Shin Se-kyung

Shin Se-kyung (Korean신세경; born July 29, 1990) is a South Korean actress. She started as a child actress and had her breakthrough in with the sitcom High Kick Through the Roof (2009). Since then she starred in the films Hindsight (2011), R2B: Return to Base (2012) and Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014), as well as the television series Deep Rooted Tree (2011), A Girl Who Sees Smells (2015), Six Flying Dragons (2015–2016), The Bride of Habaek (2017), Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me (2017–2018), Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung (2019), Run On (2020) and Captivating the King (2024).

Shin Se-kyung
Shin at Captivating the King press conference in January 2024
Shin in January 2024
Born (1990-07-29) July 29, 1990 (age 33)
Seoul, South Korea
EducationChung-Ang University (Performing arts)[1]
OccupationActress
Years active1998–present
AgentThe Present Company
Korean name
Hangul
신세경
Hanja
Revised RomanizationSin Se-gyeong
McCune–ReischauerSin Sekyŏng
Websitethepresentcompany.kr

Forbes listed her among the 40 most powerful celebrities in Korea; she ranked 26th in 2011 and 14th in 2012.[3]

Early life and education

Shin was born on July 29, 1990, in Yangcheon, Seoul, South Korea[failed verification].[4] She studied at Shinmok High School before enrolling at Chung-Ang University, where she majored in Performing arts.[5]

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.[6][7] 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,[8] she subsequently had starring roles in Cinderella,[7][9][10][11] omnibus films Acoustic[12] and Five Senses of Eros,[13] as well as a well-received turn as the younger version of Princess Cheonmyeong in Queen Seondeok.[14]

2009–2014: Rise in popularity and transitioning roles

Shin failed to gain a large following until her breakthrough role as a housemaid on the second season of the popular TV sitcom High Kick! in 2009.[15][16] Building on her sitcom fame, Shin signed on to numerous television commercials and print advertisement and became one of the most sought celebrity endorser.[17] Lead roles in high-profile acting projects followed, among them film noir Hindsight with Song Kang-ho,[18][19][20] the highly rated historical drama Deep Rooted Tree with Jang Hyuk and Han Suk-kyu,[21] and aerial action film R2B: Return to Base with Rain.[22][23]

Shin in 2011

However, Shin's next project Fashion King (2012) was poorly received by audiences, particularly its controversial ending.[24][25] Shin then released her first digital single, "You Were Sweet," which she recorded to promote a coffee franchise she models for.[26][27][28] A former singer trainee in middle school,[29] Shin has also contributed songs to the soundtrack of Hindsight,[30] the charity album Love Tree Project, and did her own singing in showcase piece Acoustic.[12] In 2012, she recorded a Christmas carol duet with Epitone Project.[31][32][33]

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.[34][35][36][37] 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.[38][39]

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.[40] 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.[41]

In 2017, Shin starred in tvN's fantasy-romance drama The Bride of Habaek alongside Nam Joo-hyuk.[42] This is followed shortly by another fantasy-romance drama, Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me alongside Kim Rae-won.[43][44]

Shin in 2019

In 2019, Shin starred in the historical drama Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, alongside Cha Eun-woo.[45] In 2020–2021, Shin starred in JTBC's romance drama Run On, alongside Im Si-Wan.[46][47]

On July 5, 2021, it was announced Shin has signed an exclusive contract with EDAM Entertainment (a subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment) after her contract with Namoo Actors expired.[48] On July 3, 2024, it was announced that Shin has departed from EDAM Entertainment after her contract expiry.[49]

On July 8, 2024, Shin signed an exclusive contract with The Present Company.[50]

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.[citation needed] Shin was appointed as the Korean hanbok ambassador.[when?] She attended the hanbok runway show on October 20, 2017.[51]

Philanthropy

On December 20, 2022, Shin made a donation from YouTube profits to support sanitary napkins for teenage girls in Korea, by donating through the G Foundation.[52]

Personal life

Shin dated Shinee member Kim Jong-hyun in October 2010 until their split in June 2011.[53][54]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
2004My Little BrideHye-won[8]
2006CinderellaHyeon-su[10]
2009Five Senses of ErosShin Su-jeongsegment "Believe in the Moment"[13]
2010AcousticSe-kyungsegment "Broccoli"[12]
2011HindsightJo Se-bin[55]
2012R2B: Return to BaseYoo Se-young[23]
2014Tazza: The Hidden CardHeo Mi-na[38]
2017The PreparationKyeong-ranSpecial appearance[56]
2021Another RecordherselfDocumentary film Showbox KT Season[57][58]

Television series

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
2004Toji, the Landteenage Choi Seo-hee[59]
2009Queen Seondeokteenage Princess Cheonmyeong[14]
High Kick Through the RoofShin Se-kyung[15][16]
2011Deep Rooted TreeSo-yi / Dam[21]
2012High Kick: Revenge of the Short LeggedSe-kyungEpisode 75 (cameo)[60]
Fashion KingLee Ga-young[61]
My Husband Got a FamilyShin Se-kyungEpisode 49 (cameo)[62]
2013When a Man Falls in LoveSeo Mi-do[36][63]
2014Blade ManSon Se-dong[39]
2015A Girl Who Sees SmellsOh Cho-rim / Choi Eun-seol[40]
Six Flying DragonsBoon-yi[41]
2017The Bride of HabaekYoon So-ah[42]
Black Knight: The Man Who Guards MeJung Hae-ra[43]
2019Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryungGoo Hae-ryung[45]
2020–2021Run OnOh Mi-joo[64]
2023Arthdal ChroniclesTanyaSeason 2[65]
2024Captivating the KingKang Hee-soo / Kang Mong-woo[66]

Television shows

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
2010I'm Real: Shin Se-kyungHerselfDocumentary[67]
2012Forever 22-year-old Cheerleader SanoamNarratorNarration[68]
2018Pocha Beyond BordersCast member[69]

Music video appearances

YearSong titleArtistRef.
1999"MCMXCIX"1999 Dae Han Min Guk
2010"Don't Say Anything"BlueBrand
2017"Take Five"Younha[70]
2022"One More Time"Paul Kim[71]

Discography

TitleYearAlbum
As lead artist
"The Snow Melts" (눈이 녹아요)2010Love Tree Project
"You Were Sweet" (넌 달콤했어)
(featuring Sweden Laundry)
2012Non-album single
Collaboration
"Sweet Christmas" (달콤한 크리스마스)
(with Epitone Project)
2012Non-album single
Soundtrack appearances
"Confessions Of Dangerous Broccoli" (브로콜리의 위험한 고백)2010Acoustic OST
"Summer Blues" (여름날의 블루)
(with MY-Q)
2011Hindsight OST

Awards and nominations

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremonyYearCategoryNominee / WorkResultRef.
APAN Star Awards2015Excellence Award, Actress in a MiniseriesA Girl Who Sees SmellsNominated
2016Top Excellence in a Serial DramaSix Flying DragonsNominated
Baeksang Arts Awards2010Best New Actress – TelevisionHigh Kick Through the RoofNominated
Blue Dragon Film Awards2011Best New ActressHindsightNominated
2014Popular Star AwardTazza: The Hidden CardWon[72]
Brand of the Year Awards2019Celebrity YouTuberShin Se-kyungWon[73]
Grand Bell Awards2011Best New ActressHindsightNominated
KBS Drama Awards2014Excellence Award, Actress in a MiniseriesBlade ManNominated
Netizen Award, ActressNominated
Best Couple AwardShin Se-kyung (with Lee Dong-wook)
Blade Man
Nominated
2018Top Excellence Award, ActressBlack Knight: The Man Who Guards MeNominated
Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length DramaNominated
Netizen Award, ActressNominated
Best Couple AwardShin Se-kyung (with Kim Rae-won)
Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me
Nominated
Korea Drama Awards2012Top Excellence Award, ActressFashion KingNominated
2018Excellence Award, ActressBlack Knight: The Man Who Guards MeNominated[74]
Korea Visual Arts Festival2011Photogenic Award, TV categoryDeep Rooted TreeWon[75]
MBC Drama Awards2013Excellence Award, Actress in a MiniseriesWhen a Man Falls in LoveWon[76]
Popularity Award, ActressNominated
Best Couple AwardShin Se-kyung (with Song Seung-heon)
When a Man Falls in Love
Nominated
2019Best Couple AwardShin Se-kyung (with Cha Eun-woo)
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung
Won[77][78]
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Wednesday-Thursday DramaRookie Historian Goo Hae-ryungWon
Grand Prize (Daesang)Nominated
MBC Entertainment Awards2009Best New ActressHigh Kick Through the RoofWon[79]
Best Couple Award in a Comedy/SitcomShin Se-kyung (with Yoon Shi-yoon)
High Kick Through the Roof
Won
Mnet 20's Choice Awards201020's Most Influential StarShin Se-kyungWon[80]
201220's Female Drama StarDeep Rooted TreeNominated
Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival2011Fantasia AwardHigh Kick Through the RoofWon[81]
SBS Drama Awards2011Excellence Award, Actress in a Drama SpecialDeep Rooted TreeWon[82]
2012Top Excellence Award, Actress in a MiniseriesFashion KingNominated
Netizen Popularity AwardNominated
Best Couple AwardShin Se-kyung (with Yoo Ah-in)
Fashion King
Nominated
2015Excellence Award, Actress in a Serial DramaSix Flying DragonsWon[83]
Best Couple AwardShin Se-kyung (with Yoo Ah-in)
Six Flying Dragons
Won[84]
Top 10 StarsA Girl Who Sees Smells, Six Flying DragonsWon[85]
Best Couple AwardShin Se-kyung (with Park Yoo-chun)
A Girl Who Sees Smells
Nominated
Seoul International Drama Awards2012Outstanding Korean ActressDeep Rooted TreeNominated
Soompi Awards2018Best Kiss AwardShin Se-kyung (with Nam Joo-hyuk)
The Bride of Habaek
Nominated
Best Couple AwardNominated
Style Icon Awards2011New Icon AwardShin Se-kyungWon[86]

Listicles

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
PublisherYearListiclePlacementRef.
Forbes2011Korea Power Celebrity26th[87]
201214th[88]

References