A member Yim Si-wan has signed with THEBLACKLABEL, joining an elite roster that includes BIGBANG’s Taeyang, Park Bo-gum, and BLACKPINK’s Rosé. This November 2025 announcement marks a fresh chapter for the 36-year-old multi-talented performer who’s conquered both music and acting with remarkable versatility. From nearly quitting entertainment to becoming one of Korea’s most respected actors, Si-wan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
The Busan Boy Who Almost Gave Up
Born Im Woong-jae on December 1, 1988, in Busan, South Korea, Yim Si-wan (who legally changed his name before debut) initially studied mechanical engineering. When he joined nine-member K-pop group ZE:A in 2010 under Star Empire Entertainment, success didn’t come immediately. Struggling to find his footing in the competitive idol world, Si-wan seriously considered returning to Busan to resume his engineering studies. Little did he know, destiny had different plans.
Yim Si-wan: Quick Profile
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Im Woong-jae |
| Stage Name | Yim Si-wan (Im Si-wan) |
| Date of Birth | December 1, 1988 |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Busan, South Korea |
| Height | 168 cm (5’6″) |
| Education | Mechanical Engineering (Pusan National University) |
| Groups | ZE:A, ZE:A Five |
| Debut | January 7, 2010 (ZE:A) |
| Agency | THEBLACKLABEL (2025-present) |
| Notable Works | Squid Game, Misaeng, The Attorney |
| Nickname | “Mal-Nun-Gwang” (Innocent-eyed lunatic) |
The Turning Point: From Idol to Actor
Si-wan’s breakthrough came unexpectedly with the 2012 historical drama The Moon Embracing the Sun, where he played the young Heo Yeom. Despite limited screen time, his performance captivated audiences, achieving over 40% ratings and earning “national drama” status. When viewers discovered this talented actor was actually Si-wan from ZE:A, his career trajectory changed forever.
The Attorney (2013) cemented his acting credibility. Playing a college student falsely accused and tortured as a communist sympathizer alongside Song Kang-ho, Si-wan’s raw, emotional performance helped the film become the 8th highest-grossing Korean film at the time with over 11 million tickets sold. He won Best New Actor at multiple prestigious ceremonies.
Misaeng: The Role That Defined a Generation
In 2014, Si-wan starred in Misaeng: Incomplete Life, portraying a former baduk player navigating Korea’s brutal corporate culture. The series resonated deeply with struggling office workers, becoming a cultural phenomenon with 8.4% peak ratings on cable—extraordinary numbers that reflected how his underdog character struck a universal chord. This role earned him the Excellence Award at the APAN Star Awards and Best New Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
According to IMDb, his performance in Misaeng showcased his ability to portray vulnerability and determination simultaneously, establishing him as a serious dramatic actor.
The Versatility That Earned Him Global Fame
Cannes Recognition: Si-wan made history as the first K-pop boy band member invited to Cannes Film Festival for The Merciless (2017), returning again in 2022 for Emergency Declaration alongside Lee Byung-hun and Song Kang-ho.
The “Innocent-Eyed Lunatic”: His baby-faced appearance contrasted with terrifying villain performances created a fascinating dichotomy. From the psychopathic serial killer in Unlocked (2023) to the bioterrorist in Emergency Declaration (2022), Si-wan’s range earned him the meme-worthy nickname “Mal-Nun-Gwang.”
Squid Game Phenomenon: His portrayal of Lee Myung-gi (nicknamed “MG Coin”) in Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3 (2024-2025) brought him massive international recognition. The globally acclaimed Netflix series introduced Si-wan to audiences worldwide who had never experienced Korean dramas before.
Awards Recognition: In 2024, he won Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Series Awards for Once Upon a Boyhood (also known as Boyhood), where he played a comedic, pathetic character—yet another testament to his incredible versatility that keeps surprising audiences.
2025: A Transformative Year
Solo Music Debut: After 15 years since his ZE:A debut, Si-wan is finally releasing his first solo album with SM Entertainment’s SMArt label. Influenced by senior singer Kangta during preparation, this marks his long-awaited return to music as a solo artist.
THEBLACKLABEL Signing: On November 3, 2025, THEBLACKLABEL announced Si-wan as their newest member, stating they’re “happy and excited to join hands with Yim Si Wan, who has showcased exceptional acting skills and ability to embody characters across various genres.” This prestigious agency, home to global superstars, signals Si-wan’s continued rise in the entertainment industry.
New Drama Project: Reports suggest Si-wan is considering the lead role in tvN’s upcoming romantic comedy Why Don’t You Know I’m a Woman? alongside Seol In-ah—his first rom-com in six years since Run On (2020).
What Makes Yim Si-wan Special?
Unlike many actors who stick to safe choices, Si-wan actively seeks challenging, diverse roles. His filmography spans from historical epics and corporate dramas to psychological thrillers and romantic comedies. This fearlessness in genre-hopping, combined with his method acting approach, creates consistently memorable performances.
His engineering background provides analytical thinking that helps him dissect characters intellectually before embodying them. Fans appreciate his sincerity both on-screen and in real life—he’s known for being humble, hardworking, and genuinely passionate about his craft.
As Soompi reported, THEBLACKLABEL praised his accumulated expertise and vast potential still waiting to be unlocked.
The Road Ahead
At 36, with dual careers as both singer and actor flourishing simultaneously, Si-wan represents the new generation of Korean entertainers who refuse to be pigeonholed. His upcoming solo album will remind fans of his musical roots, while his acting projects continue pushing boundaries.
From nearly abandoning entertainment to becoming one of Korea’s most respected artists, Si-wan’s story proves that perseverance, versatility, and genuine talent always find their audience. His journey inspires aspiring performers worldwide—success isn’t always immediate, but staying true to your craft pays off.
With THEBLACKLABEL’s support and an exciting slate of projects ahead, Yim Si-wan’s best work may still be yet to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yim Si-wan most famous for?
Yim Si-wan is best known for his role in the globally acclaimed Netflix series Squid Game (Seasons 2 & 3, 2024-2025), where he played Lee Myung-gi. However, Korean audiences also recognize him for Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014), which became a cultural phenomenon, and The Attorney (2013), which sold over 11 million tickets. His versatility across genres—from the terrifying bioterrorist in Emergency Declaration to the comedic lead in Boyhood—earned him the nickname “Mal-Nun-Gwang” (innocent-eyed lunatic) and a Best Actor win at the 2024 Blue Dragon Series Awards.
Is Yim Si-wan releasing music again?
Yes! In October 2025, it was confirmed that Yim Si-wan will release his first-ever solo album through SM Entertainment’s SMArt label, marking his return to music after 15 years since his 2010 debut with K-pop group ZE:A. The album is expected before the end of 2025. Si-wan, who was influenced by senior singer Kangta during preparation, chose to work with SM Entertainment for this special project despite signing with THEBLACKLABEL for his acting career in November 2025, showing his dual commitment to both music and acting.
