Song Hye Kyo is a South Korean Actress celebrated for her exceptional acting skills and timeless beauty. She is a versatile performer with a massive fan following not only in South Korea but all across Asia. Her international recognition and role as a representative of her country on a global scale are noteworthy. As a Hallyu Star, she combined her extraordinary acting abilities with her captivating appearance, making it apt to describe her as “Beauty with Brain”. Despite the emergence of numerous actresses, none can rival her charisma and unique essence.
Biography
Song Hye Kyo was born on 2nd November 1981 in Dalseo-gu Daegu, the fourth largest city in South Korea. When Hye Kyo was born, she was ill. Her parents thought that she couldn’t survive but then after her recovery, her parents registered her birth on 26 February 1982.
Family
Song Hye Kyo was young when her parents separated. Song was brought up by her mother. After her parents’ divorce, they moved from Daegu to Gangnam District, Seoul.
Early Education
After moving to Seoul, she was admitted to elementary school where she was a figure skater. But apparently, she decided to quit when she was in 8th grade. After that, she was admitted to Ewha Girls High School in Jeong-dong, Jung-gu Seoul. Then after completing high school, she majored in Film Arts at a private Sejong University, Gwangjin-gu Seoul.
Relationship
Hye Kyo got married in 2017 to Song Joong-ki, her co-star in Descendants of the Sun. Their engagement news was confirmed on 5 July 2017, and they got married in a private ceremony on October 31, 2017. Only their family and close friends attended the ceremony in Seoul, Hotel Shilla. Moreover, their friends from the industry such as Yoo Ah-in, Park Bo-gum, and Le-Kwang So also made an appearance in this ceremony. Unfortunately, in 2019 on 27 July, was announced by Song Joog-ki that they were getting divorced and the separation was confirmed in July 2019. Song-Joong Ki got married to British Actress Katy Louise Saunders in 2023 and has one son but for now, Hye-Kyo is not married to anyone.
Social Media Accounts
Song is a prominent figure and has a substantial and devoted fan base. She boasts millions of followers across the social media platforms.
She remains very active on her Instagram handle and keeps on posting about her ongoing activities.
16.8M Followers | |
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YouTube | N/A |
TikTok | N/A |
Wiki
She wields an enchanting sway through her superlative acting abilities. She has featured in numerous dramas and gained international prominence.
Real Name | Song Hye Kyo |
Nick Name | Hye Kyo |
Date of Birth | 2nd November 1981 |
Birthplace | Daegu, South Korea |
Age | 41 years |
Gender | Female |
Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
School | Ewha Girls High School in Jeong-dong |
University | Sejong University, Gwangjin-gu Seoul. |
Qualification | Major in Film Arts |
Nationality | South Korean |
Race | Asian |
Occupation | Actress, Model |
Net Worth | $37 Million |
Height | 161 cm 1.61 m 5 feet 4 inches |
Weight | 50 kg 110 Ibs |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Hair Color | Dark Brown |
Face Shape | Slim Oval Shape |
Complexion | Fair |
Relationship | Separated |
Famous For | Acting and alluring looks |
Hobby | Listening to music Traveling Reading |
Pet Name | Two Dogs; Ruby and Ogu |
Tattoo | Yes |
Zodiac Sign
Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius. She is optimistic, honest, and fair-minded in the influence of her zodiac sign just like Taylor Swift, Emma Watson, Mahira Khan, and Hande Ercel.
Career
Debut
Song started her journey in the entertainment world through modeling when she was only fourteen years old. In 1996, she took the first spot when she was in high school in the Sunkyung Smart Model Contest. She did modeling for a school uniform company. After that, she made her television debut with a brief role in the drama First Love. For a long time, she maintained a presence through sitcoms and dramas including Soonpoong Clinic. In 2000, she got a breakthrough and ascended to fame when a drama Autumn in My Heart was released that starred Won Bin and Song Seung-Hong. It was a sentimental drama that paved the way for the Korean Wave in Asia and got high ratings.
Subsequent Work
In 2003, her star status elevated as she was cast in a leading role with Le Byung Hun in All In. In the upcoming year, she got a role in the comedy-drama Full House. Both of these dramas got recognition and good ratings all over Asia. That’s how she reached the new height of fame and people accepted her as a multi-talented and brilliant actress.
Film Debut
In early 2005, she traveled to San Francisco and later to the US. She revealed that she wants to rest up a bit and rejuvenate herself. In March 2005, she came back to Korea to continue her career as an actress and debut in the My Girl and I movie. Expressing her discontent regarding roles, she demonstrated in the subsequent year that she could portray herself in diverse characters.
In 2007, she made her comeback in Hwang Jin Yi; a biographical drama directed by Chang Yoon-Hyun.
International Debut
She also proved her competence internationally. She worked on a short film; a psychological thriller Make Yourself at Home.
TV Comeback
In 2008, she made her comeback to TV. She worked as a main lead with Hyun Bin in The World We Live In. She also starred in a compilation movie Camellia with Kang Dong-Won.
In her next role, Song portrayed a documentary filmmaker. In Today, she encountered profound tragedy which hit theaters in October 2011 after numerous delays.
Moreover, she next played a secondary role in a drama based on the life of Wing Chun; Grandmaster. Taking into consideration her role, she also learned Martial Arts and Cantonese.
Professional Upturn
Likewise, in 2013, she worked in That Winter, the Wind Blows. In this sentimental play, she took the role of a blind heiress. This was a massive hit and Song also got the highest award for television on the 2nd APAN Stars Award, “Daesang” also called “Grand Prize”.
With her proficient acting skills, she also marked her appearance in the Chinese film industry. She starred in the romantic genre The Crossing in which she played the role of a prosperous banker which John Woo primarily directed. Likewise, she worked in another Chinese film which was of the comedy romantic genre; The Queens.
After one year, in 2016, she played the role of surgeon along with Song Jong-Ki in a romantic comedy-drama Descendents of the Sun in which the male lead was an army captain and they both fell for each other while working in a disaster-hit region. It was a mega-hit. It topped the charts not only in Korea but also all across Asia. She again won the “Daesang” aka Grand Prize along with Song Jong-Ki for their tremendous performance at the KBS Drama Awards. In particular, she made her comeback to the small screen with Park Bo-gum in the drama Encounter. Along with this, she was also cast in a romantic series Now We Are Breaking Up in 2021.
In 2022, Hye Kyo worked in a Netflix Series The Glory in which she played the role of a girl named Moon Dong-Eun who was brutally bullied by her fellows in school and she spent her adult life plotting revenge against those who wronged her. It was also a breakout success. Because of her splendid performance, at the 59th Baeksang Awards, she also won the award for the category Best Television Actress.
Cinematic History
TV Series
Following are TV series in which Song Hye Kyo worked
Year | Series |
1996 | First Love |
1997 | Beautiful Face Happy Morning One of a Pair When They Met Wedding Dress |
1998-2000 | Six Siblings Soonpoong Clinic How Am I Deadly Eyes White Nights Sweet Bride Autumn in My Heart Marching |
2001 | Guardian Angel Hotelier |
2003 | All In |
2004 | Full House Sunlight Pours Down |
2008 | World’s Within |
2013 | That Winter Wind Blows |
2016 | Descendents of the Sun |
2019 | Encounter |
2021 | Now We Are Breaking Up |
Films
Hye Kyo also conquered the film industry with her skillfulness.
Year | Films |
2005 | My Girl and I |
2007 | Hwang Jin Yi |
2008 | Make Yourself at Home |
2010 | Camellia |
2011 | Countdown A Reason to Live |
2013 | The Grandmaster |
2014 | The Crossing pt.1 My Brilliant Life |
2015 | The Queen The Crossing pt.2 |
TV Shows
Song has also made appearances in various TV shows such as
Year | Show |
1998 | Inkigayo |
1999 | Our Happy Saturday |
2000 | Music Bank |
2001 | Mnet KM Music Festival |
2007 | She’s Olive |
2009 | Good Morning Panda |
2016 | May, The Children |
2023 | Grandma Is Back |
Music Videos
Following is the music video in which Song Hye Kyo starred:
Year | Video |
1996 | This Promise |
2000 | Once Upon a Time Curious Destiny |
Netflix Series
She also appeared in a web series:
Year | Series |
2022 | The Glory pt.1 and pt.2 |
Controversies
Apart from being one of the most celebrated Asian Artists, Song has also been into rumors and people rebuked her too. There has been a rumor that she might be dating a South Korean actor Lee Min-ho. In addition, this news became more prominent when both attended a fashion show together. Nothing has been announced or confirmed by either of them. But despite this, their fans still associate them.
Books
Additionally, in 2011, she released a photo book titled Song Hye Kyo’s Moment Shoot in NYC, Atlanta. The sales were donated to a Children’s Foundation.
Not to forget, in 2012 she also introduced a photo essay named It’s Time for Hye-Kyo.
Awards
Hye-Kyo distinguished her appearance and was admired and praised all over Asia. She has received numerous accolades in recognition of her talent and dedication.
Year | Award |
1996 | Daesang (Grand Prize) |
1998 | Best New Actress for Sitcom |
2000 | Photogenic Actress Award Popular Actress Award |
2001 | Most Popular Actress (For TV) Top Korean Star Award for Popular Music SBSI Awards Top 10 Stars |
2002 | Top 10 Asian Entertainers |
2003 | Top 10 Stars Top Excellence Award |
2004 | Popular Actress Award Best Couple Award |
2007 | Best New Actress |
2009 | Most Charming Star Award |
2011 | Best Actress Award |
2013 | Daesang (Grand Prize) Top 10 Stars Top Excellence Award |
2016 | Best Couple with Song Jong-Ki Most Popular TV actress Global Star Award Asia Best Couple with Song Jong-Ki |
2022 | Photogenic Cup Award |
2023 | Grand Prize (Blue Dragon’s Choice) Best Actress |
Net Worth
Reportedly, the net worth of Hye-Kyo is approximately $37.
Source of Income
Her main sources of income are
- Acting
- Modeling
Endowment
Apart from her contributions to the industry, she also elevated national pride and took part in various social activities. She has involvement with KARA; a welfare in South Korea that copes with animals who were abandoned or barbarity cases related to them. Song also incorporated her information bookmarks into many art galleries, museums, and historic sites which is a great contribution to the country. Additionally, for downtrodden youngsters, she turned in 1,000 tickets to the Busan International Film Festival.
She also conveyed educational support to the Beautiful Foundation for the students who cannot afford their education and 100 million Won to people who were affected by the wildfire in Gyeongbok.
Brand Ambassador
Hye-Kyo is representing the Italian Luxury Brand Chaumet in Korea. She has been working with them since 2018 and participated in various campaigns. Moreover, she exemplifies this collaboration on the Vogue Korea cover page. To mention, she is the First Korean Artist to make a partnership with the Italian fashion house Fendi. She attended their ongoing promotions and appeared at the Chaumet gala dinner hosted in Paris. Song also promoted Korean Brands such as Michaa and Avouavou.
Favorites
Following is the list of favorites of Hye Kyo:
Color | White Blue |
Food | Tofu Fish |
Brand | Chaumet |
Place | Paris |
Season | Summer |
Fast Facts
- In 2022, she ranked 8th in the Most Beautiful Actress of Korea category.
- Song is very health conscious. She avoids sugar and high-calorie food.
- She preferred Tofu for rice for dinner because they are low-calorie and rich in fiber.
- Additionally, she lost 17kg weight.
- Hye-Kyo avoids snacks because she believes that it’s unhealthy.
- In The Glory, Song is 10 years older than the male lead Jang Ki Yong but the chemistry is unbeatable and she does justice to her character.
- As well as She was ranked 7th in the category Korea Power Celebrity in Forbes magazine.
- She is also known as the Korean Queen by her fans.
- In the past, Song has dated many actors such as Lee Byung Hyung, Song Jong-Ki, and Hyun Bin.
- Hye-Kyo starred in a foreign film that was banned in South Korea.
- She started her career as a model.
- She also hosted many music shows in the early years of her career.
- Particularly, she is one of the highest-paid stars in the industry.
- Furthermore, she took two years break to learn English.
- Besides she also knows how to speak Cantonese.
- She also has an English name Lorraine Song.
- In 2014, she also faced a tax invasion by the National Tax Service of South Korea. She said that her manager mishandled things and she was unaware of it.