Delve deeper into the mind of Korean actor Kim Young Kwang as he challenges the competitive entertainment industry with his admirable acting chops.
If one were to name their top three Korean on-screen celebrities, actor Kim Young Kwang would probably be on that list. Before this interview, this writer had faithfully watched all his TV dramas and movies. Therefore, she could not be more excited to have the pleasure of writing this feature. Alas, nothing could have prepared her for his modest personality.
His success did not come without a rough start. Born to a Vietnam War veteran who passed away when he was 12, Kim took on household responsibilities at a young age. Newspaper delivery was one of the various ways he contributed to his family’s income.
At 19, he was thrown into the spotlight when he was scouted on the streets to be a model for an advertisement. This led to him walking the runways for major fashion labels such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Etro. He was also the first Asian model of Dior Homme (now Dior Men) in 2008. “At that time, I was able to walk Dior Homme because of luck,” he recalls. Although the honour came with some pressure, he was and still is thankful for the opportunity.
That same year, he tried his hands on acting. Debuting in KBS drama Worlds Within, he then starred in various feature roles for another five years before his first breakout role in the 2013 drama, Good Doctor. It seemed he did not regret transitioning from model to actor as he admits, “I would only think of modelling when I get questions about it or when I think about my past.”
This story is from the April 2019 edition of MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2019 edition of MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Performance Meets Sophistication
Meet the dynamic duo of Porsche 911 and 718 that prove jaw-dropping power can harmoniously coexist with sleek sophistication.
The Expanse of Water
On the banks of the Thames River, the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa proposes itself a contemporary oasis, and as a sanctuary where respite arrives in a suite approach to hospitality.
Infinite Layers of Flavour
Suntory Global Spirits Global Ambassador of Scotch & Irish Teddy Joseph shares there is more than meets the eye with Bowmore.
Spirit of Oak
The Macallan unveils the fourth instalment of its Harmony collection headlined by The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak.
A Platinum Jubilee
Men's Folio spoke to Franck Muller Genève CEO Nicholas Rudaz about the special Sincere Fine Watches' 70th anniversary edition and Franck Muller's relationship with the luxury watch retailer.
Timeless Icon
Jake Gyllenhaal emanates spirit, style, and ambition, the enduring qualities of the Cartier Santos.
A Daring Spirit
The Tudor Black Bay exemplifies Tudor's Born to Dare spirit and is crafted for life's boldest adventures.
Square Root
It has been 25 years since Patek Philippe unveiled a new collection. The protracted wait is over with the Cubitus joining the Genevan manufacture’s lineup.
Poised To Remember
The first-ever re-release of a Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance - A Piece of Me (APOM) as a gender-neutral creation prompts a candid conversation with the master creative of the namesake perfume house. In an exclusive interview, Francis Kurkdjian talks to Men's Folio about what fragrance means to him, what inspires him, and what the horizon of the fragrance industry looks like in the years to come.
SOS
What can one turn to in the times of distress? When it comes to the skin, there's no better option than to sit back and let a select few hero products do the work. Soothing, gentle and reliable, these skin-saving failsafes have got the back of even the most sensitive and reactive of skins.
