As an established model, Jang earned several awards including the "Fashion Model Award" at the 2014 Asia Model Awards and "Best Dressed Model" at the 2015 Korea's Best Dresser Swan Awards. His transition to acting earned him the accolades "Best New Actor (TV)" at the 2019Baeksang Arts Awards, the "Excellence Award" at the 2018MBC Drama Awards and more. Jang is also known for his endorsements with brandsEstée Lauder,Lancôme, andNivea Men.
Born and raised inUlsan, South Korea, Jang Ki-yong was born on August 7, 1992, and lived with his parents and older brother.[1] Growing up, Jang developed an interest for fashion and photography.[2] He saw a runway video from a fashion show starringLee Soo-hyuk on the internet in his third year atUlsan High School [ko] amidst his deliberation of possible future career prospects for college.[1][3] With his growth in enjoyment for magazines and pictorials, he soon wanted to become a model;[4] however, due to familial expectations, he prepared for the college entrance exam during the second semester of high school.[5] After revealing his dream career to his parents, they were initially reluctant and disapproved of his career choice. Eventually he convinced them to let him follow his dream, to which his father stated: "If you really like it and can do well, do it".[2]
To pursue his dream, Jang went toSeoul after passing the college entrance exam and enrolled in the musical acting department atYong In University.[2] Describing himself as a "country guy", he often fantasized about themetropolitan city and viewing theKing Sejeong bronze statue inGwanghwamun.[6] 19-year-old Jang visited South Korean modelling agency, KPlus (nowYG KPlus) in the hopes of being recruited; however, he was not immediately selected. He returned a year later and was given an opportunity to take a pictorial. Following approval from the company's staff, Jang was signed as their newest recruit.[2]
Jang completed his tertiary education atSeokyeong University in the Department of Modeling and Acting.[1]
At 20 years of age, Jang began his modelling career through the 2012 S/S General Idea Collection Show duringSeoul Fashion Week.[7] According to Jang, modelling slowly reversed his timid and introverted personality from childhood.[8] Despite recalling his first year slow-paced, his credits in fashion shows at the time includedKolon and Caruso, and runway show credits included Loriet (로리엣) and Unbounded Avenue (언바운디드어위).[8][9] He was also selected as one of twelve promising rookie models by the Korea Model Association.[4] In 2013, his presence in the music videos "The Red Shoes" and "Friday" byIU brought him public popularity.[9] He went on to win the Fashion Model Award at the 2014 Asian Model Award ceremony in January 2014.[10]
Jang was met with an opportunity without the requirement of an audition by the director ofIt's Okay, That's Love (2014) to appear with label-mateLee Sung-kyung.[11] His role created a buzz within South Korea despite having no lines and was dubbed the "One Second Cameo".[6] Later that year, taking acting more seriously, Jang auditioned forThe Greatest Marriage (2014). While many other actors auditioned for the role, Jang was selected as he matched the role and its image more in comparison to the others.[6] He was also cast in the dramaSchoolgirl Detectives (2014).[12][13] Jang's acting portfolio extended with his supporting roles in television series'This is My Love (2015),Beautiful Mind (2016) andThe Liar and His Lover (2017) alongside web-dramasWe Broke Up (2015) andLove for a Thousand More (2016), both co-productions ofYG Entertainment and starred label-mateKang Seung-yoon.[5] In 2016, he challenged himself with hip hop after being featured as a contestant in the second installation ofTribe of Hip Hop. His performance to "Doom Dada" byT.O.P ofBig Bang garnered attention due to its fast-paced tempo and flow while its execution was praised despite his occupation as a model. Jang finished as a finalist among the top 10.[5]
In 2017, he gained popularity with his supporting character inConfession Couple (2017) asJang Na-ra's college senior.[14] Jang cited the drama as a turning point in his acting career as he received various offers to appear in commercials and television shows and felt its effects when he was approached or recognized by people in their 40s and 50s.[7][15] WithYang Se-jong andWoo Do-hwan, Jang was dubbed a part of "Most Popular Actors Born in 1992" and "Rising Super Rookies" by media outlets in South Korea.[2] After its airing, he received casting offers for various dramas includingMy Mister (2018).[15] Jang chose to cast in the series for its director and writers as well as the character.[15] It also served as an on-screen reunion with IU since 2013. After it aired, Jang gained further recognition with his role as a cold-hearted loan shark.[16] His performance earned him the Best New Actor award at the6th APAN Star Awards and nominations atThe Seoul Awards, marking his first as an actor.[17][18]
Jang in 2018
In 2018, Jang was cast alongsideJin Ki Joo in his first leading role in themelodramaCome and Hug Me, taking on the role of a detective who has a fated relationship with his childhood friend.[19] His performance in the drama earned him the Best New Actor award in television at theBaeksang Arts Awards.[20]
2019–present: Career breakthrough and mainstream success
In 2019, Jang was cast in OCN's action dramaKill It, playing a veterinarian by day and heartless killer at night.[21] The same year, he was cast in the romance dramaSearch: WWW as a CEO and genius composer.[22] Jang made his big screen debut in the crime action filmBad Guys, based on the OCN dramaof the same name, which premiered in September 2019.[23]
Jang enlisted for hismandatory military service on August 23, 2021, as an active duty soldier.[27][28] In the midst of his service, Jang was cast in the Korean republic's musicalBlue Helmet: Meissa's Song (2022) withChanyeol ofExo and Hyojin ofONF, marking his first musical performance.[29] Jang served his enlistment for one year and six months in the 15th Infantry Division ahead of his discharge on February 22, 2023.[30]
Throughout several occasions, Jang has viewed veteran model turned actor and label-mateCha Seung-won as a role model in both the fields of modelling and acting since debut.[31] Having transitioned from modelling to acting himself, Jang stated: "I want to be faithful to my main job, movies and dramas, and be able to stand on the runway like Cha Seung-won during the fashion show seasons."[32] He also wishes to break the prejudice of "models can't act", just as Cha has done.[33] Jang also briefly cited South Korean veteran actor,Ha Jung-woo as a role model following his appearance onSBS'Healing Camp. Seeing Ha recall his experience prompted Jang to wish to become an actor like him in 10 or 15 years time.[34] Among actors overseas, Jang revealed the late Australian actor,Heath Ledger, as an influence for his diverse range in roles for acting.[35]
As a model, his influence extended to model turned actor,Nam Joo-hyuk, to pursue a modelling career. His boost in confidence to wear braces also came through the encouragement of Jang, having also worn braces himself.[36]
In March 2019, Natuur, an ice cream franchise underLotteria chose Jang as a model for their products, a first after 7 years following theirrebranding. A representative revealed Jang is highly popular among women in their 20s and 30s, which is also their largest customer demographic, thus believing he would be the perfect pick. Various events and fansignings were also taken place.[40] An announcement in May throughSprite Korea confirmed Jang as their newest face and model for both their brand and their Summer 2019Dive in Sprite Campaign along with singerChungha.[41]Perfect World Entertainment 3D adventure and fantasyMMORPGPerfect World announced on October 1, Jang was selected as a promotional model alongside veteran singerKim Jong-kook and label-mateRosé. He depicts the appearance of the Elyos Prince, an archer through a promotional video.[42]
On August 31, 2020Estée Lauder cosmetics skin care brandLab Series Korea named Jang as its new face for the brand. A representative revealed through the selection process, they believed his image who constantly challenges himself with diverse roles while also pursuing an active lifestyle fits well with the innovative concept they wish to portray.[43]
^abcYoon Kyung-Chul (June 18, 2021)."[스타연구소①] 장기용, 모델→대세 배우 등극" [[Star Lab ①] Jang Ki-yong, Model → Trending Actor].OBS News (in Korean). RetrievedJune 30, 2021.
^abcdeKim Min-ji (December 5, 2017)."[인터뷰②] 장기용 "양세종·우도환과 함께 루키로 주목, 기분 좋아"" [[Interview ②] Jang Ki-yong: "It's Nice to be Noticed as a Rookie Alongside Yang Se-jong and Woo Do-hwan"].News1 (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. RetrievedJune 30, 2021.
^abKim Bo-min (January 10, 2012)."[기획 취재] 신인모델 12인 인터뷰 장기용 "런웨이의 짜릿함, 겪어본 사람만 아는 거죠"" [[Planned Coverage] Interview with 12 New Models, Jang Ki-yong "The Thrill of the Runway, Only Those Who've Experienced it Know"].BNT News (in Korean). RetrievedJune 30, 2021.
^abcHwang So-jung (January 14, 2017)."[스타톡] 장기용 "모델 아닌 배우로, 더 바쁘게 2017년을 보내고 싶어요"" [[Star Talk] Jang Ki-yong: "I Wish to Spend 2017 Busier as an Actor, Not a Model"].NewsPim (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. RetrievedJune 30, 2021.
^abc"Oh Boy! – Vogue Girl October 2014 Issue: Jang Ki-yong and Nam Joo-hyuk".Vogue Girl. Seoul.
^abKim Young-jae (October 21, 2019)."배우 장기용 "쉬고 싶지가 않아요"" [Actor Jang Ki-yong "I don't want to rest"].GQ Korea (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 18, 2021.
^abKim Hyun-ah (December 20, 2013)."김원중·장기용 등 인기모델들의 공통점? '뮤비 출연'" [What do Popular Models such as Kim Won-jung and Jang Ki-yong Have in Common? 'Movie Appearance'].News1 (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 18, 2021.
^abcLee Seung-mi (September 4, 2019)."[인터뷰⑤] 장기용 "'고백부부'는 내 인생의 터닝포인트..제복핏 덕에 '나쁜녀석들' 캐스팅"" [[Interview ⑤] Jang Ki-yong: "'Confession Couple' is the Turning Point of my Life ... Casting 'Bad Guys' Thanks to the Uniform Fit"].Sports Chosun (in Korean). RetrievedSeptember 19, 2021.
^Jo, Yeon-kyung (February 23, 2025).장기용, 송혜교와 한솥밥 먹는다…UAA 전속계약 [Jang Ki-yong and Song Hye-kyo to Eat from the Same Pot… Exclusive Contract with UAA].JTBC (in Korean). RetrievedFebruary 23, 2025.
^Yoo Ji-hye (July 26, 2021)."[단독] 장기용, 8월23일 육군 현역 입대" [[Exclusive] Jang Ki-yong enlists in the army on August 23rd] (in Korean). Sports Donga.Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. RetrievedJuly 26, 2021 – viaNaver.
^Hwang Hye-jin (July 26, 2021)."YG 측 "장기용 8월 23일 현역 입대, 장소-시간 비공개"(공식)" [YG side "Jang Ki-yong enlisted in active duty on August 23, location and time not disclosed" (official)] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. RetrievedJuly 26, 2021 – viaNaver.
^Seon Mi-kyung (February 17, 2022)."장기용x엑소 찬열x온앤오프 효진⋅승준, 육군 뮤지컬 '블루헬멧:메이사의 노래' 합류[공식]" [Jang Ki-yong x EXO Chanyeol x ONF Hyojin·Seungjun Join Army Musical 'Blue Helmet: Meisa's Song' [Official]] (in Korean). Osen.Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 17, 2022 – via Naver.
^Choi Ji-yoon (February 22, 2023)."장기용, 오늘 전역합니다" [Jang Ki-yong is discharged today] (in Korean).Newsis.Archived from the original on February 21, 2023. RetrievedFebruary 22, 2023 – viaNaver News.
^Lee Young-sil (September 6, 2019)."장기용, '롤모델' 차승원과 추석 극장가 대결에 "감회 새로워"" [Jang Ki-yong and 'Role model' Cha Seung-won Chuseok Theater Confrontation, "New Feeling"].Sisaweek (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. RetrievedJune 29, 2021.
^Shin Young-eun (June 13, 2017)."[인터뷰②] 장기용 "롤모델 차승원 선배, 연기하며 패션쇼 서고파"" [[Interview ②] Jang Ki-yong: "Alongside Acting, Hunger for Fashion Shows like Role model Cha Seung-won"].Star Today (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. RetrievedJune 29, 2021.
^Han In-gu (May 31, 2018)."장기용, '연기 못한다는 모델 편견 깼다'..앞으로가 기대되는 배우" [Jang Ki-yong, 'Breaking Prejudices where Models can't Act'..An Actor Who is Looked Forward to in the Future].Hankooki (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. RetrievedJune 29, 2021.
^Han In-gu (December 5, 2017)."[인터뷰②] 장기용 "김우빈 선배와 닮았다는 얘기, 들을 때마다 좋아요"" [[Interview ②] Jang Ki-yong: "Every time I Hear I Resemble Kim Woo-bin, I Appreciate It"].Star Today (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. RetrievedJune 29, 2021.
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^Kang Go-eun (April 11, 2018)."네파, 전지현X장기용 화보 공개 "바람막이만 걸쳐도 핏이 달라"" [Nepa, Jun Ji-hyun X Jang Ki-yong Pictorial Released].News1 (in Korean).Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. RetrievedMay 9, 2021.
^Kang Min-kyung (August 29, 2023)."[공식] 우울증 걸린 장기용♥수상한 천우희, '히어로는 아닙니다만' 출연 확정" [[Official] Depressed Jang Ki-yong ♥ Suspicious Chun Woo-hee confirmed to appear in 'I'm Not a Hero'] (in Korean). Ten Asia.Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. RetrievedAugust 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee Yejin (August 19, 2024)."차승원x장기용x박희순x노정의x김대명 '돼지우리', 촬영 돌입 [공식입장]" [Cha Seung-won x Jang Ki-yong x Park Hee-soon x Roh Jeong-ui x Kim Dae-myung 'Pigsty', Filming Begins [Official Statement]].Xports News (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 19, 2024.
^Park Ah-reum (July 27, 2014)."박수진-김성은, 어마무시한 래쉬가드 실루엣...헉!".Sports Dongha (in Korean).Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. RetrievedMarch 11, 2021.
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^"뮤지컬 <블루헬멧 : 메이사의 노래> 설 인사" [Musical <Blue Helmet: Meisa's Song> Lunar New Year Greetings].twitter (in Korean). February 1, 2022.Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 1, 2022.
^Lee Woo-in (December 29, 2017)."우도환부터 장기용까지, 대상보다 치열한 'KBS연기대상' 男신인상 대결" [From Woo Do-hwan to Jang Ki-yong, Competition for the 'KBS Drama Awards' Rookie of the Year is More Fierce than the Daesang].tvreport (in Korean). Archived fromthe original on June 24, 2021. RetrievedJune 22, 2021.
^Jung, 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.
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^Kim Chaeyeon (December 17, 2021).""홍천기-원더우먼→그해 우리는"...SBS, '2021 연기대상' 베스트 커플상 후보 공개" ["Chunki Hong - Wonder Woman → That year we were"... SBS unveils nominations for Best Couple Award at '2021 Acting Awards'].Top Star News (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. RetrievedDecember 17, 2021.
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