Kim Tae-ri is one of South Korea’s most versatile and captivating actresses, known for her fearless choices in roles and her transformative on-screen presence. Rising to fame with her breakout role in Park Chan-wook’s internationally acclaimed film The Handmaiden (2016), Kim quickly became a sought-after name in both cinema and television. With a background in media and communication and a passion for stage acting, she brings a rare depth to her performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
Born and raised in Seoul, Kim’s career didn’t begin in front of the camera but rather behind it, working part-time at TV stations while pursuing her studies. After dabbling in theater, she moved into short films and commercials before landing her groundbreaking role in The Handmaiden. The erotic psychological thriller not only brought her national fame but also international acclaim, earning her several “Best New Actress” awards.
She continued to impress critics and fans alike with her performances in 1987: When the Day Comes (2017), a historical drama about South Korea’s pro-democracy movement, and Little Forest (2018), where her portrayal of a woman reconnecting with rural life showcased her subtle yet powerful acting skills.
Her transition to television was equally successful. In Mr. Sunshine (2018), a massive hit drama set during the early 20th century, she starred opposite Lee Byung-hun, captivating audiences with her portrayal of an aristocratic rebel. More recently, she gained widespread popularity among younger audiences for her role as a passionate high school student aspiring to study physics in the Netflix hit Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022).
Kim Tae-ri is celebrated not only for her talent but also for her intelligence, humility, and unconventional career choices. She continues to choose roles that challenge societal norms, elevate women’s stories, and stretch her acting boundaries—making her one of the most respected figures in the Korean entertainment industry today.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Kim Tae-ri |
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 35 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1990 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A (Believed to be non-religious) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Taurus |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 166 cm (5’5”) |
| Weight | 47 kg |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-34 |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Black |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Parents | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Father’s name | Not Known |
| Mother’s name | Not Known |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Youngshin Girls’ High School, Seoul |
| College/ University | Kyung Hee University (Journalism & Communication) |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Journalism & Communication |
Controversies
Kim Tae-ri has managed to steer clear of major controversies, maintaining a relatively private and scandal-free image throughout her career. Her bold role in The Handmaiden sparked some conservative backlash due to its explicit content, but it was largely overshadowed by the film’s critical acclaim and artistic merit.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Korean traditional food, noodles |
| Favorite Movie | In the Mood for Love |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Jeon Do-yeon |
| Favorite Color | Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Unknown |
| Favorite Destination | Japan |
| Favorite Cafe | Independent/local coffee shops |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Comfortable minimalist brands |
| Favorite Book | Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | N/A |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Estimated ₩100 million per project |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million (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
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Kim Tae-ri |
| N/A (not active) | |
| N/A | |
| @kimtaeri_official |
Personal quote:
“I want to become an actor who grows through every role, even if it means making mistakes along the way.”
Early Life and Career
Kim Tae-ri was born on April 24, 1990, in Seoul. Growing up, she wasn’t initially focused on acting. It wasn’t until her college years at Kyung Hee University, where she studied Journalism and Communication, that she discovered her passion for acting through stage performances. After graduation, she joined a theater company, performed in numerous stage productions, and worked part-time in broadcast media.
She transitioned to screen acting through commercials before getting cast in Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden (2016). Competing against 1,500 auditioners, she landed the role of Sook-hee, a cunning maid involved in a gripping con. The role catapulted her into the international spotlight and earned her accolades across the globe.
Her film career continued with standout performances in 1987: When the Day Comes and Little Forest, where she shined in understated, emotionally complex roles. With Mr. Sunshine (2018), she established her presence in television, followed by the youth-centered Twenty-Five Twenty-One, which became a cultural phenomenon across Asia.
Current Life/Events
In 2023, Kim Tae-ri starred in the sci-fi thriller Alienoid: Part 2, a follow-up to the 2022 hit film. She also made headlines for her role in the horror drama Revenant, where she played a woman possessed by an evil spirit—demonstrating once again her range and ability to carry complex, layered characters.
She continues to be a style icon and brand ambassador for top fashion houses, including Prada and Miu Miu. While she remains selective about her projects, her fans eagerly anticipate her next transformation on screen.
Facts:
Here are some interesting lesser-known facts about Kim Tae-ri:
- She was selected for The Handmaiden out of 1,500 auditionees despite being relatively unknown at the time.
- Before acting, she worked part-time at news stations, selling snacks and managing cameras.
- She was active in her university’s theater club and credits that experience for shaping her acting fundamentals.
- Kim is a huge fan of anime and Studio Ghibli films.
- She prefers handwritten letters over digital messages and often writes in a diary.
- Despite being a public figure, she maintains an extremely low profile on social media.
- She once turned down a major idol drama because she didn’t feel ready for a rom-com at that time.
- Kim Tae-ri is known for rejecting multiple commercial offers to maintain her authenticity.
- She does not come from a celebrity background and built her career entirely through talent and perseverance.
- She loves cats and has one named “Mandakko,” which occasionally appears in her interviews.
