2025. 10. 22. 12:07ㆍProfiles
Actress Kim Go-eun, born on July 2, 1991, in Seoul, grew up in Beijing, China, where she spent 10 years attending local schools—making her fluent in Mandarin. Though she once dreamed of becoming a film director, a teacher’s encouragement led her to pursue acting instead. After studying at Kaywon High School of Arts and majoring in acting at Korea National University of Arts, Kim Go-eun has since become one of the most distinctive and versatile talents in Korean cinema.
A Powerful Debut with Eungyo(은교)
Kim Go-eun made her screen debut in 2012 with the film Eungyo (A Muse), directed by Jung Ji-woo. Her raw, emotionally charged performance as Han Eun-gyo captivated both audiences and critics, earning her major Best New Actress awards at the Grand Bell Awards, Blue Dragon Film Awards, and Buil Film Awards. Her emergence was heralded as the arrival of a “monster rookie” who would redefine Korean film acting.
A Fearless Filmography of Transformation
After her breakout, Kim continued to challenge herself with a wide range of roles in films such as Monster (2014), Coin Locker Girl (2015), Memories of the Sword (2015), and The Advocate: A Missing Body (2015). In Canola (2016), where she starred alongside veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung, she earned praise for her poignant and heartfelt performance. Later, she melted hearts in Tune in for Love (2019), opposite Jung Hae-in, portraying the innocence and nostalgia of first love.
In 2024, Kim Go-eun reached a career pinnacle with the box-office sensation Exhuma(파묘). Her haunting portrayal of Lee Hwa-rim(이화림), a young shaman, left audiences speechless and propelled the film past the 10-million-viewer mark—a milestone in Korean cinema. The role earned her Best Actress honors at both the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards and the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards.
Her notable films include Eungyo (2012), Canola (2016), Sunset in My Hometown (2018), Tune in for Love (2019), Hero (2022), Exhuma (2024), and Love in the Big City (2024).
Kim Go-eun on the Small Screen
Kim made her television debut in 2016 with Cheese in the Trap, portraying the smart yet vulnerable Hong Seol—a role that earned her the Baeksang Best New Actress in TV award. That same year, she became a household name through Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin, 도깨비) as Ji Eun-tak, a role that created a nationwide sensation and cemented her as one of Korea’s most beloved actresses.
She reunited with writer Kim Eun-sook in The King: Eternal Monarch (2020), playing dual roles with depth and emotional nuance. In Yumi’s Cells (2021–2022), she brought to life a deeply relatable portrayal of an ordinary woman navigating love and work, which won her the 1st Blue Dragon Series Awards Best Actress. Her 2022 drama Little Women showcased her at her most intense, with critics lauding her immersive performance as Oh In-joo.
As of 2025, Kim continues to dominate both screen and streaming, starring in Netflix originals Eun-jung and Sang-yeon and The Price of Confession as leading roles Ryu Eun-jung and Mo-eun, respectively.
The Real Kim Go-eun: Natural, Candid, and Charming
Beyond acting, Kim Go-eun has shown her down-to-earth personality through numerous variety shows such as Happy Together, You Quiz on the Block, and most recently Three Meals a Day: Light and Just the Two of Us. Her love for simple pleasures—like grilled pork belly and soju, casual walks in jeans, and unfiltered laughter—has made her even more endearing to the public.
Fluent in Chinese and gifted in singing, she has also performed live at fan meetings and contributed to drama OSTs, further showcasing her versatile artistry.
Awards and Recognition
- Best New Actress – Grand Bell Awards, Blue Dragon Film Awards (Eungyo, 2012)
- Best New Actress (TV) – Baeksang Arts Awards (Cheese in the Trap)
- Best Actress – Blue Dragon Series Awards (Yumi’s Cells)
- Best Actress – Baeksang & Blue Dragon Film Awards (Exhuma, 2024)
The Meaning of Kim Go-eun Today
Thirteen years into her career, Kim Go-eun has rightfully earned the title of a “trustworthy actress.” Each new role reveals a different layer of her artistry—unpredictable yet always genuine. In 2025, she drew global attention as a Chanel ambassador at the Cannes Film Festival, embodying both elegance and strength.
Kim Go-eun’s name now stands for more than fame—it symbolizes the pure essence of acting itself. Fans and critics alike eagerly await what new dimensions she’ll reveal in her next role.