Ryu Jun-yeol is a celebrated South Korean actor and activist who rose to fame with his breakthrough role in the cult-favorite TV drama Reply 1988. Known for his grounded performances, unique charm, and socially conscious lifestyle, Ryu has built a diverse career spanning critically acclaimed films, dramas, and humanitarian work. Born on September 25, 1986, in Suwon, South Korea, Ryu initially pursued photography and film before transitioning to acting—a decision that would soon place him among South Korea’s most respected actors.
His role as the lovable and brooding Kim Jung-hwan in Reply 1988 (2015–2016) won hearts across Asia and earned him legions of fans. What followed was a series of stellar performances in award-winning films like The King, A Taxi Driver, Little Forest, and Money. He is particularly admired for his deep character work and his choice of socially relevant projects. Apart from acting, Ryu is also known for his work as an environmentalist, consistently speaking out on climate change and actively participating in sustainability movements.
Not just a heartthrob but a thoughtful artist, Ryu Jun-yeol continues to be one of Korea’s most compelling and principled figures in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Ryu Jun-yeol |
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor, Activist |
| Birthplace | Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | September 25, 1986 |
| Hometown | Suwon, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A (Non-religious/Publicly secular) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Libra |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 183 cm (6’0”) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 70 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Public |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not Public |
| Mother’s name | Not Public |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Dating | Hyeri (Girl’s Day) – broke up in 2023 |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Local schools in Suwon |
| College/ University | University of Suwon |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Film (Theater and Film Studies) |
Controversies
Ryu Jun-yeol has maintained a largely controversy-free image throughout his career. However, in 2023, his breakup with long-time girlfriend Hyeri from Girl’s Day sparked widespread speculation and media attention, especially due to rumors of him dating his The Night Owl co-star Chun Woo-hee shortly after. Though neither confirmed the rumors, the timing led to a social media stir among fans.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Vegan dishes |
| Favorite Movie | Parasite, In the Mood for Love |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Juliette Binoche |
| Favorite Color | Earth tones |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Iceland, Africa |
| Favorite Cafe | Local independent cafes in Seoul |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand | Patagonia, sustainable brands |
| Favorite Book | Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | N/A |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Not Public |
| Net Worth | Approx. $5–7 million |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not Public |
| Phone Number | Not Public |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Platform | Information |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Ryu Jun-yeol |
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @ryusdb |
Personal Quote:
“I believe in acting not just to entertain, but to understand people and the world a little better.”
Early Life and Career
Ryu Jun-yeol was born in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, and raised in a modest household. Before he ventured into the entertainment industry, he majored in film studies at the University of Suwon. He worked various part-time jobs—including at a restaurant and as an extra on sets—before gaining traction in the indie film circuit.
His big break came in 2015 when he was cast as Kim Jung-hwan in the beloved drama Reply 1988. His portrayal of the sarcastic, secretly sensitive character captured public attention, propelling him to overnight stardom. Unlike many breakout stars, Ryu leaned toward art-house and narrative-rich films, starring in socially charged and character-driven works like A Taxi Driver, The Battle: Roar to Victory, and Little Forest.
He’s also an active supporter of climate awareness campaigns and often travels with environmental NGOs, even voluntarily limiting his carbon footprint by reducing flights and promoting plant-based diets.
Current Life/Events
As of 2025, Ryu Jun-yeol continues to push creative boundaries. His 2023 film The Night Owl earned critical acclaim and box office success, further cementing his place as a versatile actor. He’s rumored to be preparing for a new historical drama and is reportedly developing an independent documentary on environmental issues in East Asia. Off-screen, Ryu remains an ambassador for Greenpeace and is known for promoting eco-conscious lifestyles among fans.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Ryu Jun-yeol
- He auditioned for Reply 1988 without an agent and nearly missed the callback.
- Ryu is a passionate photographer and has held exhibitions of his travel photos.
- He’s a vegetarian and actively supports plant-based movements.
- He has traveled to Kenya, Iceland, and Antarctica with environmental organizations.
- He once said he would have become a documentary filmmaker if acting hadn’t worked out.
- Despite being a major star, he rarely appears on variety shows or commercials.
- He doesn’t own a car and prefers public transport or walking.
- His Instagram is a mix of film stills, travel photography, and environmental messages.
- He’s a fan of jazz music and often attends live gigs in Seoul.
- Ryu participated in the Seoul Marathon several times for charity causes.
