Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kim Soo-hyun

Discover the career path of Kim Soo-hyun, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Kim Soo-hyun is a highly acclaimed and one of the highest-paid South Korean actors. He has won several awards, including five Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and one Blue Dragon Film Award. His recognition extends beyond awards, as he's been featured in Forbes' Power Celebrity 40 and 30 Under 30 Asia lists, and was selected as Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in South Korean entertainment.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: Debut as a TV Actor

In 2007, Kim Soo-hyun debuted as a TV actor after auditions.

2007: Television Debut

In 2007, Kim Soo-hyun made his television debut in the family sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile.

2007: Supporting Role in Kimchi Cheese Smile

In 2007, Kim Soo-hyun made his television debut with a supporting role in the family sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile.

2008: Lead Role in Jungle Fish

In 2008, Kim Soo-hyun landed a lead role in KBS's critically acclaimed youth drama, Jungle Fish.

2009: Acting in Worst Friends and Father's House

In 2009, Kim Soo-hyun acted in the short film Worst Friends and the SBS drama special Father's House. He also co-hosted Mnet's Boys & Girls Music Countdown.

2009: Emergence in Advertising Industry

Kim Soo-hyun started emerging as a blue chip in the advertising industry soon after he grabbed viewer's attention through his acting in Giant.

January 2010: Signed with KeyEast

In January 2010, Kim Soo-hyun signed an exclusive contract with KeyEast becoming his management company.

2011: Starring in Dream High

In 2011, Kim Soo-hyun became a household name after starring in the high school musical drama Dream High.

2012: Starring in Moon Embracing the Sun and The Thieves

In 2012, Kim Soo-hyun starred in the television drama Moon Embracing the Sun and the film The Thieves, solidifying his status. His role in "Moon Embracing the Sun" won him the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor – Television.

2012: Annual Rice Donations to Charity

Since 2012, Kim Soo-hyun and his fans have donated a total of 20 tons of rice every year to charity.

2013: Success with My Love from the Star

In 2013, Kim Soo-hyun began gaining further success with the fantasy series My Love from the Star.

2013: Starring in Secretly, Greatly

In 2013, Kim Soo-hyun starred in the top-grossing film Secretly, Greatly, further boosting his popularity.

February 2014: Popularity of My Love from the Star

By February 2014, My Love from the Star had over 14.5 billion hits on the online video platform iQIYI and sparked trends in fashion, make-up and restaurants.

April 2014: Donations to Charity and Sewol Ferry Victims

In April 2014, Kim Soo-hyun donated about ₩200 million to the China Children & Teenager's Fund and ₩300 million to help the teenage victims of the Sewol ferry tragedy.

2015: Starring in The Producers and Winning Awards

In 2015, Kim Soo-hyun starred in KBS variety drama The Producers, which drew solid ratings. He also won the Daesang at the 8th Korea Drama Awards, 4th APAN Star Awards and the 2015 KBS Drama Awards for his performance.

2015: Starring in The Producers

In 2015, Kim Soo-hyun starred in the variety drama The Producers, which earned him three Daesang (Grand Prize) awards.

January 2017: Participation in Online Fundraising Event

In January 2017, Kim Soo-hyun joined an online fund raising event, Give Love, to help NGOs dedicated to protecting children's rights.

June 2017: Premiere of Real

In June 2017, Kim Soo-hyun starred in the action-noir film Real, which premiered. The film received negative reviews and underperformed at the box office.

October 23, 2017: Enlistment in Mandatory Military Service

On October 23, 2017, Kim Soo-hyun began his mandatory military service, entering a military camp in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, for basic training after voluntarily undergoing re-examinations to serve in active combat duty.

July 1, 2019: Discharge from Military Service

On July 1, 2019, Kim Soo-hyun was discharged from his military service.

December 2019: Reports of Leaving KeyEast

In December 2019, reports surfaced that Kim Soo-hyun would be leaving KeyEast to form a new agency with his cousin.

January 2020: Signed with Gold Medalist

In January 2020, Kim Soo-hyun signed with newly formed entertainment agency Gold Medalist.

February 2020: Donation for COVID-19 Relief

In February 2020, Kim Soo-hyun donated ₩100 million to support low income families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Return to Acting

In 2020, Kim Soo-hyun marked his return to acting with the romantic comedy It's Okay to Not Be Okay.

2020: Starring in It's Okay to Not Be Okay

In 2020, Kim Soo-hyun starred in the tvN romantic comedy It's Okay to Not Be Okay. He won the Daesang at the 5th Asia Artist Awards for his role.

2020: Highest-Paid Actor

In 2020, Kim Soo-hyun was recognized as one of the highest-paid actors in South Korea.

July 2021: Product Endorser for Bench

In July 2021, Kim Soo-hyun joined the Philippine retail brand Bench as a product endorser.

September 13, 2021: Global Ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger

On September 13, 2021, Kim Soo-hyun was selected as a global ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger.

December 21, 2021: Digital Human Production Announcement

On December 21, 2021, Gold Medalist announced it would produce and promote actor Kim Soo-hyun's digital human with EVR Studio.

2021: Starring in One Ordinary Day

In 2021, Kim Soo-hyun starred in One Ordinary Day.

2022: Product Endorser for Dunkin' Donuts

In 2022, Dunkin' Donuts revealed that Kim Soo-hyun is their newest product endorser.

2022: Confirmed Participation in Queen of Tears

In 2022, Studio Dragon confirmed Kim Soo-hyun's participation in the romantic comedy series Queen of Tears written by Park Ji-eun. He also recorded the song "Way Home" for the soundtrack of the series.