Who is Kim Woo-bin?
Kim Woo-bin, born Kim Hyun-joong in 1989, is a South Korean actor and former runway model who has become one of the most prominent faces of modern K-dramas and Korean cinema.[1][2] He first gained widespread recognition through television series such as School 2013 and The Heirs, where his charismatic presence and distinctive look resonated with audiences across Asia and beyond.[1][2]
Beginning his career on the runway in 2008, he transitioned to acting with projects like White Christmas and A Gentleman’s Dignity, quickly proving he could carry more than just a visual image.[1][2] These early performances showcased a mix of toughness and vulnerability that would define many of his later roles in both television and film.[1]
Career Comeback and Recent Projects
Kim’s trajectory was dramatically altered in 2017 when he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, forcing the suspension of film projects and a halt to all public activities while he underwent treatment.[1][4] His agency later confirmed that he completed treatment, and his eventual return was viewed as a key test of how the industry supports actors facing serious health crises.[4]
From 2020 onward, he carefully rebuilt his career with high-profile works, including the sci‑fi film Alienoid and ensemble drama Our Blues, signaling a successful reentry into the spotlight.[1][3] He further expanded his international footprint with streaming-oriented projects such as the dystopian series Black Knight, which reached global audiences and reaffirmed his bankability in big-concept, genre-driven storytelling.[1][2]
Marriage to Shin Min-ah and Cultural Impact
Public interest in Kim Woo-bin increasingly centers on his relationship with actress Shin Min-ah, which reportedly began after a joint commercial shoot and was confirmed as a real-life romance in 2015.[3] The couple stayed together through his cancer diagnosis and treatment, leading many fans and commentators to view their partnership as a rare example of long-term stability in Korean entertainment.[3][4]
In 2025, the pair crowned their decade-long relationship with marriage, an event widely covered as one of the standout celebrity weddings of the year in K-entertainment.[3] Their story of enduring love through illness and fame has amplified Kim Woo-bin’s image not only as a star actor but also as a symbol of resilience and commitment, influencing how audiences connect with his on-screen work and personal narrative alike.[3][4]