Kwak Dong-yeon

Kwak was born on 19 March 1997 in Daejeon, South Korea, the younger of two siblings.{{Cite news|title='골목식당' 곽동연 "14살에 혼자 상경, 백종원이 반 정도 먹여 키워"|url=https://m.news.nate.com/view/20210602n42000|website=news.nate|language=ko|date=2 June 2021|access-date=4 August 2021|archive-date=4 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804074059/https://m.news.nate.com/view/20210602n42000|url-status=live}}

At 13, he permanently moved to Seoul by himself to pursue his dream to be an artist. He has been studying music at FNC Academy since 2010, and also took acting lessons. In February 2013, he graduated from Munrae Junior High School and graduated from School of Performing Arts Seoul in February 2016.{{cite web|title=[포토엔]고등학생 올라가는 장군이 곽동연 '키가 많이 컸네' – 중앙일보 연예|url=http://article.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=10642680&ctg=1502|work=JoongAng Ilbo|access-date=14 February 2014|archive-date=12 February 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140212100330/http://article.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=10642680&ctg=1502|url-status=bot: unknown}}

Kwak was originally a lead guitarist and vocalist of Kokoma Band (literally, "Little Kids' Band"), a trainee band managed by FNC Entertainment, along with N.Flying's Seo Dongsung, KNK's Oh Heejun and Omega X's Lee Hwichan.{{Cite news|title=Actor Kwak Dong-yeon who appeared as a little kid band in Cheongdam-dong111.. I live alone Whats your daily life?|url=http://m.ikoreadaily.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=125306|website=ikoreadaily|language=ko|date=14 August 2014|access-date=6 August 2021|archive-date=6 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806041355/http://m.ikoreadaily.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=125306|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title='오래봐도 예쁘다' 곽동연, 잠깐 봐도 잘생김 뿜뿜...'나이는?'|url=http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=650683|website=topstarnews|language=ko|access-date=6 August 2021|archive-date=6 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806041354/http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=650683|url-status=live}}

He made his acting debut in 2012, appearing in the KBS television series My Husband Got a Family. The drama reached a peak audience rating of 49.6%,{{cite web|title=49.6% '넝굴당' 2012년 드라마사에 한 획을 그었다 – 스포츠경향 – 生生 스포츠|url=http://sports.khan.co.kr/news/sk_index.html?cat=view&art_id=201209101957283&sec_id=540201&pt=nv|work=Sports Kyunghyang|language=ko|date=10 September 2012|access-date=27 February 2014}} thereby earning the "national drama" status.{{Cite news|title=You, who came with a vine, to 'National Drama'|url=http://www.dailycc.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=98280|website=dailycc|language=ko|date=16 July 2012|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803070833/http://www.dailycc.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=98280|url-status=live}} The series ranked number one overall on the 2012 yearly TV ratings chart.{{Cite news|title=KBS Drama "My Husband" Wears Throne on 2012 TV Chart|url=http://www.tenasia.com/kbs-drama-my-husband-wears-throne-on-2012-tv-chart/|website=tenasia|language=ko|date=18 December 2012|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=15 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415192846/http://www.tenasia.com/kbs-drama-my-husband-wears-throne-on-2012-tv-chart/}} For his performance, Kwak won the Best Young Actor Award at the 2012 Korea Drama Awards.{{cite web|title=Kwak Dong Yeon garners the Best Young Actor award|url=https://sg.style.yahoo.com/news/kwak-dong-yeon-garners-the-best-young-actor-073545762.html|work=Star News|date=3 October 2012|access-date=24 February 2014|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811060325/https://sg.style.yahoo.com/news/kwak-dong-yeon-garners-the-best-young-actor-073545762.html|url-status=live}}

In 2013, he featured as young Prince Dong-pyung in the SBS historical drama Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love.

He then starred in the KBS Drama Special Puberty Medley, a coming-of-age drama based on the webtoon of the same name.{{cite web|script-title=ko:곽동연, '사춘기 메들리'로 첫 주연..이세영과 호흡|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2013070208221053429|website=Asiae|language=ko|date=2 July 2013|access-date=10 September 2018|archive-date=10 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910131410/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2013070208221053429|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title='감격시대' 곽동연 '명품 아역' 입증..."될성부른 떡잎"|url=https://m.mt.co.kr/renew/view.html?no=2014011716265641091|website=mt.co.kr|language=ko|date=17 January 2014|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802114607/https://m.mt.co.kr/renew/view.html?no=2014011716265641091|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon from 'Nongguldang' transforms into a simple country boy in 'Adolescence Medley'|url=https://mnews.jtbc.joins.com/News/Article.aspx?news_id=NB10314728|website=mnews.jtbc|language=ko|date=24 July 2013|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802114605/https://mnews.jtbc.joins.com/News/Article.aspx?news_id=NB10314728|url-status=live}}

The same year, Kwak featured in the KBS period drama Inspiring Generation playing the younger version of Kim Hyun-joong's character.{{cite web|title=FNC's Kwak Dong Yeon to Act as Young Kim Hyun Joong on 'The Age of Feeling'|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/56069/fnc-posts-pictures-of-kwakdongyeon-in-china-on-facebook|work=enewsWorld|date=15 January 2014|access-date=15 February 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060904/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/56069/fnc-posts-pictures-of-kwakdongyeon-in-china-on-facebook|url-status=dead}} His portrayal of a boy who struggled as the head of the family from an early age to fill the father's vacancy, garnered him a nomination at the 16th Seoul International Youth Film Festival for the Best Young Actor Award.{{Cite news|title='감격시대' 김현중 아역 곽동연, 외모에서 연기까지 '될성부른 떡잎'|url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/2014011642244|website=The Korea Economic Daily|language=ko|date=16 January 2014|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802145718/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/2014011642244|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon's 'Inspirational Age' rebroadcast, the acting that devours viewers|url=https://m.news.nate.com/view/20140118n10032|website=news.nate|language=ko|date=18 January 2014|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802145717/https://m.news.nate.com/view/20140118n10032|url-status=live}}

In March 2014, he took on the lead role in KBS Drama Special Middle School Girl A where he portrayed a smart transfer student who got bullied in his new school.{{cite web|title=곽동연, KBS 단막극 '중학생 A양' 주연 낙점|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=404&aid=0000060522|website=enews24|language=ko|date=19 March 2014|access-date=10 September 2018|archive-date=10 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910095051/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=404&aid=0000060522|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=중학생 A양' 이열음, 곽동연 인증샷 "대사는 야하더니..."|url=https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2014040717435604129|website=asiae.co.kr|language=ko|date=7 April 2014|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802180352/https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2014040717435604129|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Middle School Student A' Lee Yeol-eum, 17-year-old Kwak Dong-yeon, who plays an unconventional opponent up close...|url=https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A201404070289|website=wowtv NewsCenter|language=ko|date=7 April 2014|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802180352/https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A201404070289|url-status=live}} He then starred in SBS weekend drama Modern Farmer, playing a drummer of a rock band who later moved to a village to be a farmer.{{cite web|script-title=ko:'이홍기-이하늬 등 한자리에...' 모던파머 대본리딩 현장|url=http://sbsfune.sbs.co.kr/news/news_content.jsp?article_id=E10005676524|work=SBS funE|language=ko|date=25 August 2014|access-date=17 September 2014|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208172029/http://sbsfune.sbs.co.kr/news/news_content.jsp?article_id=E10005676524|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title='Modern Farmer' Kwak Dong-yeon, closing thoughts "The work that taught me a lot and gave me a lot of memories"|url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/2014122694334|website=The Korea Economic Daily|language=ko|date=26 December 2014|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803125905/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/2014122694334|url-status=live}} In December 2014, Kwak's performances in the drama Inspiring Generation and the drama special Middle School Student A won him the Best Young Actor Award in the 2014 KBS Drama Awards.{{Cite news|title=곽동연, 청소년 연기상 수상 "좋은 배우 되겠다" 당찬 포부 [KBS 연기대상]|url=https://mbn.co.kr/pages/news/newsView.php?news_seq_no=2149441|website=MBN news|language=ko|date=31 December 2014|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816011414/https://www.mbn.co.kr/news/entertain/2149441|url-status=live}}

In 2015, Kwak starred alongside Sistar's Bora in the web series The Flatterer, based on a webtoon of the same name. He portrayed Park Gun, an underdog high school student struggling to survive among the strong in a realistic and comical way.{{Cite news|title=곽동연, '아부쟁이 얍' 이어 '아비'서 고교생 역할 맡았다|url=https://www.hankyung.com/news/article/201511206419q|website=The Korea Economic Daily|language=ko|date=20 November 2015|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731104914/https://www.hankyung.com/news/article/201511206419q|url-status=live}} He also starred in a KBS2 Drama Special Avici, playing the role of a model student from an elite high school, but lacks the ability to empathize with others' pain, who tried his best to cover up his mom's murder.{{Cite news|title="공감능력 상실한 리더들 때문에 '헬조선' 됐다"|url=https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4507246|website=No Cut News|language=ko|date=20 November 2015|access-date=10 August 2021|archive-date=10 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810054317/https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4507246|url-status=live}}

File:(TV10)왕이 되고 싶었던 박보검! Kwak Dong-yeon 26s.jpg

In 2016, he gained more recognition after co-starring in the hit KBS2 historical series Love in the Moonlight as a skilled swordsman known as Kim Byung-yeon.{{cite web|title=곽동연, KBS '구르미' 합류..박보검 죽마고우役[공식입장]|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110455250|work=Osen|language=ko|date=13 July 2016|access-date=22 May 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811055742/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110455250|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=곽동연 "'구르미'는 찬란한 작품, 함께 해서 행복했다" 종영 소감|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/10/19/2016101900802.html|website=chosun|language=ko|date=16 October 2019|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801063850/https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/10/19/2016101900802.html|url-status=live}} The role earned him a nomination for the Best New Actor at the 2016 KBS Drama Awards, and the 10th Korea Drama Awards.{{Cite web|title=Korea Drama Awards Episode 10 in 2017|url=https://movie.daum.net/filmfest/awards?filmfestId=274&evtId=2646#awardId=6589|website=movie.duam|language=ko|access-date=8 August 2021|archive-date=8 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808175039/https://movie.daum.net/filmfest/awards?filmfestId=274&evtId=2646#awardId=6589|url-status=live}} In 2017, Kwak made a guest appearance in drama Fight for my way, as Kim Ji-won's ex-boyfriend,{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon to make a special appearance in 'Fight for My Way'... as Kim Ji-won's boyfriend|url=https://mnews.jtbc.joins.com/News/Article.aspx?news_id=NB11472176|website=mnews.jtbc|language=ko|date=22 May 2017|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801071814/https://mnews.jtbc.joins.com/News/Article.aspx?news_id=NB11472176|url-status=live}} and played a supporting role in SBS fantasy romance drama Reunited Worlds.{{cite web|title=[단독] 곽동연, 여진구 동생된다..SBS '다만세'로 1년만 복귀|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110671972|work=Osen|language=ko|date=22 June 2017|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811055425/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110671972|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title='Reunited World' Kwak Dong-yeon, a presence inversely proportional to the amount 'disruptive transformation into a gangster'|url=https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A201707210031|website=wowtv|language=ko|date=21 July 2017|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803134715/https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A201707210031|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon's 'Reunited World' Ending Feelings|url=https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/view.do?ncd=3551761|website=news.kbs|language=ko|date=22 September 2017|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803134715/https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/view.do?ncd=3551761|url-status=live}}

In July 2017, Kwak was cast as Michael, the main protagonist in the Korean adaptation of The Elephant Song play, which ran from 6 September to 26 November at the former Suhyeonjae Theater in Seoul.{{Cite news|title='Elephant Song' Kwak Dong-yeon, cruising for his first play challenge 'Daily favorable reviews'|url=https://m.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201711031272670379|website=Hankook Ilbo|language=ko|date=3 November 2017|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731095408/https://m.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201711031272670379|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon, 'Elephant Song' first play challenge|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2017/07/490008/|website=Maeil Business Newspaper|language=ko|date=21 July 2017|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731095406/https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2017/07/490008/|url-status=live}}

In 2017, Kwak starred as the main protagonist in a KBS2 drama special Slow. His portrayal of a frustrated baseball player "who fell into a slump, and was anxious about an uncertain future", garnered him a nomination for the Best Actor in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama Award at the 2017 KBS Drama Awards.{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon, Drama Special 'SLOW'|url=https://kstar.kbs.co.kr/list_view.html?idx=23971|website=kstar.kbs|language=ko|date=30 October 2017|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801145408/https://kstar.kbs.co.kr/list_view.html?idx=23971|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon, cast as the main character in KBS drama special 'SLOW'|url=https://m.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201710240939040292|website=Hankook Ilbo|language=ko|date=24 October 2017|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801145408/https://m.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201710240939040292|url-status=live}} On 27 November 2017, Kwak carried the Olympics flame for the 2018 Pyeongchang Games in Gokseong, South Jeolla province as part of the torch relay.{{cite web|title=Kwak Dong-yeon with Olympic flame|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20171128019500341|website=Yonhap News Agency Yonhap news|date=28 November 2017|access-date=30 July 2021|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730072232/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20171128019500341|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Torch Relay: the story continues...|url=https://olympics.com/en/news/pyeongchang-2018-olympic-torch-relay-the-story-continues|website=Olympics.com|date=7 December 2017|access-date=30 July 2021|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730095514/https://olympics.com/en/news/pyeongchang-2018-olympic-torch-relay-the-story-continues|url-status=live}}

File:Kwak Dong-yeon at Nov 2018.png

In 2018, he joined the cast of KBS romance drama Radio Romance, playing the role of a psychiatrist who is Ji Soo-ho (Yoon Doo-joon)'s high school classmate and personal doctor.{{cite web|title=Yoon Bak, Hajun, Kwak Dong Yeon, Yura confirmed as cast of 'Radio Romance'|url=http://kbsworld.kbs.co.kr/news/news_view.php?no=18029&sec=behind&lang=eng&page=1&search_tag=Radio%20Romance&writer=|work=KBS World|date=20 December 2017|access-date=25 December 2017|archive-date=27 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227085240/http://kbsworld.kbs.co.kr/news/news_view.php?no=18029&sec=behind&lang=eng&page=1&search_tag=Radio%20Romance&writer=|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title='Radio Romance' Kwak Dong-yeon "I want to become an actor who can grow" Ending impressions|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2018/03/178264/|website=Maeil Business Newspaper|language=ko|date=20 March 2018|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802115217/https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2018/03/178264/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Is Kwak Dong-yeon from 'Radio Romance' Yoon Doo-joon's friend or foe?|url=https://www.sedaily.com/NewsVIew/1RWW09VIG6|website=sedaily|language=ko|date=7 March 2018|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802115212/https://www.sedaily.com/NewsVIew/1RWW09VIG6|url-status=live}} He also starred in JTBC's romantic comedy series Gangnam Beauty, which was a hit and gained renewed recognition for Kwak.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[인터뷰①] '강남미인' 곽동연 "원작보다 따뜻하게 그려진 우영이가 좋았죠"|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=009&aid=0004226776|website=MK|language=ko|date=1 October 2018|access-date=5 October 2018|archive-date=5 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005111808/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=009&aid=0004226776|url-status=live}} He then starred in SBS's romantic comedy drama My Strange Hero, which is Kwak's first villain role following his debut.{{cite web|title='Gangnam Beauty's actor takes lead role in SBS's drama|url=https://channels.vlive.tv/EBF267/celeb/1.8547113|website=JTBC|date=6 October 2018|access-date=9 October 2018|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011218/https://channels.vlive.tv/EBF267/celeb/1.8547113|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Revenge is back' Kwak Dong-yeon, the 'first villain' who changed his tone + behavior + style|url=https://signalm.sedaily.com/NewsView/1S8IXKF5DV/GL01|website=sedaily|language=ko|date=19 December 2018|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801145408/https://signalm.sedaily.com/NewsView/1S8IXKF5DV/GL01|url-status=live}} The role earned him a nomination for the Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries at the 2019 SBS Drama Awards.{{Cite news|title=2019 SBS 연기대상] "연기하면서 바람피우지 말아야겠다고 생각했다"...'VIP' 이상윤, 미니시리즈 우수연기상 수상|url=https://m.news.nate.com/view/20191231n34552|website=news.nate|language=ko|date=31 December 2019|access-date=9 August 2021|archive-date=9 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809013218/https://m.news.nate.com/view/20191231n34552|url-status=live}}

In December 2018, he won the Actor Award at the 2019 Korea First Brand Awards.{{cite web|title=[영상M] 스트레이 키즈 방찬 "음악으로 저희의 메시지 전할게요" 대한민국 퍼스트브랜드 대상 포토월|url=http://www.m-i.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=481249|website=M-i|language=ko|date=19 December 2018|access-date=19 December 2018|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230958/http://www.m-i.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=481249|url-status=live}} In 2019, Kwak made a special appearance in SBS drama Doctor Detective, portraying Jung Ha-rang, a screen door service engineer from a vocational high school, who was destroyed by an industrial accident.{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon opens the door to 'Doctor Detective' with a shocking ending|url=https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A201907190160|website=wowtv NewsCenter|language=ko|date=19 July 2019|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801161221/https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A201907190160|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon, an all-round entertainer who goes back and forth between dramas, entertainments, and plays..|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/12/28/2019122800544.html|website=wowtv NewsCenter|language=ko|date=28 December 2019|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801161220/https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/12/28/2019122800544.html|url-status=live}} Later in the same year, Kwak starred in the family drama Never Twice.{{cite news|title=Oh Ji-ho, Ye Ji-won, Park Se-wan and Kwak Dong-yeon Join Drama "No Second Chances"|url=https://www.hancinema.net/oh-ji-ho-ye-ji-won-park-se-wan-and-kwak-dong-yeon-join-drama-no-second-chances-133873.html|website=HanCinema|publisher=Star News|access-date=26 September 2019|archive-date=12 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912123647/https://www.hancinema.net/oh-ji-ho-ye-ji-won-park-se-wan-and-kwak-dong-yeon-join-drama-no-second-chances-133873.html|url-status=live}} He acted as the lead male role there with actress Park Se-wan.{{Cite web|title=Watch full episode of Never Twice | Korean Drama | Dramacool|url=https://www3.dramacool.movie/drama-detail/no-second-chance|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716080748/https://www3.dramacool.movie/drama-detail/no-second-chance|url-status=live}} He played the role of Na Hae-jun, the heir of a five-star hotel. The performance earned him a nomination for the Excellence Award, Actor in a Weekend Drama at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards, and for the Excellent Award, Actor in Serial Drama at the 7th APAN Star Awards.{{Cite news|title='Never Twice' Kwak Dong-yeon, a drama that showed the lead role|url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202003073530I|website=The Korea Economic Daily|language=ko|date=7 March 2020|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801165059/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202003073530I|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title='Never Twice' Kwak Dong-yeon, weekend drama generation change success|url=https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A202002210209|website=wowtv NewsCenter|language=ko|date=21 February 2020|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801165059/https://www.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=A202002210209|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon to star in 'Never Twice'... Transformed into a golden spoon + a naughty man [Official position]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/311/0001049848|website=news.naver|language=ko|date=24 September 2019|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=8 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808132332/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/311/0001049848|url-status=live}}

File:191125 Kwak Dong-yeon 'The Elephant Song' as Michael.jpg

In October 2019, Kwak reprised his role in The Elephant Song, from 22 November 2019 to 16 February 2020.{{Cite news|title=엘리펀트송' 정일우X곽동연X강승호, 막강 캐스팅 확정..11월 22일 첫공연[공식]|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/10/14/2019101400599.html|website=chosun|language=ko|date=14 October 2019|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731095408/https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/10/14/2019101400599.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon "'Elephant Song', a work that made me realize the importance and happiness of performances"|url=http://m.inews24.com/v/1242966#_DYAD|website=chosun|language=ko|date=14 February 2020|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728075715/http://m.inews24.com/v/1242966#_DYAD|url-status=live}} In 2020, he appeared in sports film Baseball Girl.{{cite web|title=곽동연, 영화 '야구소녀' 캐스팅 확정...야구선수로 변신(공식입장)|url=http://star.mbn.co.kr/view.php?year=2019&no=7639&refer=portal|website=MBN Star|language=ko|author=Shin Mi-rae|date=4 January 2019|access-date=19 May 2020|archive-date=4 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104072850/http://star.mbn.co.kr/view.php?year=2019&no=7639&refer=portal|url-status=live}} He also made a special appearance in the tvN drama It's Okay to Not Be Okay. Kwak takes on the role of a manic patient with exhibitionism in the drama.{{cite web|title='사이코지만 괜찮아' 곽동연, 노출+조증 증상 환자→연기 호평...시청률 상승↑|url=http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=814275#_ace|website=topstarnews|language=ko|author=허지형|date=29 June 2020|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729163055/http://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=814275#_ace|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title='Psycho But OK' Kwak Dong-yeon's creepy 'psychiatric patient' acting|url=https://m.post.naver.com/viewer/postView.nhn?volumeNo=28652849&memberNo=29949587|website=post.naver Insight news|language=ko|date=28 June 2020|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801175144/https://m.post.naver.com/viewer/postView.nhn?volumeNo=28652849&memberNo=29949587|url-status=live}} In June 2020, it was announced that Kwak would be a part of the cast in the Korean adaptation of the musical comedy Something Rotten!. He played the role of Nigel Bottom, a genius playwright who is also pure and passionate. The performance earned him a nomination for the Rookie of the Year Award, Male category at the 5th Korea Musical Awards. The play ran from 7 August to 18 October at the Chungmu Art Center Grand Theater.{{Cite news|title=곽동연, 뮤지컬 데뷔작 '썸씽로튼' 마지막 공연 소감 "묵묵히 걸어갈 것"|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2020/10/1067957/|website=Maeil Business Newspaper|language=ko|date=19 October 2020|access-date=1 August 2021|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801065355/https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2020/10/1067957/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=AWARD NOMINATION ACTOR. Rookie of the year(Male)|url=https://awards.kmusical.kr/history-awards/5rd-awards/|website=kmusical.kr|language=ko|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=5 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505010531/https://awards.kmusical.kr/history-awards/5rd-awards/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Marie Curie, Something Lawton, '5th Korea Musical Awards' Most Nominees|url=https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20201221/104574962/1|website=donga|language=ko|date=21 December 2020|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803094428/https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20201221/104574962/1|url-status=live}} In August 2020, Kwak signed with new agency H& Entertainment after leaving FNC Entertainment.{{cite web|title=곽동연, 에이치앤드엔터테인먼트 전속계약..정인선과 한솥밥[공식]|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1111422275|website=Osen|language=ko|author=Kim Bo-ra|date=26 August 2020}}

In February 2021, Kwak starred in tvN television series Vincenzo. He played the role of Jang Han-seo, the half-brother of Jang Jun-woo portrayed by Taecyeon, who publicly acts as chairman in his brother's place.{{Cite news|title=Kwak Dong-yeon, delicate acting in 'Vincenzo'... audience admiration|url=http://m.sportsworldi.com/view/20210404507222|website=sportsworldi|language=ko|date=4 April 2021|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731095408/http://m.sportsworldi.com/view/20210404507222|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=No. 1 acting among those born in 1997. Kwak Dong-yeon, the thrill of Vincenzo. Full interview|url=https://m.news.nate.com/view/20210504n08780|website=Nate News|language=ko|date=4 May 2021|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731095409/https://m.news.nate.com/view/20210504n08780|url-status=live}} In May 2021, Kwak joined SBS variety show Delicious Rendezvous along with Choi Won-young and Choi Ye-bin.{{Cite news|script-title=ko:'맛남의 광장' 김희철·유병재·김동준 하차..최원영·곽동연·최예빈 합류|trans-title=Kim Hee-chul, Yoo Byung-jae, and Kim Dong-jun get off from 'Delicious Rendezvous'.. Choi Won-young, Kwak Dong-yeon, Choi Ye-bin join|url=https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/entertain_photo/2021/06/04/TRN5DHOE5RFJLP2AQIBSCK4D7E/|work=Osen|author=Jung Woo-young|date=4 June 2021|access-date=4 June 2021|archive-date=4 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604213623/https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/entertain_photo/2021/06/04/TRN5DHOE5RFJLP2AQIBSCK4D7E/|url-status=live}}

In 2022, Kwak appeared in the movie 6/45 as an observer in the South Korean front force{{Cite news|title=Comedy movie '6/45' confirmed the casting of Go Kyung-pyo → Kwak Dong-yeon|url=https://news.joins.com/article/24039955|website=news.joins|language=ko|date=21 April 2021|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731095407/https://news.joins.com/article/24039955|url-status=live}} and in the MBC drama Big Mouth as a convicted scammer called Jerry.{{cite web|title=언론재벌 양경원·사기 3범 곽동연...'빅마우스'|trans-title=Media tycoon Yang Kyung-won and 3rd offender Kwak Dong-yeon... 'Big Mouse'|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0011279478|via=Naver|publisher=Newsis|language=ko|author=Yoo Da-yeon|date=1 July 2022|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=11 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711044221/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0011279478|url-status=live}} In 2024, Kwak appeared in the Queen of Tears as a third-generation chaebol of Queens Group.

On 26 February 2014, not long after Kwak finished his Inspiring Generation drama promotion, his mother died of an illness.{{cite web|script-title=ko:`감격시대` 곽동연, 모친상..오늘(26일) 비보 접해 - ▒종합 경제정보 미디어 - 이데일리▒|url=http://starin.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=EA31&newsid=01787606605994456&DCD=A10102|work=edaily|language=ko|author=ⓒ 함께 만들고 함께 즐기는 엔터테인먼트 포털, '이데일리 스타IN' - 무단전재&재배포 금지|date=26 February 2014|access-date=16 February 2017|archive-date=26 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114743/http://starin.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=EA31&newsid=01787606605994456&DCD=A10102|url-status=live}}

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Category:1997 births

Category:Living people

Category:Male actors from Daejeon

Category:South Korean male film actors

Category:South Korean male television actors

Category:South Korean male musical theatre actors

Category:South Korean male stage actors

Category:21st-century South Korean guitarists

Category:21st-century South Korean male actors

Category:21st-century South Korean male musicians

Category:School of Performing Arts Seoul alumni