Kim was born on March 29, 1983, and raised inChangwon,South Gyeongsang Province,[a] where he lived until he graduated from high school.[3][4] He is only son of an elementary school teacher.[5] From a young age, Kim showed an interest in music and expressed his desire to pursue it further while still in high school. Initially, his father resisted the idea, leading to a month-long disagreement between them. However, his father eventually advised him to fully commit and pursue music seriously if that was his passion.[6]
Kim Jun-han started on his music career as drummer in a school band during high school. It was 2003.[5] He then worked as the drummer for four-members band Izi, alongside Oh Jin-seong, Lee Dong-won, and Shin Seung-ik.[7] The band made their official debut with their first album titled "Modern Life... And... With izi...." on April 19, 2005. They gained significant recognition for their popular song "Emergency Room," which was the theme song for the 2005 dramaSassy Girl Chun-hyang.[2][8] Izi's activities came to a halt after the release of digital single 'Father' in 2007.[9]
After leaving Izi in 2007, Kim made a living by performing on stage as a drummer at other singers' performances and by participating as a drum session during recordings. He also worked part-time distributing cosmetics at a department store.[9]
Kim contemplated pursuing acting and held a modest belief that he would eventually make appearances in movies or dramas.[9] In 2010, a close stylist friend introduced him to actorGo Jun, from whom Kim received acting lessons.[9]
"I have never properly studied acting. That’s whyGo Jun feels like an acting teacher to me. He always told me, who was an unknown actor, that (he as) my older brother should develop his acting skills first and that he should be well prepared because he never knew when an opportunity would come. I learned from his older brother's perseverance."[10]
It was in his late 20s, after military service, Kim started his acting career.[11] He appeared in short films in 2012 and auditioned without a manager.[12] WhenGo Jun landed a role in the filmTazza: The Hidden Card, Kim worked as Go Jun's manager and even received a salary from him.[9]
Kim and Go Jun also collaborated on a short film titled "Frog" (Hyundoga) in 2015, which they co-directed.[10]
In 2016, Kim starred in the independent film "Greet." The film tells the story of seven friends who come together in their thirties to share pleasant and heartfelt stories. It gained attention when all seven actors received the Actor Award at the 16th Jeonbuk Independent Film Festival, and it further entices the audience by revealing that the actors themselves participated in the scriptwriting process. The film also received an invitation to the 17th Daejeon Independent Film Festival.[13][14] It was later released in theaters in May 2018.[15] Until 2017, Kim worked in about 30 short films.
Afterward, Kim was chosen by directors who were seeking new actors fluent in Japanese. He appeared inRyoo Seung-wan's historical filmThe Battleship Island as Japanese soldier.[2] Filming for the movie took place from June 17, 2016, inCheongju, and concluded on December 20, 2016. In the same year, based on a recommendation from Kim In-woo, whom he had met during the filming ofThe Battleship Island, Kim auditioned for directorLee Joon-ik's filmAnarchist from Colony.Choi Hee-seo, the female lead, saw him and actively recommended him to the director. Prior toAnarchist from Colony, Kim had already worked in around 30 short films.[16]
On January 18, 2017, Kim made his official debut in commercial film with the release ofConfidential Assignment, directed byKim Seong-hun. He played a minor role as anNIS agent. Shortly after, on June 28, 2017, directorLee Joon-ik's filmAnarchist from Colony was released.[17][18][19] In the film, Kim portrayed Datemas Kaisei, an examining Japanese judge who undergoes a transformation in his beliefs during the interrogation of the anarchist and revolutionaryPark Yeol (Lee Je-hoon) and his loverKaneko Fumiko (Choi Hee-seo).[11] Kim Jun-han garnered significant attention alongside the main characters,Lee Je-hoon andChoi Hee-seo, capturing the interest of both the audience and industry professional, leading to his nomination for the Rookie of the Year Award at the38th Blue Dragon Film Awards.[20] His impressive fluency inJapanese language also left a lasting impression on the audiences.[21]
"I had the opportunity to perform in Japan while working in a band before. I also had to record in Japanese and appear at festivals and radio broadcasts. I thought I couldn't just go, so I started studying Japanese a few months before I went, and I found it fun. I was doing it little by little and it turned out to be a good opportunity. I'm not that good at Japanese, however I can have basic conversations and travel alone."[21]
Prior to the release ofThe Battleship Island on July 26, 2017,[22] Kim signed an exclusive contract with CL&Company on July 5, 2017.[23] Around the same time, he ventured into the world of dramastvN'sPrison Playbook (2017), directed byShin Won-ho. In the series, he portrayed the character Song Ji-won, love interest of Haerongi Hanyang (Lee Kyu-hyung).[2][24] The first script reading of the cast was held on July 17, 2017.[25] It aired ontvN from November 22, 2017, to January 18, 2018, every Wednesday and Thursday for 16 episodes.[26][27] Kim's performances received praise from viewers, and his work in 2017 earned him a spot in the 2018Cine21 Rising Star Actors feature.[13][28]
DirectorsMin Kyu-dong was also searching for actors fluent in Japanese for his film filmHerstory for the role of Lee Sang-il, a Korean-Japanese lawyer in the. Lee Sang-il was hired by Kim Hee-ae to represented the grandmothers in the comfort women trial in Japan, acted by veteran actresses such as , Kim Hae-sook, Ye Soo-jung, Moon Sook, Lee Yong-nyeo. Kim was chosen for the role.[12]
He reunited with directorLee Joon-ik and made a brief but impactful appearance in the film "Sunset in My Hometown" as Won-joon, a character who spoke in the Jeolla-do dialect.[4] Won-joon is a local newspaper reporter who feels inferior compared to Hak-soo (Park Jung-min).[11]
Kim underwent an acting transformation through antagonistic roles in two television series:MBC'sTime (2018) andOCN'sQuiz of God: Reboot (2018) respectively. In his first lead role inMBC'sTime, Kim played Shin Min-seok, the long-time lover of Seol Ji-hyeon (Seohyun). After becoming a prosecutor, Shin Min-seok becomes a lawyer for W Group, where he oversees Cheon Soo-ho (Kim Jung-hyun), a troublemaking third-generationchaebol.[29][30] InOCN'sQuiz of God: Reboot (2018), Kim Jun-han portrays forensic expert Kwak Hyuk-min, known for his calm demeanor and commanding presence.[31]
Kim joined theMBC dramaOne Spring Night in 2019, written by Kim Eun and directed byAhn Pan-seok. In the series, he portrayed Kwon Ki-seok, a successful bank audit department manager who seemed to have a perfect life due to his privileged upbringing. However, his pride-driven indifference towards his ex-girlfriend Lee Jeong-in (Han Ji-min), led to their breakup. As the story progressed, his obsession with Lee Jeong-in grew, causing conflicts with Yoo Ji-ho (Jung Hae-in), her new love interest.[35] It aired from May 22 to July 11, 2019, and Kim's acting received positive recognition from viewers who felt a mix of sympathy and dislike towards his character.[2] He was nominated for the Excellence Award at the2019 MBC Drama Awards.[36]
In 2019, Kim reunited with directorShin Won-ho inLee Woo-jung's medical drama,Hospital Playlist. Kim Jun-han takes on the role of Ahn Chi-hong, a resident in the neurosurgery department who carries unreciprocated affection for his professor, Doctor Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do). Within the storyline, he becomes entangled in a love triangle involving Lee Ik-jun (Jo Jung-suk).[37][38] The first season aired ontvN every Thursday from March 12 to May 28, 2020.[39] As a nod to Kim, director Shin Won-ho incorporated Kim's song "Emergency Room" into the drama.[40][41]
In subsequent year, Kim reunited withJung Woo-sung in his directorial debut filmA Man of Reason, withprincipal photography starting on February 10, 2020.[42] Kim portrayed the character Seong-jun, the second-in-command of an organization plagued by an inferiority complex.[43] In the same year, Kim's contract with CL&Company was expired in June 2020.[44] Kim signed an exclusive contract with Hodu&U Entertainment in July 2020.[45]
In 2021, Kim reprise his role as Ahn Chi-hong and made a special appearance in second season ofHospital Playlist.[46] The second season aired between June 17 and September 16, 2021.[47]
In the end of summer of the same year, Kim participated in theCoupang Play original web seriesAnna, written and directed by Lee Joo-young.[12] He portrays the character Choi Ji-hoon, who is the husband of Yumi (Bae Suzy). Choi Ji-hoon is an ambitious and driven individual, and the CEO of a promising venture company that he established at a young age.[48] Filming of the series began on October 15, 2021[49] and concluded on March 23, 2022.[50] His portrayal earned him nominations for Best Supporting Actor awards from59th Baeksang Arts Awards[51] and2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards.[52]
Kim attended the world premiere ofA Man of Reason at the2022 Toronto International Film Festival on September 13, 2022.[53] The film was later released in theaters in South Korea on August 15, 2023.[54][55] Prior to that, in August 2022, Kim concluded his contract with Hodu&U Entertainment after two years and became a free agent.[56] Subsequently, on October 31, 2022, Kim signed with Artist Company, an agency founded byJung Woo-sung andLee Jung-jae.[57]
Kim led an acting study group that he founded with fellow actors, includingChoi Hee-seo, Bae Ki-gi, and Yoon Seul, who had previously worked together inAnarchist from Colony. The group would meet once a week to discuss movies and acting.[4] Director Lee Joo-young ofAnna affectionately refers to Kim "Yeonba," which means a fool who only cares about acting. Kim always talks about acting and doesn't pay much attention to other things. Even Kim's younger colleagues, view him as somewhat lacking in other aspects besides acting.[58]
^He was born inMasan, which was originally a city from 1949 until 2010 when it was incorporated intoChangwon (capital ofSouth Gyeongsang Province) and divided into two districts,Masanhappo-gu andMasanhoewon-gu. Because of this, it is said that whoever was born in Masan was consequently born in Changwon (because their birthplace and/or residence is currently within Changwon, that is, if they are said to be born in Masan, they are said to have been born in either Masanhappo-gu or Masanhoewon-gu, current districts of Changwon and formerly one city, Masan). In his case however it is unknown which of the two districts (Masanhappo-gu or Masanhoewon-gu) is his birthplace.
^"김준한".Naver (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 9, 2019. RetrievedAugust 31, 2018.
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^"배우 김준한 "사투리 대사 반가워...연기하며 나를 확장해요"" [Actor Kim Jun-han "Nice to meet you in the dialect. ...Extend yourself by acting."].Busan Ilbo (in Korean). July 18, 2022.Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. RetrievedApril 19, 2023.
^abc"[인터뷰] '라이징스타' 김준한, 영화·드라마서 존재감 과시" [[Interview] 'Rising Star' Kim Jun-han, shows off his presence in movies and dramas].동아일보 (in Korean). February 3, 2018.Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. RetrievedMarch 23, 2024.
^ab"[인터뷰] 김준한 "밴드 접고 시작한 연기, 할리우드는 가야죠"" [[Interview] Kim Jun-han "The acting that started after folding the band, I have to go to Hollywood"].동아일보 (in Korean). August 10, 2017.Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. RetrievedMarch 23, 2024.
^ab"[워크맨-플레이] 정준영이 불러 트렌디해졌다..차태현 'I Love You'-이지 '응급실'" [[Walkman-Play] Jung Joon-young called and became trendy.. Cha Tae-hyun 'I Love You' - Easy 'Emediance Room'].화이트페이퍼 (in Korean). February 10, 2016.Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. RetrievedMarch 23, 2024.
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^abLee, Hae-ri."[인터뷰] '라이징스타' 김준한, 영화·드라마서 존재감 과시" [[Interview] 'Rising Star' Kim Jun-han, shows off his presence in movies and dramas].entertain.naver.com (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. RetrievedMarch 23, 2024.
^abc"'안나' 김준한, "매 순간이 중요했다"" ['Anna' Kim Jun-han, "Every moment was important"].씨네21 (in Korean). June 22, 2022.Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. RetrievedMarch 23, 2024.
^"[인터뷰] 김준한 "괴로운 사랑을 해 봤기에 권기석처럼 못 해요"" [[Interview] Kim Jun-han "I can't do it like Kwon Ki-seok because I've had a painful love"].스포츠동아 (in Korean). July 18, 2019.Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. RetrievedMarch 23, 2024.
^abcOh, Hyeong-jun (December 21, 2018)."[bnt화보] 김준한 "'박열' 캐스팅 비화? 일본어 할 줄 아는 배우가 1순위, 과거 일본활동 덕에 뽑혀"" [[Bnt pictorial] Kim Jun-han “‘Park Yeol’ Casting story? The actor who can speak Japanese is the number one, and he was selected thanks to his past Japanese activities”].bntnews (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. RetrievedMarch 23, 2024.
^Heo Min-nyeong (February 6, 2020)."영화 감독 데뷔 정우성 "2월10일 크랭크인 설렌다"" [Jung Woo-sung, who debuted as a film director, "I'm excited to crank-in on February 10"].Newsen (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 29, 2022. RetrievedJuly 29, 2022 – viaNaver.
^abYoon Seong-yeol (September 10, 2021)."돌아온 안치홍..김준한 '슬의생2' 전미도와 재회 "뽀에버" [스타IN★]" [Ahn Chi-hong is back.. Kim Jun-han's 'Sadly Life 2' Reunion with Jeon Mi-do "Forever" [Star IN★]].Star News (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 10, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 10, 2021 – viaNaver.
^Jeong Hyung-hwa (June 15, 2022)."김준한, 쿠팡플레이 '안나' 수지 남편으로 합류..이목↑" [Kim Jun-han joins Coupang Play's 'Anna' as Suzy's husband...] (in Korean). Star News.Archived from the original on June 16, 2022. RetrievedJune 16, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Han Byung-jeong (October 20, 2021)."수지·정은채 '안나', 촬영 시작..."강렬 대본에 매료" [Suzy and Jung Eun-chae's 'Anna' start filming... "Fascinated by the intense script] (in Korean).Hankook Ilbo.Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. RetrievedMarch 29, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Jeong Hyung-hwa (March 29, 2022)."지금껏 보지 못한 수지의 얼굴..쿠팡플레이 '안나' 크랭크업" [Suzy's face you've never seen before... Coupang Play 'Anna' crank-up] (in Korean). Star News.Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. RetrievedMarch 29, 2022 – viaNaver.
^abCho Yeon-kyung (April 7, 2023)."제59회 백상예술대상, TV·영화·연극 최종 후보 공개" [59th Baeksang Arts Awards, TV/Film/Play Finalists Revealed] (in Korean).JTBC.Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. RetrievedApril 7, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Lim Soo-yeon (January 12, 2023)."[2023 기대작⑧] 정우성 감독 '보호자', "감독 정우성의 관점이 담긴 평범함의 딜레마"" [[2023 Anticipated Work⑧] Director Jung Woo-sung's 'Guardian', "The Dilemma of Ordinaryness with Director Jung Woo-sung's Perspective"].Cine21 (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. RetrievedJanuary 12, 2023.
^Yoon, Hyo-jeong (August 8, 2022)."[단독] '안나·슬의생' 김준한, FA 된다" [[Exclusive] 'Anna' Kim Jun-han becomes a free agent].News1 (in Korean).Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. RetrievedAugust 8, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Son, Jin-ah (October 31, 2022)."김준한, 아티스트컴퍼니行...안성기·정우성·이정재와 한솥밥(공식)" [Junhan Kim, Artist Company... Ahn Sung-ki, Jung Woo-sung, Lee Jeong-jae and Hansotbap (official)].MK Sports (in Korean).Archived from the original on October 31, 2022. RetrievedOctober 31, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Park Jae-hwan (July 29, 2022)."정우성 감독 작품 '보호자' 토론토국제영화제 공식초청" [Official invitation to Toronto International Film Festival for 'The Guardian' directed by Jung Woo-sung].KBS Entertainment (in Korean).Archived from the original on November 11, 2022. RetrievedJuly 29, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Jang Min-su (July 22, 2024)."김준한, 김종수, 정만식...오승욱 감독 '극찬' 자아낸 명품 조연진 (리볼버)" [Kim Jun-han, Kim Jong-soo, Jeong Man-sik... A luxury supporting cast that drew 'rave reviews' from Director Oh Seung-wook (Revolver)] (in Korean). MHN Sports.Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. RetrievedAugust 14, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Hwang Hye-jin (February 5, 2020)."김준한 측 "정우성 연출작 '보호자' 출연 확정" 김남길 박성웅과 호흡할까" [Kim Jun-han's side "Confirmed to appear in Jung Woo-sung's 'Guardian'" Will work with Kim Nam-gil and Park Seong-woong?].Newsen (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 29, 2022. RetrievedJuly 29, 2022 – viaNaver.
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