Kim Sung-kyun

Kim Sung-kyun (Korean: 김성균; born May 25, 1980) is a South Korean character actor. He began his career in theater in 2003, remaining active as a theater actor in Daehangno (akin to Off-Broadway) from 2004 to 2012. In 2012, he transitioned to film, making his Chungmuro debut in a series of formidable villain roles. These included a gangster in Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time, a serial killer in The Neighbor, a National Intelligence Service agent in Secretly, Greatly, and a knifeman in Hwayi: A Monster Boy. He ventured into television with supporting roles in Reply 1994 (2013), Reply 1988 (2015–2016), and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016),^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6] as well as leading roles in series D.P. (2021–2023) and Divorce Attorney Shin (2023).

BornMay 25, 1980 (age 46)

Daegu, South Korea

OccupationActor

Yearsactive2003 to present

AgentUL Entertainment

Quick facts Born, Occupation ...

Kim Sung-kyun
Kim in July 2015
Born	(1980-05-25) May 25, 1980 (age 46) Daegu, South Korea
Occupation	Actor
Years active	2003 to present
Agent	UL Entertainment
Spouse	Kim Hye Jung
Children	3

Korean name
Hangul	김성균
Hanja	金成均
RR	Gim Seonggyun
MR	Kim Sŏnggyun

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Career

Kim Sung-kyun was born on May 25, 1980 and spent his childhood in Daegu.^[7] He debuted in the 2003 play Romeo and Juliet.^[8] His acting career truly commenced in Daehangno after he moved to Seoul in 2004, where he dedicated a decade to theater, starring in productions like Liar, Room Number 13, and I Miss You.^[9] He attended Gaya University's Department of Theater and Film for two years before dropping out and marrying in 2010.^[10]

Kim made his film debut in 2012 with Yoon Jong-bin's gangster film starring Choi Min-sik and Ha Jung-woo.^[11] He appeared as Park Chang-woo, the right-hand man of Ha Jung-woo's character. His performance garnered praise from the lead actors, leading him to be dubbed a "Chungmuro blue chip." He received nominations for Best New Actor at seven awards ceremonies, winning three: at the Baeksang Arts Awards, the Buil Film Awards, and the Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards.^[12]^[13]

His second film, the thriller The Neighbor, centers on a serial killer residing in the same apartment building as his victims, one of whom is a murdered girl, and the neighbors who become aware of his presence. In the film, Kim portrays Seung-hyeok, a deep-sea fishing boat crew member and the serial killer.^[14] His portrayal earned him the Best New Actor award from the Busan Film Critics Awards in 2012, as well as the Grand Bell Awards and the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards in the same year.

In 2013, Kim successfully broadened his scope to television, taking on a comedic role in tvN's Reply 1994. This unexpected comedic turn, marked by his innocent expressions and dialect acting, garnered him significant popularity and the nickname 'Pobely' (Samcheonpo + Lovely).^[9]

In 2025, Kim starred in Netflix's crime thriller television series Karma directed by Lee Il-hyung.^[15] It is based on the Kakao webtoon of the same name by Choi Hee-seon, about people who are unexpectedly entangled and destroy each other while pursuing their own desires.^[16]^[17]

Personal life

Kim met his wife as college classmate and later married her in 2010.^[11] They have two sons and one daughter. He enjoys carpentry, having built a handmade swing for each child.^[18]