1. Overview
Ahn Jae-hyun (안재현Ahn Jae-hyeonKorean) is a prominent South Korean model, actor, and jewelry designer. Born on July 1, 1987, he initially gained recognition in the fashion industry before transitioning to acting. He is widely known for his roles in popular television dramas such as My Love from the Star (2013-2014), Blood (2015), Cinderella with Four Knights (2016), The Beauty Inside (2018), and The Real Has Come! (2023). Beyond acting, Ahn has also served as a television host and appeared in numerous variety shows, showcasing his versatile presence in the entertainment industry. He has also ventured into jewelry design and authored a photo essay.
2. Early Life and Education
Ahn Jae-hyun was born on July 1, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea. He attended Seoul Yeonshin Elementary School, Yeoncheon Middle School, and Seonjeong High School. During his high school years, Ahn underwent surgery for retinal detachment. Despite this condition, which made him eligible for military exemption, he chose to fulfill his military service through a public service assignment.
3. Modeling Career
Ahn Jae-hyun began his career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model in 2009. He quickly gained recognition for his talent and charm through appearances in numerous runway shows, magazine editorials, and commercials. His early fashion show engagements included the 2009 F/W Seoul Fashion Week, the Korea Textile and Fashion Grand Festival Preview in Shanghai, and the Pret-a-porter Busan 2009/10 F/W Collection. He continued to participate in major events such as the 2011 S/S and F/W Seoul Fashion Week, the Korea Heritage Fashion Show, and the 2012 S/S SFAA.

His modeling portfolio expanded to include a wide range of fashion shows, working with notable designers like Park Sung-chul, Choi Bum-suk, Jung Du-young, Kim Jae-hyun, Kim Sun-ho, Jang Kwang-hyo, Song Hye-myung, Park Seung-gun, Kim Seo-ryong, Koh Tae-yong, Kwon Moon-soo, Jung Hyuk-seo & Bae Seung-yeon, Kang Dong-jun, Hong Hye-jin, Jang Hyung-chul, and Woo Young-mi (for SOLID HOMME's 25th Anniversary Collection). He also appeared in the 2013 F/W PLAC Jeans Fashion Show and the 2014 S/S MCM Collection.
Ahn's presence extended to magazine editorials for publications such as Arena Korea, Esquire Korea, Men's Health Korea, Vogue Korea, Elle Girl Korea, Vogue Girl Korea, CeCi, Style H, Cracker, Bling, MAPS, Ceci Campus, and W Korea.
He also became a sought-after endorser for various brands, including:
- 2011:** Pantech (SKY VEGA LTE, SKY VEGA LTE M)
- 2012:** TBJ (S/S), Smart Uniform, Pantech (SKY VEGA Racer 2), EZIO (F/W), Canon Korea (Canon EOS M), Hyundai Card
- 2013-2016:** Sejung Global (CHRIS CHRISTY)
- 2014:** J&E Commerce (Jambangee), Puma Korea, Wemade (Everytown for Kakao), Maeil Dairies (Milk in Milk), Crown Confectionery (Chocohiem), Handuyi (AMH), BEDOOK
- 2015:** Borba Korea, L'Oréal Group (Clarisonic), Ju Holdings Group (Monkey's Kitchen), Schneider, Ettang (Oven-baked Chicken), Sejong & Future (C'REAL by CHRIS)
- 2017:** Lotte Confectionery (Dream Cacao Nibs)
- 2017-2019:** VM Cos (Merbliss)
- 2018:** Diageo Korea (Guinness), Najain (Mandarina Duck)
- 2019:** Giordano
- 2024:** LF (TNGT)
His early recognition in television came in 2011 when he played a "handsome delivery man" in the cable variety show Lee Soo-geun and Kim Byung-man's High Society.
4. Acting Career
Ahn Jae-hyun's acting career began to flourish after his successful modeling endeavors, leading to significant roles in both television and film.
4.1. Debut and Breakthrough Roles
Ahn Jae-hyun made his acting debut in 2013, gaining widespread popularity for his supporting role as Cheon Yoon-jae, the younger brother of Jun Ji-hyun's character, in the hit SBS drama My Love from the Star. This role significantly boosted his public recognition and established his presence as an actor. Following this breakthrough, he received numerous acting offers in 2014, including a role in the police comedy You're All Surrounded and the webtoon-adapted film Fashion King.
4.2. Television Dramas
Ahn Jae-hyun has starred in various television dramas, portraying a diverse range of characters:
- 2013-2014:** My Love from the Star (SBS) as Cheon Yoon-jae. This role marked his acting debut and significantly increased his popularity.
- 2014:** You're All Surrounded (SBS) as Park Tae-il. He received the New Star Award at the 2014 SBS Drama Awards for his performances in both My Love from the Star and You're All Surrounded.
- 2015:** Blood (KBS2) as Park Ji-sang/Jason. This marked his first leading role, where he played a vampire doctor. He also appeared in Snow Lotus Flower (SBS) as Ma Moon-jae, a two-episode fantasy drama alongside Lee Ji-ah.
- 2016:** Cinderella with Four Knights (tvN) as Kang Hyun-min. In this romantic comedy, he played a chaebol and playboy vying for the female lead's affection. His performance earned him the Top Excellence Award at the 9th Korea Drama Awards.
- 2017:** Reunited Worlds (SBS) as Cha Min-joon. He took on the role of the second male lead in this fantasy romance drama.
- 2018:** The Beauty Inside (JTBC) as Ryu Eun-ho. He played a friend of the female lead in this romance melodrama.
- 2019:** Love with Flaws (MBC) as Lee Kang-woo. He returned to the small screen with a lead role in this romantic comedy drama, starring opposite Oh Yeon-seo.
- 2023:** The Real Has Come! (KBS2) as Gong Tae-kyung. This 50-episode series featured him in a leading role as a non-marriage doctor, and his acting was well-received. For this role, he won the Excellence Award, Popularity Award, Best Couple Award (with Baek Jin-hee), and Male Netizen Award at the 2023 KBS Drama Awards.
4.3. Films
Ahn Jae-hyun's filmography includes a mix of South Korean and Chinese productions:
- 2014:** Fashion King as Kim Won-ho. This film was an adaptation of a popular webtoon. He also appeared in Timing as Kim Young-tak, another webtoon adaptation.
- 2015:** Wedding Bible, a Chinese film. He also starred in the Chinese film I'm Virgo (also known as My Constellation is Virgo) as Leng An.
- 2016:** Perfect Imperfection as Ann. This was a Chinese romance film where he starred alongside Taiwanese actress Ady An.
5. Television and Variety Appearances
Beyond his scripted acting roles, Ahn Jae-hyun has maintained a strong presence in television as an MC and a cast member in various popular variety and reality shows, showcasing his diverse talents and personality.
- 2011-2012:** Lee Soo-geun and Kim Byung-man's High Society (JTBC) as a cast member, appearing in episodes 1-53.
- 2012:** Roller Coaster 2 - Shut Up! Flower Boy (tvN), Korea's Next Top Model Cycle 3 (On Style) as a guest in episode 6, Singles' Trend Maker (MBC every1) as a guest in episode 3, and he was a presenter at the MelOn Music Awards.
- 2013:** Music Talk Talk Ma bling (MBC Music) as an MC for 117 episodes, Style Log NOW (On Style), and Korea's Next Top Model Cycle 4 (On Style). He also appeared as a special DJ for Super Junior's Shindong's Boredom Break on MBC Standard FM.
- 2014:** He was appointed as an MC for Mnet's weekly music program M Countdown from February 27 to November 20. He also appeared as a guest on Happy Together 3 (KBS2) in episode 370, Witch Hunt (JTBC), and the Chinese version of 2 Days & 1 Night, titled Mingxing Jiazu De 2 Qian 1 Ye (Chinese Sichuan Satellite TV).
- 2015:** He was a guest again on Happy Together 3 (KBS2) in episode 386 and appeared on Entertainment Weekly (KBS2).
- 2016-2018:** Ahn joined the cast of the popular travel reality show New Journey to the West (tvN) from Season 2 to 6, replacing Lee Seung-gi who enlisted in the military. He garnered significant love for his chemistry with existing cast members Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, and Eun Ji-won.
- 2017:** He starred with his then-wife Koo Hye-sun in the reality show Newlywed Diary (tvN), which showcased their married life over 6 episodes. He also became a fixed cast member for Kang's Kitchen (tvN).
- 2019:** He continued as a fixed cast member for Kang's Kitchen Seasons 2 and 3. He also made a special MC appearance on M Countdown for its 600th episode special.
- 2021:** He participated as a fixed cast member in New Journey to the West Special Spring Camp (TVING) and was the main cast for Athletic Genius Ahn Jae-hyun (tvN).
- 2022:** He appeared as a guest on Look at My Shoulder, I've Dislocated (tvN) in episode 7.
- 2023:** He was a guest on 2 Days & 1 Night Season 4 (KBS2).
- 2024:** He made guest appearances on I Live Alone (MBC) and Handsome Guys (tvN). He also served as a special MC for the 20th-anniversary special of M Countdown and was the host for End Love (JTBC).
- 2025:** Scheduled for another guest appearance on I Live Alone (MBC).
6. Music Video and Discography
Ahn Jae-hyun has also extended his presence into the music industry through various music video appearances and contributions to soundtracks.
6.1. Music Video Appearances
Ahn Jae-hyun has appeared in several music videos for prominent South Korean artists:
- 2012:**
- "Sad Song" by Baek A-yeon
- "Please Don't" by K.Will
- 2013:**
- "Gone Not Around Any Longer" by Sistar19
- "Hello" (teaser) by Cho Yong-pil
- "The Day I Loved" by Lee Seung-chul
- 2014:**
- "Hair Short" by Wings
- "The Space Between" by Urban Zakapa x Soyou
- 2017:**
- "On The Way Home" by No Reply
- 2024:**
- "No Sad Song For My Broken Heart" by K.Will
6.2. Discography
Ahn Jae-hyun has also contributed to music albums and soundtracks:
- 2013:** Narrated "Maybe" by Dal Shabet.
- 2014:** Released the track "That Was You" for the You're All Surrounded OST.
7. Other Ventures
Beyond his primary careers in modeling and acting, Ahn Jae-hyun has explored other creative and philanthropic avenues, including jewelry design and authorial work.
7.1. Jewelry Design
Ahn Jae-hyun is also known for his work as a jewelry designer. He launched his own jewelry brand, AA.GBAN, showcasing his creative talents in a different artistic field.
7.2. Authorial Work
In 2022, Ahn Jae-hyun published his first photo essay titled List of Things to Remember. The book went on sale nationwide in offline bookstores on June 8, 2022. Demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy, in February 2023, Ahn donated 10.00 M KRW from the proceeds of his 2022 exhibition to support orphans who had been affected by the coronavirus. In 2023, he was also appointed as a public relations ambassador for the 23rd Korea International Youth Film Festival.
8. Personal Life
Ahn Jae-hyun's personal life has been a subject of public interest, particularly his marriage and subsequent divorce.
8.1. Marriage and Divorce

On March 11, 2016, it was confirmed that Ahn Jae-hyun was dating his Blood co-star Koo Hye-sun, with their relationship having begun in April 2015, shortly after the drama concluded. The couple officially registered their marriage at the Gangnam district office on May 20, 2016, and held their wedding on May 21, 2016. Instead of a traditional wedding party, they opted to donate the money they would have spent to the pediatric ward of Severance Hospital, one of the oldest and largest hospitals in Korea. Their married life was later featured in the reality show Newlywed Diary, produced by Na Young-seok, which offered a glimpse into their relationship.
In August 2019, reports emerged that Ahn Jae-hyun had requested a divorce from Koo Hye-sun. He submitted an application for divorce to the Seoul Family Court on September 9, 2019, which was delivered to Koo Hye-sun on September 18, 2019. Koo Hye-sun subsequently filed a counter-suit, presenting evidence related to the breakdown of their marriage. On October 21, 2019, Ahn Jae-hyun deleted all photos from his Instagram account, a move speculated by the media as an effort to prevent further unnecessary issues and controversy regarding their divorce, especially ahead of his upcoming television series Love with Flaws. The divorce was finalized in 2019.
9. Awards and Nominations
Ahn Jae-hyun has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career for his contributions to modeling, acting, and television.
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4th Asia Model Awards | Best New Model | - | Won |
| 2013 | 8th Asia Model Awards | Best Fashion Model | - | Won |
| 2014 | 7th Korea Drama Awards | Best New Actor | My Love from the Star | Won |
| 3rd APAN Star Awards | Best New Actor | My Love from the Star, You're All Surrounded | Nominated | |
| SBS Drama Awards | New Star Award | My Love from the Star | Won | |
| 3rd APAN Star Awards | Best New Actor | You're All Surrounded | Nominated | |
| 2015 | KBS Drama Awards | Popularity Award, Actor | Blood | Nominated |
| Best Couple Award with Koo Hye-sun | Nominated | |||
| 2016 | 9th Korea Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Cinderella with Four Knights | Won |
| Global Star Award | Won | |||
| 7th Macau International Television Festival | Best Actor | Won | ||
| 8th Macau International Movie Festival | Best Actor | Perfect Imperfection | Nominated | |
| 2017 | SBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Wednesday-Thursday Drama | Reunited Worlds | Won |
| 2019 | MBC Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Wednesday-Thursday Miniseries | Love with Flaws | Won |
| 2023 | KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama | The Real Has Come! | Won |
| Popularity Award, Actor | Won | |||
| Best Couple Award with Baek Jin-hee | Won | |||
| Male Netizen Award | Won |