Shin Se-kyung

Early life and education

Shin was born on July 29, 1990, in . She studied at Shinmok High School before enrolling at Chung-Ang University, where she majored in Performing arts.

Career

1998–2009: Beginnings as a child actress

Shin made her entertainment debut at eight years old in 1998 when she was featured on the cover and poster for Seo Taiji's solo album Take Five. As a child actress, Shin was already known to Koreans for her appearance in the popular children's show Popopo, which also starred Big Bang's G-Dragon. She spent her childhood hosting children shows.

After a small part in My Little Bride, she subsequently had starring roles in Cinderella, omnibus films Acoustic and Five Senses of Eros, as well as a well-received turn as the younger version of Princess Cheonmyeong in Queen Seondeok.

2009–2014: Rise in popularity and transitioning roles

Shin failed to gain a large following until her breakthrough role as a housemaid on the popular TV sitcom High Kick Through the Roof in 2009. Building on her sitcom fame, Shin signed on to numerous television commercials and print advertisement and became one of the most sought celebrity endorser.

Lead roles in high-profile acting projects followed, among them film noir Hindsight with Song Kang-ho, the highly rated historical drama Deep Rooted Tree with Jang Hyuk and Han Suk-kyu, and aerial action film R2B: Return to Base with Rain. However, Shin's next project Fashion King (2012) was poorly received by audiences, particularly its controversial ending.

Shin then released her first digital single, "You Were Sweet," which she recorded to promote a coffee franchise she models for. A former singer trainee in middle school, Shin has also contributed songs to the soundtrack of Hindsight, the charity album Love Tree Project, and did her own singing in showcase piece Acoustic. In 2012, she recorded a Christmas carol duet with Epitone Project.

Shin returned to television in the 2013 melodrama When a Man Falls in Love opposite Song Seung-heon, but received criticism from viewers for her passive character. In 2014, she played a more "bold and confident" role in the gambling film Tazza: The Hidden Card, followed by the fantasy-action series Blade Man.

2015–present: Resurgence and comeback

In a break from her usual dramatic roles, Shin played an aspiring comedian in the webtoon adaptation A Girl Who Sees Smells in 2015 as the titular character. Shin then reunited with Fashion King costar Yoo Ah-in in Six Flying Dragons (2015–2016), another period drama from the screenwriters of Deep Rooted Tree.

In 2017, Shin starred in tvN's fantasy-romance drama The Bride of Habaek alongside Nam Joo-hyuk. This is followed shortly by another fantasy-romance drama, Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me alongside Kim Rae-won.

In 2019, Shin starred in the historical drama Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, alongside Cha Eun-woo. She played the role of a noble lady who becomes one of the four female historians of the royal court, and won the Top Excellence Award for an Actress and Best Couple Award with Cha Eun-woo at the MBC Drama Awards.

In 2020–2021, Shin starred in JTBC's romance drama Run On, alongside Yim Si-wan. On July 5, 2021, it was announced Shin had signed an exclusive contract with EDAM Entertainment (a subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment) after her contract with Namoo Actors expired.

In 2023, Shin returned to television in the second season of the fantasy drama Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun, taking over the role of Tan-ya from Kim Ji-won. Following this, she starred in the historical melodrama Captivating the King (2024) alongside Jo Jung-suk. She played Kang Hee-soo, a genius baduk player who disguises herself as a man to seek revenge but falls in love with the king.

On July 3, 2024, it was announced that Shin has departed from EDAM Entertainment after her contract expiry. On July 8, 2024, Shin signed an exclusive contract with The Present Company.

In September, 2024 Shin Se Kyung was cast as the new lead of 'Humint' where she will play Chae Sun Hwa, a North Korean restaurant worker, alongside Jo In Sung as a National Intelligence Service team leader, Park Jung Min as a North Korean State Security Department agent, and Park Hae-joon as Hwang Chi-seong, forming a dynamic chemistry on screen together.

In late September 2024, Shin attended the Roger Vivier Spring/Summer 2025 presentation at Paris Fashion Week as the brand's Korean ambassador. She continued her global promotional activities by attending the brand's Fall/Winter 2025 collection show in Paris in March 2025, drawing attention for her sophisticated style.

Other activities

Ambassadorship

On January 15, 2014, Shin was appointed as the goodwill ambassador for UNESCO's Korean Committee. The honor serves as recognition for her contributions in promoting Korean culture and Education and her advocacy for the Korean language, including her appearance in Deep Rooted Tree. In this capacity, she endorses the vision and the mission of the UNESCO bridge program, both in Korea and outside.

In 2017, Shin was appointed as the Korean hanbok ambassador and attended the hanbok runway show on October 20, 2017.

In 2023, Shin was selected as the Korean ambassador for the French luxury accessory brand Roger Vivier. Since her appointment, she has actively represented the brand at global events, including attending the Paris Fashion Week presentations.

Endorsements

In 2006, Shin was selected as the advertising model for School Looks, a school uniform company.

In 2009, she appeared in the commercial for VIPS restaurant along with Park Ye-jin, Lee Yeon-hee, Lee Yoon-ji and Park Shin-hye. Shin was then selected as the model for LG Cyon Crystal phone along with BigBang.

In 2010, Shin was selected as the advertising model for Lotte liquor 'Cheongha'. She was also selected as the model for Aekyung '2080 Cheong-eun Tea' toothpaste. Shin then appeared in the commercial for Lotte Chilsung G2 ion drink. She was selected as the model for the bag brand Lovcat Paris. Shin was then announced as the brand model of BBQ Chicken along with the boygroup BEAST. She was also the model for New Super Mario Bros. Wii Nintendo Korea. Shin was then selected as the model for Namyoung Vivian's lingerie brand 'Vivian'. She was selected as the exclusive model for the clothing brand SOUP.

In 2012, Shin was announced as the model for the Korean cosmetics brand Nature Republic. She then appeared in a commercial for Yakult's R&B. She is also featured in the commercial for Dongseo Food's 'Light Up' cereal.

Philanthropy

Since the opening of her YouTube channel in 2018, Shin Se Kyung has donated income generated from her videos to help those in need. On December 20, 2022, Shin made a donation from YouTube profits to support sanitary napkins for teenage girls in Korea through the G Foundation.

Personal life

Shin dated Shinee member Kim Jong-hyun in October 2010 until their split in June 2011.

Filmography

Film

Television series

Television shows

Music video appearances

Discography

Awards and nominations

Listicles

Notes

References

References

1. "EDAM Entertainment".
2. link. [[The Korea Economic Daily]]. [[Ten Asia]]. 윤희성. (June 23, 2009)
3. (February 28, 2012). "Forbes Korea's Top 'Power Celebrity 40' ranking". Yahoo News.
4. link. TV Report. Jo. Hye-ryun. (March 30, 2015)
5. link. (November 4, 2009)
6. link. [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. (August 4, 2006)
7. Kim, Tae-jong. (May 31, 2006). "Summer for Horror Film Buffs".
8. (August 16, 2012). "Actress Shin Se Kyung admits that she looks older than actress Moon Keun Young". [[Star News (South Korea).
9. link. [[Hankook Ilbo]]. (July 15, 2006)
10. link. [[The Chosun Ilbo]]. (August 25, 2006)
11. Lee, Min-a. (September 25, 2006). "Child actors come of age in Korea". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
12. link. (July 7, 2009)
13. Kang, Myoung-seok. (November 11, 2009). "INTERVIEW: Sin Se-gyeong (Part 1)". [[Ten Asia]].
14. Kang, Myoung-seok. (November 11, 2009). "INTERVIEW: Sin Se-gyeong (Part 2)". [[Ten Asia]].
15. (January 4, 2010). "Will Shin Se-kyung Be the Hottest TV Star of 2010?". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
16. Lee, Hyo-won. (August 11, 2011). "Song, Shin star in uncanny drama". [[The Korea Times]].
17. Lee, Ga-on. (August 31, 2011). "INTERVIEW: Actress Shin Se-gyeong". [[Ten Asia]].
18. Lee, Ga-on. (November 16, 2011). "Actress Shin Se-gyeong's Movie Picks". [[Ten Asia]].
19. Yu, Ah-jeong. (January 11, 2012). "Actress proves she's more than pretty". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
20. Hong, Lucia. (June 10, 2011). "Rain poses with Sin Se-gyeong on movie set". [[Ten Asia]].
21. (August 25, 2012). "Shin Se-kyung Aims to Smash Stereotypes with New Movie ''R2B''". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
22. (February 20, 2012). "Shin Se Kyung saying hello from New York: "Fashion King's coming up!"". [[Star News (South Korea).
23. Suk, Monica. (March 14, 2012). "Yoo A-in says ''Fashion King'' casts know what they are doing". [[Ten Asia]].
24. Choi, Bo-ran. (May 29, 2012). "So True? So False? Actress Shin Se Kyung debut as a singer". [[Star News (South Korea).
25. Kim, Mi-hwa. (June 14, 2012). "Kim Soo Hyun and Shin Se Kyung release songs on June 14". [[Star News (South Korea).
26. Sunwoo, Carla. (June 15, 2012). "Shin Se-kyung's ''You Were Sweet'' release doesn't miss Kiss Day". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
27. Ho, Stewart. (March 15, 2012). "Shin Se Kyung was Once an Aspiring Singer". enewsWorld.
28. Oh, Mi-jung. (August 15, 2011). "Shin Se Kyung Reveals Great Vocals for the OST of ''Blue Salt''". enewsWorld.
29. Lee, Hyo-won. (October 28, 2010). "Pop idols not enough for Acoustic". [[The Korea Times]].
30. Sunwoo, Carla. (November 22, 2012). "Shin Se-kyung takes part in Epitone Project duet". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
31. (November 22, 2012). "Shin Se-kyung to Send Christmas Cheer with Special Album". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
32. Kim, Gwang-kuk. (June 20, 2013). "INTERVIEW: Actress Shin Se-gyeong – Part 1". [[Ten Asia]].
33. Kim, Gwang-kuk. (June 20, 2013). "INTERVIEW: Actress Shin Se-gyeong – Part 2". [[Ten Asia]].
34. Ko, Hong-ju. (June 29, 2013). "Interview Part I: Shin Se Kyung Says She Couldn't Let Go of Seo Mi Do of ''When a Man Loves''". enewsWorld.
35. Ko, Hong-ju. (June 29, 2013). "Interview Part II: Shin Se Kyung Talks about ''When a Man Loves'' as Its Actress". enewsWorld.
36. Bae, Joong-hyun. (September 2, 2014). "Shin goes gutsy in gambler role".
37. (September 2, 2014). "Can Shin Se Kyung and Lee Dong Wook Be Together?".
38. Kwon, Ji-youn. (April 6, 2015). "Convincing plot key to supernatural drama".
39. (October 1, 2015). "Yoo Ah-in, Shin Se-kyung reunite as lovers in ''Six Flying Dragons''".
40. (September 12, 2017). "Young Shin Se-kyung is an old pro : Former child actor was ready for everything on set of her latest drama". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
41. (October 16, 2017). "Shin Se-kyung, Kim Rae-won confirm roles in 'Black Knight'". [[Kpop Herald]].
42. (October 24, 2017). "Choosing a character entails big responsibility". [[The Korea Times]].
43. link. (February 18, 2019)
44. link. [[Newsis]]. Choi. Ji-yoon. (December 30, 2019)
45. "Shin Se-kyung, Im Si-wan Team up for 1st Time in Romantic TV Series".
46. link. (June 24, 2020)
47. link. [[JTBC]]. Kim. Jin-seok. (July 5, 2021)
48. Yim, Seung-hye. (2022-11-15). "Lee Joon-gi, Shin Se-kyung confirmed for 'Arthdal Chronicles 2'". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
49. Lee, Gyu-lee. (2023-11-29). "Jo Jung-suk, Shin Se-kyung to lead new period drama 'Captivating the King'". [[The Korea Times]].
50. link. MT Star News. Lee. Seung-hoon. (July 3, 2024)
51. link. [[Herald Pop]]. Im. Min-ji. (July 8, 2024)
52. "Actress Shin Se Kyung returns to the big screen after 10 years with spy action film 'Humint'".
53. Seong, Jeong-eun. (2024-09-26). "Shin Se-kyung left for Paris wearing a suede coat-long boot look with an autumn French touch". [[Maeil Business Newspaper.
54. (2014-01-15). "Shin Se-kyung appointed UNESCO goodwill ambassador". [[The Korea Herald]].
55. link. [[Newdaily]]. (October 16, 2017)
56. Seong, Jeong-eun. (2024-09-26). "Shin Se-kyung left for Paris wearing a suede coat-long boot look with an autumn French touch". [[Maeil Business Newspaper.
57. link
58. link. (July 17, 2009)
59. link. (November 26, 2009)
60. link. (April 13, 2010)
61. link. (February 16, 2010)
62. link. (October 21, 2010)
63. link. (April 20, 2010)
64. link. (August 3, 2010)
65. link. (August 11, 2010)
66. link. (March 14, 2013)
67. link. (May 31, 2012)
68. link. 강. 석봉. (April 4, 2012)
69. link. (March 20, 2012)
70. link. Newsen. Hwang. Hye-jin. (December 20, 2022)
71. link. . (October 27, 2010)
72. link. 최. 은영. (June 20, 2011)
73. Lee, Hyo-won. (August 11, 2011). "Song, Shin star in uncanny drama". [[The Korea Times]].
74. link. (October 24, 2017)
75. link. MK Sports. [[Naver]]. Son. Jin-ah. (July 9, 2021)
76. link. News 1. Jung. Yu-jin. (September 16, 2021)
77. Jo. Ji-young. (September 23, 2024). link
78. link. (December 8, 2004)
79. (January 5, 2012). "Actress Sin Se-gyung to cameo on 'High Kick 3: Revenge of The Short-Legged'".
80. Suk, Monica. (March 14, 2012). "Yoo A-in says ''Fashion King'' casts know what they are doing". [[Ten Asia]].
81. (August 3, 2012). "Shin Se-kyung to make cameo appearance on 'My Husband Got a Family'".
82. Ko, Hong-ju. (June 29, 2013). "Interview Part II: Shin Se Kyung Talks about ''When a Man Loves'' as Its Actress". enewsWorld.
83. link. (June 24, 2020)
84. link. Osen. Park. So-young. (November 15, 2022)
85. link. [[Sports Chosun]]. Ko. Jae-wan. (November 1, 2023)
86. link. Kim. Jin-ssok. (January 22, 2026)
87. link. (October 29, 2010)
88. link. Star News]]. (April 22, 2012)
89. link. (October 25, 2018)
90. link. (July 19, 2017)
91. link. Jeong. Hae-eun. (June 2, 2022)
92. link. [[Edaily]]. Kim. Ji-hye. (May 13, 2025)
93. (December 18, 2014). "35th Blue Dragon Awards Names THE ATTORNEY Best Film". Korean Film Biz Zone.
94. link. (July 24, 2019)
95. link. (September 28, 2018)
96. link. (December 27, 2011)
97. (December 31, 2013). "Ha Ji-won Receives Top Honor at 2013 MBC Drama Awards". [[Ten Asia]].
98. link. (December 31, 2019)
99. link. (December 31, 2019)
100. (December 30, 2009). "Yoo Jae-seok wins grand prize at MBC Entertainment Awards". [[Ten Asia]].
101. link. (August 27, 2010)
102. (July 15, 2011). "PiFan Opens with Homage to Bollywood". The Hollywood Reporter.
103. (January 1, 2012). "Han Suk-kyu reclaims glory at SBS Drama Awards". [[Ten Asia]].
104. link. (December 31, 2015)
105. link. (December 31, 2015)
106. link. (December 31, 2015)
107. (November 4, 2011). "Who Took Home a Prize at the Style Icon Awards?". enewsWorld.
108. (February 24, 2011). "Celebrity list 40". [[JoongAng Ilbo]].
109. (February 28, 2012). "Forbes Korea's Top 'Power Celebrity 40' ranking". Manila Bulletin.
110. 조선일보. (2021-01-18). "[공식] 영화진흥위원회, 韓배우 200인 선정..'Korean Actors 200' 해외 홍보 나선다".
111. "KOREAN ACTORS 200".