Song Joong-ki has been one of South Korea’s most recognizable actors since his breakthrough role in Descendants of the Sun in 2016. Born on September 19, 1985, in Daejeon, he built his career from supporting roles to leading man status, earning a global fanbase along the way. His personal life has also drawn significant public interest, particularly his two marriages and the birth of his children.
As of 2025, Song Joong-ki remains active in both television and film, with recent projects like the JTBC drama My Youth and the Netflix film Bogotá: City of the Lost. His estimated net worth, reported by multiple industry sources, places him among the highest-earning K-drama actors, though exact figures are not officially confirmed.
Who is Song Joong-ki married to?
- Song Joong-ki married British-Italian actress Katy Louise Saunders in January 2023 and became a father later that year.
- He rose to international fame with the 2016 drama Descendants of the Sun opposite Song Hye-kyo.
- His estimated net worth has grown substantially post-marriage due to endorsements and film deals.
- Song Joong-ki maintains an active Instagram presence under the handle hi_songjoongki, run by his agency HighZiumStudio.
- Despite rumors, his religion is not publicly confirmed, but he is often speculated to be Catholic based on background.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | September 19, 1985 |
| Agency | HighZiumStudio |
| Debut | 2008 (film A Frozen Flower) |
| Education | Sungkyunkwan University (Business Administration) |
| Military Service | Completed in 2013 (Republic of Korea Army) |
| Major Awards | Baeksang Arts Awards, APAN Star Awards |
| Marriage | Katy Louise Saunders (2023) |
| Child | One son (born June 2023) and one daughter (born November 2024) |
Song Joong-ki first married actress Song Hye-kyo in October 2017, but the couple divorced in 2019. He married Katy Louise Saunders on January 30, 2023. The couple has a son born June 14, 2023 in Rome, and a daughter born November 20, 2024. They maintain residences in Seoul and Tuscany, Italy.
What are Song Joong-ki’s best movies and dramas?
Breakthrough and early hits
Song Joong-ki gained attention with his supporting role in Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010), which led to more prominent parts. He starred in the historical drama Deep Rooted Tree (2011) and took his first leading film role in A Werewolf Boy (2012), a box office success.
Global fame with Descendants of the Sun
The 2016 drama Descendants of the Sun turned Song Joong-ki into a Hallyu star. Co-starring with his future wife Song Hye-kyo, the series achieved massive ratings across Asia and boosted Korean drama tourism.
Recent work: Vincenzo and streaming projects
In 2021, he starred in the hit series Vincenzo on Netflix, playing a Korean-Italian lawyer. That same year, he appeared in the sci-fi film Space Sweepers. More recent films include Hopeless (2023), My Name Is Loh Kiwan (2024), and Bogotá: City of the Lost (2024). In 2025, he leads the JTBC drama My Youth as Sun Woo-Hae.
Descendants of the Sun (2016), Vincenzo (2021), A Werewolf Boy (2012), Space Sweepers (2021), and My Name Is Loh Kiwan (2024) are among his most acclaimed projects, spanning romance, comedy, sci-fi, and action genres.
How old is Song Joong-ki and what is his religion?
Age and physical attributes
Born on September 19, 1985, Song Joong-ki is 40 years old as of 2025. He stands 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) tall and weighs approximately 65 kg. His blood type is A.
Religion: not publicly confirmed
No official record confirms Song Joong-ki’s religion. He has not publicly stated his beliefs, and South Korean celebrities often keep such details private. Some speculation exists about a Catholic background based on his family and schooling, but it remains unconfirmed.
Younger years and early interests
Before acting, Song Joong-ki competed as a national short-track speed skater during his teenage years. He later studied Business Administration at Sungkyunkwan University, where he began modeling and eventually turned to acting.
Where can I find Song Joong-ki on Instagram?
Song Joong-ki’s official Instagram account is @hi_songjoongki, managed by his agency HighZiumStudio. The account has amassed over 11 million followers as of 2025. It features updates on his projects, behind-the-scenes photos, and occasional personal glimpses.
While @hi_songjoongki is the verified official account, fans should be wary of impersonator accounts. Song Joong-ki does not operate personal messaging channels, and any requests for money or personal information should be treated as fraudulent.
How did Song Joong-ki’s career develop over time?
- 1985 – Born in Daejeon, South Korea.
- 2008 – Film debut in A Frozen Flower.
- 2010 – Breakthrough role in drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal.
- 2012 – Starred in A Werewolf Boy (box office hit).
- 2013 – Enlisted in military; served until 2014.
- 2016 – Global fame with Descendants of the Sun.
- 2017 – Married Song Hye-kyo (divorced 2019).
- 2021 – Starred in Vincenzo (Netflix hit).
- 2023 – Married Katy Louise Saunders; birth of first child (son).
- 2024 – Starred in My Name Is Loh Kiwan (Netflix film).
What is certain and uncertain about Song Joong-ki’s biography?
Established Information
- Birth date September 19, 1985
- Marriage to Katy Louise Saunders in 2023
- Two children (son born 2023, daughter born 2024)
- Official Instagram account @hi_songjoongki
- Filmography includes Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo, A Werewolf Boy
Information That Remains Unclear
- Net worth: widely estimated around $20–25 million but not officially confirmed
- Religion: often assumed Catholic, but not publicly stated
- Height: commonly listed as 178 cm, but some sources vary slightly
- Future film projects: unannounced or in development
What is Song Joong-ki’s cultural impact?
Song Joong-ki’s role in Descendants of the Sun sparked a Hallyu wave that boosted Korean drama tourism and merchandise sales. He remains a top endorser for luxury and lifestyle brands in South Korea and across Asia. His career trajectory shows a steady rise from supporting roles to A-list status, and his strategic choice of diverse roles — from romantic leads to dark comedies — has sustained his popularity.
He competes with other Korean stars like Hyun Bin, Kim Soo-hyun, and Lee Min-ho for lead roles and endorsement deals. Future growth likely hinges on global streaming partnerships and possible international productions, especially following his marriage to a British national.
What do official sources say about Song Joong-ki?
“Hi, I am Song Joong-ki from HighZiumStudio.”
Instagram @hi_songjoongki (official account bio)
“Song Joong-ki is one of the most versatile actors in South Korea, known for his role in ‘Descendants of the Sun’.”
Wikipedia entry
“Congratulations to Song Joong-ki and Katy Louise Saunders on the birth of their son.”
HighZiumStudio official statement (June 2023), via media reports
What does the future hold for Song Joong-ki?
As of 2025, Song Joong-ki continues to expand his reach through streaming platforms. The Netflix film My Name Is Loh Kiwan is already available, and Bogotá: City of the Lost is pending release. Rumors of a drama project with a known writer and possible brand expansions or a directorial debut remain speculative. With his growing family and international connections, his career appears well positioned for global audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Song Joong-ki
What is Song Joong-ki’s height?
He is 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) according to his official profiles.
Does Song Joong-ki speak English?
Yes, he speaks some English, but fluency is not well documented. His wife Katy Louise Saunders is British-Italian, so he likely uses English in daily life.
What is Song Joong-ki’s phone number?
His phone number is not public. Celebrities in South Korea keep such information private.
Where was Song Joong-ki born?
He was born in Daejeon, South Korea.
What is Song Joong-ki’s education background?
He studied Business Administration at Sungkyunkwan University.
Is Song Joong-ki in the military?
He completed his mandatory military service in 2013 as a member of the Republic of Korea Army.
What is Song Joong-ki’s favorite color?
His favorite color has not been publicly disclosed.
For more background on his first marriage, read the Song Hye-kyo biography and career. To see how he ranks among peers, check the Top Korean actors net worth 2025.
- Song Joong-ki on Wikipedia
- Song Joong-ki on IMDb
- Official Instagram @hi_songjoongki
- HighZiumStudio (agency)
- Song Joong-ki marriage announcement – Korea JoongAng Daily
- Son birth news – Soompi
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.