Yang Dong-geun, born on June 1, 1979 (41 years old), is a South Korean actor and hip-hop rapper. He made his debut as a child actor in 1987 with the KBS year-end special drama “Tapri” and subsequently appeared in various dramas on KBS, MBC, and SBS as a child actor. He gained popularity among female audiences during his early career.
Profile
Name: Yang Dong-geun
Occupation: Actor, Singer
Agency: Jo Entertainment
Birthdate: June 1, 1979 (42 years old)
Birthplace: Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Height: 175cm
Weight: 72kg
Blood Type: B
Religion: Protestant Christianity
Family:
Spouse: Park Ga-ram (married in 2013)
Children:
- Eldest son: Yang Jun-seo
- Eldest daughter: Yang Joy
- Youngest son: Yang Silo
Education:
- Cheongun Elementary School
- Cheongun Middle School
- Kyungbok High School
- Yongin University (Major in Theater / Did not graduate)
Military Service: Completed military service as a Corporal in the Army
Debut:
- 1987 KBS1 Drama “Tapri”
Awards:
- 2017 MBC Entertainment Awards, Sitcom Special Award
- 2001 MBC Entertainment Awards, Grand Prize
Since middle and high school, Yang Dong-geun showed a deep passion for music, forming a dance group with friends to earn pocket money. He started his music career as a rapper in the dance group Will. After the group Will disbanded and restructured with Yang Dong-geun and Han Ji-in in 1997, Yang continued his music career as a duo. They released songs like “Don’t Ask About the Past.”
Before his official debut in 2001, Yang Dong-geun was involved in various activities, including featuring in albums by dance group TNB and singer Yoon Son-ha, as well as participating in the OST for the movie “Jjang.”
In January 2013, Yang Dong-geun announced his marriage to a non-celebrity woman he had been in a long-term relationship with, revealing that she was pregnant before their marriage. The couple welcomed their first son, Jun-seo, shortly after the marriage, followed by the birth of their second child, a daughter named Joy, on October 11th. Yang Dong-geun later joined the parenting show “The Return of Superman,” receiving positive responses from viewers.
Yang Dong-geun’s height is 175cm, weight is 65kg, blood type is B, and his zodiac sign is Gemini. He initially used the stage name Madman during his early hip-hop singer days but now mainly goes by the name YDG. His unique rhythm and introspective lyrics, reminiscent of his rap role model 50 Cent, are notable trademarks of his style.
Yang Dong-geun, known for his extensive career as a child actor and currently active as a prominent entertainer in the hip-hop scene, gained attention on “Show Me the Money” for his unique judging criteria. Despite criticism from other judges, he showcased his distinctive talent during the competition, receiving praise for his performances and lyricism.
In addition to his entertainment career, Yang Dong-geun is a devoted family man, raising three children with his wife Park Ga-ram. Their family faced challenges, including the loss of their daughter Joy in 2017 due to a tragic accident. Despite hardships, Yang Dong-geun continues to engage in various activities in the entertainment industry while cherishing his family life.
