Kim Soo Hyun has been included in Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity 40 list for three years. He has delivered some of the best movies and TV shows in the last few years. So Capsaq is dedicated to providing detailed information on the journey of the highest-paid Korean actor Kim. The actor was honored with his wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and Musee Grevin, Seoul in 2015.
In this article, we are going to unveil his actor journey. So let’s start with the most iconic Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun and his career in the Korean Drama industry. Join us as we uncover the story behind his legendary actor’s lifestyle.
Early Life
Kim was born on February 16, 1988. Hyun’s father was the lead singer of the 80’s band Seven Dolphins. Kim’s mother encouraged him to take acting classes during his school years. She helps him overcome his shy and introverted personality.
Kim began his mandatory military service in South Korea on 23 October 2017. He was assigned to a military camp in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, where he further received a self-deployment to the First Reconnaissance Battalion. Kim later enjoyed an early promotion as a Sergeant for his exceptional conduct in the military. Kim Soo Hyun was discharged on 1st July 2019.
Career
Television Career Beginnings
Kim made his television debut with a supporting role in 2007. In 2008, landed a role in KBS’s critically acclaimed youth drama “ Jungle Fish” based on a true story. The drama won several awards, including the US Peabody Award.
In 2009, Kim Soo Hyun acted in the short film Worst Friends, which won the Best Film in Social Drama Award at the Mise-en-scene Short Film Festival. He also co-hoasted Mnet’s Boys and Girls Music Countdown along with Kara’s Han Seung-Yeon in 2009.
In January 2010, Keyeast signed an exclusive contract with Kim becoming his management company.
Rising Popularity
Kim became a household name in 2011 after starring in the teen musical drama Dream High. The drama brought in high domestic ratings and won several international awards. He also won the Best Actor award at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards. Kim Soo Hyun set a new record in product endorsements by being the face of 17 products simultaneously.
Kim made his big-screen debut. The star-studded heist film The Thieves is touted by the press as the Korean version of Ocean’s Eleven. The film became the second-highest-grossing movie in Korean Film history.
In 2013, he was cast to play the role of a North Korean spy. He infiltrated South Korea as a village idiot in the movie Secretly, Greatly an adaption of the popular Webtoon series Covertness by Hun. The film broke several records and was one of the most successful box office hits of the year. This film drew an audience of 7 million.
International Popularity
In 2014, Kim started at SBS fantasy romance series My Love From the Star alongside Jun Ji-hyun. He also released singles for the drama’s soundtrack. This soundtrack became massively popular across Asia, especially in China.
In 2015, Kim starred in the KBS variety dramas. This variety of drama drew solid domestic domestic ratings. Kim was also sold to several countries internationally. Kim Soo Hyun became one of the South Korean favourite faces on TV according to the Korean Broadcast Advertising Corporation.
In the following year, he was listed under Forbes’s “30 under 30 Asia List” which comprises 30 influential people under 30 years of age. All of these people have made substantial effects in their fields.
Kim starred in the action noir film Real, Which premiered in June 2017. The film tanked at the box office and received negative reviews from critics for its direction, storyline, characters, and information, saying that only Kim saved the movie with his acting to some extent.
Comeback From Military
In 2019, reports surfaced that Kim would be leaving KeyEast to form a new agency with his cousin. The very next year, Kim Soo Hyun signed with the newly formed entertainment agency Gold Medalist.
In 2020, Kim took on the role of Moon Gang-tae, an orphaned psychiatric aide in the TVN broadcast romantic comedy “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”. The series was Kim’s first small-screen appearance in a lead role after a five-year gap.
In 2021, Kim Soo Hyun starred in Coupang Play’s television series “One Ordinary Day”, based on the British television series Criminal Justice. He played the role of a normal college student whose life turns upside down when he unexpectedly becomes the key suspect in the murder case.
In 2021, the Gold Medalist announced that it would produce and promote the actor Kim Soo Hyun digital human together with EVR studio. Studio Dragon confirmed Kim’s participation in the television series Queen of Tears, which was released on March 9, 2024. Kim also recorded the song “Way Home” for the soundtrack of the series. It was the first time in 10 years since he had participated in a series soundtrack.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Net Worth
According to multiple media outlets, Kim Soo Hyun has an estimated net worth of around USD 117 million as of 2024. While it is difficult to quote an exact figure, it goes without saying that Kim, who has had multiple leading roles in his credit earns quite handsomely from his acting projects, advertisements, social media, and brand endorsements.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Real Estate
One of the richest Korean actors, Kim Soo Hyun is known for spending most of his wealth on prime real estate investments.
According to multiple K-media sources, Kim acquired a 297.09-square-metre Galleria Foret Property in Seonsu-dong for USD 3.5 million in October 2013. Kim bought another luxury residence for around USD 2.6 million in 2014. Kim’s real estate assets are currently estimated to be priced at about USD 25.4 million.
Philanthropy
Kim Soo Hyun and his fans have donated a total of 20 tons of rice every year to help those in need. In 2014, during his tour of Asia, Kim donated about $200 million to China
Children and teenagers fund from a Gucci Charity Event. He also joined the Yellow Ribbon Campaign and donated $300 million 6to help the teenage victims of the Sewol ferry tragedy.
In 2017, Kim along with 32 top stars of South Korea joined an online fundraising event.
In 2020, Kim delivered $100 million in donations to support low-income families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Filmography
1. Film
| Year | Title |
| 2008 | Cherry Blossom |
| 2009 | Worst Friends |
| 2012 | The Thieves |
| 2013 | Secretly, Greatly |
| 2014 | Miss Granny |
| 2017 | Real |
2. Television series
| Year | Title |
| 2007 | Kimchi Cheese Smile |
| 2008 | Jungle Fish |
| 2009 | Seven Years of Love, Father’s House |
| 2010 | Giant |
| 2011 | Dream High |
| 2012 | Moon Embracing the Sun, Dream High 2 |
| 2013-2014 | My Love From the Star |
| 2015 | The Producers |
| 2019 | Hotel Del Luna |
| 2019-2020 | Crash Landing on You |
| 2020 | It’s okay to not be okay |
| 2024 | Queen of Tears |
3. Web series
| Year | Title |
| 2021 | One Ordinary Day |
4. Hosting
| Year | Title |
| 2008 | The Taste of Life |
| 2009 | Boys and Girls Music Countdown |
5. Music Videos
| Year | Title |
| 2017 | Ending Scene |
Conclusion
Kim Soo Hyun’s journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. With each role, he continues to push his boundaries and deliver unforgettable performances. We look forward to his future projects, there is no doubt that Kim Soo Hyun will continue to shine as one of South Korea’s brightest stars.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)-
Yes, according to multiple media outlets, Kim Soo Hyun is South Korea’s richest actor, as of 2024.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Net Worth is around USD 117 million
Kim Soo Hyun is 36 years old.
Kim has a paternal half-sister named Kim Ju-na.
As for his relationship status, Kim Soo Hyun is currently single.