Kim Hye-jun is a rising star in the South Korean entertainment industry, known for her versatility, understated charm, and strong screen presence. Born on May 8, 1995, in Seoul, South Korea, she catapulted to fame with her breakout role as the eerie Queen Consort Cho in Netflix’s globally acclaimed zombie series Kingdom (2019–2020). With her chilling performance in the historical horror thriller, she proved her ability to command attention even in a male-dominated cast, quickly establishing herself as a talent to watch.
Before becoming a household name, Kim began her journey in the arts while studying theater and film at Hanyang University. Her early career included appearances in web series and indie films, but it wasn’t until she won the 2019 Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actress for her performance in the dark comedy film Another Child that critics and audiences alike started to take serious note of her talent.
Unlike many of her peers, Kim Hye-jun has taken a refreshingly unconventional path by choosing roles that are intense, layered, and emotionally challenging. From horror to psychological thrillers like Inspector Koo (2021), where she played a twisted young serial killer, to her recent appearances in emotionally nuanced dramas like Connect (2022) and The Girl on a Bulldozer (2022), she continues to broaden her range and challenge herself as an actor.
With each project, Kim Hye-jun is proving that she’s more than just another pretty face—she’s a performer driven by substance, curiosity, and a hunger for growth. In a few short years, she’s carved out a niche for herself in an industry saturated with talent, making her one of the most promising young actors of her generation.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Kim Hye-jun |
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 30 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 1995 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Taurus |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 162 cm (5’4”) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 45 kg |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-33 |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Parents | Not Publicly Known |
| 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
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | Not Known |
| Dating | Not Publicly Known |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Not Publicly Known |
| College/ University | Hanyang University, Theater & Film |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Theater and Film |
Controversies
Kim Hye-jun has largely maintained a clean public image. She has not been involved in any major controversies, which is notable in an industry where scandals are common. Her choice of dark, complex roles occasionally stirs discussion but rarely criticism.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Tteokbokki, Ramen |
| Favorite Movie | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Natalie Portman |
| Favorite Color | Earth tones |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Paris, France |
| Favorite Cafe | Small indie cafés in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Uniqlo |
| Favorite Book | Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | N/A |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Estimated $40,000–$100,000 per drama |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not Known |
| Phone Number | Not Known |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Platform | Information |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Kim Hye-jun |
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @hyejunii_ |
Personal quote:
“Acting is a way for me to live many lives and understand emotions I’ve never felt before.”
Early Life and Career
Kim Hye-jun was born and raised in Seoul, where she showed an early interest in performing arts. She joined the Department of Theater and Film at Hanyang University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious institutions for arts education. Her debut came in 2015 with a web drama titled Lily Fever, which subtly showcased her ability to convey emotional depth even with minimal screen time.
Her turning point came in 2019, when she starred in Another Child and bagged the Best New Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. This recognition opened doors to more substantial roles, but none as transformative as Queen Consort Cho in Kingdom. Her portrayal of a power-hungry, menacing royal figure gave her international visibility and made her a fan favorite among Korean drama enthusiasts worldwide.
Kim continued to push her boundaries with Inspector Koo, a cat-and-mouse thriller where she played against type as a psychopathic killer. She followed this up with The Girl on a Bulldozer (2022), a gritty indie film that earned her praise for her grounded, emotionally raw performance. In the same year, she appeared in Connect, further cementing her reputation for taking on bold, unconventional roles.
Current life/Events
In 2025, Kim Hye-jun is busy with an exciting slate of projects, including a mystery drama series set in the art world and a psychological thriller film expected to premiere at international film festivals. She continues to be selective with her roles, favoring characters with emotional complexity over commercial appeal.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Kim Hye-jun
- She initially wanted to become a writer before discovering her passion for acting in university.
- Kim is known for her deep, husky voice, which contrasts with her youthful appearance.
- She is a huge fan of psychological thrillers and horror films, genres she frequently stars in.
- Despite playing dark characters, she is known to be bubbly and humorous on set.
- She prefers spending her downtime sketching or visiting art galleries.
- Kim is a cat lover and often shares photos of her pet cat on Instagram.
- She once said that if she weren’t an actress, she would’ve pursued criminal psychology.
- Her audition tape for Kingdom was so intense that it reportedly left the casting team speechless.
- She does not enjoy excessive media attention and prefers to keep her personal life private.
- Kim Hye-jun practices yoga and meditation to balance the emotional weight of her roles.
