Kim Go-eun is one of South Korea’s most admired and versatile actresses, known for her soulful performances, natural acting style, and striking screen presence. She rose to fame with her unforgettable debut in the critically acclaimed film “A Muse” (2012), which earned her several Best New Actress awards and marked her as a force to be reckoned with in Korean cinema. With her expressive eyes and understated elegance, Kim has captivated audiences in both film and television, with standout roles in projects like “Goblin” (2016–2017), “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020), and “Little Women” (2022).
Born in South Korea but raised for several years in China, Kim Go-eun’s multicultural upbringing gave her a unique edge that she later brought to her roles. Unlike many of her peers, she didn’t begin her career in modeling or idol training — she studied film at Korea National University of Arts, focusing deeply on her craft. Her career has since spanned over a decade, balancing arthouse cinema with mainstream dramas, consistently choosing roles that challenge societal norms and showcase complex female characters.
Despite her fame, Kim Go-eun has maintained a relatively private and grounded public image. Her charm lies in her authenticity—she’s known for embracing natural beauty, often appearing without makeup and supporting socially conscious causes. Her fans love her not just for her talent, but for her humility, sincerity, and quiet confidence that speaks louder than words.
Let’s take a deeper look into the life of this multifaceted star.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Kim Go-eun |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | KGE |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 33 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | July 2, 1991 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Cancer |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 167 cm (5’6”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 50 kg |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-34 |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not publicly known |
| Mother’s name | Not publicly known |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | One elder brother (name unknown) |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | Shin Ha-kyun (ex-boyfriend) |
|---|---|
| Dating | Reportedly single as of 2025 |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Attended school in Beijing, China |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Korea National University of Arts |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Acting and Film |
Controversies
- Kim Go-eun faced a minor controversy when some viewers criticized her acting in The King: Eternal Monarch for lacking chemistry with co-star Lee Min-ho. However, the drama’s global success and loyal fanbase quickly overshadowed the criticism.
- She was also momentarily caught in online backlash for allegedly showing favoritism toward certain brands during promotional activities, though nothing substantial came of the claims.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Spicy Korean dishes, kimchi stew |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Juliette Binoche, Jeon Do-yeon |
| Favorite Color | Earth tones, beige, soft pink |
| Favorite Designer | Chanel, Alexander McQueen |
| Favorite Destination | Paris, New York |
| Favorite Cafe | Small indie cafés in Seoul |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand | Vintage, minimalist Korean brands |
| Favorite Book | “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | Kim Yuna (figure skater) |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Estimated $30,000–$70,000 per episode (TV) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $5–7 million USD (2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Known |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Known |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Kim Go-eun |
|---|---|
| N/A (Not active) | |
| N/A | |
| @ggonekim |
Personal quote:
“I don’t want to act to become famous. I want to act because I love telling stories.”
Early Life and Career:
Kim Go-eun was born on July 2, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea. At a young age, her family moved to Beijing, China, where she lived for about 10 years, learning Mandarin and experiencing a different culture, which she says deeply influenced her worldview. Returning to Korea as a teenager, she set her sights on filmmaking and enrolled at the Korea National University of Arts.
Her big break came in 2012 with the film A Muse, where she played a complex role opposite veteran actor Park Hae-il. Despite being a newcomer, her performance was fearless and mature, earning her immediate critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Kim continued to choose unconventional roles in films like Coin Locker Girl and Memories of the Sword. However, her widespread popularity came from her role as the lovable and tragic Ji Eun-tak in the fantasy drama Goblin, alongside Gong Yoo. Her naturalistic acting and strong emotional range helped redefine what a K-drama female lead could be.
From there, she appeared in several big projects, including The King: Eternal Monarch and Yumi’s Cells, showcasing her ability to adapt to both commercial and artistic projects. Her role in Little Women as an ambitious yet morally grounded journalist further established her status as one of Korea’s top actresses.
Current Life/Events:
As of 2025, Kim Go-eun continues to be one of the most sought-after actresses in Korea. She recently starred in the acclaimed drama Eun Jung and Sang Yeon and is reportedly in talks for an upcoming international project that will mark her global debut.
She also remains active in promoting independent Korean films and is involved in environmental and literacy-related causes. Kim Go-eun is known for being selective with her projects, often choosing scripts that focus on strong, multi-layered female narratives.
Facts:
- Kim Go-eun lived in Beijing for about 10 years and is fluent in Mandarin.
- She gained 8 kg for her role in Sunset in My Hometown to portray her character more authentically.
- Kim Go-eun has no interest in idol-like fame and rarely wears makeup outside of shoots.
- She shares a close friendship with her Goblin co-stars, especially Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-wook.
- Despite being highly fashionable in editorials, she prefers simple, comfortable clothes in daily life.
- She’s known for having a surprisingly deep voice, which contrasts with her youthful look.
- She once said she wants to direct films someday and might transition behind the camera.
- Kim Go-eun plays the guitar and has performed OSTs for some of her dramas.
- She is close friends with fellow actress Jeon Do-yeon, whom she deeply admires.
- Kim Go-eun is one of the few actresses who’s never undergone any plastic surgery, proudly embracing her natural features.
