Kim Jung-hyun (actor, born 1990)#Controversy

Kim was born in Busan in South Korea. He majored in acting at the Korea National University of Arts.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

After having acted in several musical theatre plays, Kim made his silver screen debut in the film Overman, which premiered at the 2015 Busan International Film Festival.{{cite web|title=Overman|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/films/index/filmsView.jsp?movieCd=20155388|website=Korean Film Council|access-date=May 22, 2017|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710172751/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/films/index/filmsView.jsp?movieCd=20155388|url-status=live}} This earned him Best New Actor nominations at 25th Buil Film Awards and 22nd Chunsa Film Art Awards.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

Kim made his small screen debut in 2016 and gained attention with his role as Gong Hyo-jin's younger brother in the romance comedy Don't Dare to Dream.{{cite web|title=Moon Ga-yeong, Kim Jung-hyun, An Woo-yeon in "Incarnation of Jealousy"|url=http://www.hancinema.net/moon-ga-yeong-kim-jung-hyun-an-woo-yeon-in-incarnation-of-jealousy-96786.html|website=HanCinema|date=July 17, 2016|access-date=October 25, 2017|archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321065059/https://www.hancinema.net/moon-ga-yeong-kim-jung-hyun-an-woo-yeon-in-incarnation-of-jealousy-96786.html|url-status=live}}

He then starred in historical drama The Rebel.{{cite web|title=[TV체크] '역적' 김정현, 수련 중 섬뜩한 냉(冷) 미소 포착|url=http://sports.donga.com/3/02/20170326/83529821/1|website=Sports Donga|language=ko|date=March 26, 2017|access-date=October 25, 2017|archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321065100/https://sports.donga.com/3/02/20170326/83529821/1|url-status=live}} The series was a critical and commercial success, and Kim won the Best New Actor award at the 2017 MBC Drama Awards.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

The same year, he was cast in MBC's two-episode series, Binggoo, alongside Han Sun-hwa.{{cite web|title=Sunhwa Confirmed as Lead Role for MBC Special Drama "And Spring"|url=http://www.hancinema.net/sunhwa-confirmed-as-lead-role-for-mbc-special-drama-and-spring-100770.html|website=HanCinema|date=November 23, 2016|access-date=October 25, 2017|archive-date=August 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818155105/https://www.hancinema.net/sunhwa-confirmed-as-lead-role-for-mbc-special-drama-and-spring-100770.html|url-status=live}}

He also played the male lead in KBS2's teen drama School 2017 alongside Gugudan's Kim Se-jeong.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[공식] '학교2017' 측 "김정현·장동윤, 주연 확정"...김세정과 호흡|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0002919488|work=MyDaily|language=ko|date=June 6, 2017|access-date=October 25, 2017|archive-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903090944/http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0002919488|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ko:김정현 "데뷔 후 가장 행복...상상치 못했던 일 계속 일어나"[화보]|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/09/26/2017092600559.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|language=ko|date=September 26, 2017|access-date=July 10, 2018|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807220027/https://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/09/26/2017092600559.html|url-status=live}} The series was very popular among the youth leading to his increased popularity. Kim's portrayal of a troubled and rebellious student was praised by critics and audiences.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} The series earned him Best New Actor nominations at the 54th Baeksang Arts Awards, the 2017 KBS Drama Awards and the 1st The Seoul Awards.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

Kim then featured in 4Men's Music Video Break Up In The Morning.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

Later in the year Kim was cast in a lead role in KBS2 drama special Buzzcut Love.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[공식입장] 김정현, KBS2 드라마 스페셜 '까까머리의 연애' 주연 캐스팅|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110767373|work=OSEN|language=ko|author=Kim Nae-hee|date=November 3, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513205234/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110767373|url-status=live}}

In 2018, Kim starred in JTBC's youth series titled Welcome to Waikiki playing a cynical but kind-hearted movie director.{{cite web|script-title=ko:김정현·이이경·손승원, '으라차차 와이키키' 캐스팅 확정 [공식]|url=http://www.mydaily.co.kr/new_yk/html/read.php?newsid=201712180805709530&ext=da|work=MyDaily|language=ko|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=December 19, 2017|archive-date=February 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219010607/http://www.mydaily.co.kr/new_yk/html/read.php?newsid=201712180805709530&ext=da|url-status=live}} The series was popular across Asia and solidified Kim's status as a versatile actor.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

He then starred in the 4DX VR movie Stay With Me alongside Seo Yea-ji playing the role of an aspiring musician with stage fright.{{cite web|title=Kim Jung Hyun & Seo Ye Ji Star On World's First 4DX VR Movie "Meet The Memories"|url=https://www.hellokpop.com/tv-movies/kim-jung-hyun-seo-ye-ji-meet-the-memories/|website=HELLOKPOP|date=March 23, 2018|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-date=July 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709132550/https://www.hellokpop.com/tv-movies/kim-jung-hyun-seo-ye-ji-meet-the-memories/|url-status=live}}{{Unreliable source?|reason=Per WP:KO/RS#UR|date=February 2024}} Kim lent his vocals to the OST of the movie titled Moonlight.

In July 2018, he starred in MBC melodrama Time alongside Girls' Generation's Seohyun, playing a chaebol whose time is running out due to his failing health.{{cite web|script-title=ko:서현X김정현, MBC 새 수목극 '시간' 주연 확정...7월 방송 [종합]|url=http://www.osen.co.kr/article/G1110893704|website=OSEN|language=ko|date=May 3, 2018|access-date=May 6, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210100312/http://www.osen.co.kr/article/G1110893704|url-status=live}} During the press conference for the drama, he was criticised for "answering questions unenthusiastically" and for refusing to link arms with his co-star Seohyun.{{cite web|title=Actress Seo Yea-ji accused of controlling boyfriend|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/04/398_307029.html|work=The Korea Times|last=Lee|first=Gyu-lee|date=April 12, 2021|access-date=May 10, 2021|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413125234/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/04/398_307029.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ko:[Oh!쎈 이슈] "역할 몰입해 실수"..김정현의 무표정 논란, '시간'만이 답(종합)|trans-title=[Oh! Strong Issue] "A mistake by immersing in a role"..Junghyun Kim's expressionless controversy, only 'Time' answers|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0003827480|via=Naver|work=OSEN|language=ko|last=Yoo|first=Ji-hye|date=July 20, 2018|access-date=May 10, 2021|archive-date=May 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510144222/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0003827480|url-status=live}} He explained that it was because he was trying to stay in his character from the drama. He withdrew from the series halfway through its run, officially citing health reasons.{{cite web|title=Girls' Generation Seohyun left in the lurch as leading man drops out of Korean TV drama|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2161626/girls-generation-seohyun-left-lurch-leading-man-drops|via=South China Morning Post|work=The Korea Times|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=May 10, 2021|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323213915/https://amp.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2161626/girls-generation-seohyun-left-lurch-leading-man-drops|url-status=live}}

File:191209 김정현.jpg

Kim returned to television in December 2019 when he joined the tvN romance drama Crash Landing on You alongside Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin and Seo Ji-hye.{{cite web|script-title=ko:김정현 측 "박지은 작가 신작 '사랑의 불시착' 합류 확정"(공식)|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/609/0000139605|via=Naver|work=Newsen|language=ko|date=July 15, 2019|access-date=February 15, 2021|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210100226/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/609/0000139605|url-status=live}} It became the highest-rated tvN drama and the third-highest-rated Korean drama in cable television history. Kim's portrayal of Goo Seung-joon, former fiancé of Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) and eventual love interest to Seo Dan (Seo Ji-hye), received positive reviews from audiences. His character's name "Goo Seung-joon" went on to trend at No. 1 in Korea's realtime search rankings, which he later described in an interview as incredibly rewarding.{{cite web|script-title=ko:김정현 "'사불' 구승준 실검 1위 깜짝 놀라, 배우로서 뿌듯했다" [화보]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/311/0001124896|via=Naver|work=Exsports News|language=ko|date=March 19, 2020|access-date=February 15, 2021|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417000106/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/311/0001124896|url-status=live}}

In May 2020, Kim made a cameo appearance in his Crash Landing on You co-star Seo Ji-hye's drama Dinner Mate playing the role of her long-term boyfriend.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[단독]"'불시착' 구단커플은 계속"...김정현, 서지혜 드라마 특별 출연|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/477/0000237816|work=SPOTV News|language=ko|date=March 27, 2020|access-date=February 15, 2021|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417000109/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/477/0000237816|url-status=live}}

On June 5, 2020, it was confirmed that Kim would lead tvN's fusion sageuk drama, Mr. Queen alongside Shin Hye-sun playing the role of King Cheoljong.{{cite web|title=tvN 퓨전사극 '철인왕후', 신혜선X김정현 캐스팅 확정[공식]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/404/0000267141|via=Naver|website=News 24|date=June 5, 2020|access-date=February 15, 2021|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417000108/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/404/0000267141|url-status=dead}} The drama aired from December 2020 to February 2021. On February 15, 2021, Mr. Queen became the seventh-highest-rated Korean drama in cable television history and the fifth highest rated tvN drama on record.{{cite web|script-title=ko:'철인왕후' 해피엔딩에 17.4%...tvN 역대 시청률 5위|url=https://m.etoday.co.kr/view.php?idxno=1994654|website=etoday.co.kr|date=February 15, 2021|access-date=February 15, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415023917/https://m.etoday.co.kr/view.php?idxno=1994654|url-status=live}} The Korea Times article praised Kim's complex portrayal of the two-faced King and noted that he "left a deep impression on viewers with a heavy presence that took the center of the play."{{cite web|script-title=ko:'철인왕후' 김정현, 숨멎 엔딩으로 빛난 하드캐리 열연|url=http://www.koreatimes.com/article/20210207/1349002|work=The Korea Times|date=February 7, 2021|access-date=February 15, 2021|archive-date=February 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208015147/http://www.koreatimes.com/article/20210207/1349002|url-status=live}} Kim contributed his vocals to the soundtrack with the song Like the First Snow{{;}} for which he also wrote the lyrics.{{cite web|script-title=ko:김정현 '철인왕후' OST 참여 [공식]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/144/0000716754?lfrom=twitter|via=Naver|work=Sports Trend|date=February 9, 2021|access-date=February 15, 2021|archive-date=February 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209075420/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/144/0000716754?lfrom=twitter|url-status=live}}

In September 2021, Kim signed with Story J Company{{cite web|script-title=ko:김정현 전속계약, 김태희 소속사行 "연기 열의 [공식]|trans-title=Kim Jung-hyun's exclusive contract, Kim Tae-hee's agency "Passion for acting" [Official]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0000934707|via=Naver|work=Sports Donga|language=ko|author=Jeong Hee-yeon|date=September 24, 2021|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924064555/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0000934707|url-status=live}} followed by movie and drama casting news in 2022.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

File:Kim Junghyun in March 2022 (3).jpg

In January 2022, his agency confirmed that he will appear as a Detective in an indie film called Se2cret.

In 2023, Kim returned to television with MBC's Kokdu: Season of Deity opposite actress Im Soo-hyang playing dual role of a Grim reaper and doctor.{{cite web|script-title=ko:김정현·임수향, '꼭두의 계절' 캐스팅...탄탄한 호흡 예고|trans-title=Kim Jung-hyeon and Im Soo-hyang cast in 'Season of Kkokdu'... Strong breathing notice|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=408&aid=0000167956|via=Naver|publisher=iMBC|language=ko|author=Yoo Jeong-min|date=September 26, 2022|access-date=September 26, 2022|archive-date=November 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103192105/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=408&aid=0000167956|url-status=live}} Kim received praise for 'Perfectly portraying two conflicting characters' through a variety of charms.{{cite web|script-title=ko:김정현, 꼭두vs도진우 1인 2역으로 '셀프 연기배틀'('꼭두의 계절')|trans-title=Kim Jung-hyun, Kokdu vs Do Jin-woo in a 'self-acting battle' ('Kokdu Season')|url=https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/broadcast/2023/02/19/FG7QED5PGIDNWIVD4LOTP4IEKI/|via=Chosun Ilbo|publisher=OSEN|language=ko|author=강서정|date=February 19, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219070139/https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/broadcast/2023/02/19/FG7QED5PGIDNWIVD4LOTP4IEKI/|url-status=live}} He also lent his vocals to the opening theme song of the drama titled I am.{{cite web|script-title=ko:김정현, '꼭두의 계절' OST 첫 가창자로 나선다|trans-title=Kim Jung-hyun, the first singer of the 'Kokdu's Season' OST|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/421/0006610133|via=Naver|language=ko|author=안태현|date=February 3, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219070139/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/421/0006610133|url-status=live}}

In March 2025, Kim officially parted ways with Story J Company after his exclusive contract expired, ending a four-year partnership that began in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Suhaila |first=R. |date=2025-01-06 |title=Kim Jung Hyun Parts Ways With Story J Company |url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1714086wpp/kim-jung-hyun-parts-ways-with-story-j-company#:~:text=Kim%20Jung%20Hyun%20has%20parted,J%20Company%20in%20September%202021. |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Soompi |language=en-US}}

In May 2025, Kim signed an exclusive contract with Management SeeSun, a newly established agency that also manages his Mr. Queen co-stars Shin Hye Sun and Cha Chung Hwa, marking a new chapter in his career.{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Myung-mi |title=김정현, 신혜선·차청화와 한솥밥…매니지먼트 시선과 전속계약 [공식입장] |url=https://www.spotvnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=745188 |website=SPOTV News |date=2025-05-02 |access-date=2025-05-12 |language=ko}}

Kim completed his mandatory military service as an assistant in Gangwon-do's 3rd division when he was 21 years old.{{cite web|title=Kim Jung Hyun, Ryu Jun Yeol, Park Seo Joon, and Ahn Jae Hyun, 4 Actors Who Undergo Military Service At A Young Age|url=http://my.castko.com/archives/24228|website=CastKo|date=May 2, 2018|access-date=March 29, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329093755/http://my.castko.com/archives/24228|url-status=live}}

In April 2021, South Korean local tabloid Dispatch revealed alleged text messages between Kim and actress Seo Yea-ji and pointed out requests from Seo as the reason behind Kim's behaviour at the Time press conference. In response, Seo's agency, Gold Medalist, denied the claim that she was the reason behind Kim's behaviour and abrupt exit from the series.{{cite web|script-title=ko:서예지 측 "김정현 논란 서예지 때문 아냐..흔한 애정싸움"[전문]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/108/0002947059|via=Naver|work=Star News|language=ko|last=Moon|first=Wan-sik|date=April 13, 2021|access-date=May 10, 2021|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419144547/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/108/0002947059|url-status=live}} On April 14, he posted a personal handwritten apology.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[전문] 김정현 사과문 "변명 여지없이 죄송" 서예지 언급 無|trans-title=[Full text] Kim Jung-hyun's apology: "Sorry for no excuse." No mention of Seo Yea-ji|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/382/0000903610|via=Naver|work=Sports Donga|language=ko|last=Jeong|first=Hee-yeon|date=April 14, 2021|access-date=May 10, 2021|archive-date=May 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510111128/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/382/0000903610|url-status=live}}

On May 12, Kim's representative released a statement to announce the expiration of his contract with O& Entertainment and to address the actor's health condition while filming Time in 2018.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:[전문] 김정현 측 "오앤과 전속계약, 명예훼손·루머 법적대응" (공식)|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/382/0000909216|via=Naver|work=Sports Donga|language=ko|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=May 12, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512020528/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/382/0000909216|url-status=live}} Kim claimed that his agency had failed to fulfill their duty, and that he would take legal action against them for defamation and spreading false information.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:김정현 측 "오앤과 전속계약 만료...명예훼손 법적대응" [전문]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/081/0003185858|via=Naver|work=Seoul Shinmun|language=ko|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=May 12, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512061821/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/081/0003185858|url-status=live}} The same day, YTN revealed that they had obtained Kim's hospital records which showed that he was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, panic disorder, sleep disorder, and having depressive episodes.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:[단독] 김정현 의료진단서 입수, 우울증+트라우마에 불안까지|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/052/0001586963|via=Naver|work=YTN|language=ko|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=May 12, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512023445/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/052/0001586963|url-status=live}} After the handwritten apology, he met Time director, Jang Jun-ho, who expressed his willingness to work with him again.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:[단독]김정현, 사과 약속 지켰다...'시간' 장준호PD, 차기작 출연 제안해|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/477/0000299029|via=Naver|work=Spotv News|language=ko|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=May 12, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512060035/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/477/0000299029|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|1=http://www.storyjcompany.com/theme/storyj/02/artist_view.php?wr_id=40}}
• {{HanCinema person}}
• {{IMDb name}}

{{MBC Drama Awards for Best New Actor}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kim, Jung-hyun}}

Category:1990 births

Category:21st-century South Korean male actors

Category:Living people

Category:Male actors from Busan

Category:South Korean male film actors

Category:South Korean male television actors

Category:Korea National University of Arts alumni