Kim Sejeong is a talented South Korean singer and actress. She was born on August 28, 1996 (29 years old) in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, South Korea.
She is best known for finishing second on Mnet’s survival show Produce 101 in 2016, which led to her debut as a member of the project girl group I.O.I. She was also a vocalist of Jellyfish Entertainment’s girl group Gugudan.
Kim Sejeong first earned wide recognition with her solo single “Flower Way” (2016), produced by Zico, which became a chart hit. She later moved into acting and gained massive popularity with lead roles in School 2017 (2017), The Uncanny Counter (2020 to 2023), Business Proposal (2022), and Brewing Love (2024).
For her performance in School 2017, she won the Best New Actress award at the 31st KBS Drama Awards. She also won the Top Excellence Award at the 2022 SBS Drama Awards for Business Proposal and the Top Excellence Award at the 2025 MBC Drama Awards for her role in Moon River.
Quick Facts of Kim Sejeong
| Full Name | Kim Se-jeong |
| Profession | Singer, Actress |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Date of Birth | August 28, 1996 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Virgo |
| Birthplace | Gimje, North Jeolla Province, South Korea |
| Current Address | Seoul, South Korea |
| Gender | Female |
Kim Sejeong Early Life and Education
Kim Sejeong was born in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, South Korea. She later moved with her family to Anyang, Gyeonggi.
Her parents separated when she was very young. She was raised by her mother, along with her older brother, at her aunt’s house in Anyang.
She did not contact her father until her third year of middle school. From a young age, Sejeong took part in track and field competitions during her elementary and middle school years.
In high school, she joined the Theatre Club, which sparked her early interest in performing. She later passed Jellyfish Entertainment’s audition through a tough competition with a 3,000 to 1 ratio and became a trainee
Education
Kim Sejeong completed her schooling at Indeokwon High School in Anyang.
She later went on to study practical music at Hanyang Women’s University, located in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.
| School | Indeokwon High School, Anyang |
| Alma Mater | Hanyang Women’s University |
| Highest Qualification | Graduate (Practical Music) |
Kim Sejeong Personal Life
Kim Sejeong is known for keeping her personal life away from the spotlight. She often shares her warm bond with her mother and brother through interviews and shows.
Boyfriend and Relationship Status
As of now, Kim Sejeong is unmarried. She has not publicly confirmed any boyfriend or relationship.
In June 2023, dating rumours linked her with actor Ahn Hyo-seop after their viral chemistry in Business Proposal (2022). Fans noticed both of them sharing similar Japan trip photos on Instagram. Kim Sejeong addressed the speculation during a Weverse live and clarified that she had travelled to Japan with her best friend and her older brother, not Ahn Hyo-seop.
Family
Kim Sejeong’s parents separated when she was very young. She was raised by her single mother, along with her older brother, in Anyang.
She has spoken openly about her close bond with her mother in many interviews. Her famous line, “I will only let you walk on the flower road from now on,” said to her mother during Produce 101, later inspired her debut solo single “Flower Way” (2016).
Father
Her father’s name and details are not publicly known. She has shared that she did not contact him until her third year of middle school. More details about him are yet to be updated.
Mother
Her mother’s name has not been publicly shared. She is widely respected by fans as a single mother who worked multiple jobs to raise Kim Sejeong and her brother. Sejeong has often credited her mother as her biggest source of strength and inspiration. More personal details about her are yet to be updated.
Siblings
Kim Sejeong has one older brother. According to some K-pop databases, his name is reported as Kim Yeong-min, born in 1993, though this has not been officially confirmed by Kim Sejeong herself.
She often mentions her brother in interviews, including the 2023 Japan trip clarification, and shares a close bond with him. More verified details about her brother are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Boyfriend | Yet to be updated |
| Parents | Yet to be updated |
| Siblings | Brother: Kim Yeong-min |
Kim Sejeong Career
Kim Sejeong began her journey in the entertainment industry through televised singing competitions before becoming one of South Korea’s most loved idol-actresses. Today, she is recognised for her successful work in K-pop, K-drama, musical theatre, and variety shows.
Early Career and K-pop Star 2 (2012)
In 2012, Kim Sejeong took part in the second season of SBS audition show K-pop Star 2 at the age of 16. She did not make it past the casting round but earned early attention with her vocals.
Later, she passed Jellyfish Entertainment’s audition with a 3,000 to 1 ratio and joined the agency as a trainee in 2014.
Produce 101 and I.O.I (2016 to 2017)
In January 2016, Kim Sejeong joined Mnet’s reality survival show Produce 101 representing Jellyfish Entertainment, along with fellow trainees Kim Na-young and Kang Mi-na.
She finished as the runner-up with 525,352 votes and officially became a member of the project girl group I.O.I. The 11-member group also included Choi Yoo-jung, Jeon So-mi, Kim Chung-ha, Jung Chae-yeon, Kim Do-yeon, Yoo Yeon-jung, Pinky, Kim So-hye, and Lim Na-young.
I.O.I debuted on May 4, 2016, with the lead single “Dream Girls” from the EP Chrysalis. The group disbanded in January 2017.
Gugudan and Solo Debut (2016 to 2018)
In June 2016, Kim Sejeong joined Jellyfish Entertainment’s new girl group Gugudan along with Kang Mi-na, Kim Na-young, Hyeyeon, Sally, Mimi, Hana, Haebin, and Sejeong herself as the main vocalist. The group debuted with the single “Wonderland”.
In November 2016, she released her first solo single “Flower Way” through Jelly Box, produced by rapper Zico. The song peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart.
In 2017, she collaborated with Lee Tae-il of Block B on the digital single “I Like You, I Don’t” and with NCT’s Doyoung on “Star Blossom” under SM Station Season 2.
In June 2018, she also formed the subunit Gugudan SeMiNa with fellow Produce 101 members Kang Mi-na and Im Na-young.
Acting Debut with School 2017 (2017)
In 2017, Kim Sejeong stepped into acting with KBS2’s teen drama School 2017. She played the lead role of Ra Eun-ho, a cheerful high school student who dreams of becoming a webtoon artist.
She shared the screen with Kim Jung-hyun, Jang Dong-yoon, Han Sun-hwa, and Han Joo-wan. The show also featured Seol In-ah, Park Se-wan, Seo Ji-hoon, and Hong Kyung.
For her performance, she won the Best New Actress award at the 31st KBS Drama Awards.
Variety Shows and OST Work (2016 to 2019)
In 2016, Kim Sejeong began her variety career as a co-host on the KBS show Talents for Sale alongside Kim Jong-kook, Lee Seo-jin, and Noh Hong-chul.
In 2017, she joined the cast of SBS’s Law of the Jungle in Sumatra, for which she won the Best Challenge Award at the 11th SBS Entertainment Awards. The same year, she became the host of OnStyle’s Get It Beauty.
From 2018 to 2021, she appeared as a cast member of Netflix’s first Korean variety show Busted! along with Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo, Park Min-young, Ahn Jae-wook, Oh Se-hoon, and Lee Seung-gi.
She also released popular OST tracks like “If Only” for The Legend of the Blue Sea (2017) and “Paramour” for Mr. Sunshine (2018).
Second Lead Role with I Wanna Hear Your Song (2019)
In 2019, Kim Sejeong took her second lead role in the KBS2 romantic comedy mystery I Wanna Hear Your Song. She played Hong Yi-young, a timpanist who lost her memories.
She shared the screen with Yeon Woo-jin, Song Jae-rim, and Park Ji-yeon. For her performance, she won the K-Drama Hallyu Star Award at the 2019 KBS Drama Awards.
Solo Comeback and Plant EP (2019 to 2020)
In December 2019, after a long gap from music, she released the single “Tunnel” in collaboration with Dingo Music.
In March 2020, she released her first extended play titled Plant (화분), with the lead single of the same name. She wrote and composed all tracks except the lead single. The EP peaked at number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart.
She also sang “All of My Days” for Crash Landing on You (2020) and “What My Heart Says” for Record of Youth (2020).
Breakthrough with The Uncanny Counter (2020 to 2023)
In late 2020, Kim Sejeong took on the role of Do Ha-na in OCN’s fantasy action drama The Uncanny Counter. She played a demon hunter with psychic abilities.
She shared the screen with Jo Byeong-kyu, Yoo Jun-sang, Yeom Hye-ran, and Ahn Suk-hwan. The drama became the highest-rated OCN series of all time.
She also returned for The Uncanny Counter 2 in 2023, with new cast additions including Yoo In-soo, Kang Ki-young, Kim Hieora, and Jin Seon-kyu.
Second EP and Musical Debut (2021)
In March 2021, Kim Sejeong released her second self-written EP titled I’m with the lead single “Warning” featuring Lil Boi.
The same year, she made her musical debut in Return: The Promise of the Day. She also starred as Anna in the feminist musical Red Book, which received critical praise.
Global Stardom with Business Proposal (2022)
In February 2022, Kim Sejeong starred as Shin Ha-ri in SBS’s romantic comedy Business Proposal. She shared the screen with Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Min-kyu (Min Gue), and Seol In-ah.
The drama became the fourth most-watched drama on national TV in Korea in 2022. It also ranked eighth on Netflix’s Most Popular Non-English Shows for 2022.
Her acoustic version of the OST “Love, Maybe” was released as a bonus track and gained huge popularity. For this role, she won the Top Excellence Award and the Best Couple Award (with Ahn Hyo-seop) at the 2022 SBS Drama Awards.
Today’s Webtoon and Continued Acting (2022)
Later in 2022, she starred in SBS’s Today’s Webtoon as On Ma-eum, a former judo athlete turned webtoon editor. She shared the screen with Choi Daniel, Nam Yoon-su, and Park Ho-san.
The same year, she also hosted the 2022 SBS Drama Awards along with Ahn Hyo-seop and Shin Dong-yup.
First Studio Album and Concert Tour (2023)
In September 2023, she released her first studio album Door (문), which peaked at number 7 on the Circle Album Chart.
The same year, she began her first solo concert tour across 10 countries, starting in Seoul on September 23 and 24. She also joined as a mentor on the reality competition Universe Ticket.
Brewing Love and Romance Comeback (2024)
In November 2024, Kim Sejeong starred in ENA’s romance drama Brewing Love as Chae Young-ju, a former Special Forces soldier turned top salesperson at a liquor company. She shared the screen with Lee Jong-won, Shin Do-hyun, and Baek Sung-chul.
First Historical Drama with Moon River (2025)
In November 2025, Kim Sejeong starred in MBC’s historical fantasy drama Moon River as Bak Dal-i, a merchant who loses her memories.
She shared the screen with Kang Tae-oh, Lee Shin-young, Hong Su-zu, and Jin Goo. For her performance, she won the Top Excellence Award and the Best Couple Award (with Kang Tae-oh) at the 2025 MBC Drama Awards.
Recent and Upcoming Work (2026)
In March 2026, Kim Sejeong officially parted ways with Jellyfish Entertainment after 10 years and signed an exclusive contract with BH Entertainment.
In January and February 2026, she held her fan concert tour “Tenth Letter” across Seoul, Taipei, Melbourne, Sydney, and Manila.
She also reunited with the members of I.O.I for a 10th anniversary comeback in 2026. Her upcoming projects include a new album and more drama roles under BH Entertainment.
Kim Sejeong Awards and Achievements
Kim Sejeong has received many awards and nominations for her work in K-pop, K-drama, variety shows, and musical theatre. Her major recognition came from KBS Drama Awards for School 2017, SBS Drama Awards for Business Proposal, and MBC Drama Awards for Moon River. She has also won popular awards at the Asia Artist Awards and Brand of the Year Awards for multiple years.
Her Major Wins
- KBS Drama Awards (2017): Won Best New Actress for School 2017.
- SBS Entertainment Awards (2017): Won Best Challenge Award for Law of the Jungle.
- Brand of the Year Awards (2018): Won Female Idol Actor Award.
- Korea First Brand Awards (2019): Won Female Idol Actor Award.
- KBS Drama Awards (2019): Won K Drama Hallyu Star Award for I Wanna Hear Your Song.
- Brand Consumer Loyalty Awards (2021): Won Best Female Idol Actress.
- Brand of the Year Awards (2021): Won Female Multi-tainer of the Year.
- Asia Artist Awards (2022): Won DCM Popularity Award (Actress) and Best Actor Award for Business Proposal.
- Brand Consumer Loyalty Awards (2022): Won Best Female Idol Actress.
- Brand of the Year Awards (2022): Won Best Female Acting Idol.
- SBS Drama Awards (2022): Won Top Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries Romance/Comedy Drama and Best Couple Award (with Ahn Hyo-seop) for Business Proposal.
- Asia Artist Awards (2023): Won Popularity Award (Actress) and Best Actor Award.
- MBC Drama Awards (2025): Won Top Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries and Best Couple Award (with Kang Tae-oh) for Moon River.
Her Key Nominations
- KBS Entertainment Awards (2016): Nominated for Rookie Variety for Talents for Sale.
- Korea Drama Awards (2017): Nominated for Best New Actress for School 2017.
- Mnet Asian Music Awards (2017): Nominated for Best Vocal Performance (Female Solo) for “Flower Way”.
- Melon Music Awards (2017): Nominated for Top 10 Artist and Hot Trend Award.
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2018): Nominated for Best New Actress (Television) for School 2017.
- The Seoul Awards (2017): Nominated for Best New Actress (Drama) for School 2017 and won Popular Actress Award (Drama).
- Korea Musical Awards (2022): Nominated for Best New Actress for Red Book.
- APAN Star Awards (2022): Nominated for Excellence Award (Actress in a Miniseries), Popularity Star Award (Actress), and Best Couple (with Ahn Hyo-seop) for Business Proposal.
- Seoul International Drama Awards (2022): Nominated for Outstanding Performance of Korean Drama of the Year (Actress) for Business Proposal.
- Korean Music Awards (2023): Nominated for Best Pop Album for Door (문).
- APAN Star Awards (2023): Nominated for Excellence Award (Actress in a Serial Drama) for The Uncanny Counter 2.
Other recognitions
- Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 (2023): Ranked 26th.
- Cine 21 (2020): Ranked 5th in the New Actress that will lead Korean Video Content Industry list.
Kim Sejeong Controversies
Kim Sejeong has mostly stayed away from major personal controversies and is widely known for her clean and humble image. However, a few issues have been linked to her career over the years, mostly involving her former agency, her shows, or her co-stars.
Produce 101 vote rigging scandal (2019): The Mnet survival show that launched Kim Sejeong’s career was later hit by a major vote rigging scandal. Producers Ahn Joon-young and Kim Yong-bum were arrested and admitted to manipulating votes across all four seasons. Kim Sejeong was not personally accused, but the credibility of her debut show was widely questioned.
Gugudan disbandment and Jellyfish Entertainment treatment (2020): Gugudan officially disbanded in December 2020 after nearly two years of inactivity. The issue grew when member Sally revealed on a Chinese show that Jellyfish Entertainment had told the members to leave their dorm in 2019. Kim Sejeong stayed silent in public, but the news sparked fan criticism of the agency.
Jo Byeong-kyu school bullying allegations (2023): Ahead of The Uncanny Counter 2 release in July 2023, her co-star Jo Byeong-kyu faced renewed attention over school bullying allegations made by a former classmate in New Zealand. Kim Sejeong was not part of the case, but the unresolved scandal affected the drama’s promotions. Jo later lost his defamation lawsuit in November 2025.
Ahn Hyo-seop dating rumours (2023): In June 2023, dating rumours linked Kim Sejeong with her Business Proposal co-star Ahn Hyo-seop after both shared similar Japan trip photos on Instagram. Kim Sejeong cleared the air during a Weverse live, sharing that she had travelled with her best friend and her older brother.
Leaving Jellyfish Entertainment after 10 years (2026): In March 2026, Kim Sejeong parted ways with Jellyfish Entertainment after a decade and signed with BH Entertainment. The move was amicable, but fans debated the timing and reasons. She thanked Jellyfish in a heartfelt Instagram message.
Kim Sejeong Net Worth
Kim Sejeong’s net worth has not been officially declared by her or her team. Because of this, most figures available online are estimates.
Her net worth is estimated to be around $5 million to $7 million USD (approx. ₹42 crore to ₹60 crore). Her main income comes from acting fees, music royalties, OST work, concert tours, and brand endorsements.
She is known for managing her finances wisely and has reportedly maintained multiple bank accounts for savings, investments, and family support.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $5 million to $7 million (approx. ₹42 crore to ₹60 crore) |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Kim Sejeong Height, Weight and Physical Stats
| Height | In centimetres: 164 cm In meters: 1.64 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 48 kg In lbs: 105 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Kim Sejeong Social media
 @clean_0828 | |
| X |  @0828_kimsejeong |
| YouTube |  @OFFICIALKIMSEJEONG0828 |
Interesting Facts about Kim Sejeong
- During Produce 101, Kim Sejeong earned the nickname “God Sejeong” because she stayed in the first or second place ranking throughout the entire competition.
- She is the fastest Korean female soloist to win a music show trophy, achieving the feat with her debut song “Flower Way” within just one week of release.
- When she was 18 years old, Kim Sejeong won first place in a writing competition, showing her early skill in storytelling and songwriting.
- She is known for her athletic strength and earned the tag “Strong Female Idol”. With her Gugudan members, she became a three-time gold medalist in Women’s Archery at the Idol Star Athletics Championships.
- She is close friends with several K-pop idols, including Red Velvet’s Wendy, April’s Naeun, T-ara’s Jiyeon, and Spica’s Jiwon.
- Kim Sejeong is widely known for her generous donations. She has donated to causes including the Ukraine refugee crisis, the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake, the 2022 South Korean floods, and the Korean Autism Love Association.
- In February 2023, she became the first Asian global ambassador for the French luxury brand Longchamp, marking a major fashion milestone in her career.
- Kim Sejeong is an animal lover and has a pet dog named Doenjang, which means “soybean paste” in Korean. Her dog even has its own Instagram account (@kimdoenjang1115) and is often featured in her posts.
FAQs
What is Kim Sejeong’s age?
She is 29 years old. She was born on August 28, 1996, in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, South Korea.
What is Kim Sejeong famous for?
She is best known for finishing second on Produce 101 (2016) and for her lead roles in K-dramas like School 2017, The Uncanny Counter, Business Proposal, and Moon River.
What groups was Kim Sejeong in?
She was a member of the project girl group I.O.I (2016 to 2017) and Jellyfish Entertainment’s girl group Gugudan (2016 to 2020), along with its sub unit Gugudan SeMiNa.
What is Kim Sejeong’s education?
She studied at Indeokwon High School in Anyang and later graduated with a degree in practical music from Hanyang Women’s University.
What awards has Kim Sejeong won?
She has won the KBS Drama Awards’ Best New Actress for School 2017, the SBS Drama Awards’ Top Excellence Award for Business Proposal, and the MBC Drama Awards’ Top Excellence Award for Moon River.
Which agency is Kim Sejeong with now?
In March 2026, Kim Sejeong left Jellyfish Entertainment after 10 years and signed an exclusive contract with BH Entertainment.
What are Kim Sejeong’s most popular songs?
Some of her most popular songs include “Flower Way” (2016), “Plant” (2020), “Warning” (2021), and “Love, Maybe” from the Business Proposal OST (2022).
