
Jang Ki-yong Age, Height, Dramas and Filipino Lookalike
If you’ve been scrolling through K-drama news lately, you’ve probably come across Jang Ki-yong — the tall model-turned-actor who keeps popping up in your feed for more reasons than one. Born on August 7, 1992, he’s been a household name since his breakout in Come and Hug Me. And if you’ve ever thought he looks oddly familiar, you’re not alone: a viral side-by-side with a Filipino comedian has fans doing a double take. Here’s everything you need to know about his career, his age-gap co-star, and the lookalike that broke the internet.
Born: August 7, 1992 ·
Height: 187 cm ·
Instagram Followers: 6 million ·
Debut: Modeling (2013) ·
Breakthrough Drama: Come and Hug Me (2018)
Quick snapshot
- Born August 7, 1992 (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia))
- Height: 187 cm (AsianWiki (K-drama database))
- Instagram: @juanxkui (AsianWiki (K-drama database))
- Debut as model in 2013 (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia))
- Marital status — no public confirmation
- Whether he has a daughter — rumor not verified
- Exact relationship with Song Hye Kyo (only professional)
- 2013: Begins modeling career (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia))
- 2017: First acting role in Go Back Couple (NextShark (Asian pop culture news))
- 2018: Breakthrough with Come and Hug Me (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia))
- 2021–2022: Stars with Song Hye Kyo in Now, We Are Breaking Up (AsianWiki (K-drama database))
- Starred in The Atypical Family (2024) as Bok Gwi-Ju (AsianWiki (K-drama database))
- Continues to build his filmography post-military service (AsianWiki (K-drama database))
Jang Ki-yong isn’t just a pretty face — his modeling roots gave him a natural on-screen presence that helped him land lead roles quickly. But his most viral moment came from an unexpected face comparison, proving that even in K-drama, a little humor goes a long way.
Here is a quick reference table of key facts.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | August 7, 1992 |
| Height | 187 cm |
| Instagram Followers | 6 million |
| Debut | Modeling (2013) |
| Breakthrough Drama | Come and Hug Me (2018) |
How did Jang Ki-yong become famous?
Modeling beginnings
- Jang Ki-yong started his career as a model in 2013, appearing in fashion shows and commercials (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia)).
- He gained initial public attention through his tall stature (187 cm) and sharp features, which led to more prominent modeling gigs.
Breakthrough in acting
- His first acting role was a guest appearance on It’s Okay, That’s Love in 2014 (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia)).
- He earned wider recognition with a supporting role in Go Back Couple (2017) (NextShark (Asian pop culture news)).
- His first lead role came in Come and Hug Me (2018), which earned him the Best New Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia)).
- He further solidified his fame with Search: WWW (2019) and My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021) (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia)).
The pattern: Jang Ki-yong’s transition from runway to screen happened faster than most, thanks to a combination of photogenic looks and a willingness to take on diverse roles early in his career.
What is the age gap between Jang Ki-yong and Song Hye Kyo?
Ages of Jang Ki-yong and Song Hye Kyo
- Jang Ki-yong was born on August 7, 1992, making him 32 years old (as of 2024).
- Song Hye Kyo was born on November 22, 1981, making her 43 years old (as of 2024).
- The age difference is 11 years, with Song Hye Kyo being the older co-star (AsianWiki (K-drama database)).
Public reaction to their on-screen pairing
- They starred together in Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021–2022), a romance drama that relied on their chemistry (AsianWiki (K-drama database)).
- Many viewers praised their dynamic despite the age gap, though some critics felt the script didn’t do justice to their talent.
What this means: The 11-year gap is notable but not unusual in K-drama casting. The real takeaway is that both actors committed to the story without letting the age difference overshadow the narrative.
Age-gap pairings in Korean dramas often spark debate. Here, the professional respect between Jang Ki-yong and Song Hye Kyo allowed the show to focus on its themes of breakups and healing rather than age.
Who is Jang Ki-yong Filipino lookalike?
The viral comparison
- In 2019, Filipino fans noticed a strong resemblance between Jang Ki-yong and local comedian John Lapus, born 1976 (NextShark (Asian pop culture news)).
- A fan page called Saranghe Oppa posted a side-by-side image that quickly went viral on Facebook and Twitter.
- John Lapus himself acknowledged the comparison on Instagram, writing: “Yes we are like siblings I’m prettier in person.” (NextShark (Asian pop culture news))
Similarities and differences
- Both have similar eye shapes, jawlines, and height proportions — though Jang Ki-yong is taller at 187 cm.
- John Lapus is a comedian and actor in the Philippines, while Jang Ki-yong is a model and dramatic actor in South Korea. Their career paths are very different, but the visual overlap is undeniable.
The trade-off: The viral moment gave Jang Ki-yong unexpected exposure in the Philippines, introducing him to audiences who might not have watched his dramas otherwise.
Who is the most handsome Korean actor?
Fan polls and rankings
- Several fan-run polls frequently place Jang Ki-yong among the top handsome Korean actors, often citing his tall stature and model-like proportions.
- Online communities on platforms like Reddit and Twitter regularly discuss his “visuals” as a key selling point.
Jang Ki-yong’s place in the conversation
- While “most handsome” is subjective, Jang Ki-yong’s consistent appearance on “most handsome” lists is driven by his 187 cm height, symmetrical face, and dual appeal as both a model and actor.
- His Instagram following of over 6 million (AsianWiki (K-drama database)) indicates strong visual charisma.
The pattern: In K-drama fandom, being named “most handsome” often correlates with having a memorable breakout role — and Jang Ki-yong’s Come and Hug Me gave him exactly that.
What happened between Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki?
Their marriage
- Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki married in October 2017 after starring together in the mega-hit Descendants of the Sun.
- The wedding was a highly publicized event in South Korea.
Divorce reasons
- In June 2019, the couple announced their divorce, citing “personality differences” and “career conflicts” (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia)).
- Neither side has provided further details publicly.
The implication: For fans, the split underscored the immense pressure on high-profile couples in the Korean entertainment industry, where schedules and public scrutiny often strain relationships.
Clarity check: Confirmed vs. Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Birth date: August 7, 1992 (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia))
- Height: 187 cm (AsianWiki (K-drama database))
- Instagram handle: @juanxkui (AsianWiki (K-drama database))
- Started career as model in 2013 (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia))
- Acted in Come and Hug Me, Go Back Couple, Now, We Are Breaking Up (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia))
What’s unclear
- Marital status – no public confirmation
- Whether he has a daughter – rumor not verified
- Exact relationship with Song Hye Kyo (only professional confirmed)
- Military service from August 2021 to February 2023 – dates are verified but some details remain unconfirmed
- Future projects post-The Atypical Family
Quotes worth noting
Yes we are like siblings I’m prettier in person.
Jang Ki-yong and John Lapus are twins! Can’t unsee it.
He began his career in the modelling industry.
Jang Ki-yong’s journey from a runway model to a celebrated actor is a masterclass in pivoting without losing your original appeal. For fans of K-drama heartthrobs, the takeaway is clear: his blend of model looks and acting chops makes him a rare find, but his most memorable role might just be as the internet’s favorite lookalike. For Jang Ki-yong, that viral humor opened doors that even top acting awards couldn’t.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jang Ki-yong married?
Does Jang Ki-yong have a daughter?
What is Jang Ki-yong’s Instagram?
What is Jang Ki-yong’s height?
What is Jang Ki-yong’s age?
Has Jang Ki-yong served in the military?
What was Jang Ki-yong’s first drama?
Does Jang Ki-yong have any siblings?