From Fashion Runways to Leading Roles, South Korean Actor Jang Ki-yong Commands Attention

🧔 Who Is Jang Ki-yong?

Jang Ki-yong is a South Korean actor and model known for his compelling presence in both television and film. He first gained notice with a guest appearance in the series “It’s Okay, That’s Love” and later rose to prominence through leading roles in dramas such as “Come and Hug Me” and “Search: WWW.” His performances have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, marking him as one of the most prominent actors of his generation.

In addition to his acting, Jang is recognized for his successful modeling career, having won multiple awards for his style and runway work. His ability to balance both professions has distinguished him in the highly competitive South Korean entertainment industry.

📌 Quick Profile

• Full Name: Jang Ki-yong
• Hangul: 장기용
• Birth Date: 1992-08-07
• Age: 34 years 0 months 0 days
• Nationality: South Korea
• Zodiac Sign: Leo

🏡 Early Life & Background

Born on August 7, 1992, in Ulsan, South Korea, Jang Ki-yong was raised alongside his parents and older brother. From an early age, he developed an interest in fashion and photography, which influenced his eventual career path. During his high school years, a fashion show video featuring Lee Soo-hyuk inspired him to pursue modeling despite initial familial reservations.

Jang’s determination led him to move to Seoul after passing the college entrance exam, where he sought opportunities in modeling. His early experiences reflect a blend of ambition and adaptability as he navigated the challenges of entering the entertainment industry from a provincial background.

🫧 Education & Training

Jang Ki-yong completed his tertiary education at Seokyeong University, majoring in the Department of Modeling and Acting. This academic foundation provided him with formal training that bridged his interests in both modeling and performance arts.

Prior to this, he also briefly attended Yong In University in the musical acting department, which contributed to his understanding of stage presence and character portrayal. His educational path reflects a focused commitment to developing his craft across multiple disciplines within the entertainment field.

🎬 Career Beginnings

Jang Ki-yong began his professional career as a model at the age of 20, debuting in the 2012 Spring/Summer Seoul Fashion Week. Early on, he gained recognition for his runway work with brands like Kolon and Caruso and was selected as one of the promising rookie models by the Korea Model Association. His appearances in IU’s music videos “The Red Shoes” and “Friday” in 2013 expanded his visibility beyond the fashion world.

Transitioning into acting, Jang made a notable guest appearance in the 2014 drama “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” which earned attention despite his brief screen time. He secured supporting roles in various television series and web dramas, steadily building his acting portfolio. His first leading role came with the melodrama “Come and Hug Me” in 2018, a pivotal moment that solidified his status as a rising actor.

🌟 Notable Works & Iconic Roles

🎬 Acting Style & Public Image

Jang Ki-yong is known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from cold-hearted loan sharks to romantic leads, with a natural and nuanced approach. His performances often convey emotional depth while maintaining a charismatic screen presence, allowing him to connect deeply with audiences.

Publicly, Jang is regarded as a confident and stylish figure, seamlessly blending his modeling background with his acting career. He challenges stereotypes about models transitioning into acting and is admired for his dedication to his craft and his evolving versatility on screen.

🎞️ Drama & Movie List (Key Roles)

Year	Title	Role	Type
2025	Dynamite Kiss	Gong Ji-hyeok	TV Drama
2024	The Atypical Family	Bok Gwi-ju	TV Drama
2021	Sweet & Sour	Lee Jang-hyuk	Movie
2021	Hello, Me!	police officer	TV Drama
2021	Now, We Are Breaking Up	Yoon Jae-guk	TV Drama
2021	My Roommate Is a Gumiho	Shin Woo-yeo	TV Drama
2020	Born Again	Gong Ji Cheol [1980] / Chun Jong Bum [Present]	TV Drama
2019	The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos	Ko Yoo-sung	Movie
2019	Touch Your Heart	Top actor	TV Drama
2019	Kill It	Kim Soo-Hyun	TV Drama

🏆 Awards & Achievements

Jang Ki-yong has received numerous awards recognizing both his modeling and acting talents. Early in his career, he won the Fashion Model Award at the 2014 Asia Model Awards and was named Best Dressed Model at the 2015 Korea’s Best Dresser Swan Awards. His acting accolades include the Best New Actor award at the 2018 APAN Star Awards for “My Mister” and the Best New Actor – Television award at the 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards for “Come and Hug Me.”

He has also been honored with the Excellence Award at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards and multiple nominations for his performances in various dramas. In 2025, he received the Excellence Award for Actor in a Miniseries Romance/Comedy Drama at the SBS Drama Awards, underscoring his continued impact in the industry.

💞 Personal Life

Jang Ki-yong enlisted for his mandatory military service on August 23, 2021, serving as an active-duty soldier in the 15th Infantry Division. During his service, he participated in the musical “Blue Helmet: Meissa’s Song” in 2022, marking his first musical theater performance. He completed his military duties and was discharged on February 22, 2023.

Details about his personal life remain private, reflecting a professional approach to maintaining boundaries between his public career and private affairs.

🆕 Recent & Upcoming Projects

After his military discharge, Jang Ki-yong continued his acting career with the 2024 television series “The Atypical Family” and the 2021 Netflix film “Sweet & Sour.” He also starred in the popular tvN drama “My Roommate Is a Gumiho.” His most recent work before military enlistment was the SBS series “Now, We Are Breaking Up,” which aired in late 2021.

In February 2025, Jang signed with United Artists Agency, signaling a new phase in his career management and upcoming projects. This move positions him for continued prominence in both film and television.

🎈 Fun Facts

• Inspired by Lee Soo-hyuk

  Jang decided to pursue modeling after watching a runway video featuring Lee Soo-hyuk during high school.

• Musical Theater Debut

  He made his musical theater debut during his military service in the production ‘Blue Helmet: Meissa’s Song.’

• Modeling to Acting Role Model

  Jang looks up to Cha Seung-won, a veteran model turned actor, as a role model for his career path.

• Hip Hop Contestant

  In 2016, Jang participated as a finalist in the hip hop competition ‘Tribe of Hip Hop,’ showcasing his versatility.

• Influenced Nam Joo-hyuk

  His confidence and career inspired fellow model-turned-actor Nam Joo-hyuk to pursue modeling.

✨ Legacy & Why Fans Love Jang Ki-yong

Jang Ki-yong is celebrated by fans for his authentic and versatile performances that break conventional expectations for models turned actors. His journey from a provincial upbringing to becoming a leading figure in Korean dramas resonates with many who admire his perseverance and growth. Fans appreciate his ability to bring emotional sincerity to diverse roles, making his characters memorable and relatable.

Beyond his acting, Jang’s stylish public image and candid engagement with his audience have fostered a loyal fanbase. His influence extends to inspiring other aspiring models and actors, exemplifying a successful transition that challenges industry norms and elevates his legacy in contemporary Korean entertainment.

🔎 Discover More

Explore related actor profiles highlighting notable careers :