Kang Sung-yeon (강성연; born July 21, 1976) is a South Korean actress and former singer. She debuted in 1996 via MBC open recruitment and rose to prominence as Jang Nok-su in the 2005 hit film The King and the Clown. She also released music under the stage name Bobo. After marrying jazz pianist Kim Ka-on in 2012 (divorced 2023) and raising two sons, she remarried neurologist Jang Min-wook in. Height 165 cm; Instagram @sungyeoun_kang.
Born on July 21, 1976, in Seoul (Seocho-dong area), Kang Sung-yeon is the youngest of four siblings. She attended local schools including Seocho High School before studying Broadcasting and Entertainment at the Seoul Institute of the Arts.
Personal Profile
- Age: 50
- Height: 165 cm
- Blood Type: A
- Education: Seoul Institute of the Arts; Hannam University (Social Welfare, bachelor’s & master’s)
- Agency: Dear ENT
- Friends : Myung Se-bin (명세빈)
- Instagram: @sungyeoun_kang
- Former stage name: Bobo (singer, early 2000s)
- Children: Two sons (Sian and Haean)
Career
Kang made her acting debut in 1996 as part of MBC’s 25th open recruitment class of talents. She quickly gained notice in sitcoms and daily dramas, including Three Guys and Three Girls (as Song Seung-soon) and My Love by My Side. Early recognition came with Best New Actress awards at the 1998 KBS Drama Awards and 1999 SBS Drama Awards (for Happy Together).
She continued building her resume with roles in KAIST (1999–2000), Rookie (2000), Virtue, and She’s Cool! (2003). In the early 2000s she also pursued music, releasing two albums under the stage name Bobo (2001’s self-titled album featuring the hit “Late Regret” / “늦은 후회” and 2002’s The Natural). She contributed to various drama OSTs as well.
Kang’s major breakthrough arrived in 2005 with the historical film The King and the Clown (Wang-ui Namja), where she played Jang Nok-su, the influential concubine of Prince Yeonsan. The movie became one of Korea’s highest-grossing films at the time (over 12 million admissions) and earned her Popularity Awards at both the Grand Bell Awards and Blue Dragon Film Awards, plus a Best Supporting Actress nomination.
She followed with strong television performances in Let’s Get Married (2005), New Wise Mother, Good Wife (2007), Single Dad in Love (2008), Tazza (as Madam Jeong, 2008), and the dual-role drama Wife Returns (2009), which won her the Excellence Award for Actress in a Serial Drama at the 2010 SBS Drama Awards.
Later Career and Variety Work
Kang continued appearing in serial dramas such as The Great Wives (2015), Return of Fortunate Bok (2017), Mother of Mine (2019), and She Knows Everything (2020). More recent credits include Secret Playlist / Play, Plii (2023) and a cameo in Flex X Cop (2024).
She has also been active in variety and radio, hosting a poetry-reading program on EBS Radio (2012–2014) and appearing on shows such as King of Mask Singer and Sugar Man. Her singing background has occasionally resurfaced in variety performances.
Personal Life
Kang married jazz pianist Kim Ka-on on January 6, 2012. The couple has two sons: Kim Sian (born 2015) and Kim Haean (born 2016). Their divorce was publicly announced in December 2023 (the marriage had effectively ended earlier).
In January 2026 she publicly confirmed a new relationship, describing her partner as someone who deeply cares for her children. In May 2026 she announced her remarriage to neurologist Jang Min-wook (known from television appearances including Morning Forum), sharing family photos and expressing gratitude for a new chapter of happiness with her sons.
Awards and Nominations Highlights
- 1998 KBS Drama Awards: Best New Actress
- 1999 SBS Drama Awards: Best New Actress
- 2000 SBS Drama Awards: Excellence Award, Actress
- 2006 Grand Bell Awards & Blue Dragon Film Awards: Popularity Awards (The King and the Clown)
- 2010 SBS Drama Awards: Excellence Award, Actress in a Serial Drama (Wife Returns)
- Additional nominations for The King and the Clown, Tazza, The Great Wives, and She Knows Everything
FAQ
How old is Kang Sung-yeon?
She was born on July 21, 1976, making her 50 years old.
What is Kang Sung-yeon best known for?
Her role as Jang Nok-su in the 2005 film The King and the Clown and leading roles in dramas such as Wife Returns.
Is Kang Sung-yeon married?
She remarried neurologist Jang Min-wook in May 2026 after divorcing jazz pianist Kim Ka-on in 2023. She has two sons from her first marriage.
What is Kang Sung-yeon’s height?
165 cm.
Did Kang Sung-yeon release music?
Yes. Under the stage name Bobo she released albums in 2001 and 2002, including the popular track “Late Regret.”
What is Kang Sung-yeon’s Instagram?
@sungyeoun_kang.