Kim Nam-gil is a South Korean actor, producer, singer and philanthropist. He is best known from leading roles in disaster blockbuster Pan-dola (2016); crime thriller Mu-roe-han (2015); adventure film Hae-jeok: Ba-da-ro gan san-jeok (2014); period drama Mi-in-do (2008) and the crime-comedy television drama Yeolhyeolsaje (2019). His breakthrough role was Bidam in the hit television period drama Seondeok yeowang (2009). Kim Nam-gil first debuted on television with a minor role in the 1998 KBS drama "School 1" (as the character Min-soo). Five years later, Nam-gil would win the 31st audition for MBC Television. He then performed in various minor roles for MBC. Meanwhile, in 2005, Kim Nam-gil changed his name to the seemingly more exotic name of "Lee Han." In 2006, Kim Nam-gil made the bold decision to accept his first lead role in the controversial, but critically praised independent film, Huhwihaji anha (2006). Kim Nam-gil played the homosexual character Song Jae-min in "No Regret". Although the film "No Regret" received high praise from movie critics & film festivals, it failed to boost Kim Nam-gil's popularity or lead to immediate stardom. Instead, Kim Nam-gil took more supporting roles in television dramas and commercial films. Prior to the release of the film Kang Chul-jung: Gonggongui jeog 1-1 (2008), Kim Nam-gil stopped using his stage name "Lee Han" and reverted back to his birth name. Nam-gil made this decision after receiving advice from Woo-Suk Kang (the director of "Public Enemy Returns"). In 2009, Kim Nam-gil was cast in the MBC drama Seondeok yeowang (2009) as Bidam. The production company felt the character of Bidam was somewhat the secret weapon in securing the success of the television series. The production company proceeded to promote his character to Korean media outlets and press agencies. Eventually, the drama series became the most watched drama series of 2009, regularly receiving ratings in excess of 40%. With the runaway success of Seondeok yeowang (2009), Kim Nam-gil's popularity also skyrocketed. He was frequently voted the sexiest man by Korean women, received many commercial endorsement offers, and flooded with scenarios for various upcoming films and drama series. Kim is also the founder and CEO of a non-profit organization Gilstory that focuses on preserving cultural heritage, promoting arts and raising special purpose relief funds.