Kim Sung-kyu

Kim Sung-kyu (; born January 6, 1986) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in crime thriller The Outlaws and in the Netflix series Kingdom (2019). He won the Best New Actor award at the Golden Cinematography Awards for his performance in the film The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019).

Career Kim began his acting career in a theater company at the age of twenty-seven, spanning approximately five years. During this period, he focused on original plays and adaptations of classics rather than commercial productions with mass appeal. He frequently portrayed complex, often heavy characters who navigated significant hardships, personal awakenings, or confronting death. To support himself, Kim held various part-time jobs, including working at a lunchbox shop and a supermarket, moving furniture for commercial buildings such as courthouses, and assisting with stage setup.

Kim's career breakthrough occurred with his role as the antagonist Yang-tae in the 2017 film The Outlaws. His portrayal was noted for his intense physical and psychological commitment to the role. Kim underwent a significant physical transformation, including shaving his eyebrows and losing over 5 kilograms. He aimed for a gaunt, perpetually "hungry" appearance, achieved by walking extensively and frequenting saunas. This dedication was recognized by the film's production and makeup teams, who commended his collaborative approach to character design. Contrasting this with his earlier film works, Kim noted that he found the complexity of Yang-tae's character to be particularly compelling. Filmography Film

Television series + Year Title Role Notes 2019–2020 Kingdom Yeong-shin Season 1–2 2020 A Piece of Your Mind Kang In-wook 2021 One Ordinary Day Do Ji-tae 2022 The King of Pigs Jung Jong-seok 2023 Revenant Lee Ok-gyu Cameo (Episode 1) 2024 Pachinko Kim Chang-ho Season 2 2026 Agent Kim Reactivated Kang Seong

Theater +Theater play performances of Kim YearTitleRoleVenueDate English Korean 2011 12 Men 12인 Jury No.8 Miarigogae Art Theater 2013 Ctrl A (28) A 2015–2016 Ancient Futures Second Child 2016 Planaria Man Daehakro Hyewadang Small Theater 2017 2017 Miryang Summer Performing Arts Festival - Planaria Man Miryang Marina Studio Theater 2 2026Secret Passage: Interval Dong-jae NOL Theater, Middle Theater

Accolades

Awards and nominations + Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Baeksang Arts Awards 2018 Best New Actor – Film The Outlaws Grand Bell Awards 2020 Best Supporting Actor The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil Golden Cinematography Awards 2021 Best New Actor The Seoul Awards 2018Best New Actor (film) The Outlaws

Listicles + Publisher Year Listicle Placement Korean Film Council 2021 Korean Actors 200