Kim Joo-ryoung is one of those rare performers who quietly built a solid acting career for years before exploding into global fame almost overnight. Best known internationally for her unforgettable role as Han Mi-nyeo in the Netflix megahit Squid Game, she captivated audiences with her bold, unpredictable, and darkly comedic performance. But long before she stepped into the deadly games arena, Kim had already established herself as a respected character actress in South Korea’s film and television industry.
Born on September 10, 1976, in South Korea, Kim Joo-ryoung steadily worked her way through theater, independent films, and supporting TV roles. She built a reputation for portraying emotionally layered, sometimes eccentric women—characters that feel real, flawed, and fiercely human. Her global breakthrough with Squid Game in 2021 transformed her career, earning her international recognition, award nominations, and a massive surge in social media followers almost overnight.
Despite her late-blooming international fame, Kim’s journey is a powerful example of persistence in the entertainment industry. She has openly spoken about struggling through years of auditions and financial uncertainty before finally getting her big break. Today, she stands as an inspiration to aspiring actors, proving that talent and dedication can shine at any stage of life.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Kim Joo-ryoung |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 49 years (as of 2026) |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1976 |
| Hometown | South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Virgo |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | Approx. 166 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 55 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | N/A |
| Mother’s name | N/A |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Kim Joo-ryoung keeps her family life extremely private and rarely shares personal details in public interviews.
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | Not publicly known |
|---|---|
| Dating | Not publicly known |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
She maintains a low profile when it comes to her personal relationships.
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Not publicly disclosed |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Seoul Institute of the Arts |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Theater |
Kim studied acting formally and trained in theater before transitioning into screen acting.
Controversies
Kim Joo-ryoung has largely avoided major controversies throughout her career. However, her character in Squid Game sparked intense online debates due to Han Mi-nyeo’s manipulative and chaotic personality. Some viewers criticized the character’s portrayal, while others praised Kim’s fearless performance.
Additionally, the overwhelming global fame following the show led to media scrutiny about her sudden rise, but she handled it gracefully and professionally.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Korean home-cooked meals |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | N/A |
| Favorite Actor | N/A |
| Favorite Actress | N/A |
| Favorite Color | N/A |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | N/A |
| Favorite Cafe | N/A |
| Favorite daily wear brand | N/A |
| Favorite Book | N/A |
| Favorite Athlete | N/A |
She keeps most of her personal preferences private.
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million (approx., post-Squid Game) |
Her earnings significantly increased after the massive global success of Squid Game.
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not publicly available |
| Phone Number | Not available |
| House Address | South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Kim Joo-ryoung |
|---|---|
| Not officially active | |
| Not officially active | |
| Active (gained massive followers after 2021) |
Personal Quote:
“I’ve waited a long time for this moment.”
Early Life and Career:
Before global stardom, Kim Joo-ryoung spent years honing her craft in theater and smaller film roles. After graduating from the Seoul Institute of the Arts, she began performing in stage productions, which helped shape her expressive acting style.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, she appeared in supporting roles in Korean dramas and films, including appearances in Netflix’s historical zombie series Kingdom. Though often cast in minor roles, she consistently delivered strong performances that caught the attention of casting directors.
Her life changed dramatically in 2021 when she was cast as Han Mi-nyeo (Player 212) in Squid Game. The show became a worldwide phenomenon, topping charts in over 90 countries. Her bold, scene-stealing portrayal made her one of the standout characters of the series.
Overnight, her Instagram followers skyrocketed from a few thousand to millions. After years of perseverance, Kim finally experienced the recognition she deserved.
Current Life/Events:
Following the success of Squid Game, Kim Joo-ryoung has received increased offers for film, television, and international projects. She continues to participate in interviews, global events, and promotional campaigns. While she remains selective about roles, her career trajectory is now firmly international.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Kim Joo-ryoung
- She struggled financially for years before achieving global fame.
- Her Instagram gained millions of followers within days after Squid Game premiered.
- She has a strong theater background and credits stage acting for shaping her emotional depth.
- She almost gave up acting before landing her breakthrough role.
- Despite playing bold and loud characters on screen, she is known to be reserved and soft-spoken in real life.
- She became one of the most recognizable faces of Korean entertainment globally after 2021.
- She believes persistence is the most important trait for surviving in the entertainment industry.
