10 Things You Might Not Have Known About “Black Knight” Actor Kim Woo Bin
Kim Woo Bin is just his stage name
Now taking on a new series on screen, top Korean talent Kim Woo Bin is making a massive comeback as he headlines Netflix’s Black Knight. Creating a buzz across borders and among netizens and audiences, the show is set in a dystopian future devastated by a befouled and extreme environment.
Woo Bin’s character “5-8,” a black knight, is bound to come to the rescue to survive what remains of humanity. Considered as heroes, the black knights are the brave frontliners who live on the fringes of society and serve as “delivery drivers.”
Best known for his biggest hits The Heirs, Uncontrollably Fond, and another Netflix original, Our Blues, the 33-year-old actor (he was born on July 16, 1989) is hammering another critically acclaimed content on the wall.
Browse through the gallery below for things that you might have known about the lauded and well-loved Korean actor:
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
1. Kim Woo Bin is not his real name.
Our black knight has always been known as Kim Woo Bin, but the actor’s birth name is actually Kim Hyun Joong. His new moniker is meant to avoid confusion with another artist in the entertainment and acting industry. Apart from this, Woo Bin also insisted on being called by this name as he already feels “awkward” being called by his real name.
Photo Credit: Netflix via @____kimwoobin
Photo Credit: Netflix via @____kimwoobin
2. Kim Woo Bin, Lee Min Ho, and Sandara Park a.k.a. DARA have already acted alongside each other.
Apart from his modeling affairs, Kim Woo Bin’s early beginnings way back in 2009 also included an MV for Sandara Park’s “Kiss.” His fellow “Boys Over Flowers” actor Lee Min Ho was in the music video, too. Next to this stint, Woo Bin had taken on two more MVs for tracks like 2Eyes’s “Don’t Mess With Me” and Twenty’s “Sweet Sorrow.” In the latter, we got to listen to his sweet and soulful voice.
Photo Credit: 2NE1 on YouTube
Photo Credit: 2NE1 on YouTube
3. He is the first East Asian entertainment figure to model for Calvin Klein.
Kim Woo Bin’s modeling career is cut out for the global grid as the actor-model is actually the first Asia-Pacific figure to model for Calvin Klein Watches and Jewellery. In 2015, he made it to an advertising campaign as an ambassador and has collaborated with prolific fashion photographer Karim Sadli and Polish model Anna Jagodzińska. Prior to acting, also, Woo Bin first made it to the industry as a fashion model.
Photo Credit: Calvin Klein
Photo Credit: Calvin Klein
4. Kim Woo Bin battled cancer.
Unbeknownst to many, Kim Woo Bin was on a hiatus for six years because of his health issue. In 2017, he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. It was never too late, though, and there was still time to undergo medical treatment and chemotherapy. What a survivor he is!
Photo Credit: @____kimwoobin
Photo Credit: ____kimwoobin
5. Due to his condition, the government had valid grounds to spare Kim Woo Bin from South Korea’s mandatory military service.
According to a 2018 article by Kpop Herald, also, the actor garnered a grade of 6 in the physical assessment portion, which means taking on military commitments is not compulsory at all. Those who acquired 6, due to physical disability or sensitive health status, are exempt from enlistment.
Photo Credit: Netflix via @____kimwoobin
Photo Credit: @____kimwoobin
6. Kim Woo Bin has a close relationship with his “School 2013” co-actor Lee Jong Suk.
The two A-listers are BFFs for life! In case you missed, Kim Woo Bin and Lee Jong Suk had a close relationship since their runway modeling days, and the much-coveted actors have already collaborated on several projects since. In fact, they even starred together in KBS’s small screen series “School 2013,” where they played the personas of two estranged friends.
Photo Credit: @jongsuk0206
Photo Credit: @jongsuk0206
7. Kim Woo Bin and Shin Min Ah have been together for a long time.
Kim Woo Bin and Shin Min Ah’s high-profile relationship is a real match made in heaven. The pair and “Our Blue” stars have started dating in 2015 and have since developed a strong bond. Shin Min Ah’s support for his boyfriend is also tried-and-tested as the actress stayed by Woo Bin’s side and has actively looked after him throughout his cancer treatment. Isn’t she the best?
Photo Credit: Giordano
Photo Credit: Giordano
8. He is a philanthropist.
Since his career started, it was reported by Soompi that Kim Woo Bin has been really generous in donating and giving to charities and causes that he supports. In January, in fact, it was shared by his agency AM Entertainment that Seoul’s Asan Hospital benefited from the actor as he donated an approximate amount of USD 78,700 to the organization. He also shows his unwavering support to children with cancer.
Photo Credit: Offroad via @____kimwoobin
Photo Credit: Offroad via @____kimwoobin
9. Kim Woo Bin’s smoking scenes in “Black Knight” are all computer animation.
Originally, Kim Woo Bin’s role as 5-8 in “Black Knight” required him to occasionally smoke in some scenes, but because of his condition, Director Cho Eui Seok canceled the idea. Woo Bin, though, thinks that incorporating the smoking habit suits his character, so he suggested that CGI be used. Based on AllKPop’s recent article, it was also revealed that the actor did the action scenes without a stunt double. Hands down!
Photo Credit: @____kimwoobin
Photo Credit: @____kimwoobin
10. Kim Woo Bin is on Instagram!
Good news! This gem is active on socials and actually has an Instagram handle. Kim Woo Bin’s handsome face is everywhere on his feed, and he regularly shares random snaps on his account, @____kimwoobin. Apart from the actor’s “Black Knight” posts and BTS pictures, he also seems fond of sharing his day-to-day activities and sometimes, even selfies!
Photo Credit: @____kimwoobin
Photo Credit: @____kimwoobin
Lead photos courtesy of Netflix via @____kimwoobin
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