Biography of Jang Ki-yong
In 2018, Jang Ki-yong landed his breakthrough role as the lead in the drama series, ‘Come and Hug Me’. He has also appeared in several films, including ‘Bad Guys: The Movie’ and ‘Sweet and Sour’.
Jang Ki-yong is known for his charming and versatile acting skills, and he has gained huge fans both internationally and in South Korea. He then transitioned to acting, and he made his debut in the 2014 drama series, ‘It’s Okay, That’s Love’. He has won several awards for his work, including the ‘Best New Actor’ award at the 2018 KBS Drama Awards for his role in ‘Come and Hug Me’.
Early Life and Education
Ki-yong moved to Seoul to pursue his dream. He enrolled in the musical acting programme at Seoul’s Yong In University after passing the college entrance exam. He attempted to join the South Korean modelling agency YGKPlus but was turned down. Later, Jang was signed as their new recruit.
Ki-yong made his modelling debut at the age 20 in the 2012 S/S General Idea Collection Show at Seoul Fashion Week. Modelling sculpted Jang’s personality to a great extent, and his fashion credits include ‘Kolon’, ‘Caruso’, ‘Loriet’, and ‘Unbounded Avenue’. The Korean Model Association also chose him as one of twelve potential rookie models. His public profile gained prominence through his presence in songs like ‘The Red Shoes’ and ‘Friday’. In January 2014, he won the Fashion Model Award at the 2014 Asian Model Award presentation.
After winning a modelling competition, Jang Ki-yong began his career as a fashion model in 2012. He then made his acting debut in 2014 with a minor role in the drama, ‘It’s Okay, That’s Love’. Jang played the role of Sam, and the main focus of the drama is mental health. The series is a psychological romance comedy directed by Kim Kyu-tae. Jang auditioned for the lead role in ‘The Greatest Marriage’ and was selected as the right person for the role. ‘The Greatest Marriage’ is a romance comedy written by Go Yoon-hee, and Jang played the character named Bae Deu-ro. The series is an adaptation of the novel with the same title by Jung Yi-joon.
Jang Ki-yong was the supporting cast in ‘Schoolgirl Detective’, a novel adapted series of the same title written by Shin Kwang-ho. Ki-yong played the character of Chae-yool’s older brother. He is popularly known for his minor roles in television series like ‘This is My Love’ (2015), ‘Beautiful Mind’ (2016) and ‘The Liar and His Lover’ (2017). He has also featured in web dramas like ‘We Broke Up’, a 2015 romance drama written by Jeon Seon-yeong. The series revolves around the story of two youngsters who broke up but still have to live together.
He has also featured in the fantasy romance series ‘Love for a Thousand More’ in 2016. The series was produced by YG Entertainment, CJ E&M, YGK Plus and starring actors include Kang Seung-yoon and Hwang Seung-eon. Jang was one of the members of the cast in ‘Tribe of Hip Hop’. As a contestant of the Tribe of Hip Hop, Jang gained popularity for his performance on ‘Doom Dada’ by T.O.P by Big Bang.
Ki-yong’s major milestone was the supporting role in the romance comedy drama ‘Confession Couple’ in 2017. With the rise in popularity and fame, he was approached for various offers in advertisements and acting offers. In 2018, he appeared in the drama ‘My Mister’ directed by Kim Won-seok. He rose to prominence through the cast in ‘My Mister’ and won the Best Actor award at the 6th APAN Star Awards.
Ki-yong’s first central lead role was in the melodrama mystery thriller ‘Come and Hug Me’ in 2018. Jang starred with actors Jin Ki-joo and Huh Joon-ho. The drama was known for its cinematography, acting storyline and the serial killer being the centre of attraction. He won the best actor award for his character Chae Do-jin. In 2019, he was featured in the series ‘Touch Your Heart’ in a cameo appearance. He starred in ‘Kill It’ (2019) and in the romance drama ‘Search: WWW’. He made his film debut through the crime action film ‘Bad Guys’ in 2019.
He appeared in the mystery melodrama ‘Born Again’ in 2020 directed by Jin Hyung-wook. In 2021, Jang Ki-yong starred in the romantic comedy ‘Sweet & Sour’ by Lee Gae-byok. The plot line revolves around the ups and downs of the hardships in relationships.
Ki-yong was featured as Shin Woo-yeo, a 999-year-old Gumiho who wants to become a human in the ‘My Roommate Is a Gumiho’ in 2021. Before his military enlistment, Jang appeared in the pre-filmed television series ‘Now, We Are Breaking Up’. His first musical performance was in 2022, for the Korean Republic’s musical Blue Helmet: Meissa’s Song.
Achievements
-
Rising Star Award at the 2017 MBC Drama Awards for his role in ‘Go Back Couple’.
-
Best New Actor Award at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards for his role in ‘Come and Hug Me’.
-
Nomination for Best New Actor in a TV Series at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in ‘Go Back Couple’.
-
Nomination for Excellence Award, Actor in a Wednesday-Thursday Drama at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards for his role in ‘Kill It’.
-
Main cast member in the popular TV series ‘My Roommate Is a Gumiho’ and ‘Born Again’.
-
Model for major fashion brands such as ‘Calvin Klein’, ‘Levi’s’, and ‘Zara’.
-
Philanthropic Activities: He has been involved in various charitable activities and has used his platform to raise awareness for important causes. In 2019, Jang Ki-yong participated in a charity bazaar hosted by the Korean Committee for UNICEF, where he sold items donated by fans to raise funds for children in need. He has also used his social media platforms to share information about various social issues and encourage his followers to get involved in charitable activities. Jang Ki-yong has expressed an interest in using his acting career to explore important social issues and promote meaningful messages. Jang Ki-yong’s talent and hard work have earned him recognition both domestically and internationally. His fans continue to support him and eagerly anticipate his future projects.
-
Endorsements: Ki-yong has been a popular choice for endorsements in Korea due to his good looks and popularity as an actor and model. He has worked with various brands over the years, including: ‘Polo Ralph Lauren’, ‘Calvin Klein’, ‘GUESS’, ‘Levi’s’, ‘Burberry’, ‘Tissot’. In addition to fashion and watch brands, Ki-yong has also endorsed beauty and skincare brands such as ‘Biotherm Homme’, ‘Laneige’, and ‘Innisfree’. He has also appeared in commercials and print ads for food and beverage companies such as Lotte Chilsung and Binggrae. Jang Ki-yong’s status as a rising star and his handsome looks make him an attractive choice for brands seeking to reach a young, stylish audience. As he continues to gain popularity both in Korea and internationally, it is likely that he will continue to be a sought-after endorser for various companies.
Military Life
Personal Life
Jang Ki-yong is known to keep his personal life private, and there is limited information available about his personal relationships. However, it has been reported that he was in a relationship with fellow actress Lee Ye-na, who appeared in the drama series ‘My Mister’ with him. The two were rumoured to have been dating since they worked together in a web drama called ‘We Are Peaceful Brothers’ in 2017, but they never confirmed their relationship publicly.
As of 2023, there has been no official announcement or confirmation from Jang Ki-yong regarding his relationship status, so it is unclear if he is currently dating anyone. He has stated in interviews that he prefers to keep his personal life private and does not want it to interfere with his career.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Ki-yong is known to keep his personal life private, and there is limited information available about his approximate net worth.
There is no public information available regarding Jang Ki-yong’s lifestyle or personal spending habits. As a successful actor and model, he likely has a comfortable lifestyle, but he has also expressed a desire to remain humble and grounded despite his fame.
In interviews, Jang Ki-yong has stated that he prefers to focus on his work and improve his craft as an actor, rather than chasing after material wealth or fame. He has also spoken about the importance of self-care and taking time for himself, such as enjoying hobbies and spending time with loved ones.
Overall, Ki-yong appears to be a hardworking and dedicated actor who prioritizes his career and personal growth. While he may enjoy certain luxuries as a successful public figure, he seems to value simplicity and groundedness in his personal life.
Awards
- MBC Drama Awards (2017)
Rising Star Award (“Go Back Couple”) (2017)
- MBC Drama Awards (2018)
Best New Actor Award (“Come and Hug Me”) (2018)
- SBS Drama Awards (2018)
Style Icon Award (2018)
- SBS Drama Awards (2018)
New Star Award (“Come and Hug Me”) (2018)
- MBC Drama Awards (2020)
Top Excellence Award (“The Tale of Nokdu”) (2020)
Interesting Facts about Jang Ki-yong
-
Ki-yong initially worked as a model.
-
Jang Ki-yong’s breakthrough role was in the drama series ‘Come and Hug Me’.
-
Ki-yong started his career as a fashion model in 2012.
-
Model for major fashion brands such as Calvin Klein, Levi’s, and Zara.
-
Ki-yong’s public profile gained prominence through his presence in songs like The Red Shoes and Friday.
FAQs
- How old is Jang Ki-yong?
As of 2023, Jang Ki-yong is 31 years old. - Is Jang Ki-yong married?
As of now, he is not married. - How tall is Jang Ki-yong?
1.87m tall. - When did Jang Ki-yong get military enlisted?
The actor enlisted in the military back on August 23rd, 2021. - What is Jang Ki-yong’s Instagram handle?
‘@juanxkui‘ is the Instagram handle of Jang Ki-yong.
