Kang Mal-geum is a powerhouse of talent in the South Korean entertainment industry, best known for her compelling performances across film, television, and theater. Although she began gaining wide recognition relatively late in her career, her work has proven that it’s never too late to make a lasting mark in the world of acting. With her grounded persona, versatile talent, and an array of impactful roles, Kang has quickly become a favorite among critics and audiences alike.
Born on January 3, 1979, in Busan, South Korea, Kang’s path to stardom wasn’t conventional. Before stepping into the limelight, she worked as a theater actress and a university lecturer. Her strong academic background (she holds a degree in Korean Language and Literature) gave her a unique lens through which she approaches each role — with depth, intelligence, and humanity.
Kang Mal-geum made her film debut in 2018 but truly captured attention with her breakout role in the 2020 indie film Lucky Chan-sil, where she played the titular role of a film producer grappling with existential questions after losing her job. Her nuanced performance earned her Best New Actress awards at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, and the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards — a rare and remarkable feat for an actress in her 40s making a late screen debut.
Since then, Kang has featured in notable dramas such as Missing: The Other Side and Thirty-Nine, alongside top-tier stars like Son Ye-jin. Her ability to play both emotionally intense and warmly comedic roles has made her one of the most versatile actresses in Korea today.
Personal Life
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Kang Mal-geum |
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress, Theater Artist |
| Birthplace | Busan, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 46 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1979 |
| Hometown | Busan, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Capricorn |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 168 cm |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 56 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Known |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not Publicly Known |
| Mother’s name | Not Publicly Known |
| Brother’s name | Not Publicly Known |
| Sister’s name | Not Publicly Known |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse/Husband | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Local school in Busan (Not known) |
| College/University | Pusan National University |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Korean Language and Literature |
Controversies
Kang Mal-geum has maintained a clean and respected image throughout her career. As of now, she has not been involved in any major controversies, a rarity in the world of fame that adds to her dignified persona.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Traditional Korean dishes |
| Favorite Movie | Chungking Express |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Youn Yuh-jung |
| Favorite Color | Earth tones |
| Favorite Designer | Not Publicly Known |
| Favorite Destination | Jeju Island |
| Favorite Cafe | Local indie cafés in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Comfortable Korean brands |
| Favorite Book | Works by Korean poet Ko Un |
| Favorite Athlete | Not Publicly Known |
Money/Net Worth
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Varies per project |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million (2025) |
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Known |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Known |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Platform | Link/Status |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Kang Mal-geum |
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @malgeumkang (active) |
Personal quote:
“There’s no such thing as ‘too late’ when you’re doing what you love.”
Early Life and Career
Born and raised in Busan, Kang Mal-geum pursued literature at Pusan National University before entering the acting world. She didn’t take the mainstream K-drama idol route; instead, she carved her path through years in theater, honing her craft quietly yet passionately. For over a decade, she juggled teaching and performing on stage, becoming a respected figure in the local theater scene.
Her cinematic breakthrough came with Lucky Chan-sil in 2020 — a charming, heartfelt indie film that resonated deeply with viewers and critics alike. Playing a middle-aged woman re-evaluating her life choices, Kang’s performance was praised for its authenticity and depth, sweeping major newcomer awards across South Korea’s biggest film festivals. This launched her into mainstream visibility, leading to television roles and more prominent casting offers.
She later appeared in popular TV dramas such as Missing: The Other Side, Bloody Heart, and Thirty-Nine, showcasing her ability to transition between genres — from fantasy thrillers to poignant melodramas.
Current Life/Events
In 2025, Kang Mal-geum continues to thrive with roles that emphasize substance over flash. She was recently seen in My Dearest and is currently filming an untitled feature with critically acclaimed director Kim Bora. While she remains selective about her roles, her presence in film festivals and on-screen performances only continue to grow in relevance and resonance.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Kang Mal-geum
- She worked as a Korean language teacher before becoming a full-time actress.
- Her big break came at the age of 41, defying industry norms and age stereotypes.
- She is an award-winning actress in theater before transitioning to film and TV.
- She’s fluent in both standard Korean and the Busan dialect.
- Kang avoids flashy celebrity culture and prefers to live a private, low-profile life.
- She is known for memorizing entire scripts before the first table read.
- Kang was hesitant to transition to film, but a close friend encouraged her to audition for Lucky Chan-sil.
- She regularly donates to women’s and education-focused charities in Korea.
- Despite her fame, she continues to support and participate in local theater productions.
- She’s passionate about literature and often cites poetry as inspiration for her character work.
