# Kim Mu-yeol

Kim Mu-yeol (Korean: 김무열; born May 22, 1982) is a South Korean actor. Following a successful career in musical theatre, Kim was first cast in minor parts on film and television. After gaining recognition for his performance in War of the Arrows (2011), Kim landed his first major role in Jung Ji-woo's critically acclaimed film A Muse (2012). Kim went on to star in notable films Northern Limit Line (2015), Forgotten (2017), The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019), Honest Candidate (2020), and The Roundup: Punishment (2024).

## Early life and education

Kim Mu-yeol, born on May 22, 1982, given the name 'Mu-yeol-wang' by his grandfather with the hope that he would contribute to the reunification of North and South Korea. He had a humble upbringing, due to In 1997, during his middle school years, his family faced financial difficulties due to the IMF crisis, and his father's health declined. As a result, Kim became the main provider for his family, putting his dreams of becoming a theater actor on hold. To make ends meet, he took on various part-time jobs and had to take multiple breaks from school.
Despite the strong opposition of his father, a civil servant, Kim Moo-yeol attended acting school since middle school and dreamed of becoming an actor. He went one step closer to his dream by attending Anyang Arts High School. While attending Anyang Arts High School, Kim participated in a performance called "Sins of this World," where he portrayed the role of an old man. Balancing his studies with part-time work became a necessity for him. He took on a range of jobs, including construction work, building security, distributing flyers, event assistance, safety guard, working in a cellphone factory, and part-time positions at a department store. In his pursuit of earning more money, he even ventured into nightclubs, but this period of his life was marked by desperation and uncertainty. He resorted to drinking and neglected his well-being, resulting in a weight gain from 70 kg to 100 kg. One day, after a night of drinking, he had a moment of realization and decided to change his lifestyle. He started exercising, quit drinking and smoking, and regained his determination. Despite his challenging circumstances, Kim performed exceptionally well on the college entrance exam, despite his poor high school grades, and was admitted to the Acting Department of Sungkyunkwan University.
Throughout his journey, Kim Mu-yeol never abandoned his passion for acting. He continued to navigate the delicate balance between making a living and pursuing his dreams. Unfortunately, his father passed away in 2010.

## Career

He made his debut in 2002 with the musical "Jjangtta" and dedicated four years to honing his skills as part of the ensemble. In 2005, he gained recognition by successfully auditioning for the play "Subway Line 1" by Hakjeon Theater Company, catching the attention of Shin Chun-soo, the representative of O-Dream Music Company. This led to his lead roles in productions such as "Assassin" and "Grease."
In 2006, Kim participated in the musical Altar Boyz, which took place at the Chungmu Art Hall Grand Theater in Seoul from May 12 to May 21. Altar Boyz presents a narrative centered around a five-member Christian boy band, self-proclaimed pop evangelists with a mission to rescue troubled souls. Kim Tae-woo, played the role of Matthew, the lead character, with musical actor Song Yong-jin, who shared the role as well.
Kim's career flourished, and he on various roles in popular works including Singin' in the Rain, Thrill Me and Finding Mr. Destiny.
In 2007, Kim joined the domestic premiere of the musical Thrill Me, and made a lasting impression with his portrayal of child murderers Richard/Nathan.
The same year, Kim made his television debut in the KBS2TV one-act drama "Drama City - For the New Wave," where he played the role of Song Hyeon-wook, a noble and gentle man unable to forget his first love. He also appeared in the drama "Chosun Police," which aired on the 'MBC Dramanet' channel. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, the drama featured Kim as the youngest police officer conducting research in the investigation lab to solve cases.
As Kim made strides in the world of theater, he also explored opportunities in television and film, initially taking on smaller roles. One notable moment came in 2009 when he caught the attention of audiences with his supporting role as a bond broker named Jo Min-hyung in the film The Scam (produced by Silk Road, directed by Lee Ho-jae). Jo Min-hyung is portrayed as the Korean stock strategy ace, harboring the belief that dark money governs the nation's economy. Period action epic War of the Arrows became one of the biggest hits of 2011 and further raised his profile. He continued to showcase his versatility by appearing in the South Korean premiere of the musical Jack the Ripper and starring in the drama Wife Returns.
He won Best Actor at the 2009 Korea Musical Awards for his portrayal of Melchior in Spring Awakening, a rock musical which dealt with such taboo subjects as teenage pregnancy, sexual and physical abuse, and homosexuality.
In 2010, Kim Mu-yeol took on his previous role as child murderers Richard/Nathan in the musical "Thrill Me." The production also featured talented performers such as Choi Soo-hyung, Choi Ji-ho, Choi Jae-woong, Kim Ha-neul, Ji Chang-wook, Kim Jae-beom, and Jo Kang-hyeon. The musical was held at The Stage in Sinchon and ran from the 14th to November 14.
Kim's rugged appearance and charismatic presence propelled him to be recognized as a promising talent. Among the roles he's played on stage were Gwanghwamun Love Song and The Three Musketeers.
In 2011, Kim was chosen to join the cast of the musical Guys and Dolls alongside Ok Joo-hyun, Jin-gu, Lee Yong-woo, Kim Young-joo, Lee Yul, and Jeong Seon-ah. Kim took on the role of Sky Masterson in the production. The musical ran from August 2 to September 18, at the LG Arts Center in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul.
In 2012, Kim rose to stardom following his remarkable performance in the provocative and psychologically rich film A Muse. He portrayed the conflicted novelist Seo Ji-woo, who becomes envious of his teacher's genius talent, portrayed by Park Hae-il.
In 2012, Kim went to Japan on July 19, to perform the musical "Thrill Me" alongside Choi Jae-woong. The Japan performances had been scheduled well in advance, and they were set to perform a total of five shows. The musical was co-produced by Musical Haven and Horipro, a Japanese entertainment company, aiming to bring the production to a broader audience. The Japanese version of "Thrill Me" featured a cast and crew composed of both Japanese and Korean members. The production was directed by Tamiya Kuriyama, the former artistic director of the New National Theater in Tokyo. While most of the performances were conducted in Japanese, five of the 27 shows were performed in Korean.
Kim returned to acting upon his military discharge in 2014. He starred in Northern Limit Line in 2015, a naval thriller about the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong.
He was cast as leading man in Bad Guys.

## Personal life
### Military service

In June 2012, Kim came under growing public criticism over allegations he dodged his compulsory military service. In a report released by the Korean Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI), Kim was deemed fit to serve in active duty as a level two recruit after a March 2001 physical examination. However, throughout 2007 to 2009, Kim was granted postponement on the grounds that he was taking civil service examinations or had been admitted to a work training facility, neither of which took place. During this time he reportedly earned approximately ₩300 million from films, musicals, and television work. In December 2009, he received his final notice for enlistment, having used up the 730 days allowed for postponement. He submitted a request to change his military status in January 2010 because of a knee injury, which was rejected. Finally, a valid exemption was granted on the grounds that he was a "low-income individual" and the sole provider for his family. BAI's contention was that Kim's income is substantially higher than the standard for disqualification due to poverty; thus, the Military Manpower Administration was negligent in their duties by granting the exemption.
Kim's agency Prain TPC defended him, stating that Kim had been supporting his family by working as a security guard, construction worker, and at a mobile phone factory since his late teens. When his father collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage and was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, the treatments incurred a lot of debt for the family. Their worsening financial condition caused them to become totally dependent on Kim, resulting in his said filing for an exemption in 2010.
Given the publicity, a reinvestigation into the case was launched and Kim was asked by the production company to leave the film 11 A.M. (he was replaced by Choi Daniel).
On October 4, 2012, Kim released a statement that though there was no wrongdoing on his part, he had decided to voluntarily enter the army "to recover his honor damaged by the rumors."
In January 2013, Kim starred in military musical The Promise. It was co-produced by the Ministry of National Defense and Korea Musical Theatre Association, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice. It ran from January 9 to 20 at the National Theater of Korea, with a cast composed of actors Ji Hyun-woo and Jung Tae-woo, as well as singers Leeteuk of Super Junior, Yoon Hak of Supernova, and Lee Hyun of 8Eight. The musical centered around a group of soldiers who keep a promise made to each other during the 6.25 war. When the "entertainment soldiers" unit was disbanded in August 2013, Kim was reassigned to a frontline combat unit of the 12th Infantry Division headquartered in Inje County, Gangwon Province.
In February 2014, Kim underwent surgery to treat a cartilage injury in his left knee, and afterwards received rehabilitation treatment for nearly two months at a military hospital near Seoul. Criticism was raised regarding his lengthy sick leave, but the defense ministry refused to provide detailed information regarding Kim's health condition, arguing that it was an infringement on his privacy.
Kim was discharged on July 8, 2014.

### Relationship

After a romantic tweet that Kim meant to be a private message to Yoon Seung-ah was accidentally posted on the actor's Twitter page, their agencies confirmed in February 2012 that the two were dating. Kim and Yoon married on April 4, 2015.
In December 2022, their agency announced that Yoon is pregnant with the couple's first child and expected to give birth in June 2023. Yoon gave birth to a son, Kim Tae-myeong, on June 8, 2023.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2009 | The Scam | Jo Min-hyeong | |
| 2010 | Finding Mr. Destiny | Airline employee | Cameo |
| 2011 | Romantic Heaven | Dong Chi-sung | Cameo |
| 2011 | War of the Arrows | Seo-goon | |
| 2012 | Doomsday Book | Ji-ho | Special appearance |
| 2012 | A Muse | Seo Ji-woo | |
| 2012 | All Bark No Bite | Sang-keun | |
| 2015 | Northern Limit Line | Yoon Young-ha | |
| 2017 | Warriors of the Dawn | Gok-soo | |
| 2017 | Forgotten | Yoo-seok | |
| 2018 | Snatch Up | Min-jae | |
| 2018 | Illang: The Wolf Brigade | Han Sang-woo | |
| 2019 | The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil | Jung Tae-suk | |
| 2020 | Honest Candidate | Park Hee-cheol | |
| 2020 | Intruder | Seo-jin | |
| 2021 | Space Sweepers | Kang Hyeon-u | Special appearance |
| 2021 | On the Line | Pro Kwak | |
| 2022 | Honest Candidate 2 | Park Hee-cheol | |
| 2023 | The Devil's Deal | Kim Pil-do | |
| 2023 | Ballerina | Chief-Jo | Special appearance |
| 2024 | The Roundup: Punishment | Baek Chang-ki | |

### Television series

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2007 | Drama City "For The New School" | Hyun-wook | |
| 2007–2008 | Chosun Police | Oh-deok | |
| 2008 | Iljimae | Si-wan | |
| 2009 | Wife Returns | Han Kang-soo | |
| 2010 | John and Rugalda, Two Virgin Spouses | John / Yoo Jung-cheol | |
| 2015 | My Beautiful Bride | Kim Do-hyung | |
| 2017 | Bad Guys 2 | No Jin-pyeong | |
| 2022 | Juvenile Justice | Cha Tae-joo | |
| 2022 | Grid | Song Eo-jin | |
| 2022–2023 | Trolley | Jang Woo-jae | |
| 2023 | Sweet Home | Kim Young-hoo | Season 2–3 |
| 2023 | High Cookie | Yoo Seong-pil | |
| 2024 | No Way Out: The Roulette | Lee Sang-bong | |
| 2024 | Queen Woo | Eul Pa-so | |
| 2025 | Knock-Off | | |

## Stage
### Musical

Musical play performances :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Theater | Date | Ref. |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Theater | Date | Ref. |
| 2003 | Jjangdda | 짱따 | | Cultural Arts Foundation Arts Theater Small Theater | February 15 to 28 | |
| 2003 | Jjangdda | 짱따 | | Chuncheon Museum Outdoor Stage | August 15 | |
| 2003 | Jjangdda | 짱따 | | Hwacheon Boys High School Auditorium | August 27 | |
| 2003 | Jjangdda | 짱따 | | Hongcheon Duchon Middle School Outdoor Stage | August 28 | |
| 2003 | Jjangdda | 짱따 | | Inje Kirin High School Auditorium | August 29 | |
| 2005–2006 | Subway Line 1 | 지하철 1호선 | Multi-roles | Hakjeon Green Small Theater in Daehakro | 2005 to March 29, 2006 | |
| 2005 | Assassins | 암살자들 | John Hinckley | Seoul Arts Center CJ Towol Theater | July 9, 2005 – July 30, 2005 | |
| 2005 | Grease | 그리스 | Danny Zuko | Dongsoong Art Center Dongsoong Hall | October 1, 2005 – January 1, 2006 | |
| 2006 | Singin' in the Rain | 패션 오브 더 레인 | K | Inkel Art Hall | October 1, 2006 – November 30, 2006 | |
| 2006–2007 | Singin' in the Rain | 패션 오브 더 레인 | K | Inkel Art Hall | December 29, 2006 – January 1, 2007 | |
| 2006 | Altar Boyz | 알타보이즈 | Luke | Chungmu Art Center Main Theater | April 11, 2006 – May 21, 2006 | |
| 2006 | Altar Boyz | 알타보이즈 | Luke | Hoam Art Hall | July 15, 2006 – August 27, 2006 | |
| 2007 | Thrill Me | 쓰릴미 | Richard Loeb, Nathan | Chungmu Art Center Chungmu Hall Black | March 17, 2007 – May 13, 2007 | |
| 2007 | Thrill Me | 쓰릴미 | Richard Loeb, Nathan | JTN Art Hall 1 | May 22, 2007 – July 22, 2007 | |
| 2007 | Singin' in the Rain | 패션 오브 더 레인 | Don Lockwood | | | |
| 2007 | Finding Kim Jong-wook | 김종욱 찾기 | Kim Jong-wook & First Love | JTN Art Hall 1 | October 23, 2007 – February 17, 2013 | |
| 2008 | Thrill Me | 쓰릴미 | Richard | Chungmu Art Center Main Theater Black | June 28, 2008 – October 12, 2008 | |
| 2008 | The Happy Life | 즐거운 인생 | Sae-ki | Chungmu Art Center Main Theater Black | November 21, 2008 – February 8, 2009 | |
| 2009 | The Happy Life | 즐거운 인생 | Sae-ki | Daegu Sudong Art Pia Yongji Hall | March 14, 2009 – March 15, 2009 | |
| 2009 | The Happy Life | 즐거운 인생 | Sae-ki | Chungnam National University Jeongsimhwa International Cultural Center Jeongsimhwa Hall, Daejeon | April 4, 2009 – April 5, 2009 | |
| 2009 | Spring Awakening | 스프링 어웨이크닝 | Melchior | Doosan Art Center Yeonkang Hall | June 30, 2009 – January 10, 2010 | |
| 2009 | Jack the Ripper | 살인마 잭 | Daniel | Universal Art Center | November 13, 2009 – January 31, 2010 | |
| 2009 | Jack the Ripper | 살인마 잭 | Daniel | Yeungnam University Cheonma Art Center Grand Hall, Daegu | December 24, 2009 – December 26, 2009 | |
| 2010 | Thrill Me | 쓰릴미 | Nathan | The Stage | May 12, 2010 – November 14, 2010 | |
| 2010 | The Three Musketeers | 삼총사 | d'Artagnan | Chungmu Art Center Main Theater | December 15, 2010 – January 30, 2011 | |
| 2011 | The Three Musketeers | 삼총사 | d'Artagnan | Daejeon Arts Center Art Hall | February 19, 2011 – February 20, 2011 | |
| 2011 | The Three Musketeers | 삼총사 | d'Artagnan | Daegu Keimyung Art Center | February 26, 2011 – February 27, 2011 | |
| 2011 | The Three Musketeers | 삼총사 | d'Artagnan | Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center Aram Theater | March 19, 2011 – March 20, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문 연가 | Hyun-woo | Sejong Center for the Performing Arts Main Theater | March 20, 2011 – April 10, 2011 | |
| 2011 | The Three Musketeers | 삼총사 | d'Artagnan | Gwangju Culture and Arts Center Main Theater | April 8, 2011 – April 10, 2011 | |
| 2011 | The Three Musketeers | 삼총사 | d'Artagnan | Busan Citizens' Hall Main Theater | April 16, 2011 – April 17, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문연가 | Hyun-woo | Gwangju Culture and Arts Center Main Theater | April 22, 2011 – April 24, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문연가 | Hyun-woo | Daegu Keimyung Art Center | April 29, 2011 – May 1, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문연가 | Hyun-woo | Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center Aram Theater | May 20, 2011 – May 22, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문연가 | Hyun-woo | Ansan Culture & Arts Center Haedoji Theater | June 24, 2011 – June 26, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Guys and Dolls | 아가씨와 건달들 | Sky Masterson | LG Art Center | August 2, 2011 – September 18, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Guys and Dolls | 아가씨와 건달들 | Sky Masterson | Gwangju Culture and Arts Center Main Theater | October 7, 2011 – October 9, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Guys and Dolls | 아가씨와 건달들 | Sky Masterson | Korean Sound and Culture Hall Moak Hall, Jeonju | October 21, 2011 – October 23, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Guys and Dolls | 아가씨와 건달들 | Sky Masterson | Ulsan Culture and Arts Center Grand Theater | November 12, 2011 – November 13, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Guys and Dolls | 아가씨와 건달들 | Sky Masterson | Anyang Art Center Grand Theater (Gwanak Hall) | November 19, 2011 – November 20, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Guys and Dolls | 아가씨와 건달들 | Sky Masterson | Chungnam National University Jeongsimhwa International Cultural Center Jeongsimhwa Hall, Daejeon | December 2, 2011 – December 4, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Guys and Dolls | 아가씨와 건달들 | Sky Masterson | Cheonma Art Center, Daegu | December 16, 2011 – December 18, 2011 | |
| 2011 | Guys and Dolls | 아가씨와 건달들 | Sky Masterson | Busan Cinema Center Sky Theater | December 31, 2011 – January 1, 2012 | |
| 2012 | Thrill Me (Japan) | 쓰릴미 | Richard/Nathan | Galaxy Theater in Tokyo, Japan | July 19 to 29 | |
| 2012 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문 연가 | Hyun-woo | Chungmu Art Center Main Theater | May 13, 2012 – June 3, 2012 | |
| 2012 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문 연가 | Hyun-woo | Daegu Keimyung Art Center | June 22, 2012 – June 24, 2012 | |
| 2012 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문 연가 | Hyun-woo | Jeju Arts Center | June 30, 2012 – July 1, 2012 | |
| 2012 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문 연가 | Hyun-woo | Incheon Culture and Arts Center Grand Theater | August 24, 2012 – August 26, 2012 | |
| 2012 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문 연가 | Hyun-woo | Korean Sound and Culture Hall Moak Hall, Jeonju | September 1, 2012 – September 2, 2012 | |
| 2012 | Gwanghwamun Love Song | 광화문 연가 | Hyun-woo | Gwangju Culture and Arts Center Main Theater | October 6, 2012 – October 7, 2012 | |
| 2013 | The Promise | 프라미스 | Sang-jin | National Theater Haerorum Theater | January 8, 2013 – January 20, 2013 | |
| 2013 | The Promise | 프라미스 | Sang-jin | National Theater Haerorum Theater | February 15, 2013 – March 2, 2013 | |
| 2013 | The Promise | 프라미스 | Sang-jin | Daegu Gyeongnam Art Center | March 21, 2013 – March 24, 2013 | |
| 2014 | Kinky Boots | 킹키부츠 | Charlie Price | Chungmu Art Center Main Theater | December 2, 2014 – February 22, 2015 | |
| 2016 | Gone Tomorrow | 곤 투모로우 | Hong Jong-woo | Gwanglim Art Center BBCH Hall | September 13, 2016 – November 6, 2016 | |
| 2016 | Frozen | 얼음 | Detective 2 | Yes24 Stage 3 | February 13, 2016 – March 20, 2016 | |
| 2017 | Thrill Me | 쓰릴미 | Nathan | Baekam Art Hall | February 14, 2017 – May 28, 2017 | |

### Theater

Theater play performances :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Venue | Date | Ref. |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Venue | Date | Ref. |
| 2005 | Myeongdong Blues | 명동 블루스 | | | | |
| 2006 | Bindaetteok Gentleman | 빈대떡 신사 | | | | |
| 2007 | Gangtaek-gu | 강택구 | | | | |
| 2007 | Mad Kiss | 미친키스 | Jang Jung | Daehak-ro Installation Theatre Jeongmiso | September 5 – October 21 | |
| 2007–2008 | Mad Kiss | 미친키스 | Jang Jung | Daehak-ro Installation Theatre Jeongmiso | December 8, 2007 – March 2, 2008 | |
| 2008 | Fish man | 물고기 남자 | Understudy, Planning | | | |
| 2009 | Zoo Story | 동물원 이야기 | Jerry | | | |
| 2011 | One Guy, Two Guys, Riding on a Bumpy Road | 한놈 두놈 삑구타고 | Ho-jun | The Theater | July 1, 2011 – July 10, 2011 | |
| 2016 | Ice | 얼음 | Detective 1 (Cho Doo-man) | Yes 24 Stage 3 | February 13 to March 20, 2016 | |

## Discography

| Year | Song title | Notes |
| 2009 | "Mandy" | Track from Wife Returns OST |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
| 2000 | Dongrang Youth Arts Festival | Excellence Award, Actor | | Won |
| 2007 | 1st Daegu International Musical Festival | Best New Actor | | Won |
| 2007 | 1st The Musical Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Thrill Me | Nominated |
| 2009 | 15th Korea Musical Awards | Best Actor | Spring Awakening | Won |
| 2009 | 30th Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best New Actor | The Scam | Nominated |
| 2010 | 46th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actor (Film) | The Scam | Nominated |
| 2010 | SBS Drama Awards | Best Supporting Actor in a Weekend/Daily Drama | Wife Returns | Nominated |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | A Muse | Nominated |
| 2018 | KBS Drama Awards | Best Actor in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama | Forgotten Season | Nominated |
| 2023 | 28th Chunsa Film Art Awards | Best Supporting Actor | The Devil's Deal | Nominated |
| 2023 | SBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Seasonal Drama | Trolley | Nominated |

### Listicles

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement :
| Publisher | Year | Listicle | Placement | Ref. |
| The Screen | 2019 | 2009–2019 Top Box Office Powerhouse Actors in Korean Movies | 46th | |