Yunjin Kim Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Yunjin Kim is a South-Korean American actress celebrated for her breakout roles in both Korean cinema and global television, most notably as Sun-Hwa Kwon on Lost.

A versatile performer whose career spans continents, Yunjin Kim has built her reputation on powerful performances that bridge East and West. Her estimated net worth stands at around $4 million, and her personal history — from Seoul to Staten Island to Hollywood — adds depth to her story. Born November 7, 1973, her “birthday” is celebrated annually on November 7, and public records indicate she is married.

Quick Facts

From Seoul Roots to Global Spotlight

Born in Seoul and raised for part of her childhood in South Korea, Yunjin Kim emigrated with her family to the United States, settling in Staten Island, New York, when she was around ten years old. 

Her entry into performance began in seventh grade — she joined the drama club and found herself on stage in a production of My Fair Lady. That early spark led to future studies at the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan. Later she refined her craft at the London Academy of Performing Arts and earned a BFA in drama from Boston University.

Her dual fluency in English and Korean, plus her comfort with both Eastern and Western contexts, positioned her uniquely. After early off-Broadway work and minor roles on MTV and ABC, she accepted a role in a Korean television drama — leading to a return to South Korea and, eventually, her breakthrough.

Defining moments in Yunjin Kim’s journey include:

• Her migration from Seoul to New York, shaping a bicultural identity that would later define her career versatility.

• Landing her first Korean roles and then starring in the 1999 film Shiri — widely regarded as the film that propelled her to stardom in Korea.

• Being cast as Sun‑Hwa Kwon in Lost (2004–2010), which introduced her to a global audience and forged her enduring status in Hollywood. 

The Core Pillars of Yunjin Kim’s Wealth Include:

• Film and Television Roles — Her success in Korean cinema and Hollywood, especially major productions like Shiri and Lost, contributed significantly.

• International Appeal — Her bicultural background and fluency in multiple languages allowed her to navigate both Korean and Western entertainment markets.

• Continued Work Across Media — From film to TV to theater (and even voice work / video games), her diversified career helps sustain her income.

Yunjin Kim’s financial foundation thus rests on a steady stream of acting roles, spanning continents and media — rather than on a single blockbuster or endorsement.

Yunjin Kim Relationships & Personal Life

Yunjin Kim is married to her former manager, Jeong‑Hyeok Park. The two tied the knot in March 2010, shortly after she completed filming her final scenes on Lost. 

Key insights into Yunjin Kim’s relationships and personal life:

• The marriage was relatively private; she does not maintain a public, high-profile social media presence that highlights personal details.

• Her partner, formerly her manager, suggests a long-term professional and personal bond — a union rooted in mutual understanding of the entertainment world.

• While she is known to have at least one child (as indicated on her public profile), the family maintains a discrete private life, with limited public disclosure of personal details.

Beyond the Camera: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond acting, Yunjin Kim’s life reflects the duality and depth that characterize her personal and professional identity:

• She has reportedly served as a spokesmodel for cosmetic brand Kanebo, indicating involvement in endorsements and modeling engagements beyond acting.

• As an alumna of internationally recognized institutions and a bilingual performer, her career suggests a comfort with global mobility and cross-cultural collaboration — assets that likely influence her lifestyle, travel, and living choices.

• Her body of work — from Korean blockbusters to Hollywood TV — suggests a professional discipline and commitment to craft, supporting a lifestyle grounded in performance, reinvention, and adaptability.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Because public records on real estate holdings or large external investments are not available, most of Yunjin Kim’s net worth seems tied directly to her acting and endorsement work. The commonly quoted figure of US$ 4 million appears to come from public-facing sites that aggregate career earnings. 

Given the episodic nature of acting — with periods of high demand (major roles) and downtime (between projects) — her earnings are likely to fluctuate based on roles, contracts, and residuals rather than traditional investment returns.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Yunjin Kim occupies a distinctive place as one of the few actresses who have successfully navigated both Korean cinema and American television — symbolizing cross-cultural success. Her role in Lost was groundbreaking: she brought authenticity to a complex character, bridging language, culture, and emotional depth.

Her legacy includes:

• Representing Asian talent in mainstream western media, helping to pave the way for broader inclusion of Asian actors in Hollywood.

• Demonstrating versatility — moving seamlessly between Korean films, American TV, and international productions.

• Inspiring a generation of bicultural artists who aim to work across languages and geographies, proving that foundational training, cultural adaptability, and perseverance can open global doors.

Though she values her privacy, her marriage and decision to stay out of tabloid spotlight reinforce an image of grounded professionalism. Her consistent work over decades speaks to dedication rather than fleeting fame.

Final Word

Yunjin Kim’s artistry — rooted in early passion for performance, refined through formal training, and realized across continents — tells a story not just of celebrity, but of cultural navigation, resilience, and reinvention. With an estimated net worth of around US$ 4 million, a steady stream of roles in film and television, and a grounded personal life, she stands as a testament to what it means to build a lasting career without compromising identity or integrity.

Her birthday on November 7 and her birthdate November 7, 1973 are small but enduring markers of a life devoted to craft, across cities and cultures. Her journey — from Seoul to Staten Island to global screens — remains a powerful blueprint for ambition, artistry, and quiet legacy.