Shin Hyun-bin is a versatile South Korean actress who has captivated audiences with her impressive range and magnetic screen presence. Known for seamlessly transitioning between television, film, and stage, she gained widespread recognition for her role as the intelligent and compassionate Jang Gyeo-ul in the hit medical drama Hospital Playlist (2020–2021). With a career that spans over a decade, Shin is celebrated for choosing complex, layered characters that highlight her depth and acting prowess.
Born on April 10, 1986, in South Korea, Shin Hyun-bin initially pursued a career in art before stepping into acting. She majored in Art Theory at Korea National University of Arts, demonstrating early on that her creative talents went far beyond just performance. Her breakthrough came in 2010 with the film He’s on Duty, where she played a Vietnamese migrant worker — a role that earned her Best New Actress at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards. Since then, she has taken on a variety of roles, from romantic leads to emotionally driven characters in psychological thrillers, consistently proving her versatility.
In recent years, she’s been part of several acclaimed projects such as Reflection of You (2021), where she played a complex woman entangled in a web of betrayal and passion. In 2023, she starred opposite Song Joong-ki in the suspense drama Reborn Rich, cementing her status as one of the most compelling actresses in the industry today.
What sets Shin Hyun-bin apart is her quiet intensity, ability to convey nuanced emotions, and preference for meaningful scripts over commercial appeal. She is also admired for maintaining a low-profile, private lifestyle, earning her the label of a “mystery muse” in Korean entertainment circles.
Let’s explore more about this enigmatic star.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Kwak Hyun-bin (곽현빈) |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress, Model |
| Birthplace | South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 39 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1986 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A (Non-religious publicly) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aries |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 168 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 50 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Known |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not known |
| Mother’s name | Not known |
| Brother’s name | Not known |
| Sister’s name | Not known |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | Rumored: Yoo Yeon-seok (unconfirmed) |
|---|---|
| Dating | Private |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Not publicly known |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Korea National University of Arts |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Art Theory |
Controversies
Shin Hyun-bin has largely remained controversy-free throughout her career, admired for her professionalism and discretion. While rumors have occasionally surfaced about her dating co-stars, she has never been involved in any public scandal or major media backlash.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Traditional Korean cuisine, Matcha desserts |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | European art films (specifics not known) |
| Favorite Actor | Cate Blanchett (reported influence) |
| Favorite Actress | Juliette Binoche |
| Favorite Color | White and Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Not publicly shared |
| Favorite Destination | Paris, London |
| Favorite Cafe | Hidden cafés in Itaewon and Hannam-dong |
| Favorite daily wear brand | COS, Acne Studios |
| Favorite Book | Works by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | Not known |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Estimated $50,000–$100,000 per drama episode |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Approx. $3–5 Million USD (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Shin Hyun-bin |
|---|---|
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @hyunbeenshin |
Personal quote:
“I don’t seek to be loud. I just want to be remembered through the silence of my characters.”
Early Life and Career:
Before gracing TV screens and film festivals, Shin Hyun-bin studied Art Theory at the Korea National University of Arts, intending to pursue a career in the art world. Her fascination with human expression and emotion eventually led her to acting.
Her debut in the 2010 satirical film He’s on Duty set her apart from the start — playing a Vietnamese immigrant, she delivered a performance so authentic that she won the Best New Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. Unlike most debutantes, she chose a role with social commentary rather than glamor.
Through the 2010s, Shin appeared in films like Confession (2014) and The Lost Choices (2015), gradually making her way into K-dramas. However, her major breakout moment came in 2020 with Hospital Playlist, where her nuanced portrayal of Dr. Jang Gyeo-ul won hearts and solidified her star status.
Current life/Events:
Shin Hyun-bin continues to take on substantial, thought-provoking roles. In 2023, she starred in Reborn Rich and is set to appear in multiple projects in 2025, including a much-anticipated psychological thriller alongside Kim Nam-gil. Known for being highly selective, Shin only chooses scripts that resonate deeply with her.
She remains grounded despite rising fame and often avoids overexposure, rarely appearing on variety shows. Fans eagerly await her upcoming film project with acclaimed director Lee Chang-dong, marking her entry into more auteur-driven cinema.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Shin Hyun-bin
- Her real name is Kwak Hyun-bin, but she adopted the stage name Shin Hyun-bin early in her career.
- She is multilingual and can speak English fluently.
- She initially wanted to work in museum curation or art criticism before shifting to acting.
- Despite being a public figure, she does not have a manager following her constantly — by choice.
- She doesn’t own a television and prefers watching films on her laptop or in theaters.
- Shin Hyun-bin is known to prepare intensely for her roles, often shadowing professionals like doctors and lawyers.
- She has a love for French cinema and often cites Juliette Binoche as her biggest inspiration.
- Her Instagram is curated like an art gallery, filled with scenic shots, abstract angles, and subtle aesthetics.
- She once turned down a high-paying role because she felt the script lacked “soul.”
- Shin is a cat lover and has adopted two rescue cats, which she occasionally posts about.
