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– Nam Yoonsuㅤ
As he believes, we'll celebrate Yoonsu's birthday and his 11th Debut Anniversary by spreading light and kindness.
Through this project, we hope to bring light, warmth, and love. Let’s make this a celebration of compassion! Your kindness can be the light in someone’s life <3
✔ KB국민은행, Alipay, QRIS, Gcash/Maya, Wise, Paypal/Credit/Debit.25.06.01 ~ 25.07.01
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Nam Yoonsu was born on July 14, 1997, is a model and actor under Agency Garten. He began his career in 2014 as a model, debuting in the August issue of Ceci Magazine. Over the years, he expanded his portfolio by appearing in numerous music videos, fashion shows, and magazine spreads.Nam Yoonsu made his acting debut in 2018 with the series 4 Kinds of House and continued to build his acting career by taking on roles in various mini-series and web dramas.Nam Yoonsu gained widespread recognition for his role as Kwak Ki Tae in the hit series Extracurricular (2020). Afterwards, he appeared in supporting roles in notable dramas such as Birthcare Center, Beyond Evil, and leading roles in The King’s Affection, Today's Webtoon.In 2024, Nam Yoonsu gained further attention for his bold and courageous role in the queer-themed series Love in the Big City. Despite facing criticism and hatred, he proudly advocated for the series and its representation.
Nam Yoonsu has endeared himself to the public with his warm and relatable personality, which he has showcased on several popular Korean variety shows, including Funstaurant and I Live Alone.He also gained widespread admiration for his selfless act of donating a kidney to his father, an act that led to his appointment as an ambassador for the Life Sharing Campaign: Seeds of Hope.
social media.
profile.
| Birth | : 1997.7.14 |
| Zodiac | : Cancer, Ox |
| Blood Type | : B |
| Debut | : August 2014 (16/17 y.o) |
| Agency | : Agency Garten |
| Pet | : Chacha (Cat), Bobo (Cat) |
| Body Size | : H:187,7cm W:68kg | B:38 W:30 H:37 |
| Shoe Size | : 280 |
educations.
| 2013-2016 | Hanlim Multi Art School | Fashion Model Department |
| 2017-2021 | Digital Seoul Culture Arts | Modelling Department |
| 2023 | Korea Art Conservatory | Film Art Department |
achievements.
| 2021 | Asia Model Award | Model Star Award | - |
| 2021 | Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actor (Nominated) | Extracurricular |
| 2021 | Brand of the Year Awards | Best New Actor (Nominated) | - |
| 2021 | KBS Drama Awards | Best New Actor (Nominated) | The King's Affection |
| 2024 | Cine21 | People Of The Year: Best New Actor | Love In The Big City |
| 2024 | KBS Entertaiment Awards | Rookie Of The Year (Nominated) | Funstaurant |
movie.
2025
Horror Stories 4
무서운 이야기4
Min Jun
COMING
SOON
2025
Hug Me
안아줘
-
COMING
SOON
2025
Killing Time
킬링타임
Joo Won
COMING
SOON
drama.
2019
DINGO
Not A Robot
로봇이 아닙니다
Jung Sung Yoon
2019
PLAYLIST
Re-Feel
리필
Cameo EP.2
music video.
| Year | Artist | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | COLDE ft Baekhyun | When Dawn Comes Again |
| 2020 | 백지영 | I still love you a lot |
| 2019 | Brown Eyed Soul | RIGHT |
| 2019 | Epitone Project | First Love |
| 2019 | Rothy | Lost Time |
| 2017 | Lee Jin Ah | Random |
| 2017 | CHEEZE | BE THERE |
| 2016 | Lee Jin Ah | BUBBLE |
| 2016 | Thomas Cook | Goodbye |
| 2015 | Yoon Jong Sin | Old School |
| 2015 | Standing Egg | YELL |
| 2015 | BrotherSu | DOT |
| 2015 | LucidFall | Still There, Still Here |
| 2014 | 홍재목 | You Are Who You Areㅤ (The Letter From Nowhere) |
![2016 SEOUL FASHION FESTIVAL [THE STUDIO K FASHION SHOW]](assets/images/gallery36/61e70470_original.jpg?v=44ba0c5e)
latest news.
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OhBoy! 133 March-April Issue Interview
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How have you been these days?
I’ve been doing well! I recently finished a short shoot, and I’ve got another project coming up soon. Right now, I’m in the middle of things like script readings. On my days off, I try to rest, work out, and just live life like everyone else.ㅤ
Sounds like you’ve been pretty busy.
Hmm, I wouldn’t say super busy honestly, I feel like I should be even busier. I’ve been working nonstop for a while now, and sometimes I wonder what keeps me going. I once spent one or two years without taking a real break, and it got to the point where I had to take a year off. But when I finally did rest… I actually started missing work a lot.Maybe I like the struggle? Even when I’m tired from filming and mentally drained, I still feel this rush, it makes me feel alive, you know? And when things are that intense, I don’t really have time for unnecessary thoughts. When I’m not doing anything, I tend to feel kind of down. But when I’m pouring everything into work, those feelings don’t really come up, and in a way, that’s a good thing.ㅤ
Sounds like you’re a born workaholic! Or maybe you just really love what you do?
Yeah, maybe! I do get pretty sensitive and anxious while I’m working, but I think I’m just so thankful to be doing this that I end up really enjoying it.ㅤ
Let’s talk about your most recent project, Love In The Big City. Have you noticed the growing attention and popularity since it came out?
Actually yeah. Just yesterday, I went to a gym for the first time with a friend, and I met someone there who had just watched the show the night before. He told me he binge-watched all eight episodes before going to bed, and then the next morning, he ran into me at the gym. He kept looking over at me, and eventually came up and started talking. It was pretty surreal!ㅤ
That person must’ve been really surprised.
Yeah! I think because I’ve been doing more variety shows and trying out different things lately, the age range of people who recognize me has definitely gotten broader.ㅤ
The production of Love In The Big City was a bit unique, right? With multiple directors involved, and you being the only character that connects the whole story as the lead. It must’ve been really challenging to act in.
I was a bit worried at first too. But I told myself to take in everything the directors shared with me while making sure not to lose my own pace. Since the character goes from their 20s into their 30s, I felt like if I got off track, the story would fall apart. Still, I didn’t want to overthink it. I just tried to go with what I felt in the moment and show things in my own style, as long as I stayed within the overall frame.ㅤ
Maybe that’s why people found your character (Go Young)'s long journey and changes so convincing, it seems really sincere.
Yeah, I always try to be genuine. I’m not really the type to rely heavily on technique. I try to respond honestly to what I feel in each scene, rather than focusing on how I should look or come across.ㅤ
In another interview, you mentioned how naturally you ended up becoming a model and actor. It’s been over ten years now. How do you feel looking back?
It wasn’t always smooth sailing. I had my own struggles along the way. Like with most jobs, getting started is the hardest part. When I first started modeling and then acting, I had a lot of doubts. I got criticized a lot too. But those parts of the journey probably aren’t visible to most people. Still, I enjoyed the process, and I think that’s what helped me keep going without giving up.ㅤ
You really seem to enjoy and love what you do.
Lately I’ve started wondering, “What would I be doing if I weren’t acting?” It’s a question that just kind of hit me this year.ㅤ
What do you think you'd be doing?
Honestly, I’m not that persistent and can be kind of lazy, so maybe I’d just be doing part-time jobs freely here and there.ㅤ
But you don’t seem lazy at all, you’re living such a busy life!
Haha, well… I do everything I’m told to do. I follow the schedule. (laughs)ㅤ
Have you had any specific standards when choosing your projects?
Like many actors, I think I’ve naturally been drawn to projects that felt a bit unusual or different. But these days, I try not to stick to any fixed standards. I want to stay open.ㅤ
A few years ago, after Extracurricular, you mentioned wanting to try an even darker villain role.
Yeah… not anymore. These days, I just feel like good projects come to me fatefully. There’s definitely an element of luck. And weirdly, when I used to think too hard about the kind of roles I wanted, they wouldn’t come. So now I don’t even say them out loud anymore.ㅤ
I’ve heard that sometimes actors get offers they never expected.
That definitely happens. And sometimes, those are the ones you’re most drawn to. Love In The Big City was exactly like that. It was a role I never expected to get, but I ended up loving it.ㅤ
I heard you have cats at your parents’ place. Tell us a bit about them, what are they like?
There are two of them, Chacha and Bobo. They’re not like typical cats, they actually listen when you tell them not to jump up somewhere! They even sleep with me. It’s been a while since I last saw them. After my dad had surgery, the hospital said we couldn’t have pets around, so they’re staying at my aunt’s place for now. They’ll be coming back in June.ㅤ
Could you also share your thoughts or a message about abandoned animals and adoption?
Every life is precious, so I really hope people think carefully before adopting. Actually, I found a stray dog while I was out camping recently, and I’ve been fostering it ever since. It’s the kind of situation where you could just walk away, but… then you listen to your heart.ㅤ
Are you currently looking for a permanent home for the dog?
Yeah I’ve been spreading the word, but it’s not easy. It's a senior dog with a lot of health issues; cataracts, some tumors, and no teeth at all.
I’m covering the vet bills and visit him once or twice a month. Even if it’s tough, I feel responsible for him and want to stick by him to the end.ㅤ
You also did a campaign shoot today promoting pet adoption for dogs and cats. How was that?
It made me feel like happiness could come again so quickly. Some of the animals just came right up to me, even though it was our first time meeting, and wanted to stay close. That kind of moment is hard to describe with words. It’s heartbreaking, but I also think we shouldn’t just see them as pitiful. They’ve been hurt before, but they looked genuinely happy today. I really believe they’ll find good families soon.ㅤ
You once posted a photo of yourself attending a candlelight protest on social media. Since your job puts you in the public eye, it might feel risky to share personal opinions like that. What made you decide to post it?
It was simply my own choice. I'm typical if I feel like it, I do it. Regardless of political leanings, some things just aren't right, and a lot of people felt the same way and acted accordingly, I was just part of them.ㅤ
You seem to always try to be honest.
Yeah, work really makes me reflect a lot. I try to be honest, and I try not to get arrogant. I want to speak my mind without being conceited. I just want to be a good person. I believe that if I keep trying to do good things, it'll come back to me someday. Like with the stray dog I mentioned earlier, I’m not doing it for any reason. I just genuinely want to.ㅤ
So, becoming a nice person is the goal before becoming an actor, isn't it?
Honestly, I wouldn't have done it if I weren’t in a position to help. But I feel like I'm fortunately able to do so. It can feel like a burden sometimes, but I try to do my best. People say you should keep trying until the day you die, right?ㅤ
Maybe that sincerity is what fans appreciate about you.
It’s okay if they don’t know. Honestly, I kinda hope they don’t. Some people might think I’m just pretending. And when people label you as “kind” or “someone who does good" that feels like pressure too. I do these things simply because I want to. Because I feel like those help me grow into a better person. If I wanted attention, I’d be posting photos of me volunteering and things like that but I don’t. I believe that if you just keep going even you don't try to show it, people will notice eventually. I really admire people who let their actions show naturally, I respect them.ㅤ
You’re very open, but it seems like you don’t show it when things get hard.
That’s true. I do have people I can talk to when I’m struggling. But honestly, I don't think talking about it really changes much. I feel like I need to understand myself better. A lot of the time, things are hard because we don’t really know ourselves. That’s something I still struggle with, and that’s why I keep working on it.ㅤ
You mentioned earlier that your father’s kidney transplant has become widely known. I’d love to hear how you decided to donate.
Not much. I found out over the phone that my dad was sick. They said his kidneys were failing and he’d need dialysis soon. I knew that meant he’d likely need a transplant, so right there during that call, I said I’d donate. My family tried to stop me, but I just said “it's okay i got it” and then went to see them that weekend. I brought it up again, and we moved forward from there.
I didn’t think too much about the surgery itself. I wasn’t even scared, honestly. I just thought “I’ll fall asleep and when I wake up, it’ll be done". The tests and prep were actually the hardest part! (laughs)ㅤ
It sounds like you just accepted the situation naturally as it came. But with so many people finding out, did it feel overwhelming at all?
Not really overwhelming, just tiring having to explain it over and over. (laughs). But I do like that more people are becoming aware of organ donation. A lot of people are scared of it. But I haven’t had any major changes to my body. I feel healthy and normal, just like before.And my dad’s doing great now. What makes me happiest is seeing him enjoy regular food again. Watching him eat something flavorful and enjoy it, it just makes it all worth it. That’s what happiness feels like to me. I just want to live a happy life while I’m here—nothing more, nothing less.ㅤ
Are you happy now?
I think I’m trying to be. Nobody’s happy all the time right? Some days are joyful, other days not. It changes every day. Actually I was happier yesterday because I slept all day (laughs).ㅤ
To wrap up, what’s ahead for you? You’ve got a few upcoming projects, right?
I’ve already finished filming Killing Time and Horror Stories 4, and I’ll be starting a romance film soon called Hug Me. For now, I just want to enjoy the moment and give my all to whatever I’m doing.ㅤ
What about the distant future? Is there something you’d like to do 10 or 20 years from now?
After about 10 or 20 more years of acting, I think I’ll need a proper break. I’d love to build a house far away and just disappear for a bit. I actually have camping gear loaded in my car right now, so when I want to I could just go. I used to enjoy being in crowded places, but not anymore. These days, I want to go somewhere quiet where I don’t have to use too much emotion, where I can just be.
Men's Uno Hong Kong March Issue Interview
A Different Side of the Warm-Hearted Nam YoonsuIn 2020, Nam Yoonsu made a name for himself through the drama Extracurricular. The following year, he gained attention again with his first historical drama, The King’s Affection, where he portrayed the royal family member Lee Hyun with kindness and humility, earning him widespread popularity. Reflecting on the filming process, he shared:"Since the drama was set in the Joseon era, I had to wear multiple layers of hanbok in the scorching summer heat. There were moments when I felt like I was suffocating, which made the experience even more unforgettable."Afterward, he continued to build his career with roles in the drama Today’s Webtoon and the film Soulmate. However, just as his career was on the rise, he suddenly withdrew from the public eye and went nearly a year without releasing any new projects.It was later revealed through Korean media that he had chosen to donate a kidney to his critically ill father, despite his father's strong opposition. The hospital that performed the surgery commended Nam Yoonsu for his devotion to his family, and with his consent, the story was made public, touching many hearts.When asked about the significance of "family," he summed up his deep bond with them in one simple yet profound sentence:
"With family, you don’t always have to say things out loud to understand each other’s thoughts."His family also serves as his greatest support in his acting career.
"Acting itself gives me immense satisfaction. And on top of that, I want to show my family different sides of myself through my performances, which is why I want to keep working hard."ㅤ
Returning with a BL DramaAfter a year-long hiatus, Nam Yoonsu returned to the spotlight with the BL drama Love In The Big City. His character, Go Young, had a storyline that spanned over a decade. To better understand the role, he put in a lot of effort."I actually went to clubs in Itaewon to experience the atmosphere firsthand, and I also talked with LGBTQ+ friends to hear their stories."He added, "Plus, the script was already very well-written, so I just had to follow it!"Although LGBTQ+ representation in Korean media is growing, the drama faced backlash from conservative groups before its release. In response to the criticism, Nam Yoonsu courageously stood his ground."LGBTQ+ people are no different from us!"Fortunately, the drama was well-received and had a positive impact.
"After the drama aired, I heard that some viewers became more confident in expressing their true selves, and that more people became aware of this culture. That made me really happy."ㅤ
A New Challenge: Transforming into a VillainIn 2025, Nam Yoonsu will star alongside Ryu Hye-young in the thriller-action film Killing Time. This will be his first villain role since playing the school bully Kwak Ki-tae in Extracurricular, marking a drastic departure from his usual warm-hearted image.The film follows a popular online survival competition show, Killing Time, which faces a fatal accident during a live broadcast. Desperate to resume the show as soon as possible, the production team makes a dangerous decision.Describing his character, Nam Yoonsu shared:
"I really love intense and suspenseful online competition-themed films. This time, I play Joo-won, a producer (PD) who operates the competition and will do whatever it takes for his own benefit."Although he didn’t reveal many details about the filming process, he hinted that the movie would feature numerous thrilling moments and action scenes. Fans can look forward to seeing a completely different side of him in this role.ㅤ
A New Beginning, Like the Arrival of SpringTo Nam Yoonsu, spring is more than just a season—it represents a new beginning.
"In Korea, most schools start a new semester in March or April, so spring always reminds me of my school days, new semesters, and new challenges."He also spoke about his love for camping and how nature reminds him of the vibrancy of life.
"I enjoy camping in my free time. During winter, all the plants lose their leaves, but once spring arrives, flowers of all kinds start blooming, making me deeply appreciate the vitality of life."Among the many spring blossoms, forsythia flowers that fill the streets of Korea hold a special place in his heart.
"In spring, the streets are filled with these flowers. Every time I see them from the car window, I think they look absolutely beautiful."So, does he have any new goals for this season of renewal?
"I used to set specific goals for myself, planning to accomplish certain things within a set timeframe. But now, I just want to focus on what I feel like doing and what needs to be done in the moment. I don’t want to overthink—I just want to enjoy the present."Although he currently has no plans to visit Hong Kong, he took the opportunity to send a heartfelt message to his fans there.
"Even though we can’t meet right now, I hope I’ll have a chance to see my Hong Kong fans in the future. And if you ever see me in Hong Kong, please don’t hesitate to say hi!"Whether in his acting career or in expressing love for his family, Nam Yoonsu continues to embody both warmth and courage. Here’s to hoping that his life and career will flourish like the vibrant forsythia in spring, revealing even more possibilities ahead.ㅤ
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