
Kim Woo Bin: Relationship, Cancer Diagnosis, and Marriage Update
There’s a quiet strength in Kim Woo-bin’s story that has captured the attention of fans worldwide. The South Korean actor faced a rare cancer diagnosis at the peak of his career, stepped away from the spotlight, and emerged not only healthy but with a deepened bond by his side. This article traces his path from diagnosis to recovery, his decade-long relationship with actress Shin Min-ah, and the wedding that brought their journey full circle.
Born: July 16, 1989 · Height: 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) · Occupation: Actor, Model · Partner: Shin Min-ah (2015–present) · Cancer Diagnosis: Nasopharyngeal cancer (2017) · Marriage: December 20, 2025
Quick snapshot
- Full name: Kim Woo-bin (born Kim Hyun-joong) (Wikipedia)
- Born: July 16, 1989 in Seoul, South Korea (Wikipedia)
- Height: 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) (Wikipedia)
- Occupation: Actor, Model ((Wikipedia))
- Partner: Shin Min-ah (actress) ((Gulf News))
- Public since 2015 (Gulf News)
- Married in December 2025 (Chosun English)
- Diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017 (The Korea Herald)
- Underwent treatment and hiatus ((The Korea Herald))
- Declared cured in 2019 (The Korea Herald)
- Returned to acting in 2020 ((The Korea Herald))
- Debut as runway model in 2008
- Acting debut in 2011
- Notable dramas: The Heirs, Uncontrollably Fond, The Divine Fury
- Won multiple acting awards
Eight facts paint a clear portrait of the actor: his career spans two decades, his relationship weathered a major health crisis, and a 5-year age gap never stood in the way.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Woo-bin (born Kim Hyun-joong) |
| Born | July 16, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Height | 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) |
| Occupation | Actor, Model |
| Years Active | 2008–present |
| Partner | Shin Min-ah (m. 2025) |
| Children | None |
Are Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a still together?
Yes — the couple, who went public in 2015 after meeting on a Giordano commercial shoot in 2014, are not only together but married. Their relationship became public in 2015 following months of dating rumors, as reported by Gulf News (Dubai-based daily).
When did they start dating?
- Met on set of a Giordano ad in 2014
- Relationship confirmed in 2015
Are they married?
Yes. Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-ah held a private wedding ceremony on December 20, 2025 at The Shilla Hotel in Seoul. The event was invite-only, attended by family and close acquaintances, with actor Lee Kwang-soo serving as master of ceremonies and Buddhist monk Beopryun Sunim officiating. Reporting from Chosun English (leading South Korean daily) confirmed the venue and details.
What happened with Kim Woo-bin?
In 2017, Kim Woo-bin was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer — a rare cancer affecting the upper part of the throat, as described by Gulf News. He immediately stepped away from his acting career to focus on treatment.
What was his cancer diagnosis?
- Diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017)
- Underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Declared cured in 2019
Did he take a break from acting?
Yes — his hiatus lasted approximately 2.5 years as he received treatment and recovered, according to The Korea Herald. During this time, Shin Min-ah remained publicly supportive, attending hospital visits and showing steadfast companionship.
Is Kim Woo-bin in a relationship?
Yes, he has been in a public relationship with actress Shin Min-ah since 2015. Their bond has been consistently acknowledged in interviews and through agency statements, most recently with the wedding announcement.
Who is his girlfriend?
- Shin Min-ah, an acclaimed South Korean actress (known for My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho and Oh My Venus)
- The couple’s relationship was confirmed by their agency AM Entertainment in 2015
How long have they been together?
As of their wedding in December 2025, they have been together for over a decade — first meeting in 2014 and confirming their relationship the following year. Gulf News highlights their 10-year arc through fame and hardship.
What is the age gap between Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min Ah?
Kim Woo-bin was born on July 16, 1989; Shin Min-ah was born on April 5, 1984. That makes her five years older — a gap that has drawn little public scrutiny because of the couple’s evident stability.
How old is Kim Woo-bin?
- Born July 16, 1989)
- Currently 36 years old (as of 2025)
How old is Shin Min-ah?
- Born April 5, 1984
- Currently 41 years old (as of 2025)
The age difference places Shin Min-ah five years older than Kim Woo-bin. In many relationships, such a gap can be a talking point, but the couple’s decade-long commitment has made it a non-issue for fans and media alike.
When was Kim Woo-bin diagnosed?
Kim Woo-bin was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017, as reported by The Korea Herald. The diagnosis forced an immediate hiatus from his acting career.
What type of cancer?
- Nasopharyngeal cancer — a rare cancer in the upper throat behind the nose
- Described as rare by Gulf News
What was his treatment?
- Underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Treatment lasted about 2.5 years; declared cured in 2019
The timeline: diagnosed in 2017, treated through 2018 and into 2019, then cleared. His return to acting began with the film The Divine Fury in 2020.
Timeline signal
- – Kim Woo-bin born in Seoul.
- – Begins career as a runway model.
- – Acting debut in drama White.
- – Publicly confirms relationship with Shin Min-ah.
- – Diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer; steps away from acting.
- – Declared completely cured after treatment.
- – Returns to acting with The Divine Fury.
- – Marries Shin Min-ah in a private ceremony.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Kim Woo-bin was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017. (The Korea Herald)
- He and Shin Min-ah are in a public relationship since 2015. (Gulf News)
- They married in December 2025 at The Shilla Hotel. (Chosun English)
- He is 188 cm tall. (Wikipedia)
- He was born in 1989. (Wikipedia)
- Lee Kwang-soo served as MC at the wedding. (Chosun English)
- The couple donated 300 million won to charity on their wedding day. (The Korea Herald)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth is not publicly verified.
- Future project plans beyond 2025 are unannounced.
- Details of the wedding ceremony beyond date and venue are private.
- The couple’s honeymoon destination is unknown.
- Specific terms of their marriage contract (if any) are not disclosed.
Voices on the journey
“Today, actress Shin Mina and actor Kim Woo-bin are officially tying the knot.”
— AM Entertainment (agency statement), as reported by The Korea Herald
“Kim Woo-bin expressed deep gratitude for the love and support from fans and especially from Shin Min-ah throughout his recovery.”
— Kim Woo-bin (via coverage in The Korea Herald)
For Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-ah, the quiet comeback has become a new chapter — one that began with a health scare and ends with a wedding and a joint charitable donation of 300 million won to support burn patients and underprivileged communities. For the actor, the choice is clear: a life reclaimed, a partnership sealed, and a career that continues to grow.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Kim Woo-bin’s real name?
His birth name is Kim Hyun-joong. He adopted the stage name Kim Woo-bin when he began acting.
How tall is Kim Woo-bin?
He is 188 cm tall, which is approximately 6 ft 2 in.
What is Kim Woo-bin’s net worth?
His net worth is not publicly confirmed, but estimates from unverified sources range widely. No official figure has been released.
What are Kim Woo-bin’s most famous dramas?
He is best known for The Heirs (2013), Uncontrollably Fond (2016), and The Divine Fury (2019). He also appeared in Twenty (2015) and Master (2016).
Does Kim Woo-bin have Instagram?
Yes, he is active on Instagram under the handle @kimwoobin_official.
What cancer did Kim Woo-bin have?
He was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, a rare cancer of the upper throat, in 2017.
How long did Kim Woo-bin’s cancer treatment last?
His treatment and recovery lasted approximately 2.5 years, after which he was declared cancer-free in 2019.