Overview

Kim Sung-min (Korean: 김성민; February 14, 1973 – June 26, 2016) was a South Korean actor who worked in television and film. He attracted attention for a number of supporting and leading performances and was best known to domestic audiences for memorable roles in popular dramas and independent films through the 2000s and early 2010s.

Career and style

Kim's screen work spanned a variety of genres, from commercial television melodrama to darker, art-house cinema. He often portrayed complex supporting characters and professionals, bringing a restrained, naturalistic approach to roles such as a medical specialist and conflicted family figures. His presence was respected for its reliability and the ability to anchor scenes without dominating them.

Notable roles

Among Kim's better-known credits are his portrayal of Lee Joo-wang in the television series Miss Mermaid, a role that brought him national recognition. In film he appeared as a plastic surgeon in Time (2006), and he is credited with a self-portrayal in the 2013 film The Weight. These parts illustrate the range of his casting, which moved between mainstream programming and independent cinema.

Personal life and death

Kim Sung-min died on June 26, 2016, in Seoul at the age of 43. According to media reports, he died by suicide; contemporary news coverage and later reflections discussed the circumstances and the response of family, colleagues and fans reports. Public statements and coverage noted the shock and sadness within the entertainment community and led to renewed attention on the mental health pressures experienced by performers in South Korea family statement.

Legacy and impact

While not a household name internationally, Kim left a visible body of work that continues to be cited by viewers familiar with Korean television of the period. His passing contributed to wider conversations about support systems for actors and the stigma surrounding mental health. Retrospectives of his career emphasize his craftsmanship and the human qualities he brought to supporting roles.

Selected filmography

  • Miss Mermaid (television series) — role: Lee Joo-wang
  • Time (2006) — role: plastic surgeon
  • The Weight (2013) — credited as himself

For further information, readers can consult contemporary coverage and film databases that track Korean cinema and television credits.