Kim Bo-seok, known professionally as Kim Ji-seok, is a prominent South Korean actor and former singer. Born on April 21, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea, he has built an entertainment career spanning over two decades. From his early days as a member of the Eurodance group LEO to becoming a leading television and film star, Kim has captured audiences with his versatile acting performances and charming screen presence.
- Kim Ji-seok: Quick Facts & Wiki
- Early Life, Parents, and Family Background
- Education and Qualifications
- Music Career and Transition to Acting
- Breakthrough and Major Acting Roles
- Awards and Achievements
- Kim Ji-seok’s Net Worth
- Girlfriend and Personal Life
- Frequently Asked Questions About Kim Ji-seok
- 1. What is Kim Ji-seok’s real name?
- 2. How old is Kim Ji-seok?
- 3. Who are Kim Ji-seok’s parents?
- 4. What is Kim Ji-seok’s net worth?
- 5. Who is Kim Ji-seok dating?
- 6. What was Kim Ji-seok’s first music group?
This biography covers Kim Ji-seok’s early life, family background, career milestones, awards, net worth, and personal relationships.
Kim Ji-seok: Quick Facts & Wiki
Here is an overview of Kim Ji-seok’s personal details and background:
- Real Name: Kim Bo-seok
- Stage Name: Kim Ji-seok
- Date of Birth: April 21, 1981
- Age: 45 years old
- Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Ethnicity: Korean
- Height: 182 cm (approx. 6 feet)
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Rooster
- Religion: Protestantism
- Occupation: Actor, Former Singer
- Net Worth: $5 million
- Instagram: @kimjiseok16
Early Life, Parents, and Family Background
Kim Ji-seok was raised in Seoul as the middle child in a family of three sons. His father is Kim On-yang, and his mother is Lee Hwa-ja. He has an older brother, Kim Ban-seok, and a younger brother, Kim Ye-bon. Kim comes from a distinguished family lineage. His grandfather, Kim Seong-il, actively participated in the Korean independence movement during the Japanese colonial period.
During his teenage years, Kim lived abroad in England. He attended middle and high school there before returning to South Korea for his final year of secondary education. This international experience equipped him with strong English-language skills.
His family is known for notable academic achievements. His older brother studied mathematics at Oxford University, graduated from KAIST’s finance department, and worked in finance in Hong Kong. Kim has spoken publicly about feeling academically overshadowed by his older brother during their upbringing.
Education and Qualifications
Kim Ji-seok pursued higher education aligned with his interests in languages and communications:
- Undergraduate Degree: Graduated from the Department of German Education at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He also earned a secondary teaching certificate in German and English in 2006.
- Graduate Degree: Completed graduate studies in Cultural Contents Planning at Kyung Hee University’s Graduate School of Journalism and Communication.
Music Career and Transition to Acting
Kim began his entertainment career in 2001 as a rapper and member of the five-member Eurodance group LEO, formed following the popularity of groups like g.o.d. However, due to limited commercial success, the group disbanded after roughly eight months.
Following the disbandment, he shifted his focus toward acting. He adopted the stage name Kim Ji-seok to avoid potential confusion with veteran actors Jung Bo-suk and Kim Bo-sung. His acting career officially began in mid-2005 with appearances in television series such as Nonstop 5, The Vineyard Man, and I Want to Love.
Breakthrough and Major Acting Roles
Kim’s breakthrough came when he starred in the daily drama I Hate You, But It’s Fine (2007). This role earned him the Best New Actor prize at the KBS Drama Awards. He followed this success with a standout role in the 2009 skiing blockbuster film Take Off, which became the second-highest-grossing Korean film that year.
Over the next two decades, Kim established himself as a reliable leading and supporting actor across major networks and streaming platforms. Some of his notable television dramas include:
- Chuno (The Slave Hunters) (2010)
- Personal Taste (2010)
- Cheongdam-dong Alice (2012)
- Another Oh Hae-young (2016)
- The Rebel (2017) – portraying Prince Yeonsan
- 20th Century Boy and Girl (2017)
- When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
- My Unfamiliar Family (2020)
- Monthly Magazine Home (2021)
- Kiss Sixth Sense (2022)
- New Recruit 2 (2023)
- OK! Let’s Get Divorced (2026) – starring as Ji Won-ho alongside Lee Min-jung
In addition to dramas, Kim was a cast member of the hit variety and talk show Problematic Men from 2015 to 2020.
Awards and Achievements
Kim Ji-seok’s contributions to Korean television and cinema have been recognized with numerous accolades:
- 2007 KBS Drama Awards: Best New Actor (I Hate You, But It’s Fine)
- 2009 Chunsa Film Art Awards: Ensemble Acting Award (Take Off)
- 2009 Golden Cinematography Awards: Best New Actor (Take Off)
- 2017 Korea Cable TV Awards: Most Popular Star Award, Scene Stealer Award, and Best Couple Award (Another Oh Hae-young)
- 2017 Korea Drama Awards: Top Excellence Award, Actor (The Rebel)
- 2017 MBC Drama Awards: Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Monday-Tuesday Drama (20th Century Boy and Girl)
- 2019 KBS Drama Awards: Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama (When the Camellia Blooms)
Kim Ji-seok’s Net Worth
As of 2026, Kim Ji-seok has an estimated net worth of $5 million. His wealth comes from his career in television and film acting, streaming series, variety show appearances, commercial endorsements, and hosting roles.
Girlfriend and Personal Life
Kim Ji-seok is in a public relationship with actress Lee Joo-myung. The couple acknowledged their relationship in August 2024. Lee Joo-myung is 12 years younger than Kim, and both share a connection within the South Korean entertainment industry.
Their relationship continues to flourish, with reports highlighting mutual family support and travels together. While media outlets and fans frequently speculate about potential wedding plans, the couple remains focused on their acting careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kim Ji-seok
1. What is Kim Ji-seok’s real name?
Kim Ji-seok’s birth name is Kim Bo-seok. He adopted the stage name Kim Ji-seok early in his career to avoid confusion with other established actors.
2. How old is Kim Ji-seok?
Born on April 21, 1981, Kim Ji-seok is 45 years old.
3. Who are Kim Ji-seok’s parents?
His parents are Kim On-yang (father) and Lee Hwa-ja (mother). His grandfather, Kim Seong-il, fought in the Korean independence movement.
4. What is Kim Ji-seok’s net worth?
Kim Ji-seok has an estimated net worth of $5 million, earned primarily through his career as a television and film actor.
5. Who is Kim Ji-seok dating?
Kim Ji-seok is dating actress Lee Joo-myung. The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in August 2024.
6. What was Kim Ji-seok’s first music group?
Before becoming an actor, Kim debuted in 2001 as a rapper in the five-member Eurodance boyband LEO, which disbanded after eight months.
