Kim Jae-won Biography: Movies, Wife, Age, Net Worth, Height, Ethnicity, Instagram, Parents

Kim Jae-won is a South Korean actor and television host who rose to prominence in the early 2000s. Known for his trademark “killer smile” and versatile acting, he gained fame through the romantic drama Romance (2002), where he portrayed a student in love with his teacher.

Since then, Kim has built a consistent career, balancing family dramas, historical roles, and contemporary romantic series. His performances in Listen to My Heart (2011) and May Queen (2012) remain career-defining works that showcase his emotional depth and professionalism.

Profile

• Full name: Kim Jae-won (김재원)
• Date of birth: February 18, 1981
• Age: 44 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
• State of origin: Seoul
• Nationality: South Korean
• Profession: Actor, MC, Model
• Height: 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
• Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs)
• Eye color: Dark Brown
• Hair color: Black
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: One younger sister
• Spouse: Park Seo-yeon (married June 28, 2013)
• Children: One son, Kim Yi-jun (born December 2013)
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Protestant (Christian)
• Ethnicity: Asian (Korean)
• Net worth: $8 million – $10 million USD

Early Life and Education

Born on February 18, 1981, in Seoul, Kim Jae-won is now at the age of 44. He pursued this passion by majoring in Theater and Film at Sangmyung University, later advancing his education at Hanyang University Graduate School, where he studied International Tourism. His strong academic and creative background laid a solid foundation for his acting career.

Personal Life

Kim Jae-won married his childhood friend Park Seo-yeon on June 28, 2013. At the time of their marriage, Park was three months pregnant with their son, Kim Yi-jun, who was born in December 2013.

Career

Kim Jae-won began his career in the 2001 sitcom Honey Honey, followed by early appearances in Wuri’s Family (2001) and You Say It’s Love, But I Think It’s Desire (2001).

His major breakthrough came in 2002 with the MBC drama Romance, opposite actress Kim Ha-neul. His portrayal of a high school senior who falls for his teacher became a cultural phenomenon, earning him the nickname “Nation’s Younger Man.”

He solidified his leading-man status with back-to-back hits such as:

• Rival (2002)
• My Love Patzzi (2002)
• Land of Wine (2003)

His international popularity surged through Beijing My Love (2004), which was co-produced in China and made him one of the early Korean Hallyu (K-wave) stars abroad.

Kim continued to evolve as an actor, starring in Wonderful Life (2005) and Hwang Jini (2006), where he tackled more mature and period-based roles.

After completing mandatory military service (March 23, 2009 – January 24, 2011), he made a strong comeback with Listen to My Heart (2011), where he played a hearing-impaired character. His emotional performance received widespread acclaim for its authenticity.

He followed with:

• May Queen (2012) — a melodrama of love, betrayal, and ambition in a shipbuilding family.
• The Scandal (2013) — where he portrayed a man seeking revenge after being kidnapped as a child.
• Splendid Politics (2015) — a historical drama set in the Joseon era.
• Father, I’ll Take Care of You (2016) and Let Me Introduce Her (2018) — cementing his reputation as a mature and dependable actor.

Kim also explored other genres with Quiz of God 5: Reboot (2018) and returned to variety as an MC, hosting lifestyle and talk programs that highlight his warm personality.

Awards and Nominations

• 2002 MBC Drama Awards – Best New Actor (Romance)
• 2002 SBS Drama Awards – New Star Award (Rival)
• 2005 China Drama Billboard Awards – Most Popular Foreign Actor (Beijing My Love)
• 2012 Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards – Hallyu Star Award (May Queen)
• 2018 SBS Drama Awards – Top Excellence Award, Actor in Daily/Weekend Drama (Let Me Introduce Her)
• 2013 MBC Drama Awards – Grand Prize (Daesang) Nominee (The Scandal)

Net Worth

Kim Jae-won’s net worth is estimated between $8 million and $10 million USD. His income sources include: Lead acting roles in high-rating dramas for MBC, SBS, and KBS. Brand endorsements, including fashion, skincare, and family lifestyle products.

Social Media

• Instagram: @jaewon_kim81

Filmography

Television Series:

• Honey Honey (2001)
• Wuri’s Family (2001)
• You Say It’s Love, But I Think It’s Desire (2001)
• Romance (2002)
• Rival (2002)
• My Love Patzzi (2002)
• Land of Wine (2003)
• Beijing My Love (2004)
• My 19-Year-Old Sister-in-Law (2004)
• Wonderful Life (2005)
• Great Inheritance (2006)
• Hwang Jini (2006)
• First Love (2008)
• Listen to My Heart (2011)
• May Queen (2012)
• The Scandal (2013)
• Splendid Politics (2015)
• Father, I’ll Take Care of You (2016)
• Let Me Introduce Her (2018)
• Quiz of God 5: Reboot (2018)

Film:

• 100 Days with Mr. Arrogant (2004, cameo)
• Innocent Steps (2005, cameo role)

Discography

• Onaji Sora no Shita (同じ空の下) – Japanese single (2008)
• Stay in the Moment – Korean digital single (2013)

Books

• Smile Again: Kim Jae-won’s Photobook (2012)