
Joong Ki – Biography, Wife, Children, Age and Latest News
Song Joong-ki, the South Korean actor who captured global hearts in hit dramas like Descendants of the Sun and Vincenzo, remains one of the most closely watched figures in entertainment. In recent years, his personal life has drawn as much attention as his on-screen performances. He married British-Italian former actress Katy Louise Saunders in 2023, and the couple have since welcomed two children.
Born on September 19, 1985, Song Joong-ki turned 40 in 2025. His career spans over a decade and includes award-winning roles in both television and film. From a fairy-tale marriage to actress Song Hye-kyo that ended in divorce to a quieter second marriage and growing family, his life story continues to evolve in the public eye.
This article covers the most current and verified information on his biography, family, relationships, career highlights, and answers to frequently asked questions. For more biographical profiles of notable figures, read David Essex – Biography, Age, Wife and Latest Tour Updates.
Who is Song Joong-ki? A Complete Biography
Song Joong-ki (송중기)
September 19, 1985 (Age 39)
South Korean
Actor
Key Insights
- Song Joong-ki is one of the most popular and highest-paid actors in South Korea, known for his versatile roles in both dramas and films.
- His personal life has been a major focus of public interest, particularly his high-profile marriage and divorce from actress Song Hye-kyo, followed by his marriage to British actress Katy Louise Saunders.
- He is a father of two, having welcomed a son in 2023 and a daughter in 2024, marking a new chapter in his personal life.
- His career continues to thrive, with recent hits like Reborn Rich and upcoming projects that solidify his status as a top Hallyu star.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born in | Daejeon, South Korea |
| Education | Sungkyunkwan University (Business Administration) |
| Debut | 2008 film A Frozen Flower |
| Breakthrough role | Descendants of the Sun (2016) |
| First marriage | Song Hye-kyo (2017–2019) |
| Second marriage | Katy Louise Saunders (2023–present) |
| First child | Son born June 14, 2023 |
| Second child | Daughter born November 20, 2024 |
Who is Song Joong-ki’s Wife? Katy Louise Saunders
Song Joong-ki married Katy Louise Saunders in January 2023, after announcing their relationship the same year. Saunders is a British-Italian former actress who was primarily active in the Italian film industry. She was born on July 21, 1984, in London, England, and holds an English–Colombian background.
When did Song Joong-ki marry Katy Louise Saunders?
The couple confirmed their marriage in January 2023. They registered their marriage and held a private ceremony. According to reports, they first met in 2021 through mutual acquaintances.
How did Song Joong-ki meet his wife?
While the couple has kept many details private, reports indicate they were introduced by mutual friends in 2021. Their relationship became public in late 2022, and Song officially announced the marriage in early 2023.
What is Katy Louise Saunders known for?
Katy Louise Saunders appeared in films such as The Borgia, Third Person, and Virgin Territory. She studied business and economics at Bocconi University in Milan before shifting her focus away from acting. The couple made their first official public appearance together on April 18, 2023, as narrators at a classical music concert in Seoul.
Saunders left her acting career behind and is now primarily known as Song Joong-ki’s wife. Her academic background in business and economics at a top Italian university is often highlighted in biographical profiles.
How Many Children Does Song Joong-ki Have?
Song Joong-ki and Katy Louise Saunders have two children: a son born in June 2023 and a daughter born in November 2024.
When was Song Joong-ki’s first child born?
Their first child, a son, was born on June 14, 2023, in Rome, Italy. Song Joong-ki announced the birth through his fan community.
When was Song Joong-ki’s second child born?
The couple welcomed their second child, a daughter, on November 20, 2024. Song Joong-ki shared the news publicly shortly after the birth.
What is the gender of Song Joong-ki’s second child?
The second child is a girl, giving the actor one son and one daughter. The family divides time between South Korea and Europe.
The birth of a daughter in late 2024 expanded the family to four. Both children were born less than 18 months apart, marking a rapid transition into fatherhood for the actor.
Is Song Joong-ki Still Married to Song Hye-kyo?
No. Song Joong-ki divorced actress Song Hye-kyo in 2019. The two married in October 2017 after starring together in the mega-hit drama Descendants of the Sun. Their divorce was finalized in July 2019, and the exact reasons have never been publicly disclosed by either party.
Neither side has provided specific explanations beyond general statements about personality differences. Speculation in media and fan communities remains unconfirmed. Song Joong-ki has moved on publicly with his current wife, Katy Louise Saunders.
The precise reasons for the divorce have not been officially stated by Song Joong-ki or Song Hye-kyo. Any claims about infidelity, financial disputes, or family pressure are speculative and not supported by verifiable evidence.
What is Song Joong-ki’s Religion and Personal Life?
What is Song Joong-ki’s Instagram?
Song Joong-ki’s official Instagram account is managed by his agency, HighZium Studio. The handle is @hi_songjoongki. He uses the platform to share professional updates, behind-the-scenes content, and occasional personal announcements.
What is Song Joong-ki’s religion?
Song Joong-ki has not publicly stated his religious beliefs. No reliable source confirms any particular faith. Claims about his religion circulating online should be treated as speculation.
What is Song Joong-ki’s net worth?
Exact figures are not public. Estimates from various sources suggest his net worth may fall between $10 million and $20 million, based on his acting fees, endorsement deals, and real estate investments. However, no official financial disclosure has been made.
What Are Song Joong-ki’s Most Famous Dramas and Movies?
Song Joong-ki’s career includes several landmark productions. He rose to international prominence with the 2016 drama Descendants of the Sun. Other major works include the 2021 crime drama Vincenzo and the 2022 revenge drama Reborn Rich. Earlier hits include Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010) and The Innocent Man (2012).
His film work includes A Frozen Flower (2008), The Battleship Island (2017), and Space Sweepers (2021). He has consistently taken on diverse roles, shifting from romantic leads to darker, more complex characters.
After Descendants of the Sun, Song Joong-ki deliberately chose roles that broke away from the romantic hero archetype, such as the vengeful lawyer in Vincenzo and the corrupt chaebol heir in Reborn Rich. This strategic pivot has earned him critical praise and a broader audience.
Song Joong-ki: Life and Career Timeline
- 1985 – Born on September 19 in Daejeon, South Korea.
- 2008 – Acting debut in the film A Frozen Flower.
- 2010 – Starred in the hit historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal.
- 2012 – Starred in the drama The Innocent Man.
- 2016 – Achieved international stardom with Descendants of the Sun.
- 2017 – Married co-star Song Hye-kyo.
- 2019 – Divorced Song Hye-kyo.
- 2021 – Starred in the hit drama Vincenzo.
- 2022 – Starred in the drama Reborn Rich.
- 2023 – Married Katy Louise Saunders; welcomed first child (son) in June.
- 2024 – Welcomed second child (daughter) in November.
Fact vs. Speculation: What We Know About Song Joong-ki
| Topic | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage to Song Hye-kyo | Confirmed | Married 2017, divorced 2019. Exact reasons not publicly disclosed. |
| Marriage to Katy Louise Saunders | Confirmed | Married January 2023 after meeting in 2021. |
| Religion | Unconfirmed | No public statement; all claims are speculative. |
| Net Worth | Estimated | No official figure; estimates range from $10M–$20M. |
How Has Song Joong-ki’s Career and Personal Life Evolved?
Song Joong-ki’s career trajectory reflects a deliberate evolution. After the massive success of Descendants of the Sun, he stepped away from romantic leads to tackle darker, more layered roles. The gritty crime drama Vincenzo and the corporate revenge saga Reborn Rich both showcased this shift and earned him critical acclaim.
His personal life followed a parallel transformation. The public fairytale wedding to Song Hye-kyo ended in a widely covered divorce. Song then retreated from the spotlight, only to re-emerge with a quieter relationship with Katy Louise Saunders. The birth of two children in quick succession solidified his new identity as a family man, which has likely influenced his brand appeal and endorsement portfolio.
The couple’s decision to keep much of their private life out of the media contrasts with the earlier, more public relationship. This shift may reflect a desire for stability and normalcy away from the intense scrutiny of the Korean entertainment industry.
Where Do These Facts Come From?
The biographical details and career timeline are based on publicly available records, news reports, and official statements. Key sources include:
- Song Joong-ki on Wikipedia – biographical overview and career timeline.
- Song Joong-ki on IMDb – filmography and credits.
- Official Instagram of Song Joong-ki (managed by his agency) – @hi_songjoongki.
- Mothership.sg article on second child – news report on the birth of his daughter.
- The Straits Times report – first official public appearance as a couple.
- Soompi Entertainment News – general K-pop and actor updates.
What is Next for Song Joong-ki?
Song Joong-ki’s next acting projects have not been officially announced as of early 2025. Given his pattern of selecting challenging roles, fans anticipate a new drama or film in the coming year. Public appearances with his family may be limited as the couple focuses on raising their two young children.
For more biographical profiles of notable figures, read Natalie Robb – Husband, Age, Net Worth, and 2025 Updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Song Joong-ki’s height?
Song Joong-ki is reported to be approximately 178 cm (5’10”) tall.
Does Song Joong-ki have any siblings?
Yes, he has one younger brother.
What is Song Joong-ki’s most popular drama?
Descendants of the Sun (2016) is widely considered his most popular drama, which catapulted him to international fame.
What is Song Joong-ki’s net worth?
While exact figures are not public, his net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $20 million.
Is Song Joong-ki active on social media?
Yes, his official Instagram account is @hi_songjoongki, managed by his agency HighZium Studio.