Kim Woo Bin’s Surprising Shift: From Top Model to Acting Star—Here’s How It Happened

Kim Woo Bin recently shared the unique journey that led him from top model to actor. He explained, “To become a better model, I learned acting. As I discovered how captivating acting could be, my career path shifted.”

Netflix Korea released a video yesterday titled “I Didn’t Come to Promote Officer Black Belt,” featuring Kim Woo Bin and Kim Sung Kyun.

Kim Woo Bin, formerly a model, admitted that acting wasn’t initially on his radar. He aspired to be a top model and later a professor in a modeling department to mentor future models. However, he realized that acting skills were crucial for commercial shoots, which prompted him to pursue acting professionally.

He explained, “The agency required us to shoot videos, and during meetings, they had me act out scenarios like driving. This made me realize I needed to learn acting to enhance my modeling skills, so I started taking acting classes.” He added, “Meeting Moon Won Joo and discovering the joy of acting ultimately redirected my career.”

Known for his breakout roles in shows like School 2013 and The Heirs, Kim Woo Bin has become synonymous with successful school uniform roles. He reflected, “In my twenties, I frequently played student characters, often ones who were skilled in fighting and had a rebellious streak.”

When asked if he ever engaged in violence at school, he responded, “No, I was an ordinary student.”

Kim Woo Bin also shared his daily routine, revealing, “I write a gratitude journal before bed. I list five things I’m thankful for each day, like having three meals or enjoying a good conversation with Kim Sung Kyun. Reflecting on these moments helps me appreciate them more.”

He smiled, “I’ve been keeping this journal since my debut, and now I look for even the smallest things to include. I’ll definitely write about my appearance on this show as well.”

Meanwhile, Kim Woo Bin and Kim Sung Kyun will soon meet a global audience with their upcoming Netflix series, Officer Black Belt, premiering on the 13th.

Officer Black Belt follows Lee Jeong Do (played by Kim Woo Bin), a ninth-degree martial arts black belt, who teams up with probation officer Kim Seon Min (played by Kim Sung Kyun) to monitor electronic bracelet wearers around the clock to prevent crime.