Kim Do-jin (Korean: 김도진; born November 10, 1977), known professionally asWon Bin (원빈), is a South Korean actor. He first gained wide popularity in 2000 after starring in the television seriesAutumn in My Heart. One of the most selective actors in the Korean entertainment industry, he has starred in only five films to date:Guns & Talks (2001),Taegukgi (2004),My Brother (2004),Mother (2009), andThe Man from Nowhere (2010). He wasGallup Korea's Film Actor of the Year in 2010 and 2011.[1][2]
Won was born on November 10, 1977, inJeongseon County,[note 1]Gangwon Province, South Korea. He is the fifth and youngest child, with one brother and three sisters. His father was employed in a mine, and his mother worked on a farm. Like other children living in mountainous areas, Won spent most of his time playing with friends in the mountains and rivers. He was often shy, introspective, and quiet—traits that would follow him into adulthood. Although not talkative or outgoing, he excelled in sports. Won began takingtaekwondo lessons and holds ablack belt. He graduated from Chuncheon Mech Tech High School and initially planned to become a car mechanic due to his interest in car racing and motorcycling.[4]
In November 1995, a cable television network was looking for new actors; Won applied and was accepted in his last semester of high school. He playedbit parts on cable television, where he was noticed by fashion designerAndré Kim, who invited him to appear in his fashion show. Afterward, Won signed with a talent agency and decided to adopt the stage name "Won Bin".[4][5][6][7]
Won's official acting debut is considered to be the 1997 television seriesPropose, in which he played a supporting role. He then starred in the seriesReady Go! (1998) andKwangki (1999). In 1998, Won graduated from the Broadcasting and Entertainment Department at Paekche Institute of the Arts.[8][9]
Won had his big breakthrough in 2000. He played the rebellious youngest son in the critically acclaimed dramaTough Guy's Love (Kkokji). However, it wasAutumn in My Heart that brought him widespread recognition not only in Korea but throughout Asia. The series became widely popular outside of Korea, ushering in the cultural phenomenon known as the "Korean Wave".[10]Vogue Korea called Won "the original flower boy" and "the original Hallyu star".[11]
In 2001, Won graduated from the Department of Theater atYong In University.[12] In 2002, he appeared in the seriesFriends, the first South Korean–Japanese co-production.[13] That same year, he enrolled in the master's program at the Department of Film, the Graduate School of Arts, Yong In University.[12]
Won's first major success on the big screen was the war dramaTaegukgi, in which he played a sensitive younger brother who was forcibly drafted into the South Korean army at the start of theKorean War.Taegukgi becamethe highest-grossing film in South Korea in 2004, selling 11.75 million tickets.[14] Won also starred in such popular films asGuns & Talks (2001) andMy Brother (2004).
In November 2005, Won enlisted formandatory military service. He was stationed in theKorean Demilitarized Zone, a position for which he volunteered.[15][16] On June 2, 2006, the military officially confirmed that Won would no longer be active.[17] The decision was made by the military when Won sustained injury to hisACL. He underwent surgery and was officially discharged on June 7, 2006.[18] Rehabilitation from the injury took more than a year.
In September 2007, Won was appointed as a special representative of the Korean Committee forUNICEF.[19] Over the years, he has participated in various programs and charity events for the organization. In June 2024, he was appointedUNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in Korea.[20]
Despite his prolonged hiatus from acting, Won retains his popularity with the public. In 2024,Gallup Korea conducted a survey on "The actor you want to see again", in which Won took first place.[23]
On May 30, 2015, Won married actressLee Na-young in a small, private ceremony in a wheat field in Won's hometown ofJeongseon County.[24][25][note 2] The couple reportedly began dating in August 2012.[28] Lee gave birth to their son in December 2015.[29]
Won has investments in real estate.[30][31] He also does some farming, growingchokeberries and making chokeberry juice andsesame oil.[32]
Won is a successful commercial model. In 2018, a news program claimed that Won had earned more than₩24 billion from advertising since 2010.[33] He has modeled for more than 50 brands since the late 1990s.
Won also worked as a fashion model forAndré Kim, appearing in several of his fashion shows in the 1990s and early 2000s.[34] Kim wrote in his book, "I happened to see Won Bin by chance. His exquisite sculptural features, the overall balance of his face, his lonely gaze, and his elegant aura. Very young yet somehow profound. His inner depth was radiating beautifully."[35]
Won is one of the most elusive actors in South Korea. Due to the rarity of meeting him in person, other celebrities refer to him as a "legendary dragon".[36][37] His long hiatus from acting adds to his mystique.[38]
Won is considered one of the best examples of a good-looking man in South Korea; he has been nicknamed "Godbin" and "CG" by Korean internet users.[39][40] The director ofMother,Bong Joon Ho, said that he added the line, "Do-joon's eyes are like a work of art. They're like deer's eyes," after casting Won for the role.[41]
Won is often referenced in popular culture, from songs to dramas.[42][43] The first Korean cyber singer, Adam, who debuted in 1998, was modeled after him.[44] ScreenwriterKim Eun-sook, who has often said she would like to work with Won, named the main character of the 2012 seriesA Gentleman's Dignity Kim Do-jin, which is Won's real name.[45] The hair-cutting scene fromThe Man from Nowhere has spawned numerous parodies.[46][47]
^"여전히 잘생겼네"... 13년 공백 유지하던 원빈, 소름돋는 근황 전했다 ["Still handsome"... Won Bin, who maintained a 13-year hiatus, revealed a thrilling recent update].Salgoo News (in Korean). April 10, 2023.Archived from the original on November 13, 2024. RetrievedMay 5, 2025 – viaNate.
^원빈 > 백제스타 – 백제예술대학교 [Won Bin > Paekche Star – Paekche Institute of the Arts].Paekche Institute of the Arts (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 20, 2025. RetrievedApril 20, 2025.
^[캠퍼스 청춘예찬] 백제예술대학 방송연예과 [Paekche Institute of the Arts Broadcasting and Entertainment Department].Jeonbuk Ilbo (in Korean). May 7, 2002.Archived from the original on April 20, 2025. RetrievedApril 20, 2025.
^아름다운 청년 원빈과 봉준호 인터뷰! [Interview with the beautiful young men Won Bin and Bong Joon Ho!].Vogue Korea (in Korean). June 9, 2009.Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. RetrievedMay 13, 2025.
^ab탤런트 원빈 용인대 석사과정 합격 [Talent Won Bin admitted to the master's program at Yong In University].Cine21 (in Korean). December 6, 2002.Archived from the original on April 21, 2025. RetrievedApril 21, 2025.
^ab[방송]MBC 한일 합작 드라마 '프렌즈' 15~16일 방영 [[Broadcast] MBC Korean-Japanese joint drama 'Friends' to air on the 15th and 16th].The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). February 13, 2002.Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. RetrievedApril 25, 2025.
^앙드레 김, "원빈, 처음 봤을 때 충격적이었다" [André Kim: "I was shocked when I first saw Won Bin"].OSEN (in Korean). September 6, 2009.Archived from the original on May 1, 2025. RetrievedMay 1, 2025 – viaNate.
^원빈 친선대사 [Won Bin Goodwill Ambassador].UNICEF (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 16, 2025. RetrievedApril 16, 2025.
^'1년 19억' 새신랑 원빈의 재테크..전문가 "프로다" [1.9 billion won in one year: newlywed Won Bin's financial strategy.. Expert says 'professional'].Star News (in Korean). June 7, 2015.Archived from the original on April 26, 2025. RetrievedApril 27, 2025.
^서장훈→원빈♥이나영, '착한 임대인 운동'으로 보여준 선한 영향력 [종합] [Seo Jang-hoon→Won Bin♥Lee Na-young, showing positive influence with 'Good Landlord Movement' [Summary]].TV Report (in Korean). March 7, 2020.Archived from the original on April 26, 2025. RetrievedApril 27, 2025 – viaNaver.
^원빈·전도연·김희선, 故 앙드레김 조문행렬 줄이어 [Won Bin, Jeon Do-yeon, and Kim Hee-sun attend André Kim's funeral procession].Edaily (in Korean). August 13, 2010.Archived from the original on April 22, 2025. RetrievedApril 22, 2025.
^Kim, André (August 20, 2010).앙드레 김 My Fantasy [André Kim My Fantasy] (in Korean). Morning country. p. 142.ISBN978-89-5587-200-2.
^'놀면' 유재석 이효리 비 "활동하면서 원빈 본 적 한 번도 없어"[결정적장면] ['Hangout with Yoo' Yoo Jae Suk, Lee Hyori, Rain "I've never seen Won Bin in my life" [Crucial scene]].Newsen (in Korean). August 8, 2020.Archived from the original on April 21, 2025. RetrievedApril 21, 2025.
^연예인 사이에서 '전설의 용' 원빈, 14년째 작품 안하는 이유 (당나귀 귀) ["Legendary Dragon" Won Bin among celebrities, why no work for 14 years (Boss in the Mirror)].MBC News (in Korean). November 11, 2024.Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. RetrievedApril 21, 2025.
^잘 지내나요, 원빈 [How are you, Won Bin?].Vogue Korea (in Korean). June 4, 2019.Archived from the original on April 22, 2025. RetrievedApril 22, 2025.
^원빈 길거리 포착 "옷이 날개가 아니라 얼굴이 날개" [Won Bin spotted on the street: It's not the clothes, it's the face that's the wings].SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). January 25, 2013.Archived from the original on April 28, 2025. RetrievedApril 30, 2025.
^성동일 원빈 정반대 예언 "아저씨 머리하면 연예인 못할것" [Sung Dong-il's opposite prediction about Won Bin: "If he cuts his hair likeahjussi, he won't be able to be a celebrity"].Newsen (in Korean). December 28, 2013.Archived from the original on May 10, 2025. RetrievedMay 10, 2025.
^김은숙 작가 "'신품' 김도진, 내가 찜한 원빈...본명F4들 첫사랑 김은희는 절친 이름" [Writer Kim Eun-sook: "'Newcomer' Kim Do-jin, my choice is Won Bin... F4's first love, Kim Eun-hee, is the name of a close friend"].The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). June 28, 2012.Archived from the original on April 23, 2025. RetrievedApril 23, 2025.
^'복면가왕' 강동호 '아저씨' 원빈 패러디? 비교해보니...'大폭소' ['King of Mask Singer' Kang Dong-ho's parody of Won Bin's 'The Man from Nowhere'? Comparing it... 'Big Laugh'].The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). March 7, 2013.Archived from the original on April 30, 2025. RetrievedApril 30, 2025.
^김기리 원빈 패러디, 복근과 진지한 표정 완벽 싱크로율 [Kim Kiri's parody of Won Bin, perfect synchronization of abs and serious expression].Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). June 4, 2019.Archived from the original on April 30, 2025. RetrievedApril 30, 2025.
^토요일 오후 2시 [Saturday, 2:00 pm].Cine21 (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. RetrievedApril 24, 2025.
^킬러들의 수다 [Guns & Talks].Cine21 (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. RetrievedApril 24, 2025.
^우리 형 [My Brother].Cine21 (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. RetrievedApril 24, 2025.
^원빈 과거사진 포착,15년 전 모습에 "이거 보고 거울 보지 마세요" [Won Bin's past photo captured, his appearance from 15 years ago "Don't look in the mirror after seeing this"].SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). July 27, 2013.Archived from the original on April 25, 2025. RetrievedApril 25, 2025.
^기자, 김효진 (January 9, 2025).원빈, 광고 통해 전한 근황...15년째 작품 공백기 [Won Bin, Current Status Revealed Through Advertisement... 15 Years of Hiatus].TOPSTARNEWS.NET (in Korean).Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^'광끼' 원빈 16년전 과거모습에 서유리 "사람 아닌 CG"(시간을 달리는 TV) ['Kwangki' Won Bin's appearance from 16 years ago, Seo Yu-ri: "Not a person, but CG" (TV Time Travel)].Newsen (in Korean). August 20, 2015.Archived from the original on January 11, 2022. RetrievedApril 25, 2025.
^원빈-조인성-엄태웅의 공통점은? 단막극이 낳은 [What do Won Bin, Zo In-sung, and Uhm Tae-woong have in common? One-act play].The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). December 15, 2011.Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. RetrievedApril 25, 2025.
^[올드라마] 무심결에 "나 때는 말이야~" 튀어나올 법한 '꼭지' [[Old Drama] 'Kkokji' that might casually make you say, 'Back in my day~'].BizHanKook (in Korean). July 29, 2019.Archived from the original on April 25, 2025. RetrievedApril 25, 2025.
^'섹션' 소지섭-강동원, 진짜야? 뮤비 속 흑역사 총정리 ['Section' So Ji-sub and Kang Dong-won, is it real? A comprehensive review of music video history].The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). June 8, 2014.Archived from the original on April 25, 2025. RetrievedApril 25, 2025.
^제37회 백상예술대상 시상식 [The 37th Baeksang Arts Awards Ceremony].Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). March 30, 2001.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^내일 백상예술대상 '별들이 빛나는 밤' [Tomorrow's Baeksang Arts Awards 'The Night the Stars Shine'].The JoongAng (in Korean). March 25, 2010.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^이병헌·원빈·하지원, 백상 오늘(26일)의 주인공은? [Lee Byung-hun, Won Bin, and Ha Ji-won, who will be the winners of the Baeksang today (26th)?].Star News (in Korean). May 26, 2011.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^[영화콕!]'킬러들의 수다' 신현준X정재영X신하균X원빈, '비주얼 킹' 남자들의 프로젝트 [[Movie Pick!] 'Guns & Talks' Shin Hyun-joon, Jung Jae-young, Shin Ha-kyun, Won Bin, The 'Visual Kings' Male Project].News Culture (in Korean). August 15, 2019.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^'방자전', 부일상 7개 부문 진출..."감독상·각본상 후보" ['The Servant' selected for 7 categories at Buil Film Awards... "Nominated for Best Director and Screenplay"].Sports Seoul (in Korean). October 7, 2010.Archived from the original on April 30, 2025. RetrievedApril 30, 2025 – viaNate.
^2002년 5월 22일 (수) / 제 146 회 [Wednesday, May 22, 2002 / No. 146].MBC News (in Korean). January 27, 2011.Archived from the original on September 4, 2019. RetrievedApril 28, 2025.
^2010 올해의 배우 [2010 Actor of the Year].Cine21 (in Korean). January 6, 2011.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^원빈·김효진, 촬영감독이 뽑은 신인상 [Won Bin and Kim Hyo-jin, chosen by the cinematographers as Newcomer Award winners].Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). March 25, 2004.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^<포토뉴스>원빈, 日 보석 베스트 드레서 수상 [Photo News: Won Bin, Best Dressed at Japanese Jewelry Awards].Herald Business (in Korean). January 27, 2011.Archived from the original on April 28, 2025. RetrievedApril 28, 2025.
^'KBS 연기대상' 30주년 기념...송송·박신양·박보검 중 대상은? [KBS Drama Awards 30th Anniversary... Who will win the grand prize among Song Song, Park Shin-yang, and Park Bo-gum?].TV Report (in Korean). December 16, 2016.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^KBS 연기대상에 김영철 [Kim Young-chul at KBS Drama Awards].Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). January 1, 2001.Archived from the original on November 26, 2024. RetrievedApril 28, 2025 – viaNaver.
^[패션]송승헌-김남주 '올해의 베스트드레서' 선정 [[Fashion] Song Seung-heon and Kim Nam-joo named Best Dressed of the Year].The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). December 5, 2001.Archived from the original on April 28, 2025. RetrievedApril 28, 2025.
^원빈 '아저씨', '2010 최고 영화상' 3관왕...맥스무비 [Won Bin's 'The Man from Nowhere' wins three awards at the '2010 Best Film Awards'... Max Movie].MyDaily (in Korean). March 30, 2001.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^원빈·수애, 대한민국 대학영화제 男女주연상 수상 [Won Bin and Soo Ae win Best Actor and Actress awards at the University Film Festival of Korea].Star News (in Korean). December 11, 2010.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025.
^포브스코리아 (March 2011)."Celebrity list 40".Forbes Korea (in Korean).Archived from the original on May 1, 2025. RetrievedMay 1, 2025.
^1984~2008 한국영화 배우 흥행 파워 50 [1984–2008 Top Box Office Powerhouse Actors in Korean Movies].The Screen (in Korean).Archived from the original on May 1, 2025. RetrievedMay 1, 2025.
