Song Joong-ki first gained significant national attention after substituting for an ill contestant on the television program Quiz Korea, where he secured second place. This initial public appearance facilitated his transition from a student at Sungkyunkwan University to a prominent figure in South Korean entertainment, eventually establishing him as a primary contributor to the global reach of modern Korean television.
Early Athletic and Academic Training
Born in 1985 in Daejeon, Song was a competitive short track speed skater who represented his home city at the national level. An injury during his first year of high school ended his athletic career. He redirected his focus toward academics, achieving a score of 380 out of 400 on the national college entrance examination. This performance granted him entry to Sungkyunkwan University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 2012 while simultaneously pursuing professional opportunities in acting and media.
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Song entered the industry with a role in the 2008 film A Frozen Flower and subsequently served as a host for the KBS music program Music Bank between 2009 and 2010. His transition into dramatic acting solidified with his portrayal of a wealthy student in the fusion period drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal. He expanded his profile through a regular role on the variety series Running Man and published a health guide titled Beautiful Skin Project, which later reached markets in Japan.
Transition to Leading Roles
The actor achieved critical recognition for his performance as the young king Sejong in the series Deep Rooted Tree, receiving the PD Award at the 2011 SBS Drama Awards. In 2012, he starred in the fantasy film A Werewolf Boy, which sold over seven million tickets. His subsequent lead role in The Innocent Man further established his presence, leading to his status as a recurring figure on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list.
Military Service and International Success
Song enlisted for mandatory military service in August 2013 at a draft camp in Chuncheon. Serving in an infantry unit focused on reconnaissance near the DMZ, he completed his commitment in May 2015. Upon his return, he starred in Descendants of the Sun, a series that achieved significant viewership across Asia and reestablished his position as a central figure in the television industry, eventually leading to further successes in projects such as Vincenzo and Reborn Rich.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Daejeon, South Korea
- Education: Sungkyunkwan University
- Military service: 2013-2015
- Notable TV works: Deep Rooted Tree, Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo, Reborn Rich
- Language: Korean
Questions readers ask
What was Song Joong-ki's first professional acting role?
He made his acting debut in the 2008 period film A Frozen Flower.
What did Song Joong-ki study at university?
He graduated from Sungkyunkwan University with a degree in Business Administration.
Achievements
- Notable work: Deep Rooted Tree
- Notable work: Descendants of the Sun
- Notable work: Vincenzo
- Notable work: Reborn Rich
- Educated at Sungkyunkwan University
- Worked as actor, film actor and television presenter
