. His breakout came with a memorable role as a strict teacher in Friend (2001). Despite early hardships—losing savings in stock, living in a tiny gosiwon in Seoul, and facing audition rejections—he persevered, taking on various part‑time jobs (taxi driver, waiter, market vendor) before his acting career took off.</p>
<h5>Career highlights:</h5>
<p>Kim has built a diverse career as a respected supporting actor in both film and television. His dramatic debut in Friend set the stage for a long list of roles in acclaimed productions: Scent of a Woman (2011), I Can Hear Your Voice (2013), reality shows like I Live Alone since 2013 and Three Meals a Day in 2015. In historical drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016–17), he portrayed Pi Joo‑ki, the tea‑house and shop owner—adding depth to the series' ensemble. He continued with notable works like Lawless Lawyer, My Strange Hero, Diary of a Prosecutor, Business Proposal, and Our Blues. Known for his comic timing and mature presence, Kim has maintained steady popularity and versatility.</p>){kind=link}
Personal Details
Official Sites :
Born :
Height :
172 cm
Parents & Relatives :
Kim Kwang Gyu
Born in financially struggling circumstances in Busan, Kim supported his family from an early age, attending a vocational high school on scholarship. After high school, he served five years as a professional soldier in the South Korean army, earning multiple commendations. At around 30, he entered college—studying drama and Korean literature—where he met director Kwak Kyung‑taek, who cast him in his debut film Dr. K (1999). His breakout came with a memorable role as a strict teacher in Friend (2001). Despite early hardships—losing savings in stock, living in a tiny gosiwon in Seoul, and facing audition rejections—he persevered, taking on various part‑time jobs (taxi driver, waiter, market vendor) before his acting career took off.
Career highlights:
Kim has built a diverse career as a respected supporting actor in both film and television. His dramatic debut in Friend set the stage for a long list of roles in acclaimed productions: Scent of a Woman (2011), I Can Hear Your Voice (2013), reality shows like I Live Alone since 2013 and Three Meals a Day in 2015. In historical drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016–17), he portrayed Pi Joo‑ki, the tea‑house and shop owner—adding depth to the series' ensemble. He continued with notable works like Lawless Lawyer, My Strange Hero, Diary of a Prosecutor, Business Proposal, and Our Blues. Known for his comic timing and mature presence, Kim has maintained steady popularity and versatility.