Kim Hyun-joo is a powerhouse of South Korean entertainment — a seasoned actress celebrated for her grace, emotional depth, and captivating on-screen presence. With a career spanning over two decades, she’s evolved from a fresh-faced beauty queen to one of the most respected and multifaceted actresses in Korean television and film. Known for her roles in iconic dramas like Glass Slippers, I Have a Lover, and Trolley, Kim Hyun-joo continues to stun audiences with her versatility, powerful performances, and timeless elegance.
Born on April 24, 1977, in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, Kim Hyun-joo was drawn to the spotlight early in life. She entered the entertainment industry through modeling and quickly transitioned into acting after debuting in 1997 with the television drama The Reason I Live. Her breakthrough came in 2002 with Glass Slippers, where her portrayal of a warm-hearted orphan won hearts across Asia. The drama became a cultural phenomenon and propelled her into Hallyu stardom.
Over the years, Kim carved out a niche with her ability to play both soft, empathetic characters and cold, complex women. She received critical acclaim for roles in dramas like Fantastic, where she portrayed a terminally ill screenwriter, and in Hellbound, Netflix’s global hit, where she explored philosophical and moral quandaries in a dystopian world. In 2023, she reunited with Hellbound director Yeon Sang-ho for the gripping Netflix sci-fi thriller JUNG_E, where she played a commanding role, showcasing a darker and bolder side.
Beyond acting, Kim Hyun-joo is a humanitarian at heart. She’s known for her philanthropy, volunteering in Nepal and Africa, and participating in disaster relief work. Despite her fame, she maintains a quiet, low-profile life, often choosing meaningful roles over mainstream fame. In an industry focused on reinvention, Kim Hyun-joo has remained authentically herself — grounded, passionate, and effortlessly magnetic.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Kim Hyun-joo |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 48 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1977 |
| Hometown | Goyang, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A (Presumed Christian) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Taurus |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 167 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 48 kg |
| Body Measurements | 34-25-34 |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | N/A |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Mother’s name | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Brother’s name | Kim Hyun-joon (younger) |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status Affairs Boyfriends Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | Rumored relationships, but no confirmed partners |
|---|---|
| Dating | N/A |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Kyung Hee Girls’ High School |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Dankook University (Theater and Film) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s in Theater and Film |
Controversies
Kim Hyun-joo has maintained a clean image throughout her career and is rarely involved in controversies. However, in 2023, JUNG_E received some mixed critical responses regarding the storyline’s depth, though her performance was widely praised. She’s also been part of intense dramas often sparking societal discussions, but none linked directly to personal scandal or misconduct.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Fresh Vegetables, Tea |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | The Notebook |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Meryl Streep |
| Favorite Color | Soft Blue, White |
| Favorite Designer | Local Korean Designers |
| Favorite Destination | Paris, Switzerland |
| Favorite Cafe | Small hidden cafés in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Minimalist Korean labels like LOW CLASSIC |
| Favorite Book | N/A (She has expressed a love for poetry) |
| Favorite Athlete | Kim Yuna (figure skater) |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Estimated $30,000–$50,000 per episode |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $5–7 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not publicly available |
| Phone Number | Not publicly available |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Kim Hyun-joo (Actress) |
|---|---|
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @kimhyunjooofficial |
Personal Quote:
“I don’t want to live an artificial life. I want to act, to live, to feel — as naturally as possible.”
Early Life and Career
Kim Hyun-joo’s journey into stardom began in the late ’90s, but her roots trace back to Goyang, where she grew up in a modest family. Encouraged by her teachers for her dramatic flair, she started modeling while studying theater at Dankook University. Her official acting debut was in 1997, and she quickly caught the industry’s eye.
In 2002, her portrayal of Yoon-hee in Glass Slippers catapulted her into national fame. The tragic sisterly tale turned her into a household name and opened doors to a flurry of lead roles. What set her apart was her ability to portray both innocent and complex characters — a rare blend that few mastered.
She continued to impress in series like Twinkle Twinkle, Miss Kim’s Million Dollar Quest, and the emotional rollercoaster I Have a Lover. In 2016, she took on a more personal and moving role in Fantastic, playing a woman battling cancer, which earned her both awards and heartfelt admiration.
Current Life/Events
In recent years, Kim Hyun-joo has embraced bold, experimental projects. She stunned global audiences with her role in Hellbound (2021), a Netflix original that topped charts internationally. In 2023, she played a cybernetic villain in JUNG_E, a Netflix sci-fi film set in a post-apocalyptic future.
She is also set to return in Hellbound Season 2, reprising her critically acclaimed role. Despite being selective about her appearances, every new project from Kim Hyun-joo is met with anticipation. Her ability to balance screen charisma with real-life humility keeps her an enduring and beloved figure in Korean entertainment.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Kim Hyun-joo
- She won the Miss Photogenic title in a beauty contest before her acting debut.
- She once traveled to Kenya for volunteer work, helping build houses for underprivileged families.
- Despite her fame, she prefers using public transport and avoids flashy lifestyles.
- She has a reputation for being deeply introverted and philosophical off-screen.
- Kim loves collecting vintage vinyl records.
- She briefly considered becoming a teacher before choosing acting.
- She is known among stylists for doing her own makeup on set at times.
- She has a special fondness for animals and has adopted multiple rescue pets.
- She turned down multiple high-paying commercial offers to focus on meaningful roles.
- Her fans praise her for aging naturally, embracing minimal cosmetic enhancements in an industry obsessed with appearance.
