Ko Kyu-pil

Ko Kyu-pil (born May 2, 1982) is a South Korean actor recognized for his dynamic supporting roles across films and television dramas.^[1][2] He launched his acting career as a child in the 1993 children's film Kid Cop, directed by Lee Jun-ik, but took a nine-year hiatus to prioritize his studies before resuming in 2003 with renewed focus on theater and film.^[2][3] During this break, he earned degrees from Baekje College of Arts in the Department of Broadcasting and Entertainment and from Chung-Ang University in the Department of Theater and Film.^[4][5] Throughout his over three-decade career, Ko has built a reputation for memorable character portrayals, including the role of Hong Chang-sik in the hit romantic comedy series Crash Landing on You (2019), Park Gwang-deok in the action thriller Vagabond (2019), and Oh Yo-han in The Fiery Priest (2019).^[1] His film credits feature standout performances such as Ddung-ddung in Bong Joon-ho's Mother (2009) and the gangster Cho Ron-yi in The Roundup: No Way Out (2023), contributing to his status as a reliable ensemble player in South Korean cinema and broadcasting.^[1][2] On a personal note, Ko married singer-songwriter Amin (born Min Soo-yeon) on November 12, 2023, after a long-term relationship; the private ceremony was attended by close family and hosted by actor Kim Nam-gil.^[6][7] He is currently represented by Spring Entertainment (as of 2025)^[8] and continues to take on diverse projects in the industry.^[9]

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Ko Kyu-pil was born on May 2, 1982, in Tongyeong, South Korea (formerly Chungmu, Gyeongsangnam-do Province).^[10] Public information about his family background remains limited, with no details disclosed regarding any siblings. His parents were reportedly embarrassed by his child acting debut and disapproved, citing his perceived lack of talent compared to peers.^[11] Early in his childhood, Ko had exposure to the entertainment industry, culminating in a child acting opportunity at age 11.^[11]

Education

Ko Kyu-pil began his formal education in the arts after a brief stint as a child actor, debuting in 1993 with the film Kid Cop. Recognizing the need to prioritize academics, he took a nine-year hiatus from acting to focus on his studies, during which he reflected on his perceived lack of innate talent for the profession, leading to a temporary disinterest in pursuing it further.^[12] He enrolled at Baekje Arts University (now Baekje Arts College), where he completed an associate degree in the Department of Broadcasting and Entertainment, gaining foundational training in performance and media arts. This period provided him with practical skills in acting and entertainment production, serving as additional preparation for a professional career.^[13][14] Following his graduation from Baekje Arts University, Ko transferred to Chung-Ang University, majoring in the Department of Theater and Film within the College of Arts. He earned a bachelor's degree there, deepening his understanding of dramatic theory, film production, and stage performance, which ultimately influenced his decision to re-enter the acting industry formally as an adult. This educational path bridged his early experiences and later professional commitments, equipping him with a structured foundation in the field.^[13][15]

Acting career

Debut and early roles

Ko Kyu-pil entered the entertainment industry as a child actor at the age of 11, making his debut in the 1993 South Korean children's film Kid Cop, directed by Lee Jun-ik, where he portrayed the character Sang-hoon.^[16] The film, a lighthearted adventure centered on young protagonists combating crime, marked his initial foray into acting and highlighted his early potential in youth-oriented cinema.^[17] By the early 2000s, Ko chose to step away from acting to prioritize his education, leading to a nine-year hiatus from the industry spanning approximately from 1994 to 2002.^[3] This period allowed him to focus on academic pursuits, temporarily halting his budding career amid the challenges of transitioning from child roles to more mature ones.

Hiatus and return to acting

After debuting as a child actor in 1993, Ko Kyu-pil took a hiatus of approximately nine years from acting, beginning around 1994, to focus on his studies and academic pursuits. During this period, he stepped away from the entertainment industry entirely, prioritizing education over his early career in film. This break allowed him to reassess his path, as he later reflected on feeling a lack of innate talent for acting at the time. Ko returned to the industry in 2002 with a minor supporting role as Kang Jae's friend in the fantasy adventure film R.U. Ready?, marking his re-entry as a young adult actor. The following year, in 2003, he further solidified his comeback by passing the KBS 20th public recruitment for talents and appearing as the Prince of Baekje in the historical comedy Once Upon a Time in a Battlefield. These roles represented a tentative restart, shifting from his childhood performances to more mature characters. In the mid-2000s, Ko continued building his presence through supporting parts in various projects, including Na Sang-shik in the action film Gangster High (2006) and Ki-seok in the family comedy Baby and I (2008). However, transitioning back as an adult actor proved challenging; he navigated a landscape of limited opportunities and predominantly minor roles, requiring him to rebuild his professional network and reputation from the ground up after nearly a decade away. This phase tested his commitment, as the scarcity of substantial parts initially hindered momentum in an industry that had evolved during his absence.

Rise to prominence and recent work

Ko Kyu-pil's breakthrough came with his portrayal of the bullied high school student Ddong-ddong in Bong Joon-ho's 2009 film Mother, a role that showcased his ability to convey vulnerability and humor in a dramatic context. This performance, following his return to acting in the mid-2000s, opened doors to more consistent opportunities, particularly in television, where he built a steady presence through supporting parts in various dramas during the 2010s.^[1] His grounded, naturalistic style allowed him to blend seamlessly into ensemble casts, gradually earning recognition as a dependable actor for everyday, relatable characters. By the late 2010s, Ko had solidified his reputation with standout supporting roles in major hits. In The Fiery Priest (2019), he played Oh Yo-han, a jovial yet hapless part-timer entangled in the central mystery, contributing to the series' blend of comedy and thriller elements. That same year, he appeared as Park Gwang-duk, the grieving husband of a plane crash victim in the action-espionage drama Vagabond, adding emotional depth to the ensemble. His role as Hong Chang-sik, the overworked team manager in the romantic comedy Crash Landing on You (2019), further highlighted his comedic timing and loyalty-driven persona, helping the series achieve widespread popularity.^[18] Entering the 2020s, Ko continued to diversify his portfolio with roles in high-profile projects, including the informant Cherry (Cho Rong-yi) in the blockbuster action film The Roundup: No Way Out (2023), where his character's reluctant involvement in a drug bust added levity to the intense narrative. He also portrayed Han Tae-joo, a stern officer in the Japanese Imperial Army, in the Netflix period action series Song of the Bandits (2023), demonstrating his range in historical settings. Ko reprised his popular role as Oh Yo-han in The Fiery Priest 2 (2024), reuniting with the original cast for more comedic antics amid a new investigation.^[19] In 2025, he appeared as Sayyid/Sade in the fantasy romantic comedy Genie, Make a Wish and as Do-ni in the fantasy action series Twelve, further showcasing his versatility, with the crime drama Knock-Off upcoming.^[9]

Personal life

Relationships prior to marriage

Ko Kyu-pil has kept details of his early romantic relationships largely private, with little public information available beyond occasional mentions in interviews that underscore his emphasis on personal discretion during his formative years as an actor.^[20] His most significant pre-marital relationship was with singer-songwriter Amin (real name Min Soo-yeon), which began around 2014 and lasted nine years until their marriage in 2023.^[20][21] This partnership was marked by several breakups and reconciliations, primarily driven by financial hardships and the demands of his inconsistent early career as an extra actor.^[22][23] In a 2024 appearance on SBS Power FM's Park Ha-sun's Cinetown, Ko reflected on these ups and downs, stating, "We actually had a lot of encounters and separations," while crediting Amin's support for sustaining their connection amid professional instability.^[23] He further elaborated on the show Great Guide (MBC Every1) about how poverty strained the relationship early on, leading to breakups because he "had no money" to maintain it properly, though career pressures like irregular work schedules also played a role in their challenges.^[22]

Marriage and family

Ko Kyu-pil married singer-songwriter Amin, whose real name is Min Soo-yeon, on November 12, 2023, after a long-term relationship that began several years earlier.^[20] The wedding was a private affair held in Seoul, limited to family and a select group of close friends, emphasizing the couple's desire for intimacy away from public scrutiny.^[24] The ceremony was hosted by actor Kim Nam-gil, a longtime friend of Ko, with fellow actors Ahn Bo-hyun and Chun Woo-hee among the attendees who offered congratulations and support during the event.^[21] In the lead-up to the wedding, the couple shared a pre-wedding pictorial in October 2023, featuring a elegant gold-and-white theme that highlighted their shared aesthetic and joy ahead of the nuptials.^[6] As of November 2025, Ko Kyu-pil and Amin have no children and have maintained a low-profile family life, focusing on their personal bond while occasionally sharing subtle glimpses of their happiness through social media.^[24]

Filmography

Films

Ko Kyu-pil's filmography includes a range of supporting, guest, and occasional main roles in South Korean cinema, spanning from his child acting debut to recent releases.^[9]

Television dramas

Ko Kyu-pil has appeared in a wide range of South Korean television dramas and web series, often in supporting or guest roles that contribute to ensemble casts across genres including historical epics, thrillers, romances, and comedies. His television work began in the early 1990s and has continued steadily, with notable recurring appearances in series like Partners for Justice. The following table provides a chronological overview of his credits in this medium, drawn from comprehensive drama databases.^[9]

Variety shows and other appearances

Ko Kyu-pil has ventured into variety television since 2019, leveraging his affable personality and comedic flair in travel, mystery, and game formats, often as a regular or guest panelist. These appearances have highlighted his adaptability outside scripted roles, contributing to his growing popularity in the entertainment industry. In 2019, he debuted on variety with tvN's Siberia Selection Team, a survival travel show where he joined Lee Sun-kyun, Kim Nam-gil, Lee Sang-yeob, and Kim Min-sik for a rugged Trans-Siberian adventure, showcasing his humor through physical challenges and group dynamics.^[27] The following year, 2020, saw him return for the domestic spin-off Sea Road Selection Team on tvN, embarking on a coastal voyage around Korea with Kim Nam-gil, Park Sung-woong, and Go Ah-sung, emphasizing camaraderie during 24-hour boat life and island explorations.^[28] Ko expanded into mystery variety in 2021 with Netflix's Busted! Season 3, appearing in four episodes as the recurring detective character Ko Hyung-sa, assisting the main cast in solving fictional crimes while adding levity through his interactions.^[29] In 2023, he guested on tvN's popular music quiz Amazing Saturday, teaming up with Lee Joon-hyuk and Kim Min-jae for wordplay challenges at Mapo Market, where his quick wit and endearing reactions stood out.^[30] That same year, he joined JTBC's Call Call Agency as a core member of the "agency" team alongside Jeon Hyun-moo, Mimi, and Yang Se-chan, handling quirky client requests like deliveries and childcare in a mock service format.^[31] Ko made a notable guest spot on MBC's How Do You Play? in November 2023, emerging as a top candidate for a new project segment amid his rising profile from films like The Roundup: No Way Out.^[32] He also became a fixed cast on MBC every1's travel variety Great Guide starting in October 2023, co-leading trips to destinations like the UK in 2024 with Shin Hyun-joon, Oh My Girl's Hyojung, and Lee Si-woo, focusing on local guides and cultural immersion through March to June 2024.^[33] Beyond television, Ko appeared on SBS Power FM's radio program Park Ha-sun's Cine Town on July 18, 2024, as a guest promoting his film Tarot, during which he briefly shared lighthearted anecdotes about his recent marriage.^[34]

Accolades

Awards and nominations

Ko Kyu-pil has received recognition for his supporting roles in both television dramas and films, earning one win and several nominations from major South Korean award ceremonies between 2019 and 2024.^[35][36][37]

Rankings and recognitions

In 2023, Ko Kyu-pil ranked third in Joy News 24's annual poll for Rising Star Film Actors, earning 16 votes in the film category for his breakout performance as the character "Chorongi" in The Roundup: No Way Out.^[40] He also secured first place in the same outlet's Rediscovered Star category with 39 votes, highlighting his resurgence after years of consistent supporting roles.^[41] Additionally, he placed second in the Best Chemistry pairing with Ma Dong-seok from the same survey, underscoring his on-screen rapport.^[41] Ko Kyu-pil has been featured in multiple Korean media listicles praising his supporting work, including recognition as 2023's top "discovered luxury supporting actor" by Sports Seoul for his memorable portrayal in The Roundup: No Way Out, which contributed to the film's box-office success.^[42] Outlets like Daum and Nate News have similarly highlighted him in compilations of standout supporting talents through 2024, noting his ability to elevate ensemble casts without overshadowing leads.^[43] Fan-voted polls and industry mentions have further acknowledged his versatility, with Joy News 24's 2023 survey emphasizing his range from comedic to intense characters, earning praise for roles spanning films like The Roundup series and dramas such as Crash Landing on You.^[44] These informal recognitions reflect growing appreciation for his chameleon-like adaptability in Korean entertainment up to 2024.