Nam Joo-hyuk is one of the most loved actors in South Korea today. His journey from being a young boy in Busan with dreams of basketball to becoming a global star is truly inspiring. Over the years, he has built a strong career in modeling, television dramas, and films. His natural charm and relatable personality have made him a favourite among audiences not only in Korea but also across Asia and beyond.
Fans admire him for his tall figure, warm smile, and ability to bring life to every character he plays. In January 2026, he signed with Fable Company, a new agency that will manage his future projects. His upcoming drama, The East Palace, is expected to release later this year. Fans are excited to see him in a new role, and expectations are high. With his talent and dedication, Nam is set to continue shining in the years ahead.
Nam Joo-hyuk Age, Height, Girlfriend, Family, BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nam Joo-hyuk |
| Date of Birth | 22 February 1994 |
| Age (as of July 2026) | 32 years |
| Birthplace | Yeongdo District, Busan, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Profession | Actor, Model |
| Height | 187 cm (6 ft 2 in) |
| Education | Gyeongnam Middle School |
| Debut (Modeling) | 2013 – SONGZIO Homme |
| Acting Debut | 2014 – The Idle Mermaid |
| Breakthrough Drama | Who Are You: School 2015 (2015) |
| Popular Works | Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016), Start-Up (2020), Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022) |
| Film Debut | The Great Battle (2018) |
| Notable Films | Josee (2020), Remember (2022), Vigilante (2023) |
| Awards | Blue Dragon Film Award (2018), APAN Star Award (2015), Seoul Awards |
| Military Service | Enlisted March 2023, Discharged September 2024 |
| Agency (2026) | Fable Company |
| Upcoming Project | The East Palace (2026) |
| Brand Endorsements | Penshoppe (2017), Dior Men Asia Ambassador (2019) |
| Philanthropy | Donations for wildfire victims (2019), COVID-19 relief (2020) |
| Relationship Status | Previously linked to Lee Sung-kyung (2017); currently private |
| Nickname | “National First Love” (after Twenty-Five Twenty-One) |
| Wikipedia | @Nam_Joo-hyuk |
| @skawngur/ |
Early Life and Childhood
On February 22, 1994, Nam was born in Yeongdo District, Busan, South Korea, to his parents. He grew up in a modest family and spent most of his childhood in Busan. Like many young boys, he had big dreams, and his first passion was basketball. He wanted to become a professional player and even trained seriously during his school days.
However, life took a different turn when he suffered an injury that required surgery. This incident ended his basketball dreams, but it opened the door to a new path. Instead of feeling defeated, Nam Joo-hyuk looked for other opportunities to shine. His tall height and striking looks soon caught attention, and he began to think about modeling as a career.
Education and First Steps into Modeling
Nam studied at Gyeongnam Middle School. During his teenage years, he moved to Seoul to pursue better opportunities. His decision proved right when he participated in the Top Model contest by K-Plus.
In 2013, he made his debut as a model for SONGZIO Homme. His tall frame and youthful energy made him stand out on the runway. Within a short time, he became a familiar face in the fashion world. This early success gave him the platform to explore acting, which later became his true calling.
Entry into the Entertainment Industry
Nam Joo-hyuk’s first step into entertainment came through music videos. In 2014, he appeared in Akdong Musician’s popular songs “200%” and “Give Love.” His fresh face and natural acting caught the attention of viewers. That same year, he made his acting debut in the drama The Idle Mermaid.
Though his role was small, it gave him valuable experience and exposure. He continued to work hard, learning the craft of acting while balancing his modeling career.
Breakthrough Roles in Television
Nam Joo-hyuk’s real breakthrough came in 2015 when he starred in the drama Who Are You: School 2015. Playing the role of Han Yi-an, a high school swimmer, he won the hearts of young viewers. He even won the Best New Actor award at the 4th APAN Star Awards, which marked the beginning of his rise in the industry.
In 2016, he took on another memorable role in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo. This drama became a fan favourite, especially among young audiences. Nam played Jung Joon-hyung, a swimmer who falls in love with a weightlifter.
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Transition to Films and Acclaimed Performances
After proving himself in television, Nam Joo-hyuk moved to films. His debut film was The Great Battle (2018), a historical war movie where he played the role of Sa-mul. The film was a box office success and earned him the Best New Actor award at the prestigious Blue Dragon Film Awards. This achievement showed that he could shine not only on television but also on the big screen.
He continued to take on challenging roles in films like Josee (2020), where he played a young man who develops a relationship with a disabled woman. His performance was sensitive and emotional, showing his growth as an actor. In Remember (2022), he played a young man helping an elderly man seek justice, and in Vigilante (2023), he impressed audiences with his darker, action-driven role.
Global Recognition and Forbes 30 Under 30
Nam hyuk’s fame was not limited to Korea. His dramas on Netflix, such as Start-Up (2020) and Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022), gave him international recognition. In Start-Up, he played Nam Do-san, a struggling entrepreneur, and in Twenty-Five Twenty-One, he portrayed Baek Yi-jin, a young man facing hardships during Korea’s financial crisis.
In 2021, his achievements were recognised when he was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia. This honour highlighted his influence in the entertainment industry and his growing impact worldwide. Fans from different countries began following his work, and he became one of the most talked-about Korean actors internationally.
Military Service and Return
Like all Korean men, Nam Joo-hyuk had to serve in the military. He enlisted in March 2023 and served as a military police officer. His time in the army was seen as a period of discipline and responsibility. Fans waited eagerly for his return, and many admired him for fulfilling his duty with sincerity.
He was discharged in September 2024, and his comeback was celebrated by fans and the media. His first public appearance after military service was at Paris Fashion Week with Dior, where he looked confident and stylish. He soon signed with Fable Company in January 2026 and announced his upcoming drama The East Palace, which is expected to release later this year.
Endorsements and Brand Collaborations
Nam Joo-hyuk’s popularity has made him a favourite choice for many global brands. In 2017, he became the ambassador for Penshoppe, a well-known fashion brand in the Philippines. His youthful image and stylish personality matched perfectly with the brand’s identity.
Later, in 2019, he was chosen as the Asia ambassador for Dior Men. His association with Dior strengthened his image as a fashion icon. He has also featured in campaigns for Dior Sauvage fragrance, which gave him international exposure. These collaborations show how his influence goes beyond acting and into the world of fashion and lifestyle.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Nam is not only known for his acting but also for his kindness. In 2019, he donated ₩30 million to help victims of wildfires in South Korea. His thoughtful gesture was praised by the public.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he donated ₩50 million to support relief efforts. These acts of generosity show his concern for society. He believes in giving back to the community and using his success to help those in need.
Awards and Achievements
Over the years, Nam Joo-hyuk has won several awards for his performances. His role in Who Are You: School 2015 earned him the Best New Actor award. In 2018, he won the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best New Actor for The Great Battle.
He has also received recognition at the Seoul Awards and other prestigious events. These honours highlight his talent and dedication. Each award has added to his credibility as one of the finest actors of his generation.
Controversies and Legal Victories
Like many celebrities, Nam hyuk faced challenges in his career. In 2022, he was accused of school bullying, which became a major controversy. The news shocked his fans, but his agency quickly denied the claims. The case went to court, and after a long investigation, he was cleared of all charges in 2024.
The court ruled in his favour, and the accuser was found guilty of spreading false information. This legal victory restored his reputation. Many fans stood by him during the tough time, showing their trust and loyalty. The incident proved his strength and resilience in handling public pressure.
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