Ryu Kyung-soo is one of South Korea’s most compelling emerging actors, best known for his diverse roles across film, television, and streaming platforms. With a background in theater and a raw, versatile screen presence, he has gradually carved out a name for himself in an industry saturated with talent. From action-packed dramas like Hellbound to romantic comedies and dark thrillers, Ryu Kyung-soo is redefining what it means to be a character actor in the Korean entertainment scene.
Born on October 12, 1992, Ryu first began his acting journey in small theater productions before breaking into television and film. He gained significant attention for his supporting role in Itaewon Class (2020), where he portrayed Choi Seung-kwon, a former gangster trying to rebuild his life. His performance brought depth and vulnerability to a seemingly rough character, earning him both critical praise and a growing fanbase.
He followed up with a standout role in Netflix’s Hellbound (2021), a globally popular dark fantasy series that showcased his range in a more intense, philosophical setting. Continuing to challenge himself, Ryu has worked with notable directors like Yeon Sang-ho and participated in diverse projects, including the political thriller The Mayor, the psychological drama Lovestruck in the City, and the sci-fi series Moving.
What makes Ryu Kyung-soo particularly intriguing is his dedication to his craft. He often disappears into his roles, transforming completely—from mannerisms to dialects—adding authenticity to each performance. Though he often plays supporting characters, his ability to steal scenes has not gone unnoticed. Off-screen, Ryu maintains a low profile and values privacy, which adds to his mystique and appeal among fans who admire his focus and humility.
With several ambitious projects lined up, including international collaborations and films, Ryu is undoubtedly one of the Korean actors to watch in the next wave of Hallyu stars.
Personal Life
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Ryu Kyung-soo |
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor |
| Birthplace | South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 33 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1992 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Libra |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 180 cm (5’11”) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 68 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Known |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Parents | Not Publicly Known |
| Father’s name | Not Known |
| Mother’s name | Not Known |
| Brother’s name | Not Known |
| Sister’s name | Not Known |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Dating | Reportedly single (as of 2025) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband/Wife | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Local High School in Seoul |
| College/ University | Korea National University of Arts |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Theater and Acting |
Controversies
Ryu Kyung-soo has largely maintained a clean public image throughout his career. He avoids controversy and is known for his professional demeanor. As of 2025, there are no notable public controversies associated with him.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Spicy Tteokbokki |
| Favorite Movie | Oldboy by Park Chan-wook |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Jeon Do-yeon |
| Favorite Color | Black |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Jeju Island |
| Favorite Cafe | Independent hidden cafes in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | N/A |
| Favorite Book | Demian by Hermann Hesse |
| Favorite Athlete | Son Heung-min |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | Estimated ₩50-70 million KRW per project |
| Net Worth | Approx. $1.5 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Known |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Known |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Ryu Kyung-soo |
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @ryuks1012 |
Personal Quote:
“I try to live life with the same honesty I bring to my characters.”
Early Life and Career:
Born in 1992 in Seoul, Ryu Kyung-soo developed an early interest in performing arts and storytelling. He pursued this passion academically at the Korea National University of Arts, one of the most prestigious acting schools in South Korea. His early career involved intense training in theater, which later shaped his immersive screen performances.
Ryu’s breakout came with his role in Itaewon Class (2020), where he impressed audiences with his nuanced portrayal of a former convict attempting to find purpose. From there, his star continued to rise, with appearances in Netflix’s Hellbound and JTBC’s Lovestruck in the City. He often plays morally complex characters, which has made him a favorite among directors looking for serious, transformative actors.
Not one to shy away from risk, Ryu has chosen roles that challenge societal norms and provoke deep thought, setting himself apart in the saturated world of Korean entertainment.
Current Life/Events:
As of 2025, Ryu Kyung-soo is working on a number of new projects, including a thriller film under director Kim Jee-woon and a Netflix original sci-fi series that’s set for global release in 2026. He continues to remain selective about his roles, often prioritizing the script and director over commercial viability.
With fans both domestically and internationally, Ryu is slowly becoming a household name beyond Korea, helped by the global success of Korean dramas and Netflix originals.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Ryu Kyung-soo
- Ryu originally trained in stage performance and acted in several experimental theater plays before entering film and television.
- He is fluent in both Korean and conversational English.
- Despite his tough screen presence, he has a reputation for being extremely shy and soft-spoken off-camera.
- He once prepared for a role by living alone in a countryside cabin for two months to understand isolation.
- He prefers reading philosophy and psychology books over watching mainstream TV.
- Ryu is very private and doesn’t frequently attend celebrity events or variety shows.
- He loves animals and has adopted two rescue cats.
- He learned boxing and martial arts to prepare for action roles in Hellbound and other projects.
- He admires old-school Korean cinema and hopes to direct his own film someday.
- His Instagram, though sparse, features artistic and nature-focused photography rather than selfies or promotional content.
