Jang Ki-yong Life Story: Early Life, Career, Military Service & Net Worth

Jang Ki-yong has become one of the most recognizable faces in the Korean entertainment industry.

Known for his tall frame, deep voice, and charismatic screen presence, he successfully transitioned from a high-fashion runway model to a leading actor in popular Korean dramas.

Over the years, he has gained global recognition through hit K-dramas and has built a strong fan base across Asia and beyond.

Jang Ki-yong Biography Summary Table

FieldDetails
Full NameJang Ki-yong
Korean Name장기용
Date of BirthAugust 7, 1992
Age33 years (as of 2026)
BirthplaceUlsan, South Korea
NationalitySouth Korean
ProfessionActor, Model
Years Active2012 – Present
Height187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
EducationYong In University (Department of Musical Theatre)
AgencyYG Entertainment
Known ForMy Roommate Is a Gumiho, Search: WWW, Come and Hug Me

Childhood, Family, and Education

Jang Ki-yong was born on August 7, 1992, in Ulsan, South Korea. As a child, he lived a relatively normal life and did not initially dream of becoming an actor. However, during his teenage years, he developed a strong interest in fashion and modeling.

His tall height and striking visuals helped him stand out among his peers.

After graduating from high school, he decided to pursue modeling seriously. To support his dream, he later studied musical theatre at Yong In University, which also helped him develop acting skills and stage confidence.

This combination of modeling experience and performance training eventually prepared him for a successful acting career.

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Modeling Career and Rise in Fashion

Before entering the acting world, Jang Ki-yong built an impressive career in the fashion industry. He began modeling professionally in 2012 and quickly gained attention on the runway.

He walked for major Korean designers and appeared in numerous fashion magazines. His unique charisma and tall physique made him a favorite among fashion brands.

One of the key moments in his modeling career came when he won the Fashion Model Award at the 2014 Asia Model Awards. This recognition significantly boosted his reputation in the fashion world.

Soon, he became one of the most sought-after male models in South Korea, appearing in editorial shoots, advertisements, and fashion campaigns.

Acting Debut and Early Roles

Jang Ki-yong entered the acting industry in 2014 with a small role in the drama It’s Okay, That’s Love. Although his role was minor, it marked the beginning of his acting journey.

After his debut, he continued to take supporting roles in several dramas. These early performances allowed him to gain experience and improve his acting abilities.

His appearance in the drama Go Back Couple brought him greater recognition. The show’s emotional storyline and his strong performance impressed audiences and industry professionals alike.

This period helped him transition from a model-turned-actor into a promising performer in the Korean drama industry.

jang ki yong bio

Breakthrough with “Come and Hug Me”

Jang Ki-yong’s major breakthrough arrived in 2018 when he starred in the drama Come and Hug Me. In the series, he played a police officer with a tragic past.

His emotional acting and deep portrayal of the character earned praise from critics and viewers. The role also helped him showcase his ability to handle complex and dramatic characters.

Because of this performance, he won the Best New Actor award at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards.

This drama marked a turning point in his career and established him as a rising star in Korean television.

International Popularity and Hit Dramas

After his breakthrough, Jang Ki-yong continued to appear in successful dramas that expanded his popularity worldwide.

Search: WWW (2019)

In the drama Search: WWW, he played a charming composer who falls in love with an ambitious businesswoman. His natural chemistry with his co-star and his gentle character made him extremely popular with viewers.

My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021)

One of his most widely known dramas is My Roommate Is a Gumiho. In this fantasy romantic comedy, he played a mythical nine-tailed fox living among humans.

The drama gained international popularity and introduced him to a larger global audience. His combination of humor, charm, and emotional acting made the character memorable.

Acting Style and Screen Presence

Jang Ki-yong stands out because of his unique acting style. He combines emotional depth with a calm and powerful screen presence.

His deep voice and expressive eyes help him portray complex emotions effectively. Directors often praise his ability to deliver subtle yet impactful performances.

Another reason for his success is his versatility. He comfortably handles different genres, including romance, thriller, melodrama, and fantasy.

This versatility continues to open new opportunities for him in both television and film.

Military Service

Like most South Korean men, Jang Ki-yong completed his mandatory military service. He enlisted in August 2021 shortly after finishing filming for My Roommate Is a Gumiho.

During his service, he worked in the military musical division, where he participated in stage performances and events.

He completed his service in 2023 and returned to the entertainment industry with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Personal Life and Personality

Despite his fame, Jang Ki-yong maintains a relatively private personal life. He rarely discusses his relationships publicly and focuses primarily on his career.

Fans often describe him as humble, thoughtful, and hardworking. Many co-actors also praise his professionalism on set.

Outside acting, he enjoys photography, traveling, and music. His social media posts often show behind-the-scenes moments from his work and glimpses of his hobbies.

Achievements and Recognition

Over the years, Jang Ki-yong has received several awards and nominations for his performances.

Some of his notable achievements include:

  • Best New Actor – 2018 MBC Drama Awards
  • Fashion Model Award – 2014 Asia Model Awards
  • Popularity awards and nominations at various Korean entertainment ceremonies

These recognitions highlight his successful transition from fashion model to respected actor.

Future Projects and Career Outlook

After completing military service, Jang Ki-yong has returned to acting and continues to explore new roles in television and film.

Industry experts believe he has the potential to become one of the leading actors of his generation. His strong acting skills, striking visuals, and global fan base position him well for future success.

Fans eagerly await his upcoming projects and expect him to take on even more diverse and challenging roles.

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People Also Ask

Is Jang Ki-yong still in YG?

No, Jang Ki-yong is no longer under YG Entertainment and later joined another agency after completing his military service.

How did Jang Ki-yong become famous?

Jang Ki-yong gained fame after transitioning from a successful runway model to an actor and receiving major recognition for the drama Come and Hug Me.

Jang Ki-yong height?

Jang Ki-yong is approximately 187 cm (6 feet 2 inches) tall.

Jang Ki-yong family?

Jang Ki-yong keeps his family life private, but it is known that he was born and raised in Ulsan, South Korea.

Jang Ki-yong net worth?

As of recent estimates, Jang Ki-yong’s net worth is believed to be around $5–7 million, earned through acting, modeling, and brand endorsements.

The Story So Far

Jang Ki-yong’s journey from a young model in Ulsan to a globally recognized K-drama actor proves that dedication and passion can lead to remarkable success.

Through hard work and continuous improvement, he transformed himself into one of the most promising talents in Korean entertainment.

With many years ahead in his career, Jang Ki-yong will likely continue to captivate audiences around the world with his performances.