Jang Ki-yong

Jang Ki-yong (born August 7, 1992) is a South Korean actor and model.

Born and raised in Ulsan, South Korea, Jang Ki-yong was born on August 7, 1992, and lived with his parents and older brother.

Growing up, Jang developed an interest for fashion and photography.

He saw a runway video from a fashion show starring Lee Soo-hyuk on the internet in his third year at Ulsan High School amidst his deliberation of possible future career prospects for college.

With his growth in enjoyment for magazines and pictorials, he soon wanted to become a model; however, due to familial expectations, he prepared for the college entrance exam during the second semester of high school.

After revealing his dream career to his parents, they were initially reluctant and disapproved of his career choice.

Eventually he convinced them to let him follow his dream, to which his father stated: "If you really like it and can do well, do it".

To pursue his dream, Jang went to Seoul after passing the college entrance exam and enrolled in the musical acting department at Yong In University.

Describing himself as a "country guy", he often fantasied about the metropolitan city and viewing the King Sejeong bronze statue in Gwanghwamun.

19-year-old Jang visited South Korean modelling agency, KPlus (now YG KPlus) in the hopes of being recruited; however, he was not immediately selected.

He returned a year later and was given an opportunity to take a pictorial.

Following approval from the company's staff, Jang was signed as their newest recruit.

With Yang Se-jong and Woo Do-hwan, Jang was dubbed a part of "Most Popular Actors Born in 1992" and "Rising Super Rookies" by media outlets in South Korea.

At 20 years of age, Jang began his modelling career through the 2012 S/S General Idea Collection Show during Seoul Fashion Week.

According to Jang, modelling slowly reversed his timid and introverted personality from childhood.

Despite recalling his first year slow-paced, his credits in fashion shows at the time included Kolon and Caruso, and runway show credits included Loriet (로리엣) and Unbounded Avenue (언바운디드어위).

He was also selected as one of twelve promising rookie models by the Korea Model Association.

In 2013, his presence in the music videos "The Red Shoes" and "Friday" by IU brought him public popularity.

It also served as an on-screen reunion with IU since 2013.

He began his career in the modelling industry and debuted as an actor through a guest appearance on It's Okay, That's Love (2014).

As an established model, Jang earned several awards including the "Fashion Model Award" at the 2014 Asia Model Awards and "Best Dressed Model" at the 2015 Korea's Best Dresser Swan Awards.

He went on to win the Fashion Model Award at the 2014 Asian Model Award ceremony in January 2014.

Jang was met with an opportunity without the requirement of an audition by the director of It's Okay, That's Love (2014) to appear with label-mate Lee Sung-kyung.

His role created a buzz within South Korea despite having no lines and was dubbed the "One Second Cameo".

Later that year, taking acting more seriously, Jang auditioned for The Greatest Marriage (2014).

While many other actors auditioned for the role, Jang was selected as he matched the role and its image more in comparison to the others.

He was also cast in the drama Schoolgirl Detectives (2014).

Jang's acting portfolio extended with his supporting roles in television series' This is My Love (2015), Beautiful Mind (2016) and The Liar and His Lover (2017) alongside web-dramas We Broke Up (2015) and Love for a Thousand More (2016), both co-productions of YG Entertainment and starred label-mate Kang Seung-yoon.

In 2016, he challenged himself with hip hop after being featured as a contestant in the second installation of Tribe of Hip Hop.

His performance to "Doom Dada" by T.O.P of Big Bang garnered attention due to its fast-paced tempo and flow while its execution was praised despite his occupation as a model.

Jang finished as a finalist among the T.O.P 10.

He gained popularity with Confession Couple (2017) and was cast in Come and Hug Me (2018), his first-ever lead role.

In 2017, he gained popularity with his supporting character in Confession Couple (2017) as Jang Na-ra's college senior.

Jang cited the drama as a turning point in his acting career as he received various offers to appear in commercials and television shows and felt its effects when he was approached or recognized by people in their 40s and 50s.

Jang is also known for his roles in My Mister (2018), Born Again (2020).

After its airing, he received casting offers for various dramas including My Mister (2018).

Jang chose to cast in the series for its director and writers as well as the character.

Jang rose to prominence with Search: WWW (2019) and continued his streak with My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021) and Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021–2022).

His transition to acting earned him the accolades "Best New Actor (TV)" at the 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards, the "Excellence Award" at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards and more.

Jang is also known for his endorsements with brands Estée Lauder, Lancôme, and Nivea Men.