Song Hye-kyo

Template:Short description Template:Family name hatnote Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox person Song Hye-kyo (Template:Korean; born November 22, 1981)Template:Efn-ua is a South Korean actress. She gained international fame through her leading roles in the television dramas Autumn in My Heart (2000), All In (2003), Full House (2004), That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013), Descendants of the Sun (2016), Encounter (2018–2019), and The Glory (2022–2023). Her film work includes Hwang Jin Yi (2007), The Grandmaster (2013), My Brilliant Life (2014), and Dark Nuns (2025).

In 2017, Song ranked 7th in Forbes magazine's Korea Power Celebrity 40 list,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and 6th in 2018.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> She is referred to as one of "The Troika", along with Kim Tae-hee and Jun Ji-hyun, collectively known by the acronym "Tae-Hye-Ji". The success of Song's television dramas internationally established her as a top hallyu star.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Early life and education

When Song was born, she was so ill that her parents and doctors did not think that she would survive. Upon her recovery, Song's parents registered her birth as February 26, 1982 (instead of her actual birthdate, November 22, 1981).<ref name ="birth">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Song's parents divorced when she was a young girl, after which she was raised by her mother.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They moved from her birthplace in Daegu to the Gangnam District in Seoul, where she trained as a figure skater in elementary school but quit when she was in the eighth grade.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Song considered herself shy and introverted, but when she attended Ewha Girls' High School she was described by her high school teacher as having a "cheerful character, she got along well with her friends and was always in a cheerful mood".<ref>I History Attests to Korean Stars' All-Natural Looks Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. June 6, 2006.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Song Hye-kyo attended Sejong University, where she majored in Film Arts.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Career

1996–2004: Debut, breakthrough, and international fame

In 1996, the fourteen-year-old Song, then in her third-year of junior high school, won first place in the SunKyung Smart Model Contest, and made her entertainment debut as a model for a school uniform company.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This led to her being cast in a small role in her first television drama, First Love. She would then continue to appear in a string of dramas and sitcoms, most notably Soonpoong Clinic.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> But it was not until the KBS drama Autumn in My Heart in 2000 with Song Seung-heon and Won Bin that she rose to fame in Korea and throughout Asia.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The romantic melodrama series was a ratings success, strengthening interest in Korean melodramas in general and further catalyzing the "Korean Wave" with Song one of its hottest stars.<ref name="hallyu" />

In 2003, her popularity rose further as she played a leading role alongside Lee Byung-hun in the gambling drama All In,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> which drew solid viewership ratings nationwide throughout its run with a peak viewer rating of 47.7 percent.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The following year, she co-starred with singer Rain in the hit romantic comedy series Full House.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The drama achieved pan-Asian success and established Song as one of the best-known Korean actresses in Asia.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="hallyu" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

2005–2012: Film debut and overseas ventures

File:Song Hye-kyo in Oct 2008 (2).jpg

Song in October 2008

In early 2005, Song went to San Francisco to study English, and later traveled to Seattle. She took time off to recharge after the successful Asian drama Full House. "I have had a good rest. It was a good opportunity to reflect on myself", said Song. Song returned to Korea on March 5, 2005.<ref>Song Hye-gyo to Resume Acting Soon Template:Webarchive. KBS Global. March 7, 2005.</ref> The same year, Song made her big-screen debut in My Girl and I (a Korean remake of Crying Out Love in the Center of the World), which was panned by audiences and critics alike. Vocal about her dissatisfaction with typecasting in the roles she was being offered,<ref>A Giant Leap for Song Hye-kyo? Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. December 22, 2005.</ref> Song proved in the following year that she could play different roles.

She returned to the big screen in 2007 as the titular gisaeng in the film adaptation of Hwang Jin Yi.<ref>Song Hye-kyo Sheds Cute Image for Gisaeng Role Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. March 27, 2007.</ref><ref>Song Hye-kyo, "Hwangjini only held one man in her heart" Template:Webarchive. Broasia via Hancinema. June 1, 2007.</ref> Because they found Song's image "too cute", Jun Ji-hyun and Soo Ae were the producers' original choices for the role, but Song went on a rigorous diet and surprised the producers with her determination to be Hwang Jini.<ref>New Song picked for Hwang Jin Yi Template:Webarchive. Korea JoongAng Daily. April 16, 2007.</ref> A year later, she made her American debut in the Hollywood indie Make Yourself at Home (formerly titled Fetish), a psychological thriller about a girl who was born to a shaman mother and who tries to avoid her fate by becoming an emigrant bride in the US.<ref>Song Hye-kyo Poised for U.S. Debut Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. November 22, 2007.</ref><ref>Song Hye-kyo Reveals a Dark Side in New Movie Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. November 23, 2010.</ref> Despite Song's attempts to challenge herself, both films underwhelmed at the box office.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Jeon Ji-hyun Takes a Big-Screen Gamble Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. January 25, 2008.</ref>

She made her TV comeback in late 2008 with The World That They Live In (also known as Worlds Within), a series set at a broadcast station in which Song and Hyun Bin played drama PDs who work together and fall in love.<ref>Song Hye-go, Hyun Bin Star in New KBS Drama Series Template:Webarchive. KBS Global. October 28, 2008.</ref><ref>Song Hye-kyo Goes Behind the Scenes in New Drama Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. October 25, 2008.</ref>

In 2010, she starred in Camellia, an omnibus film made up of three short films directed by three Asian directors. Each episode is set in Busan - one in the past, one in the present, and one in the future. In the film's final segment, Love for Sale, Song and Kang Dong-won play former lovers who forget their experiences together and presaging an unexpected finale.<ref>Gang Dong-won, Song Hye-kyo start filming Love Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. January 20, 2010.</ref>

Considered one of Korea's most beautiful women,<ref>Fans of Snubbed Beauties up in Arms Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. April 6, 2005.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> in early 2011 Song released the photo-book Song Hye-kyo's Moment, which was shot by top photographers in Atlanta, New York City, Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Paris, the Netherlands and Brazil. Proceeds from the sales of the photo book was donated to a children's foundation.<ref>Song Hye-kyo Returns to Spotlight with Photobook Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. January 28, 2011.</ref><ref>Glam picture book Template:Webarchive. Korea JoongAng Daily. January 31, 2011.</ref><ref>Actress' limited-edition photo essay selling fast Template:Webarchive. Korea JoongAng Daily. February 10, 2011.</ref>

Song next played a documentary filmmaker who finds the strength to forgive the seventeen-year-old boy who killed her fiancé but instead of redemption finds only greater tragedy in A Reason to Live (Korean title: Today), which after several delays was released in October 2011.<ref>Song Hye-kyo's new film to open in theaters next month Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. September 6, 2011.</ref> Song was a huge fan of director Lee Jeong-hyang and had actively sought her out,<ref>In new film, director puts spotlight back on women Template:Webarchive. Korea JoongAng Daily. October 7, 2011.</ref> and though she had difficulty getting into character,<ref>Song Hye-kyo says was difficult getting into character for new movie Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. September 26, 2011.</ref> Song said she fell in love with the script<ref>Song Hye Kyo: 'It Is My Honor To Be Compared to Actress Shim Eun Ha' Template:Webarchive. KBS Global. September 27, 2011.</ref><ref>Song stars as grieving documentary maker Template:Webarchive. The Korea Herald. September 27, 2011.</ref> and felt her acting had matured.<ref name="shkreturns">Song Hye-kyo Returns with New Movie Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. October 22, 2011.</ref> She considers the film "a turning point" in her life.<ref>Song Hye-kyo finishes shooting upcoming drama flick Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. March 23, 2011.</ref><ref>Song Hye-kyo: I will not think lightly about forgiveness anymore Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. October 8, 2011.</ref><ref>Interview: Actress Song Hye-kyo – Part 1 Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. November 3, 2011.</ref><ref>Interview: Actress Song Hye-kyo – Part 2 Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. November 3, 2011.</ref>

In 2011, she became the first Asian actress to sign a contract with French global agency Effigies, paving the way for a potential entry into the European market. She released a photo-essay book in 2012 titled It's Time for Hye-kyo.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Song next played a supporting role in The Grandmaster, Chinese director Wong Kar-wai's biographical film about Bruce Lee's kung fu master Ip Man, for which she learned Cantonese and martial arts.<ref>Song Hye-kyo to appear in Wong Kar-wai biopic Template:Webarchive. 10Asia. December 21, 2009.</ref><ref>Song Hye-kyo to Star in Wong Kar Wai Film Template:Webarchive. The Chosun Ilbo. December 24, 2009.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> She later admitted there had been "a bit of friction and misunderstanding" with Wong while filming, but that the difficulties helped her mature.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

2013–2017: Career resurgence

File:Song Hye-kyo in 2016 KBS Drama Award.jpg

Song at the 2016 KBS Drama Awards

Song reunited with the writer and director of Worlds Within in That Winter, the Wind Blows, a 2013 remake of 2002 Japanese drama Ai Nante Irane Yo, Natsu ("I Don't Need Love, Summer"). She played a blind heiress in the melodrama, opposite a con man pretending to be her long-lost brother (played by Jo In-sung). That Winter, the Wind Blows placed number one in its time slot during most of its run, and Song and Jo were praised for their performances.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Song won the Daesang (or "Grand Prize"), the highest award for television, at the 2nd APAN Star Awards.<ref name="apan">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2014, Song reunited with Kang Dong-won in My Brilliant Life, E J-yong's film adaptation of Kim Aeran's bestselling novel My Palpitating Life about a couple who watched their son suffering from progeria grow prematurely old.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The romantic epic The Crossing was Song's second Chinese film. It was directed by John Woo. Song had a link to Woo because his longtime friend and producer Terence Chang had been managing Song's overseas activities since 2008.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Previously titled 1949 and Love and Let Love, the long-gestating project had originally been announced at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008,<ref>Song Hye-kyo "I got to do a movie like a first love" Template:Webarchive. Hancinema. May 22, 2008.</ref><ref>Song Hye-kyo to Star in New John Woo Movie Template:Webarchive . The Korea Times. May 21, 2008.</ref><ref>Song Hye-kyo Stars in John Woo Film Template:Webarchive. KBS Global. May 23, 2008.</ref> then cancelled in 2009,<ref>New John Woo film canceled Template:Webarchive. Korea JoongAng Daily. April 3, 2009.</ref> only to be revived again in 2011.<ref>Song Hye-kyo to star in Woo's film. The Korea Herald. December 20, 2011.</ref><ref>Song Hye Kyo Cast as Protagonist in Director John Woo's New Movie Template:Webarchive. KBS Global. December 21, 2011.</ref> Woo's recovery from tonsil tumor removal in 2012 led to another delay due to scheduling conflicts among the cast,<ref>John Woo denies throat cancer Template:Webarchive. China.org.cn. May 27, 2012.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Song finally began filming in June 2013.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Crossing is based on the true story of the Taiping steamer collision. It follows six characters' intertwining love stories in Taiwan and Shanghai during the 1930s. Song plays the daughter of a wealthy banker.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Another Chinese film followed in 2015, The Queens, a contemporary romantic comedy about three cosmopolitan women – an actress, a PR specialist, and a gallery manager – who manipulate friends and put down their enemies as they play the game of love. Also starring Joe Chen and Vivian Wu, it was actress Annie Yi's directorial debut.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2016, Song starred in the mega-hit romantic comedy series Descendants of the Sun, an intense drama about an army captain (played by Song Joong-ki) and a surgeon (Song) who fall in love while working in disaster-torn areas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The drama was very popular in Korea with a peak viewership rating of 41.6% and also in Asia, where it was viewed 2.5 billion times on iQiyi.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The popularity of the drama reestablished Song as a leader of the Korean wave.<ref name="hallyu">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> She topped popularity polls across Asia<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and was recognized for her briad brand recognition in South Korea.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Song won the Daesang (Grand Prize), the highest award at the 2016 KBS Drama Awards along with her co-star, Song Joong-ki.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

2018–present: Encounter and The Glory

File:Song Hye-kyo 송혜교 2022.jpg

Song at Netflix The Glory press conference in December 2022

After a two-year hiatus, she returned to the small screen in her first cable television series with the romantic-melodrama Encounter alongside Park Bo-gum.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Filmed partly in Cuba, it became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history achieving a ratings high of 10.329% nationwide.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A commercial success, Encounter's broadcasting rights were sold to several countries outside South Korea.<ref name=":12">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2021, Song starred in SBS's romantic drama Now, We Are Breaking Up, playing the team leader of the design department at a fashion company.<ref name="SJCK">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2022, Song reunited with Descendants of the Sun writer Kim Eun-sook in the Netflix series The Glory.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The series was seen widely across the country <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Song's portrayal of Moon Dong-eun, a victim of brutal high school bullying who dedicates her adulthood to plotting revenge against the perpetrators, was met with praise by the critics.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> For her performance in the series, Song won Best Actress – Television at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards.<ref name="baeksang_glory" />

Public image and reception

In the media, Song Hye-kyo is widely recognized as one of South Korea's most iconic actresses.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following her breakout performance in Autumn in My Heart in 2000, Song received the KBS Drama Awards Popularity Award and Photogenic Award.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The series' melancholy tone and high ratings (peaking at over 40%) marked a new era in melodramatic storytelling, with Song praised for her poignant, emotional delivery.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Due to her consistently widely-acclaimed performances and broad public appeal, Song was considered part of the elite "Tae-Hye-Ji" trio — alongside Kim Tae-hee and Jun Ji-hyun — who were widely regarded as the epitome of beauty and talent in Korean entertainment during the '00s.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite interview</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Song has also been celebrated for her agelessness, versatile acting, and great influence in the fashion and beauty industries.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In a January 2025 interview, Song said she is grateful for the "Tae-Hye-Ji" label but feels newer actors should now carry the torch, adding that she prefers to be recognized for her acting rather than for her looks.<ref>Template:Cite interview</ref>

Personal life

Marriage

On July 5, 2017, Song and Descendants of the Sun co-star Song Joong-ki announced through their respective agencies that they were engaged.<ref name="jkhkwedding">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They married in a private ceremony on October 31, 2017, at Youngbingwan, Hotel Shilla in Seoul, amid intense media interest across Asia.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The ceremony was attended by the couple's closest family and friends,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> including actors Lee Kwang-soo, Yoo Ah-in, and Park Bo-gum, who also played the piano at the reception.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On June 27, 2019, Song Joong-ki revealed that he had filed for divorce with Song Hye-kyo the previous day.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The divorce was finalised in July 2019.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On July 25, 2019, Song Hye-kyo filed a complaint against fifteen online netizens for "spread of false information, defamation of character and insult".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Legal issues

In August 2014, following an inadvertent revelation by a politician overseeing the National Tax Service of South Korea,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Song made a public apology for committing tax evasion after seeking tax relief for undocumented expenses. In response to allegations that she had underpaid her income tax from 2009 to 2011 by Template:SK won, she argued that the failures resulted from her accountant's failures to properly file her tax documents and that she had been unaware of any tax-filing irregularities. After being notified by the NTS in October 2012, Song paid the tax balance due plus the full of income tax penalties in the aggregate of Template:SK won (Template:USD).<ref name="koreaherald.com">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Song was again billed another Template:SK won in April 2014 against her 2008 tax filing, a result of the legally required five-year audit neglected after the 2012 notification.<ref name="koreaherald.com" />

Other ventures

Endorsements

From 2001 to 2005, Song became a model and endorser for Etude House, being their longest-serving model during that time.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2008, Song was chosen as by Laneige to be its global brand ambassador.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In December 2017, Song was named as brand ambassador for Sulwhasoo, a South Korean luxury skincare subsidiary brand of Amorepacific Corporation.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2018, Song became the Asia-Pacific brand ambassador of the luxury heritage jewellery house for Chaumet.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Since 2024, she has been global ambassador for Chaumet along with Cha Eun-woo.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2021, she became the first Korean brand ambassador of the Italian fashion house Fendi.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In January 2025, Song was selected as the first Asia-Pacific skincare and makeup ambassador for the French luxury beauty house Guerlain.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Philanthropy

Song frequently makes large charitable donations.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In October 2013, Song donated 1,000 tickets to the Busan International Film Festival for underprivileged young people in the Busan area.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In July 2014, Song purchased 800 tickets for the Seoul International Women's Film Festival and donated them to the Korean Psychological Association and the Magdalena Community.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In December 2016, Song made a donation to the Beautiful Foundation, to be used to support education for low-income students who dream of becoming design experts.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In July 2017, Song donated 100 million won to Seoul National University Children's Hospital.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In March 2022, Song donated Template:SK won to Korean Red Cross to help the victims of the massive wildfire that started in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province and has spread to Samcheok, Gangwon.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Collaboration with Professor Seo Kyung-duk

Since 2012, Song has partnered with Sungshin Women's University professor Seo Kyung-duk on projects promoting the Korean language and history abroad, primarily by funding Korean-language brochures and guidebooks for museums and historic sites.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Early projects included a Korean guidebook at New York's Museum of Modern Art and materials for the Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall in Shanghai.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Other initiatives launched around Hangul Day included a museum-information smartphone app and a promotional display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> She sponsored braille guidebooks for the Independence Hall of Korea,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and supported donations to sites such as Harbin's An Jung-geun Memorial Hall and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> More recent efforts produced large-run "Our History Overseas" guides for Paris (2020) and San Francisco (2022).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2022 and 2023, donations also included Korean guidebooks for the Utoro Peace Memorial Museum in Japan, handbook distributions via the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C., and materials marking the 78th anniversary of Liberation Day.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Filmography

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

Discography

Singles

Title	Year	Album	Notes
"Switch: Be White" Template:Small<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	2012	Template:N/A	for Laneige ads

Books

Year	Title	Type	Publisher	ISBN
2011	Song Hye-kyo's Moment	Photo Book	Nangman Books	Template:ISBNT
2012	It's Time for Hye-kyo	Photo Essay	Nangman Books	Template:ISBNT

Awards and nominations

Award	Year	Category	Nominee / Work	Result	Template:Abbr
APAN Star Awards	2013	Grand Prize (Daesang)	That Winter, the Wind Blows	Template:Won	<ref name="apan" />
	2013	Top Excellence Award, Actress	That Winter, the Wind Blows	Template:Nom	<ref name="apan" />
	2016	Grand Prize (Daesang)	Descendants of the Sun	Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries		Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation
		Best Couple Template:Small		Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2023	Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries	The Glory	Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards	2023	Best Actress	The Glory	Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Baeksang Arts Awards	2001	Best New Actress – Television	Autumn in My Heart	Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2001	Most Popular Actress (TV)	Autumn in My Heart	Template:Won
	2005	Best Actress – Television	Full House	Template:Nom
	2006	Best New Actress – Film	My Girl and I	Template:Nom	<ref>"42nd Baeksang Arts Awards" Template:Webarchive Naver (in Korean). Baeksang Arts Awards. Retrieved January 12, 2017.</ref>
	2013	Best Actress – Television	That Winter, the Wind Blows	Template:Nom	<ref>"49th Baeksang Arts Awards" Template:Webarchive Naver (in Korean). Baeksang Arts Awards. Retrieved January 12, 2017.</ref>
	2016	Best Actress – Television	Descendants of the Sun	Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Most Popular Actress (TV)		Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		iQiyi Global Star Award		Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2023	Best Actress – Television	The Glory	Template:Won	<ref name="baeksang_glory">{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2025	Best Actress – Film	Dark Nuns	Template:Nom	<ref name="baeksang_win">{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Blue Dragon Film Awards	2007	Best Actress	Hwang Jin Yi	Template:Nom	<ref>"28th Blue Dragon Film Awards" Template:Webarchive (in Korean). Blue Dragon Film Awards. Retrieved January 12, 2017.</ref>
Blue Dragon Film Awards	2025	Best Actress	Dark Nuns	Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Blue Dragon Series Awards	2023	Blue Dragon's Choice (Grand Prize)	The Glory	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Blue Dragon Series Awards	2023	Best Actress		Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation
Brand Customer Loyalty AwardsTemplate:Efn-ua	2023	Best Actress – OTT		Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Brand Customer Loyalty AwardsTemplate:Efn-ua	2025	Female Actress – Film	Dark Nuns	Template:Won	<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
CETV Awards	2002	Top 10 Asian Entertainers	Song Hye-kyo	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
DramaFever Awards	2017	Best Actress	Descendants of the Sun	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Golden Disk Awards	2001	Popular Music Video Award	"Once Upon a Day" Template:Small	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Gold Song Awards (Hong Kong)	2001	Top Korean Star	Song Hye-kyo	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Grand Bell Awards	2006	Best New Actress	My Girl and I	Template:Nom	<ref>"43rd Daejong Film Awards" Template:Webarchive Naver (in Korean). Grand Bell Awards. Retrieved January 12, 2017.</ref>
Grand Bell Awards	2023	Best Actress in a Series	The Glory	Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Hundred Flowers Awards	2014	Best Supporting Actress	The Grandmaster	Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
KBS Drama Awards	2000	Top Excellence Award, Actress	Autumn in My Heart	Template:Nom
		Photogenic Award, Actress		Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Popularity Award, Actress		Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation
	2004	Top Excellence Award, Actress	Full House	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Popularity Award, Actress		Template:Won
		Best Couple Template:Small		Template:Won
	2008	Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries	Worlds Within	Template:Nom
	2016	Grand Prize (Daesang)	Descendants of the Sun	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Top Excellence Award, Actress		Template:Nom
		Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries		Template:Nom
		Best Couple Template:Small		Template:Won
		Asia Best Couple Template:Small		Template:Won
Korea Drama Awards	2013	Grand Prize (Daesang)	That Winter, the Wind Blows	Template:Nom	<ref>"6th Korea Drama Awards" Template:Webarchive Naver (in Korean). Korea Drama Awards. Retrieved January 12, 2017.</ref>
Korea Drama Awards	2023	Grand Prize (Daesang)	The Glory	Template:Nom	<ref>Template:Cite video</ref>
Korean Film Awards	2007	Best New Actress	Hwang Jin Yi	Template:Won	<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Korean Fashion Photographers Association	2022	Photogenic Cup	Song Hye-kyo	Template:Win	<ref>"Canon Gallery" Template:Webarchive Instagram \| Retrieved February 28, 2023.</ref>
Mnet 20's Choice Awards	2013	20's Drama Star-Female	That Winter, the Wind Blows	Template:Nom
SBS Drama Awards	1998	Best New Actress in a Sitcom	Soonpoong Clinic, How Am I?	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2001	Top 10 Stars	Guardian Angel	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2001	SBSi Award	Guardian Angel	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation
	2003	Top Excellence Award, Actress	All In	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2003	Top 10 Stars	All In	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation
	2004	Top Excellence Award, Actress	Sunlight Pours Down	Template:Nom
	2004	Excellence Award, Actress in Drama Special	Sunlight Pours Down	Template:Nom
	2013	Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries	That Winter, the Wind Blows	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Top 10 Stars		Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation
		Best Couple Template:Small		Template:Nom
	2021	Grand Prize (Daesang)	Now, We Are Breaking Up	Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Romance/Comedy Drama		Template:Nom	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Best Couple Award Template:Small		Template:Nom	<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Seoul International Drama Awards	2013	Outstanding Korean Actress	That Winter, the Wind Blows	Template:Nom
Shanghai New Entertainment Charity Awards	2009	Most Charming Charity Star Award	Song Hye-kyo	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Soompi Awards	2017	Actress of the Year	Descendants of the Sun	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>Template:Unreliable source?
Soompi Awards	2017	Best Kiss	Descendants of the Sun	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation
SunKyung Smart Model Contest	1996	Grand Prize (Daesang)	Song Hye-kyo	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Visionary AwardsTemplate:Efn-ua	2024	2024 Visionary	Song Hye-kyo	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Women in Film Korea Awards	2011	Best Actress	A Reason to Live	Template:Won	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

State honors

Name of country, year given, and name of honor
Country	Organization	Year	Honor Or Awards	Template:Abbr
South Korea	Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards Template:Efn-ua	2016	Presidential Commendation	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
South Korea	National Tax Service Template:Efn-ua	2011	Prime Minister's Commendation	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Listicles

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher	Year	Listicle	Rank	Template:Abbr
Cine21	2023	Female Actress to Watch in 2023	4th	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Forbes	2015	Korea Power Celebrity 40	30th	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2017		7th	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2018		6th	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2022		29th	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2023		25th	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Gallup Korea	2023	Television Actor of the Year	4th	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Notes

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References

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External links

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