Han Ga-in

For other people with similar names, see Kim Hyun-joo.
In this Korean name, the family name is Kim. In the stage name or pen-name, the surname is Han.

Han Ga-in
Kim in May 2024
Born
Kim Hyun-joo[1]

Seoul, South Korea[2]
EducationKyung Hee University (BSc. HCM)[3]
Occupations
  • Actress
  • model
Years active2002–present
AgentBH Entertainment
Spouse
​
(m. 2005)​
Children2
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2024–present
GenreVlog
Subscribers156 thousand[4]
Total views4 million[4]
Contents are inKorean
100,000 subscribers
Last updated: October 12, 2024
Korean name
Hangul
한가인
Revised RomanizationHan Gain
McCune–ReischauerHan Kain
Birth name
Hangul
김현주
Revised RomanizationGim Hyeonju
McCune–ReischauerKim Hyŏnju
Signature

Kim Hyun-joo[1] (Korean: 김현주), better known by the stage name Han Ga-in (한가인), is a South Korean actress and model. She starred in television series Yellow Handkerchief and Terms of Endearment early in her career, and became a sought-after model in commercials. Her projects in 2012 were hugely successful, with her period drama Moon Embracing the Sun topping the TV ratings chart, and her film Architecture 101 becoming a box office hit.

Early life and education

Han Ga-in was born as Kim Hyun-joo on February 16, 1981.[1] She attended Seoul Gusan Elementary School (서울구산초등학교), Sunjung Middle School (선정중학교) and Baehwa Girls' High School (배화여자고등학교). She excelled academically and scored 384 points out of 400 points on the South Korean University entrance examinations.[5][6] On December 22, 2000, while attending high school, Han participated in KBS1 quiz show Challenge Golden Bell and reached the 34th stage. She studied hospitality management at Kyung Hee University; after entering the entertainment industry, she continued her studies part-time and graduated in 2007.[7]

Career

As a high school student, Han Ga-in appeared on KBS's TV show called The Golden Bell Challenge (도전! 골든벨)[5][8] and was also captured in footage of interviews with other students. Entertainment executives spotted her in the news clip and immediately went to her school to offer her a part.[9] She decided to use her current stage name as she shares a birth name with another actress who debuted earlier than her.[10]

Han debuted in an Asiana Airlines commercial in 2002, and was cast in the KBS2 drama Sunshine Hunting. She subsequently appeared in a supporting role in the popular daily drama Yellow Handkerchief and made her big-screen debut in Once Upon a Time in High School. In 2004, she took on the leading role in Terms of Endearment and won an Excellence award at the KBS Drama Awards.[11][12]

In 2005, Han acted in Super Rookie, a satire on Korea's corporate culture and unemployment among the country's younger generation. It drew solid viewership ratings in the 20% range, and won Han the Excellence Award at the MBC Drama Awards.[13] The drama was also reportedly well received by Japanese viewers and contributed to Han's popularity in the country.[14] This was followed by leading roles in Dr. Kkang and Witch Yoo Hee.[15] In the latter drama, Han sported a bob cut as she portrayed a career woman who cared about her appearance and job rather than relationships.

After Witch Yoo Hee wrapped in 2007, Han publicly criticized the director and writers for the drama's poor quality. She went on a three-year hiatus afterwards, merely starring in advertisements. Han struggled to shake the perception that she was only a lovely face and not a professional actor, having only portrayed stereotypical characters, even though she quickly rose to the top of the TV advertising industry's most sought-after faces list.[11]

Mainly categorized as a "CF star," Han wanted to change that misconception with her comeback in 2010.[16] In Bad Guy, she attempted to transform her image as a pure and innocent girl to a materialistic woman who dreams of climbing the social ladder at the expense of others.[17][18]

Han at the Seoul production sneak preview of Architecture 101 in 2012.

2012 was the most successful year of Han's career yet. She first starred in period drama, Moon Embracing the Sun, in which she played the heroine, an amnesiac noblewoman-turned-shaman.[19] The drama not only ranked number one in its time slot throughout its run but achieved a peak recorded viewer rating of 42.2%,[20] thereby earning "national drama" status.[21][unreliable source?] This was followed by a leading role in romantic film Architecture 101, which got rave reviews and set a new box-office record as the highest-grossing Korean melodrama.[11][22][23] Han also appeared on episode 87 of the popular variety show, Running Man.[24]

Han was managed by J. One Plus Entertainment from 2009 to 2011,[25][26][27] and when her contract expired, she signed with Lee Byung-hun's agency, BH Entertainment in December 2012.[28]

In 2018, Han returned to the small screen after six years with mystery thriller Mistress.[29][30]

In February 2022, 4 years after Mistress, Han returned to television as a host of SBS talk show Circle House.[31] In April 2022, she made a guest appearance in KBS2 reality-variety show 2 Days & 1 Night, in which her husband Yeon Jung-hoon is a fixed cast member.[32][33]

Personal life

Han with her husband Yeon Jung-hoon for a fashion photoshoot in 2024

Han married actor Yeon Jung-hoon on April 26, 2005; they first met as co-stars in the 2003 daily drama Yellow Handkerchief.[34][35][36] Their wedding attracted much media attention due to the rarity of actresses marrying in their early twenties, at the prime of their careers.[37][38] Han had a miscarriage in 2014,[39][40][41][42] and later gave birth to a daughter on April 13, 2016.[43] On May 13, 2019, she gave birth to a son.[44][45]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
2004 Once Upon a Time in High School Eun-joo
2012 Architecture 101 Yang Seo-yeon

Television series

Year Title Role
2002 Sunshine Hunting Joo-Young
2003 Yellow Handkerchief Jo Sun-joo
2004 Terms of Endearment Kang Eun-pah
2005 Super Rookie Lee Mi-ok
2006 Dr. Kkang Kim Yoo-na
2007 Witch Yoo Hee Ma Yoo-hee
2010 Bad Guy Moon Jae-in
2012 Moon Embracing the Sun Heo Yeon-woo / Wol
2018 Mistress Jang Se-yeon

Television shows

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2003 Comedy Town
Entertainment Weekly Host
2022 Circle House with Oh Eun-young, Lee Seung-gi, Noh Hong-chul and Lee Jung [31][46]
Sing for Gold Manager with Lee Mu-jin [47]
Greek Roman Myths-Private Life of the Gods Host [48]
Day Without Hands with Shin Dong-yup [49]
2024 Europe Outside the Tent Cast Member Season 4 [50]

Radio shows

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022 Park So-hyun's Love Game Special DJ April 4, 2022 [51]

Music video appearances

Year Song Title Artist
2005 "Only Wind, Only Wind" SG Wannabe
2012 "Yeosu Night Sea" Busker Busker

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2003 KBS Drama Awards Best New Actress Yellow Handkerchief Won
2004 40th Baeksang Arts Awards[52] Most Popular Actress (Film) Once Upon a Time in High School Won
25th Blue Dragon Film Awards[53] Best New Actress Nominated
3rd Korean Film Awards Best New Actress Nominated
KBS Drama Awards[12] Excellence Award, Actress Terms of Endearment Won
Best Couple Award with Song Il-gook Won
2005 MBC Drama Awards Excellence Award, Actress Super Rookie Won
Best Couple Award with Eric Mun Nominated
Popularity Award, Actress Nominated
2012 7th Seoul International Drama Awards Outstanding Korean Actress Moon Embracing the Sun Nominated
1st K-Drama Star Awards Top Excellence Award, Actress Nominated
MBC Drama Awards[54] Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Won
Best Couple Award with Kim Soo-hyun Nominated
Popularity Award, Actress Nominated

State honors

Name of the organization, year presented, and the award given
Organization Year Award Ref.
47th Taxpayer's Day 2013 Presidential Commendation [55]

References

  1. ^ a b c 김수형 (February 16, 2023). 이 얼굴이 마흔 두 살..한가인, 생일에 또 인증한 모태미인 [★SHOT!]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  2. ^ 한가인. Cinefox (씨네폭스) (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  3. ^ "한가인" Archived March 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Nate (in Korean). Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  4. ^ a b "About 자유부인 한가인". YouTube.
  5. ^ a b 한가인 골든벨 출연모습 "범접할 수 없는 우등생포스". Zum News. November 19, 2012. Archived from the original on July 3, 2017. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  6. ^ 수능 384점 한가인, 연예계 '대표 브레인' 또 누구?. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). November 19, 2012. Archived from the original on April 3, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  7. ^ 경희대 시절 지각하는 한가인, "그때도 예뻤네!". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). May 14, 2012. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  8. ^ 한가인 여신 샷 "12년 전 골든벨 출연 때부터 인증된 미모". OBS News. January 5, 2013. Archived from the original on April 17, 2018. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  9. ^ "History Attests to Korean Stars' All-Natural Looks" Archived August 7, 2020, at the Wayback Machine. The Chosun Ilbo. June 6, 2006. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  10. ^ "[SC 페이퍼진] 스타의 예명-본명 그리고 인기". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). October 12, 2009. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  11. ^ a b c "Han Ga-in struggles to overcome innocent image". Korea Joongang Daily. April 4, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  12. ^ a b "Winners at the 2004 KBS DRAMA AWARDS". Korea Tourism Organization. January 6, 2005. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  13. ^ "Rookie Employees Talk About the New Hit Show Super Rookie". The Dong-A Ilbo. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  14. ^ "Is it all over already? Gloomy signs overshadow rosy statistics of 'Hallyu'". HanCinema. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  15. ^ "< Dr. Gang >'s Smooth Launching with Favorable Popularity". MBC Global. February 14, 2008. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  16. ^ "Top Actresses Heading Toward Small Screen" Archived January 17, 2024, at the Wayback Machine . The Korea Times. February 8, 2010. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  17. ^ "Will Kim, Han create magic thru Bad Boy" Archived October 4, 2023, at the Wayback Machine . The Korea Times. May 25, 2010. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  18. ^ "INTERVIEW: Bad Boy actresses Han Ga-in and Oh Yun-soo" Archived May 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine. Asiae. June 16, 2010. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  19. ^ Lee, In-kyung (December 14, 2011). "Han Ga In Shows Off Her Elegant Beauty". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013.
  20. ^ "Hit drama ends with record ratings". Korea JoongAng Daily. March 16, 2012. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  21. ^ "'The Moon That Embraces The Sun' breaks 40%, but will not be extended". Allkpop. Archived from the original on January 7, 2018. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  22. ^ "Han Ga-in and other Introduction to Architecture stars talk about their first loves"[usurped]. Korea Joongang Daily. March 15, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  23. ^ "Han Ga-in Still Wrestling with Innocent Image" Archived February 17, 2020, at the Wayback Machine. The Chosun Ilbo. March 31, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  24. ^ 한가인, '런닝맨' 단독 녹화..."수지는 참여 안해". My Daily. Archived from the original on January 5, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  25. ^ "Han Ga-in signs with Kim Ha-neul's agency" Archived September 8, 2020, at the Wayback Machine. Asiae. October 29, 2009. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  26. ^ "Official Han Ga-in website open today" Archived August 15, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Asiae. May 27, 2010. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  27. ^ "Han Ga-in renews contract with J.One+ Entertainment" Archived August 15, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Asiae. September 15, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  28. ^ "Han Ga-in Joins Lee Byung-hun's Agency". 10Asia. December 23, 2012. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  29. ^ "Han Ga-in to Make Return with Remake of British TV Series". The Chosun Ilbo. March 14, 2018. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  30. ^ "Actress Han Ga-in returns to small screen with thriller series". The Korea Times. April 27, 2018. Archived from the original on February 24, 2020. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  31. ^ a b Jang Jin-ri (January 5, 2022). 한가인, '써클 하우스'로 4년 만에 활동 재개..."육아 봉인 해제"[공식] [Ga-in Han resumes activities with 'Circle House' after 4 years... "Release the Parenting Seal" [Official]] (in Korean). SPOTV News. Archived from the original on January 5, 2022. Retrieved January 5, 2022 – via Naver.
  32. ^ Gong Young-joo (March 24, 2022). 한가인, '1박 2일' 녹화...연정훈과 동반 출연(공식) [Ga-in Han, '2 Days & 1 Night' recording... Appearance with Yeon Jung-hoon (official)] (in Korean). YTN. Archived from the original on March 25, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2022 – via Naver.
  33. ^ Kim Yang-soo (April 18, 2022). '연정훈♥' 한가인, '1박2일' 3주연속 출격..."언제든 불러주세요" 활짝 ['Yeon Jeong-hoon ♥' Han Ga-in, '1 Night 2 Days' 3 weeks in a row... "Call me anytime" wide open] (in Korean). Joy News. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  34. ^ 2년여 열애 끝에 오는 4월 결혼 발표한 연정훈·한가인. Woman DongA (in Korean). January 31, 2005. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  35. ^ "Yeon Jung-hoon and Han Ka-in Register Their Marriage". KBS Global. April 26, 2005. Archived from the original on March 14, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  36. ^ "Han Ga-in says she wants a son like Yeon Jung-hoon". Korea JoongAng Daily. November 15, 2012. Archived from the original on November 20, 2012. Retrieved November 18, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  37. ^ 스타 커플 잇단 웨딩마치 ... 다음엔 누구?. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). May 4, 2005. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  38. ^ 연정훈-한가인 결혼 왜 서둘렀나?. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). January 17, 2005. Archived from the original on November 22, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  39. ^ "Actress Han Ga-in pregnant with first child". The Korea Herald. April 22, 2014. Archived from the original on April 23, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  40. ^ "1st baby for celebrity couple". Korea JoongAng Daily. April 23, 2014. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  41. ^ "Actor Couple Have Baby on Way After Nearly a Decade". The Chosun Ilbo. April 23, 2014. Archived from the original on April 28, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  42. ^ "Han Ga-in miscarried: agency". Korea JoongAng Daily. September 25, 2014. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
  43. ^ "'Moon Embracing the Sun' actress gives birth to baby girl". Yonhap News Agency. April 13, 2016. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  44. ^ 연정훈♥한가인, 둘째 득남→결혼 14년만 이룬 두 아이 부모 "기쁜 마음"(전문)[종합]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). May 13, 2019. Archived from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  45. ^ 한가인·연정훈 부부, 득남...첫 딸 출산 3년 만에 경사. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). May 13, 2019. Archived from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  46. ^ Kang Seon-ae (January 10, 2022). 오은영X이승기X한가인X노홍철X리정, '써클 하우스' 출연 확정...2월 3일 첫방 [Oh Eun-young X Lee Seung-gi X Han Ga-in X Noh Hong-cheol X Ri-jeong confirmed to appear in 'Circle House'... First episode on February 3rd]. SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 20, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2022 – via Naver.
  47. ^ Oh Ji-won (August 4, 2022). 싱포골드' 박진영·한가인·김형석·리아킴·이무진, MC 라인업 공개 [Singfor Gold' Park Jin-young, Han Ga-in, Kim Hyeong-seok, Lia Kim, Lee Moo-jin, MC lineup revealed] (in Korean). YTN. Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via Naver.
  48. ^ Jin Hyang-hee (September 15, 2022). 한가인·설민석·김헌·한젬마, '신들의 사생활' 10월 첫방 [Ga-in Han, Min-seok Seol, Heon Kim, and Gemma Han, 'Private Life of the Gods' premiered in October] (in Korean). Star Today. Archived from the original on September 15, 2022. Retrieved September 15, 2022 – via Naver.
  49. ^ Hwang Hyo-yi (October 7, 2022). 한가인, 신동엽-'유퀴즈' PD와 호흡 (손 없는 날)[공식] [Ga-in Han, Dong-yeop Shin - 'You Quiz' PD and Breathing (Day Without Hands) [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022 – via Naver.
  50. ^ Gong, Yeo-ju (September 21, 2023). 텐트 밖은 유럽4' 이번엔 여배우들...남프랑스 간다 [Tent Outside Europe 4': Actresses go to the South of France] (in Korean). YTN. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023 – via Naver.
  51. ^ Kang Min-kyung (April 4, 2022). [공식] 한가인, 오늘(4일) '박소현의 러브게임' 스페셜 DJ...브이로그도 촬영 [[Official] Ga-in Han, special DJ for 'Park So-hyun's Love Game' today (4th)... Vlog shooting] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on April 4, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2022 – via Naver.
  52. ^ "40th Baeksang Arts Awards". Baeksang Arts Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved November 13, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  53. ^ "25th Blue Dragon Film Awards". Blue Dragon Film Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  54. ^ "Big Winners of 2012 Announced at Drama Awards Ceremonies of Major Broadcasters". 10Asia. January 1, 2013. Archived from the original on April 15, 2014.
  55. ^ 모범납세자 포상후보자된 연예인 공유·하지원씨 [Mr. Lee Ji-won, a celebrity who was a candidate for the model taxpayer]. www.taxtimes.co.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.