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Kim Woo-bin has become one of the most sought-after actors in Korea through his skills and charm. His trendy dramas have earned worldwide attention and his looks are what occupies billboards in Seoul. However, without the sturdy support of his management Sidus HQ’s head and entertainment mogul Teddy Jung his career would not have taken-off in the first place.

Another key person behind Kim Woo-bin’s debut is another leading actor Kim Soo-hyun. Back in 2010, Jung was searching for the next male lead and Kim Soo-hyun appeared on his radar. However, moments before a contract was to be signed, it was canceled.

Lawsuits were discussed, but Jung decided to let Kim Soo-hyun go and chose Kim Woo-bin as his next leading man.

Many Sidus HQ employees felt Kim’s appearance was too “trendy” to become an actor. This failed to make Jung abandon his choice and he even told a reporter back then, “I believe time will come when Kim Woo-bin’s looks will lead the industry.”

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The controversy didn’t stop there, due to the fact Kim did not have any prior experience in acting -- he started his career as a fashion model. Kim had to endure grueling hours of training to learn acting. His debut in 2011 with a small, but impressive role in KBS drama special, “White Christmas,” was criticized for poor acting skills.

Kim Woo-bin became distraught but chose not to give up. A manager of Sidus HQ recalled, “He practiced his acting and dictation until he was sore. Once, he became so frustrated with his acting skills that he went under a piano to cry.”

Kim Woo-bin has certainly earned his top-star reputation not by luck, but by sheer efforts and trust of certain people around him.

By Jung Min-kyung (mkj1105@heraldcorp.com)