father was a war veteran who passed away when Kim was in elementary school.
- Kim completed his mandatory military service in 2013.
- He is close friends with other model-turned-actors like Lee Soo-hyuk, Hong Jong-hyun, and Sung Joon.
- He once worked as a deliveryman before becoming a model.
- Despite his fame, he keeps a low profile and avoids flashy celebrity events.
- He’s an animal lover and owns a pet dog.
- Kim enjoys photography and traveling in his free time.
- He starred in the first-ever Korean Netflix original thriller series, Somebody.
- Known for his gentlemanly demeanor, fans often praise his humble attitude and professionalism on set.
