Moon Ga-young (Korean: 문가영; born July 10, 1996) is a South Korean actress and model. In 2005, she started on her career as a child model. The following year, in 2006, she made her debut as a child actress with the filmBloody Reunion.
Moon was born on July 10, 1996, inKarlsruhe,Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to South Korean parents as the second daughter of two siblings. Her father, who majored in physics, and her mother, who studied music (piano), met as international students in Germany and got married. In 2005, her family moved back to South Korea when she was in third grade of elementary school.[1][2][3][4]
Moon graduated from an all-girls middle school and high school.[5] Moon is also fluent in German and English as a result of her time in Germany. She can also play the piano, flute, and perform ballet.[4][6]
Moon was scouted in the street as a child model for a clothing magazine while her mother pushed her in a stroller in Germany.[5] Upon returning to South Korea in 2005, Moon's uncle and mother submitted photos of her and her older sister for a modeling contest just for fun. However, Moon was chosen as a model for children fashion catalogue.[3][6][7][8]
Subsequently, she embarked on a series of television drama projects, commencing with the 2007 dramaHometown over the Hill [ko], followed byBitter Sweet Life (2008),Ja Myung Go (2009),Friend, Our Legend (2009),The Reputable Family (2010), andBad Guys (2010).[7] She actively worked as a child actor alongsideYeo Jin-goo,Kim Yoo-jung, andKim So-hyun. However, during middle school, she experienced a significant growth spurt of over 10 centimeters and took a break from acting, both willingly and partially, because she became too tall for child roles.[8]
2011–2016: Teen roles, transition into adulthood and career breakthrough
She was well-loved for her portrayal of Jung-hyun, the little sister of Lee Shin (acted byJung Yong-hwa) in MBC's Wednesday-Thursday dramaHeartstrings (2011), directed by Pyo Min-soo and scripted by Lee Myung-sook.[10]
When she was a high school girl, Moon acted as mysterious girl Seohyun in Lee Si-young'sKiller Toon, directed by Kim Yong-gyun and released on June 27, 2013. This breakthrough performance significantly contributed to her rise in popularity.[11]
In 2013, Moon was cast in KBS's weekend dramaWang's Family, a series written by Moon Young-nam and directed by Jin Hyun-wook. In the show, Moon portrayed the character Wang Hae-bak, who is the fourth daughter of the Wang family. Hae-bak, a high school student, is constantly absorbed in her smartphone and rarely engages in conversations with her family members. However, she surprises everyone with her exceptional academic performance and her knack for making things happen.[12]
In April 2013, she gained attention for her captivating performance alongsideBaekhyun onSBS'sInkigayo. As a result, she unexpectedly soared to the top of real-time search terms on various portal sites.[13]
Additionally, Moon was chosen to play the character Oh-reum, a ghost with a captivating backstory, in tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama titledWho Are You? The series, starringSo Yi-hyun,Ok Taec-yeon, andKim Jae-wook, premiered on July 29, 2013. Moon's character appears in episodes 1 and 2 of the show.[12]
In 2014, Moon, made her debut as an adult actress, she was a third-year high school student at the time. She took on her first leading role as the title character inMimi, a four-episode mystery/romancedrama that was aired on the cable channelMnet.[14][15] Moon starred alongsideChangmin from the groupTVXQ.[7] In the drama, she portrayed the role of Mimi, an innocent girl who harbors a secret and suffers from an unnamed illness.[3]
In November 2014, Moon successfully completed her college scholastic test.[16] In January 2015, she enrolled as a freshman in the Class of '15 at Sungkyunkwan University's Department of Acting and Arts.[17] She chose to join the Department of Theater and Film at the university to pursue her passion for both acting and classical literature.[8]
In April 2015, Moon portrayed the female protagonist in the web dramaExo Next Door, which aired on Naver TV Cast.[18]
Moon in 2016
In 2016, Moon took on supporting roles in the SBS television seriesDon't Dare to Dream. In the show, she portrayed the character of Lee Ppal-gang, a fearless high school student with a laid-back personality. Ppal-gang, along with her friends Chi-chi (played byKim Jung-hyun) and Dae-gu (played by Ahn Woo-hyun),Ahn Woo-yeon forms a trio known as the "three musketeers." With her focus on academics and a rebellious spirit, Ppal-gang builds a barrier against the cold-hearted adults who have caused her pain, rendering them powerless.[19]
In 2017, Moon took on a supporting role inLive Up to Your Name.[20][21] In the drama, she portrayed the character Dong Mak-gae and impressed with her cross-dressing acting skills. Dong Mak-gae is depicted as a loyal assistant to Heo Im (played byKim Nam-gil).[22]
In 2017, she starred in the drama specialWaltzing Alone.[23] This marked her first adult role since turning 20, as she portrayed a 2009 high school graduate who was slightly older than her actual age. Her character, Kim Min-sun, was a struggling job seeker who was not very likable and was late in starting her career.[5][22]
The following year, in 2018, Moon took on the lead role in the romance dramaTempted, based on the 18th century French novelLes Liaisons dangereuses.[24] She played Choi Soo-ji, the daughter of a medical foundation chairman who schemes to seduce Kwon Si-hyeon (played byWoo Do-hwan). Moon's performance earned her an Excellence Award as Best Actress in a Monday-Tuesday Drama at theMBC Drama Awards.[25]
On July 3, 2018, Moon she transferred her agency from SM C&C to Keyeast, which had been acquired by SM Entertainment in March 2018.[26]
In 2019, Moon was cast as a main character in the comedy seriesWelcome to Waikiki 2.[27][28] She portrayed Han Soo-yeon, the first love interest of three best friends (played byLee Yi-kyung,Kim Seon-ho), andShin Hyun-soo). After her wedding is called off due to her father's failed business,[8] Soo-yeon has to learn how to support herself financially.[29]
The following year, in 2020, Moon starred as the female lead in the romance seriesFind Me in Your Memory.[30] She played Yeo Ha-jin, a former model who has successfully transitioned into acting and become a prominent influencer, but has intentionally distanced herself from her past. She meets Lee Jung-hoon (Kim Dong-wook), a news anchor withhyperthymesia, a rare condition that allows him to remember nearly every moment in his life. It was broadcast onMBC TV from March 18 to May 13, 2020.[31][32][33]
In 2021, Moon andYoon Kye-sang starred in the music video for the song "Cheers" from the album "Reconnect" byAKMU'sLee Chan-hyuk, Colde, and Sogumm, which was produced byCode Kunst. The video was directed by Kwon Oh-jun of AR Film. This project was part of Elle Korea's 'Reconnect 2021' initiative, which aims to support courage and youth in the midst of challenging daily life.[40][41][42][unreliable source?]
In 2022, Moon collaborated once again with directorHong Jong-chan for thetvN fantasy-melodramaLink: Eat, Love, Kill. She took on the role of Noh Da-hyun, the main character who works as a trainee at Jihwayang restaurant. Meanwhile,Yeo Jin-goo played the character of Eun Gye-hoon, a sous chef at Jihwayang restaurant and Da-hyun's love interest.[43][44]
Towards the end of 2022, Moon starred in theJTBC office-romance dramaThe Interest of Love.[45] She played Ahn Soo-young, a head teller at KCU Bank's Yeongpo branch, who views love as fragile like a sandcastle. Her outlook changes when a man brings excitement into her life.[46]
2024–to present: Debut as writer and recent projects
In February 2024, Moon made her debut as a writer with the publication of her first prose collection, Pata, which explores her inner thoughts and reflections.[47] The book received significant attention when it went on pre-sale on February 27, selling around 2,000 copies. The high pre-order sales quickly led to a second printing being confirmed, which is seen as a notable accomplishment in South Korea's publishing industry.[48] In July 2024, the publisher Wisdom House announced that Pata had signed translation and publishing contracts in Taiwan with AtmanBooks and in Indonesia with ShiraMedia.[49]
Also in February 2024, Moon collaborated once again with directorHong Jong-chan forDaesung's "Falling Slowly" music video. Moon also reunited with herWelcome to Waikiki 2's costarKim Seon-ho for the project. The song and music video were released on March 5.[50]
On July 1, 2024, Moon signed an exclusive contract with management company Peak J Entertainment.[51] On July 12, the television network tvN announced that Moon andChoi Hyun-wook have been cast in mini-seriesBlack Salt Dragon.[52] The series is based on awebtoon of the same name by Hye Jin-yang.[53] The drama is directed by Lee Soo-hyun, known forDelightfully Deceitful and written by Kim Soo-yeon.[54] It was produced byStudio N and planned byStudio Dragon.[55][52]
Moon debuted in the entertainment industry as a commercial model in 2005.[7]
In early 2021, Moon was selected as an exclusive model for hair brand Vodana.[56] In May, cosmetics brand Dermafirm (CEO Han Yoon-jae) selected Moon as the brand's exclusive model.[57] Moon also reunited with herWelcome to Waikiki 2's costarKim Seon-ho for outdoor-clothing brand models Nau.[58]
In 2022, Moon was selected as the model for the sports fashion brand Lecoq Sportive.[59] She is also an exclusive model for vegan cosmetics brand Dinto.[60][61]
In September 2023, Moon attendedDolce & Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2024 show atMilan Fashion Week.[62][63] Following the event, Moon was recognized as the artist who had the most significant impact in the event and generated high media value, as indicated by the marketing platform Lefty. Pictorial of Moon wearing Dolce & Gabbana's Fall-Winter collection were featured in W magazine's November issue.[64] She was later officially announced as the brand's ambassador in November 2023.[26][62] Moon also appeared as a model forCalvin Klein in December 2023.[65]
In 2024, Moon attended Milan Fashion Week for the Dolce & Gabbana fall/winter 2024 show.[66] In addition, Moon reunited withCha Eun-woo as advertising models for Hanwha Life Insurance commercial.[67] In March 2024, Moon was named aTumi luggage global ambassador.[68]
^Kim, Gwang-kuk (March 5, 2014).My Name Is: 문가영(1) [My Name Is: Moon Ga-young (Part 1)].Ten Asia (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 1, 2020. RetrievedApril 18, 2014.
^Kim, Gwang-kuk (March 5, 2014).My Name Is: 문가영(2) [My Name Is: Moon Ga-young (Part 2)].Ten Asia (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 1, 2020. RetrievedApril 18, 2014.
^abcELLE (February 8, 2021).21세기 소녀 문가영의 영리함.ELLE (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 19, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^abLee, Mi-young (April 5, 2008).아역스타 문가영 "빅뱅 탑 오빠가 좋아요" [A child star Moon Ga-young "I like Big Bang Top brother"].아이뉴스24 (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^abcde첫방 '미미', 문가영의 재발견..순수+자연美 빛났다 [The first room 'Mimi', the rediscovery of Moon Ga-young.. Pure + natural beauty shined.].Edaily (in Korean). February 22, 2014.Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^abcd[비바100] '와이키키' 허당녀? 문가영단테 '신곡' 읽는 '뇌섹녀'죠 [[Viva100] 'Waikiki' is a fool? Moon Ga-young ``It's a 'brain sex girl' who reads Dante's 'new song'].100세시대의 동반자 브릿지경제 (in Korean). May 22, 2019.Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^abKim, Jung-hwan.문가영, 귀신과 친한 소녀...그래도 사람이 더 좋더라구요 [Moon ga-young, a girl who is close to ghosts... But she still likes people better.].Naver (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^abcKim, Yang-soo (July 22, 2013).아역출신 문가영, '왕가네'-'후아유' 동시캐스팅 [Moon Ga-young from a child, 'Wang Family'-'Who are You' simultaneous casting].아이뉴스24 (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^[단독] 문가영, 15학번 새내기 된다...성균관대 연기예술학과 합격 [[Exclusive] Moon Ga-young, a freshman in the 15th class... Passed the Department of Acting Arts at Sungkyunkwan University].OBS경인TV (in Korean). January 30, 2015.Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^문가영 '질투의 화신' 출연...당돌한 여고생 변신 [Moon ga-young's appearance in 'The Incarnation of Jealousy'... A bold high school girl transformation].스타투데이 (in Korean). August 18, 2016.Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^abJung, Yu-jin (December 31, 2018).소지섭 '데뷔 23년 만에 첫 대상'(mbc연기대상)[포토엔HD] [So Ji-sub Soo'First Debut in 23 Years' (mbc Drama Awards)[Photo and HD]].Newsen (in Korean). Archived fromthe original on December 31, 2018. RetrievedJune 5, 2020 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Jung-hyun (August 12, 2020).문가영-차은우, tvN '여신강림' 주연 [Moon Ga-Young and Cha Eun-Woo, starring tvN 'Goddess Advent'].Yonhap (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. RetrievedOctober 20, 2020.
^기획 의도: 여신강림이란? [Purpose of the Program: What is "True Beauty"?].tvN (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 27, 2020. RetrievedDecember 27, 2020.
^Hong, Se-young (December 16, 2021).여진구·문가영, '링크' 출연확정, 2022년 편성 [공식] [Yeo Jin-goo and Moon Ga-young to appear in 'Link', scheduled for 2022 [Official]] (in Korean).Sports Donga.Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. RetrievedMarch 22, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Hong, Se-young (December 16, 2021).여진구·문가영, '링크' 출연확정, 2022년 편성 [공식] [Yeo Jin-goo and Moon Ga-young to appear in 'Link', scheduled for 2022 [Official]] (in Korean).Sports Donga.Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 14, 2022 – viaNaver.
^abcOh, Myeong-eon (July 12, 2024).사내 로맨스 그린 '그놈은 흑염룡'에 문가영·최현욱 캐스팅 [Moon Ga-young and Choi Hyun-wook cast in 'He is a Black Flame Dragon', a romance drama about men] (in Korean).Yonhap News.Archived from the original on July 12, 2024. RetrievedJuly 12, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Hyo-joo, Bae (July 12, 2024).문가영X최현욱 '그놈은 흑염룡' 캐스팅, 혐관 로맨스로 만난다 [Moon Ga-young X Choi Hyun-wook cast in 'That Guy is a Black Flame Dragon', meeting in a hate romance] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on July 12, 2024. RetrievedJuly 12, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Hong, Se-young (July 12, 2024).문가영♥최현욱 '그놈은 흑염룡' 남녀주인공, 2025년 편성 [공식] [Moon Ga-young♥Choi Hyun-wook 'That guy is a black flame dragon' male and female leads, 2025 broadcast [Official]] (in Korean).Sports Donga.Archived from the original on July 12, 2024. RetrievedJuly 12, 2024 – viaNaver.
^조, 성경 (January 18, 2021).문가영, 헤어브랜드 보다나 전속모델 발탁 [Moon ga-young, selected as an exclusive model for hair brand].Sports Seoul (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^더마펌, 브랜드 전속 모델로 배우 문가영 발탁...시너지 효과 기대 [Derma Firm, selected as actor Moon Ka-young as a brand exclusive model...Expecting synergy effects].비욘드포스트 (in Korean). May 17, 2021.Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^김선호·문가영의 아웃도어 이야기...나우, 패션 필름 공개 [Kim Seon-ho and Moon Ga-young's outdoor story... Now, fashion film release].ChosunBiz (in Korean). August 22, 2021.Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^대세 스타들 화장품 브랜드 얼굴로 속속 등장 [The trending stars appeared one after another with the faces of cosmetics brands].시장경제 (in Korean). April 29, 2022.Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^비건화장품 딘토, 전속모델 배우 문가영 발탁 [Vegan cosmetics Dinto, exclusive model actor Moon Ga-young selected].Money Today (in Korean). April 8, 2022.Archived from the original on March 18, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^CF는 기세다...문가영, 광고계 러브콜 쇄도 [CF is a momentum... Moon Ga-young, the advertising industry is flooded with love calls].Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). November 1, 2023.Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^Ham, Young-hoon (December 26, 2023).문가영, 언더웨어 캘빈클라인 모델, 놀라운 발탁 효과 [Moon ga-young, underwear Calvin Klein model, amazing selection effect].헤럴드경제 (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 18, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^Ki, Young-mi (November 23, 2023).[포스트어텐션] 상생금융하는 한화생명, "청년 세대들, 이제 우리 만날까요?" [[Postattention] Hanwha Life Insurance, a win-win finance, "Youth generation, shall we meet now?"].리버티코리아포스트 (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^문가영, '왕가네 식구들'·'휴아유' 출연 '기대되는 유망주' [Moon Ga-young, 'Wang's family members' and 'Huayu' appeared in 'A promising prospect'].OBS경인TV (in Korean). July 22, 2013.Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^'사랑의 이해' 문가영 프로필, '정가람과 동거' ['Understanding Love' Moon ga-young's profile, 'cohabitation with Jung Garam'].금강일보 (in Korean). January 13, 2023.Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^abc"Moon Ga-young-TAG LIST".마리끌레르 코리아 | Marie Claire Korea (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^Kim, Na-ra (April 8, 2022).별똥별', 초특급 카메오의 향연 "박정민X송지효→김동욱X문가영 등 특별출연" [공식] [Shooting Star', a feast of super special cameos "Park Jung-min X Song Ji-hyo → Kim Dong-wook X Moon Ga-young, etc. Special appearance" [Official]] (in Korean).My Daily.Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. RetrievedApril 8, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Min-ji (December 16, 2021).링크:먹고 사랑하라, 죽이게' 여진구X문가영 캐스팅 확정(공식) ['Link: Eat, Love, Kill' Yeo Jin-goo X Moon Ga-young confirmed (official)] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. RetrievedDecember 16, 2021 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Myung-mi (October 6, 2022).사랑의 이해' 유연석-문가영-금새록-정가람 출연확정[공식] [Yoo Yeon-seok, Moon Ga-young, Geum Sae-rok, and Jeong Ga-ram confirmed for 'Understanding Love' [Official]] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on October 10, 2022. RetrievedOctober 6, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Hwang, So-young (October 4, 2024).[단독] 문가영, '서초동' 女주인공 낙점..이종석과 호흡 [[Exclusive] Moon Ga-young, selected as female lead in 'Seocho-dong'..Working with Lee Jong-suk] (in Korean).JTBC.Archived from the original on October 4, 2024. RetrievedNovember 5, 2024 – viaNaver.
^설민석‧전현무‧이적‧문가영 '요즘책방: 책 읽어드립니다' 24일 첫 방송 [Seol Min-seok‧Jeon Hyun-moo‧이적‧Moon ga-young 'Bookstore these days: I'm reading books.' First broadcast on the 24th].일요서울i (in Korean). September 4, 2019.Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^Kim, Yang-soo (June 25, 2020).첫방 '식벤져스' 살림꾼 문가영, '직원식사 담당' 문빈...'제로식당' 첫발 [Moon Ga-young, a householder of the first room 'Sick Vengers', Moon Bin ... the first step of 'Zero Restaurant'].아이뉴스24 (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^윤계상과 문가영 주연의 '치열(Cheers)' 뮤직비디오! [RECONNECT 2021] ['Cheers' music video starring Yoon Kye-sang and Moon Ga-young! [RECONNECT 2021]].ELLE (in Korean). December 14, 2021.Archived from the original on March 11, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^Lee, Seung-gil (February 23, 2014).[단독] 빅뱅 대성 신곡 MV 주인공은 '문가영·김선호'...초호화 캐스팅 [[Exclusive] The main character of Big Bang Daesung's new song MV is 'Moon Ga-young, Kim Seon-ho'... Super-holux casting].Naver News (in Korean).Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. RetrievedFebruary 23, 2024.
^Kang, Ae-ran (July 19, 2021).[영화소식] 서울국제여성영화제, 문가영 홍보대사 위촉 [[Movie News] Seoul International Women's Film Festival, Moon Ga-young appointed as a public relations ambassador].Yonhap News Agency. Naverlanguage=ko.Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. RetrievedJuly 19, 2021.
^노, 경언 (February 20, 2024).문가영, 첫 산문집 'PATA' 로 작가 데뷔.W korea (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 18, 2024. RetrievedMarch 5, 2024.
^Jo, Eun-mi (December 2, 2021).2021 AAA' 이정재, 2년 연속 대상 영예..임영웅 4관왕·유아인 2관왕[종합] [2021 AAA' Lee Jung-jae, Grand Prize for 2 consecutive years... Lim Young-woong 4 crowns, Yoo Ah-in 2 crowns [Overall]] (in Korean).Herald POP.Archived from the original on December 2, 2021. RetrievedDecember 2, 2021 – viaNaver.
^AAA Special Investigation (December 2, 2021).이정재→세븐틴, 2021 AAA 빛낸 대상..임영웅 4관왕 최다 [종합] [Lee Jung-jae → Seventeen, 2021 AAA Shining Grand Prize... Most of Lim Young-woong's 4 crowns [Overall]] (in Korean).Star News.Archived from the original on December 2, 2021. RetrievedDecember 2, 2021 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Jae-hoon (December 14, 2023).뉴진스, '2023 AAA' 주인공...대상 두 개 포함 6관왕 [NewJeans, main character of '2023 AAA'...6 awards including 2 grand prizes] (in Korean).Newsis.Archived from the original on January 15, 2024. RetrievedJanuary 14, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Ha, Su-jeong (December 30, 2018).김경남·이준영·오승아·이설, 남녀 신인상 공동 수상 '눈물' [2018MBC연기대상] [Kim Kyung-nam, Lee Jun-young, Oh Seung-ah, and Lee Seol, jointly awarded the male and female Rookie of the Year award 'Tears' [2018 MBC Drama Awards]] (in Korean).OSEN.Archived from the original on October 15, 2022. RetrievedOctober 10, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Hong, Se-young (December 30, 2020).[2020 MBC 연기대상] 안보현·김혜준 남녀 신인상 영광 [[2020 MBC Drama Awards] Ahn Bo-Hyun·Kim Hye-Joon Male and Female Rookie Awards].Sports Donga (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. RetrievedDecember 30, 2020.
^Gayoung Kim (December 30, 2020).[2020 MBC 연기대상] 박해진, 데뷔 14년 만 첫 대상 [종합] [[2020 MBC Drama Awards] Park Hae-jin, the first grand prize in 14 years of debut [General]].E-Daily Star (in Korean).Naver.Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. RetrievedDecember 30, 2020.
