International Yoga Day 2024: History, significance, theme of the day

 

 Song Joong-Ki: Biography,

Song Joong-Ki: Rising Star of the K-Drama Genre Born on September 19, 1985, near Daejeon, South Korea, Song Joong-Ki is a renowned South Korean actor who has made a significant impact in the world of K-dramas. His breakthrough came in 2010 when he captivated audiences with his portrayal in Sungkyunkwan Scandal, a television series set in the Chosŏn dynasty (1392–1910). Since then, Song Joong-Ki has embarked on a remarkable journey, showcasing his versatility through diverse roles in both film and television.

However, it was his role in the immensely popular TV drama series Descendants of the Sun in 2016 that truly propelled Song Joong-Ki to international stardom. This show catapulted him into the global spotlight, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim. With his undeniable talent and charisma, Song Joong-Ki continues to be an influential figure in the K-drama industry, captivating audiences with his performances and leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. 

Song Joong-ki Welcomes First Baby

Renowned actor Song Joong-ki, best known for his role in Vincenzo, has recently welcomed his first child with his wife, Katy Louise Saunders. The actor took to his fan cafe to share the delightful news with his devoted fans. Along with the announcement, he also shared the first picture of their newborn baby, expressing his gratitude and excitement.

In his message, Song Joong-ki revealed that their son was born in Rome, Italy, Katy's hometown. He reassured his fans that both mother and baby were safe and in good health, bringing immense joy to their lives. The actor's fans joined in celebrating this momentous occasion, sending their love and well-wishes to the growing family.

Information	Details
Name	Song Joong-ki
Nickname	Song
Gender	Male
Age	37 years old (in 2023)
Date of Birth	September 19, 1985
Real Name	Song Joong-ki
Profession	Actor
Nationality	South Korean
Birthplace	Secheon-dong, Daejeon, South Korea
Religion	Christianity
Zodiac Sign	Virgo
Body Measurements	32-26-32 Inches
Body Type	Hourglass
Height	5 Feet 6 Inches (1.78 m)
Weight	66 kg (122 lbs)
Waist	26 Inches
Hair Color	Brown
Eye Color	Black
Shoe Size	9 US

Song Joong-Ki-From Rural Daejeon to the World of Acting

Hailing from the countryside of Daejeon, South Korea, Song Joong-Ki was born as the second eldest among three siblings. During his upbringing, he found a passion for short-track speed skating and even had the honor of representing Daejeon at the National Sports Festival on multiple occasions. However, his dreams of pursuing a professional career in the sport were cut short by an injury he sustained during high school.

Undeterred by this setback, Song Joong-Ki embarked on a new path. In 2005, he took on the challenge of part-time studies in business at Seoul's esteemed Sungkyunkwan University. Renowned for its top-tier business school in South Korea, the university provided him with a solid academic foundation while he simultaneously pursued his aspirations in the acting realm.

This period marked a crucial juncture in Song Joong-Ki's life, as he diligently balanced his academic pursuits with the pursuit of his acting career. It laid the groundwork for the multifaceted talent he would become known for, showcasing his dedication and resilience in pursuing his passions.

Song Joong-ki was born into a family with a background in education. His father, Song Joong-gak, worked as an educator and served as a principal at a high school. Not much information is publicly available about his mother. Song Joong-ki has two siblings: an older brother named Song Seung-ki and a younger sister named Song Seul-ki.

Early Acting Endeavors and Television Appearances

In 2008, Song Joong-Ki took his first steps into the world of acting, marking the beginning of his promising career. He made his debut in the historical film A Frozen Flower (Ssang-hwa-jeom), portraying a soldier in the backdrop of the waning years of the Koryŏ dynasty (935–1392 CE). This early role allowed him to showcase his talent and set the stage for future endeavors.

Shortly thereafter, Song Joong-Ki ventured into the realm of television with his appearance in the series Triple (2009; Teuripeul). In this production, the former athlete delved into the character of Ji Poong-Ho, a gold medalist speed skater. His performance demonstrated his versatility and ability to embody diverse roles.

During this period, Song Joong-Ki also took on minor roles in various television dramas, including Will It Snow at Christmas? (2009) and Obstetrics and Gynecology Doctors (2010; Sanbuingwa). Additionally, he showcased his talent in films such as Five Senses of Eros (2009; Ogamdo) and Heart Is…2 (2010; Ma-eum-i Doo-beon-jjae I-ya-gi). Moreover, Song Joong-Ki displayed his charisma as a regular host on the weekly music program Music Bank from 2009 to 2010, further expanding his presence in the entertainment industry.

Breakthrough with Sungkyunkwan Scandal and Ventures into Skincare

In 2010, Song Joong-Ki experienced a breakthrough moment in his career when he landed the role of Gu Yong-Ha, a wealthy playboy, in the popular series Sungkyunkwan Scandal. This historical drama, revolving around a young woman disguising herself as a man to attend Sungkyunkwan University, achieved cult classic status, propelling Song Joong-Ki to new heights of recognition.

His exceptional performance earned him the Korean Broadcasting System's (KBS's) popularity award for male actors. Additionally, Song Joong-Ki, known for his "pretty boy" looks and flawless complexion, published a book on skincare for men, showcasing his expertise beyond acting.

Successes in Film and Television

Following his breakthrough, Song Joong-Ki continued to impress audiences with his talents. In 2011, he received critical acclaim for his roles in the romantic comedy Penny Pinchers (Ti-kkeul-mo-a ro-maen-seu) and the historical drama Tree with Deep Roots. However, it was his lead role in A Werewolf Boy (2012; Neuk-dae-so-nyeon) that set a new record for K-dramas, surpassing seven million ticket sales within two months.

In the same year, Song Joong-Ki starred in the television series The Innocent Man (2012; Sesang Eodiedo Eobneun Chakhan Namja), further solidifying his position as a versatile actor. Despite his rising success, Song Joong-Ki took a hiatus from acting in 2013 to fulfill his mandatory military service after graduating with a degree in business administration.

International Stardom with Descendants of the Sun and Continuing Projects

Returning to the small screen in 2016, Song Joong-Ki achieved global recognition through his portrayal of Yoo Si-Jin, a captain in the South Korean army, in the highly acclaimed drama Descendants of the Sun (Tae-yang-eui hoo-ye).

This blockbuster hit not only earned Song numerous awards but also positioned him as a prominent figure in the international entertainment scene. In 2017, he married his co-star Song Hye-Kyo, gaining popularity as the "Song-Song couple," although they later divorced in 2019.

Song Joong-Ki's career continued to flourish as he took on diverse roles, including a freedom fighter during the Japanese colonial rule in the film The Battleship Island (2017; Gunhamdo) and a prominent role in the TV fantasy series Arthdal Chronicles (2019; Aseudal Yeondaegi).

 In the 2020s, he starred in the TV series Vincenzo (2021–; Binsenjo), where he dedicated himself to learning Italian, and the drama Reborn Rich (2022; Jaebeoljib Maknaeadeul), showcasing his unwavering commitment to his craft.

Net Worth

The estimated wealth of this well-known actor amounts to approximately $20 million. He embarked on his acting journey during his college years, and throughout his career, he has appeared in a remarkable total of 12 films and 16 television series. Additionally, he has made appearances in 8 TV shows and has contributed to numerous music videos. Notably, he serves as the brand ambassador for multiple products in Asia, which contributes significantly to his substantial earnings from various engagements.

Movies	Drama Series	Awards
My Name is Loh Kiwan (2024) - Loh Ki-Wan	Reborn Rich (JTBC / 2022) - Yoon Hyun-Woo / Jin Do-Joon	2021 (42nd) Blue Dragon Film Awards - Popularity Award
Hopeless (2023) - Chi-Gun	Little Women (tvN / 2022) - shoes salesman (ep.2)	2016 KBS Drama Awards - Grand Prize ("Descendants of the Sun")
Space Sweepers (2021) - Tae-Ho	Vincenzo (tvN / 2021) - Vincenzo Cassano	2016 KBS Drama Awards - Asia Best Couple Award
The Battleship Island (2017) - Park Moo-Young	Arthdal Chronicles (tvN / 2019) - Eunseom / Sa-Ya	2016 KBS Drama Awards - Best Couple Award
A Werewolf Boy (2012) - Chul-Soo (wolf-boy)	Man to Man (JTBC-Netflix / 2017) - bank teller (ep.9)	2016 (5th) APAN Star Awards - Grand Prize ("Descendants of the Sun")
The Grand Heist (2012) - Jung Yak-Yong (cameo)	The Sound of Your Heart (KBS2-Naver TV-Netflix / 2016-2017) - webtoon writer (cameo)	2016 (5th) APAN Star Awards - Best Couple Award ("Descendants of the Sun")
Penny Pinchers (2011) - Ji-Woong	Descendants of the Sun (KBS2 / 2016) - Yoo Shi-Jin	2016 (5th) APAN Star Awards - Asia-Pacific Star Award
Hearty Paws 2 (2010) - Dong-Wook	The Innocent Man (KBS2 / 2012) - Kang Ma-Roo	2016 (52nd) BaekSang Arts Awards - Most Popular Actror ("Descendants of the Sun")
Where the Truth Lies (2009) - Jo Jong-Pil (murder victim)	Tree With Deep Roots (SBS / 2011) - Lee Do (young)	2016 (52nd) BaekSang Arts Awards - iQiyi Global Star ("Descendants of the Sun")
Five Senses of Eros (2009) - Yoo Jae-Hyuk (segment "Believe in the Moment")	Sungkyunkwan Scandal (KBS2 / 2010) - Ku Yong-Ha	2012 KBS Drama Awards - Best Actor ("The Innocent Man")
A Frozen Flower (2008) - No-Tak	Obstetrics and Gynecology Doctors (SBS / 2010) - Ahn Kyeong-Woo	2012 KBS Drama Awards - Netizen Award ("The Innocent Man")
	Will It Snow For Christmas? (SBS / 2009)	2012 KBS Drama Awards - Best Couple Award ("The Innocent Man")
	My Fair Lady (KBS2 / 2009) - handsome butler (cameo)	2011 SBS Drama