Jang Ki-yong Wiki, Age, Biography, Height, Girlfriend, Family, Images, And More
Jang Ki-yong (born August 7, 1992) is a South Korean model and actor. He began his career as a model and made his acting debut with a guest appearance on It's Okay, That's Love (2014). He rose to prominence after appearing in Confession Couple (2017) and was cast in Come and Hug Me (2018), his first lead role. Jang rose to prominence with Search: WWW (2019), and he has since followed up with My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021) and Now, We Are Breaking Up (2023). (2021–2022). Jang is also well-known for his roles in My Mister (2018) and Born Again (2017). (2020).
Jang won several awards as an established model, including the "Fashion Model Award" at the 2014 Asia Model Awards and "Best Dressed Model" at the 2015 Korea's Best Dresser Swan Awards. His transition to acting earned him the title of "Best New Actor (TV)" at the 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards, as well as the "Excellence Award" at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards. Jang is also well-known for his collaborations with Estée Lauder, Lancôme, and Nivea Men.
Life and work
1992–2011: Early years
Jang Ki-yong was born and raised in Ulsan, South Korea, on August 7, 1992, and lived with his parents and older brother. Jang developed an interest in fashion and photography as a child. In his third year at Ulsan High School [ko], he came across a runway video from a fashion show starring Lee Soo-hyuk on the internet while considering possible college career options. With his growing interest in magazines and photo shoots, he aspired to be a model; however, due to familial expectations, he prepared for the college entrance exam during the second semester of high school. His parents were initially hesitant and disapproved of his career choice after he revealed it to them. Finally, he persuaded them to let him pursue his dream, to which his father replied, "If you really like it and can do well, do it."
Jang went to Seoul after passing the college entrance exam to pursue his dream and enrolled in the musical acting department at Yong In University. He described himself as a "country guy," but he fantasized about visiting the city and seeing the King Sejeong bronze statue in Gwanghwamun. Jang, 19, went to South Korean modeling agency KPlus (now YG KPlus) in the hopes of being hired, but he was not immediately chosen. He returned a year later and was given the opportunity to photograph. Jang was signed as the company's newest recruit after receiving approval from the company's staff.
2012-2018: Beginnings of a career and rising popularity
Jang began his modeling career at the age of 20 during the 2012 S/S General Idea Collection Show during Seoul Fashion Week. Jang claims that modeling has gradually reversed his shy and introverted personality since childhood. Despite recalling his first year as slow, his fashion show credits at the time included Kolon and Caruso, and his runway show credits included Loriet () and Unbounded Avenue (). The Korea Model Association also chose him as one of twelve promising rookie models. His appearance in IU's music videos "The Red Shoes" and "Friday" in 2013 helped him gain public attention. In January 2014, he won the Fashion Model Award at the 2014 Asian Model Award ceremony.
The director of It's Okay, That's Love (2014) approached Jang with an opportunity to appear with label-mate Lee Sung-kyung without the need for an audition. Despite having no lines, his role became known as the "One Second Cameo" in South Korea. Jang auditioned for The Greatest Marriage later that year, after taking acting more seriously (2014). While many other actors auditioned for the role, Jang was chosen because he matched the role and its image better than the others. He also appeared in the drama Schoolgirl Detectives (2014). Jang's acting career grew with supporting roles in television series This is My Love (2015), Beautiful Mind (2016), and The Liar and His Lover (2017), as well as web-dramas We Broke Up (2015) and Love for a Thousand More (2016), both of which starred label-mate Kang Seung-yoon. After appearing as a contestant in the second installment of Tribe of Hip Hop in 2016, he challenged himself with hip hop. Despite his occupation as a model, his performance to "Doom Dada" by T.O.P of Big Bang drew attention due to its fast-paced tempo and flow, while its execution was praised. Jang finished as one of the top ten finalists.
In 2017, he rose to prominence for his role as Jang Na-college ra's senior in Confession Couple (2017). Jang described the drama as a watershed moment in his acting career because it led to numerous offers to appear in commercials and television shows, and he felt the effects when he was approached or recognized by people in their forties and fifties. Jang, along with Yang Se-jong and Woo Do-hwan, was named one of South Korea's "Most Popular Actors Born in 1992" and "Rising Super Rookies." Following its broadcast, he received casting offers for a variety of dramas, including My Mister (2018). Jang chose to cast in the series for the director, writers, and character. Since 2013, it has also served as an on-screen reunion with IU. Jang rose to prominence as a cold-hearted loan shark after the show aired. His performance earned him the award for Best New Actor at the 6th APAN Star Awards, as well as nominations at The Seoul Awards, his first as an actor.
Jang was cast alongside Jin Ki Joo in his first leading role in the melodrama Come and Hug Me in 2018, playing a detective with a fated relationship with his childhood friend. His performance in the drama earned him the Baeksang Arts Awards' Best New Actor in Television award.
2019–present: Career advancement and mainstream success
Nana, Jang's Kill It co-star
Jang was cast as a veterinarian by day and a heartless killer by night in OCN's action drama Kill It in 2019. The same year, he was cast as a CEO and genius composer in the romantic drama Search: WWW. Jang made his feature film debut in Bad Guys, based on the OCN drama of the same name, which premiered in September 2019.
Jang was cast alongside Lee Soo-hyuk and Jin Se-yeon in the mystery romance drama Born Again in 2020.
Jang co-starred in the Netflix original romantic comedy film Sweet & Sour with Chae Soo-bin and Krystal Jung in 2021. Jang went on to star in the tvN drama My Roommate Is a Gumiho, the first iQiyi original production drama, alongside Lee Hye-ri, Kang Han-na, Kim Do-wan, and Bae In-hyuk. Jang's final project before enlisting was the SBS television series Now, We Are Breaking Up, which starred Song Hye-kyo, Choi Hee-seo, and Kim Joo-hun and was pre-filmed before his departure in August for a November airing.
Jang completed his tertiary education at Seokyeong University, where he majored in Model Acting.
Service in the military
Jang enlisted as an active duty soldier for his mandatory military service on August 23, 2021. During his service, Jang was cast in the Korean republic's musical Blue Helmet: Meissa's Song (2022) alongside Exo's Chanyeol and ONF's Hyojin, marking his first musical performance. Jang served in the 15th Infantry Division for one year and six months before being discharged on February 22, 2023.
Artistry sInfluences
Since his debut, Jang has looked up to veteran model turned actor and label-mate Cha Seung-won as a role model in both modeling and acting. Jang, who has moved from modeling to acting, stated, "I want to be faithful to my main job, movies and dramas, and be able to stand on the runway like Cha Seung-won during fashion show seasons." He also wants to dispel the myth that "models can't act," as Cha has. Following his appearance on SBS' Healing Camp, Jang briefly mentioned South Korean veteran actor Ha Jung-woo as a role model. Seeing Ha recount his experience inspired Jang to aspire to be an actor like him in 10 or 15 years. Among international actors, Jang cited the late Australian actor Heath Ledger as an influence for his diverse range of acting roles.
Influence and impact
As a model, he inspired model turned actor Nam Joo-hyuk to pursue a modeling career. His confidence in wearing braces was also boosted by Jang's encouragement, who had also worn braces.
Other business ventures
Endorsements
Cass Light Beer from South Korean brewery Oriental Brewery (OB) chose Jang as their endorsement model and muse in September 2012, alongside labelmate and winner of the third installment of Korea's Next Top Model, model Sora Choi. Since then, he has appeared in advertisements for brands such as Guess Korea, TBJ, Jill By Jillstuart, Philips, and Nepa (clothing) [ko].
Natuur, an ice cream franchise under Lotteria, chose Jang as a model for their products in March 2019, a first after 7 years of rebranding. A representative revealed Jang is extremely popular among women in their twenties and thirties, which is also their largest customer demographic, so they believe he is the ideal candidate. There were also various events and fan signings. Sprite Korea confirmed Jang as their newest face and model for both their brand and their Summer 2019 Dive in Sprite Campaign, alongside singer Chungha, in May. Jang was chosen as a promotional model alongside veteran singer Kim Jong-kook and label-mate Rosé for Perfect World Entertainment's 3D adventure and fantasy MMORPG Perfect World, which was announced on October 1. Through a promotional video, he depicts the appearance of the Elyos Prince, an archer.
Jang was named the new face of Estée Lauder cosmetics skin care brand Lab Series Korea on August 31, 2020. During the selection process, a representative revealed that they believed his image of constantly challenging himself with diverse roles while also pursuing an active lifestyle fits well with the innovative concept they wish to portray.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|
| English | Korean |
|---|
| 2019 | The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos | 나쁜 녀석들: 더 무비 | Ko Yoo-sung | Main cast |
|---|
| 2021 | Sweet & Sour | 새콤달콤 | Jang-hyuk | Lead role |
|---|
Television series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|
| English | Korean |
|---|
| 2014 | It's Okay, That's Love | 괜찮아, 사랑이야 | Sam | Cameo |
|---|
| The Idle Mermaid | 잉여공주 | Kim Yeon-sun |
| The Greatest Marriage | 최고의 결혼 | Bae Deu-ro | Supporting role |
| Schoolgirl Detectives | 선암여고 탐정단 | Ahn Chae-joon |
| 2015 | This is My Love | 사랑하는 은동아 | Lee Suk-tae |
|---|
| 2016 | A Beautiful Mind | 뷰티풀 마인드 | Nam Ho-young |
|---|
| 2017 | The Liar and His Lover | 그녀는 거짓말을 너무 사랑해 | Ji In-ho |
|---|
| Confession Couple | 고백부부 | Jung Nam-gil |
| 2018 | My Mister | 나의 아저씨 | Lee Kwang-il |
|---|
| Come and Hug Me | 이리와 안아줘 | Chae Do-jin | Lead role |
| 2019 | Touch Your Heart | 진심이 닿다 | Top star | Cameo (Episode 1) |
|---|
| Kill It | 킬잇 | Kim Soo-hyun | Lead role |
| Search: WWW | 검색어를 입력하세요 WWW | Park Morgan |
| 2020 | Born Again | 본 어게인 | Gong Ji-chul / Chun Jong-bum |
|---|
| 2021 | Hello, Me! | 안녕? 나야! | Police officer | Cameo (Episode 1) |
|---|
| My Roommate Is a Gumiho | 간 떨어지는 동거 | Shin Woo-yeo | Lead role |
| 2021–2022 | Now, We Are Breaking Up | 지금, 헤어지는 중입니다 | Yoon Jae-guk |
|---|
Web series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|
| English | Korean |
|---|
| 2015 | We Broke Up | 우리 헤어졌어요 | Seo Hyun-woo | Supporting role |
|---|
| 2016 | Love for a Thousand More | 천년째 연애중 | Jason |
|---|
| 2017 | The Boy Next Door | 썸남 | Sung Ki-je | Lead role |
|---|
Television shows
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|
| English | Korean |
|---|
| 2014–2015 | Design Tour Season | 디자인스 투어 시즌 | Host | Season 1 & 2 |
|---|
| 2014 | Tasty Road | 테이스티 로드 | Cast member | Episode 26 |
|---|
| 2015 | Off to School | 학교 다녀오겠습니다 | Episode 23–25 |
|---|
| 2016 | Travel Without Manager 2 | 매니저 없이 떠나는 여행 시즌 2 | Cast member | with Joo Woo-jae |
|---|
| Tribe of Hip Hop | 힙합의 민족 시즌 2 | Contestant | Top 10 Finalist |
| 2018 | Hope That Bloomed In Mongolia | 몽골에서 피어난 희망 한송이 | Cast member | with Jeong Yu-mi |
|---|
Music video appearances
| Year | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|
| 2013 | "The Red Shoes" (분홍신) | IU | 8:27 |
|---|
| "Friday" (금요일에 만나요) | 3:52 |
| "EyeKiss" | Lovelybut | 2:32 |
| 2016 | "When in Hongdae" (홍대에 가면) | Hongdae Kwang | 3:56 |
|---|
| "The End" (끝) | Kwon Jin-ah | 5:01 |
| 2019 | "Night and Day" (그대의 밤, 나의 아침) | Brown Eyed Soul | 4:46 |
|---|
Hosting
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|
| 2022 | 2022 Gyeryong World Military Culture Expo | with Inseong SF9 |
|---|
Theater
| Year | English title | Korean title | Role |
|---|
| 2022 | Blue Helmet: Meissa’s Song | 블루헬멧 : 메이사의 노래 | Yeon Jun-seok |
|---|
Discography
Soundtrack appearances
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|
| 2017 | "Some Guys" (썸남) (with Choi Woo-shik) | Some Guy OST |
|---|
| "I'm Alright" (괜찮아, 난) (with Crude Play) | The Liar & His Lover OST |
| "In your eyes" (with Crude Play) |
| "Peter Pan" (with Crude Play) |
| 2018 | “Paradise Tree” (낙원의 나무) | Come and Hug Me OST |
|---|
Fan meeting
| Date | Title | City | Country | Venue |
|---|
| January 6, 2019 | Jang Ki-yong Taipei Fan meeting: Be with you | Taipei |  | Clapper Studio |
|---|
| August 2, 2019 | Jang Ki-yong Japan Fan meeting: First Contact | Tokyo |  | Yamano Hall |
|---|
| September 29, 2019 | Jang Ki-yong Fan meeting: Filmography | Bangkok |  | Ultra Arena Hall - Show DC |
|---|
| November 17, 2019 | Manila |  | Samsung Hall - SM Aura Premier |
|---|
| December 4, 2019 | Seoul |  | Konkuk University New Millennium Hall |
|---|
Awards and nominations
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee(s) / work(s) | Result |
|---|
| APAN Star Awards | 2018 | Best New Actor | My Mister | Won |
|---|
| 2021 | Popularity Award (Actor) | Jang Ki-yong | Nominated |
| Asia Artist Awards | 2018 | Rookie Award | Won |
|---|
| Asia Model Awards | 2014 | Fashion Model Award | Won |
|---|
| Baeksang Arts Awards | 2019 | Best New Actor – Television | Come and Hug Me | Won |
|---|
| Brand of the Year Awards | 2021 | Rising Star Actor | Jang Ki-yong | Nominated |
|---|
| KBS Drama Awards | 2017 | Best New Actor | Confession Couple | Nominated |
|---|
| 2020 | Best Couple Award | Jang Ki-young with Jin Se-yeon
Born Again | Nominated |
| Popularity Award (Male) | Born Again | Nominated |
| Korea's Best Dresser Swan Awards | 2015 | Best Dressed Model | Jang Ki-yong | Won |
|---|
| Korea Hallyu Awards | 2018 | Rising Star Award | Won |
|---|
| MBC Drama Awards | 2018 | Excellence Award, Actor in a Wednesday-Thursday Drama | Come and Hug Me | Won |
|---|
| Best Couple Award | Jang Ki-young with Jin Ki-joo
Come and Hug Me | Won |
| SBS Drama Awards | 2021 | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Romance/Comedy Drama | Now, We Are Breaking Up | Nominated |
|---|
| Best Couple Award | Jang Ki-yong with Song Hye-kyo
Now, We Are Breaking Up | Nominated |
| Soompi Awards | 2018 | Best Supporting Actor Award (Male) | Confession Couple | Nominated |
|---|
| 2019 | Breakout Actor Award | Come and Hug Me | Nominated |
| The Seoul Awards | 2018 | Best New Actor (Drama) | My Mister & Come and Hug Me | Nominated |
|---|
Jang Ki-yong Biography
| Name | Jang Ki-yong |
| Nickname | None |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 7-Aug-1992 |
| Age in 2023 | 31 |
| Birth Place | Ulsan |
| Country | South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 1.88 (m) |
| Weight | Unknown (KGs) |
| Profession | TV Actor |
| Height | In Centimeters: 188 cm.
In Meters: 1.88 m.
In Feet Inches: 6'2" |
| Weight | In KG: Not known
In Pound: Not known |
| Eye Color | - |
| Hair Color | - |
| Marital Status | Yet to update |
Some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Jang Ki-yong.
- What is the Net Worth of Jang Ki-yong?
The Net Worth of Jang Ki-yong is $1.5 Million.
- What is the Height of Jang Ki-yong?
The height of Jang Ki-yong is 1.88.
- Where is the birthplace of Jang Ki-yong?
The birthplace of Jang Ki-yong is Ulsan
- What is the Date of Birth of Jang Ki-yong?
The birthday of Jang Ki-yong is on 7-Aug-1992.
- Is Jang Ki-yong Married?
The marital status of Jang Ki-yong is: Yet to update.
