Kim Seon-ho is a South Korean actor and one of the most beloved faces in the Hallyu wave. Known for his signature dimpled smile and emotionally rich performances, Kim rose to prominence through a mix of stage, television, and film work. He became a household name thanks to his standout roles in hit dramas like Start-Up (2020) and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021). His career is a testament to the power of perseverance, having made the leap from theater to TV much later than most, yet skyrocketing in popularity through sheer talent and charm.
Born and raised in Seoul, Kim originally found comfort in acting as a way to heal from a traumatic childhood experience. After studying acting at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, he made a name for himself in theater before transitioning into TV in 2017 with the drama Good Manager. Though his small-screen career began humbly, it quickly gained momentum.
With a mix of boy-next-door sincerity and mature emotional depth, Kim has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. His role as the gentle and reliable Hong Du-sik in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha catapulted him into international stardom, earning him numerous awards and brand endorsements. Despite brief controversy in 2021, Kim made a remarkable comeback with the film The Childe (2023) and continues to charm audiences with his resilience and talent.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Kim Seon-ho |
| Other/Nickname | Dimple Prince, Seon-ho-ssi |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 39 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 1986 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A (Believed to be Christian) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Taurus |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (cm) | 183 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 72 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Known |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not Publicly Known |
| Mother’s name | Not Publicly Known |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Dating | Previously involved in a public relationship (ended in 2021) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Local schools in Seoul |
| College/ University | Seoul Institute of the Arts |
| Educational Qualification | Major in Acting |
Controversies
In late 2021, Kim Seon-ho was embroiled in a personal controversy involving a former girlfriend, which led to his temporary exit from several projects. However, after clarification and public support, including evidence that shed a more balanced light on the issue, Kim successfully made a comeback in 2023 with the action-thriller The Childe, earning critical praise and reaffirming his standing in the industry.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Tteokbokki, Ramen |
| Favorite Movie | Not Publicly Shared |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Jeon Do-yeon |
| Favorite Color | Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Not Publicly Shared |
| Favorite Destination | Jeju Island |
| Favorite Cafe | Local cafés in Gangnam |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Comfortable, casual Korean brands |
| Favorite Book | Not Publicly Shared |
| Favorite Athlete | Not Publicly Shared |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Estimated $40K–$80K per episode |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5–6 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Available |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Available |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Platform | Link/Username |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Kim Seon-ho |
| N/A (does not use Twitter) | |
| N/A | |
| @seonho__kim |
Personal quote:
“I act to connect with people, to give warmth. I hope my roles comfort someone, somewhere.”
Early Life and Career:
Kim Seon-ho was born in Seoul, South Korea, and had a difficult early life, including a traumatic burglary incident that deeply impacted him. He found solace in acting while attending acting classes in high school, which paved the way for his career in performing arts. After graduating from the Seoul Institute of the Arts, Kim began his acting journey in the theater world, where he built a strong reputation for his work in plays like Closer and True West.
He made his television debut in 2017 with Good Manager and caught attention in 100 Days My Prince (2018). But it was Start-Up (2020) that brought him widespread fame, with his portrayal of the “good boy” Han Ji-pyeong stealing hearts globally. His breakout hit came in 2021 with Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, where he played the lovable handyman in a coastal town, a performance that cemented his superstar status.
Current life/Events:
After a short hiatus due to personal controversy, Kim Seon-ho returned to the spotlight with The Childe in 2023, where he played a dark and complex character, showcasing his range. The film received global praise, with fans welcoming his return with open arms. As of 2025, he is preparing for multiple film and OTT projects, including a potential reunion with Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha co-star Shin Min-a for a new drama.
Facts: Here are some interesting lesser-known facts about Kim Seon-ho
- He started his acting career in theater, where he performed for nearly a decade before transitioning to television.
- Kim Seon-ho has a degree in acting from the prestigious Seoul Institute of the Arts.
- Despite his global fame, he doesn’t actively use social media except for a managed Instagram account.
- He’s nicknamed “Dimple Prince” due to his iconic dimples that fans adore.
- Kim once said he used to get nervous even during stage performances, showing how much he’s grown as an artist.
- His favorite way to relax is taking long walks alone, especially near Han River.
- He enjoys photography and sometimes shares his analog film shots with fans.
- Kim has a deep appreciation for indie music and frequently supports lesser-known Korean musicians.
