Hong Kyung is a rapidly rising South Korean actor known for his nuanced performances and emotional depth. Despite being relatively new to the entertainment industry, Hong Kyung has already earned significant recognition for his ability to embody a wide range of characters, from brooding detectives to vulnerable youth. He gained widespread attention for his poignant role in the Netflix original movie D.P. (Deserter Pursuit), where he portrayed a conscripted soldier navigating the harsh realities of military life. His quiet intensity and authenticity made him a standout even among more seasoned actors.
Born on February 14, 1996, in South Korea, Hong Kyung graduated from Hanyang University’s Department of Theater and Film—a breeding ground for some of Korea’s most respected actors. Unlike many of his peers, he rose to prominence not through idol fame or viral moments but through sheer acting talent, earning accolades and nominations at major film festivals.
His breakout came with the film Innocence (2020), where he played a developmentally challenged young man caught in a murder trial, showcasing a deeply emotional performance that won the Best New Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. He’s known for choosing thought-provoking, socially conscious projects that reveal layers of human complexity rather than glamorous or commercial roles.
Hong Kyung is a media-shy artist, often preferring to let his work speak for itself. This quiet professionalism has garnered him a devoted fanbase who admire his dedication, vulnerability on screen, and authenticity. As of 2025, he continues to build an impressive filmography that balances critically acclaimed dramas with character-driven films, firmly establishing himself as one of the most compelling young actors in Korea.
Personal Life
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Hong Kyung |
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor |
| Birthplace | South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 29 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | February 14, 1996 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aquarius |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 183 cm |
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 70 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly available |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not publicly known |
| Mother’s name | Not publicly known |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status Affairs Boyfriends Kids & Relationship
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Local school in South Korea (not publicly disclosed) |
| College/ University | Hanyang University, Department of Theater and Film |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Theater and Film |
Controversies
Hong Kyung has maintained a clean public image and has not been involved in any major controversies. His reputation remains that of a dedicated and professional actor.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Ramen |
| Favorite Movie | Oldboy by Park Chan-wook |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Jeon Do-yeon |
| Favorite Color | Black |
| Favorite Designer | Not publicly disclosed |
| Favorite Destination | Tokyo, Japan |
| Favorite Cafe | Unknown |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Simple streetwear (Muji, Uniqlo) |
| Favorite Book | Demian by Hermann Hesse |
| Favorite Athlete | Son Heung-min |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not publicly known |
| Phone Number | Not publicly known |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | [Hong Kyung – Wikipedia] |
| Not active | |
| N/A | |
| @h_k_96 (official) |
Personal Quote:
“I don’t chase fame—I chase good stories.”
Early Life and Career
Hong Kyung was born and raised in South Korea, and from an early age, he was drawn to the performing arts. Unlike many of his peers in the Korean entertainment world who take the idol route, Hong chose a more academic and theatrical path. He enrolled in Hanyang University’s prestigious Department of Theater and Film, where he refined his craft in acting and gained critical foundations in storytelling and character immersion.
He made his acting debut in minor roles on television but gained national recognition with the 2020 courtroom drama Innocence. In it, he portrayed a developmentally challenged young man whose mother stands trial for murder. His emotionally raw and deeply believable performance earned him the Best New Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
From there, he went on to play key roles in high-impact series like D.P. and Weak Hero Class 1. Both projects allowed him to display emotional complexity and challenged societal norms, earning him critical acclaim not just in South Korea but internationally. He is known for avoiding mainstream romantic dramas, choosing instead roles that explore mental health, trauma, justice, and youth alienation.
Current Life/Events
As of 2025, Hong Kyung continues to thrive as a serious actor. He recently starred in the psychological drama Revenant, adding another powerful performance to his resume. He has also been cast in upcoming film projects that explore South Korean societal issues, including a drama based on real-life events surrounding the education system.
Though he maintains a low-key lifestyle off-camera, his performances speak volumes, and he’s often praised for his commitment to character work and his selective project choices. He’s also a regular at film festivals, including Busan and Berlinale, which have helped expand his international fanbase.
Facts
- Hong Kyung is often mistaken for an idol due to his youthful looks but is a classically trained actor.
- He won Best New Actor at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards for Innocence.
- Despite having a shy public persona, he’s known for being witty and warm on set.
- He’s fluent in Korean and has been learning English to prepare for global film opportunities.
- Hong Kyung prefers theater rehearsals over read-throughs because he believes in “feeling the space.”
- He does not belong to a major entertainment company, which gives him more freedom in choosing projects.
- A big fan of arthouse cinema, he cites films by Wong Kar-wai as life-changing.
- He often journals between shoots to help him connect with his characters.
- He has expressed interest in directing someday, especially stories based on youth and marginalization.
- Hong avoids flashy fashion, often appearing in neutral tones and minimalist styles.
