Song Joong-ki is one of South Korea’s most recognized actors, with a career that spans hit dramas, a high-profile divorce, and a remarried life with his wife Katy Louise Saunders and their two children. But despite his public role, several personal details remain private. Here is a look at the key facts about his age, marriage, children, net worth, Instagram presence, and religion.
Born on September 19, 1985 (though some sources list 1986), Song Joong-ki rose to fame after his role in the global phenomenon Descendants of the Sun. He married actress Song Hye-kyo in 2017 and divorced in 2019. In 2023, he married British-born Katy Louise Saunders and the couple now have a son (born June 2023) and a daughter (born November 2024).
The following covers his biography, including verified details alongside areas where information remains uncertain, such as his net worth and religious beliefs.
Who Is Song Joong-ki’s Wife?
- Song Joong-ki married British-Colombian former actress Katy Louise Saunders in January 2023.
- The couple has two children: a son born June 14, 2023, and a daughter born November 20, 2024.
- His net worth is estimated between $30–50 million USD, though no official confirmation exists.
- His religion is not publicly stated; some sources assume Christianity based on rumors, but no official statement exists.
- He maintains a low-key Instagram presence via his official account @hi_songjoongki, with 11M+ followers.
- His previous marriage to actor Song Hye-kyo lasted from October 2017 to July 2019.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Song Joong-ki (송중기) |
| Born | September 19, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Daejeon, South Korea |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Education | Sungkyunkwan University (Business Administration) |
| Military Service | Completed (2013–2015) |
| Spouse | Katy Louise Saunders (m. January 2023) |
| Children | Son (June 14, 2023); Daughter (November 20, 2024) |
| Major Works | Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo, Arthdal Chronicles, Sungkyunkwan Scandal |
| Net Worth (est.) | $30–50 million (not officially confirmed) |
| @hi_songjoongki (11M+ followers) | |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
How Old Is Song Joong-ki and What Was His Early Life Like?
Song Joong-ki was born on September 19, 1985, making him 39 years old as of early 2025. He grew up in Daejeon, a city about 140 kilometers south of Seoul. He attended Sungkyunkwan University, where he studied Business Administration.
His Start as a Young Actor
He began his entertainment career as a contestant on the television quiz show Quiz Show Six in 2007. His film debut came in 2008 with a minor role in A Frozen Flower. The breakthrough arrived in 2010 with the historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal, which earned him significant attention. Kim Yoo Jung – Biography, Dramas, Age and Instagram Facts covers another actor who rose to fame in a similar period.
Physical Attributes and Education
Standing at 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches), Song Joong-ki balanced his acting pursuits with academic responsibilities. He completed mandatory military service between 2013 and 2015, a requirement for all able-bodied South Korean men.
His exact birthplace is sometimes listed as Daejeon, though some earlier profiles mention Seoul. Official records from his agency and Wikipedia confirm Daejeon.
What Is Song Joong-ki’s Net Worth?
Multiple entertainment and financial news sources estimate Song Joong-ki’s net worth to be in the tens of millions of US dollars. Commonly cited figures range from $30 million to $50 million, based on his leading roles in high-grossing dramas and endorsement deals. However, no official disclosure from the actor or his agency exists, and these numbers remain estimates.
Major Income Sources
- Lead roles in hit dramas such as Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo, and Arthdal Chronicles.
- Endorsement contracts with brands like LG, pizza chains, and skincare lines.
- Film appearances and potential production deals through his agency, HighZium Studio.
Comparison With His Wife’s Finances
Katy Louise Saunders’ net worth is not publicly known. She was a working actress in Italy and now describes herself primarily as a wife, mother, and model on her Instagram profile. No reliable source provides a figure for her personal wealth.
Does Song Joong-ki Have an Instagram Account?
Yes. His official Instagram handle is @hi_songjoongki, verified with a blue checkmark. The account has more than 11 million followers as of early 2025. Posts are infrequent and mostly professional, featuring promotional content for his projects and occasional personal snapshots.
Katy Louise Saunders also maintains an Instagram account at @katy_louise2023, with 18,000 followers and 14 posts. Her bio reads: “Wife Mom Model.” She has shared posts referencing Song Joong-ki’s fan community, which is called “Ki Aile.” The couple made their first official public appearance together at a Gaon Soloists concert in Seoul on April 18, 2024.
Several unofficial fan accounts exist. Always check the verification badge before assuming an account belongs to Song Joong-ki himself.
What Is Song Joong-ki’s Religion?
Song Joong-ki has not made any public statement about his religious beliefs. Some internet discussions and unverified reports suggest he may be Christian, often based on mentions of church attendance by fan accounts. But no authoritative source—including his agency, interviews, or official biographies—confirms this. In the absence of a verified statement, his religion is best described as not publicly disclosed.
Timeline of Major Life Events
- : Born in Daejeon, South Korea.
- : Film debut in A Frozen Flower.
- : Breakout role in Sungkyunkwan Scandal.
- : Lead role in Descendants of the Sun brings international fame.
- : Enlisted for mandatory military service.
- : Discharged from military.
- : Married actress Song Hye-kyo.
- : Divorce from Song Hye-kyo finalized.
- : Announced marriage to Katy Louise Saunders.
- : Birth of first son (June 14).
- : Birth of first daughter (November 20).
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birthdate (September 19, 1985) and birthplace (Daejeon) – confirmed by Wikipedia and official records. | Net worth – estimates vary significantly; no official figure exists. |
| Marriage to Song Hye-kyo (2017) and divorce (2019) – confirmed by both agencies. | Religion – no public statement; only rumors suggest Christianity. |
| Marriage to Katy Louise Saunders (January 2023) and birth of two children – confirmed by his agency. | Full timeline of his relationship with Saunders – limited to public announcement and child births. |
| Height (1.78 m) and education (Sungkyunkwan University) – from multiple reliable sources. | Exact names of his children – not publicly disclosed as of early 2025. |
How Did Song Joong-ki’s Career and Personal Life Shape His Public Image?
Song Joong-ki’s career took a sharp upward turn after Descendants of the Sun (2016), which established him as a Hallyu star with a fanbase across Asia and beyond. His personal life has remained under intense media scrutiny, particularly during his marriage to fellow top actor Song Hye-kyo.
His divorce in 2019, attributed to “personality differences” in joint statements, made headlines worldwide. His remarriage to a non-celebrity and quick transition into fatherhood signaled a shift away from the public spotlight toward a more private family life. In recent variety show appearances, he has spoken about how his family gives him “inner strength” and a sense of “responsibility.”
His net worth, while unconfirmed, is widely assumed to be substantial given his continued casting in major projects and endorsement deals. The lack of disclosure on religion and detailed personal finances is consistent with his general approach of maintaining privacy on certain topics despite a high-profile career.
Where Do the Facts Come From?
“Song Joong-ki’s official biographical data is drawn from his Wikipedia entry, which cites Korean media reports and agency statements. His filmography is documented on IMDb and the Korean Film Council.”
— Composite of cited sources
Key facts in this overview rely on several sources: Song Joong-ki Wikipedia for biographical details; Song Joong-ki on IMDb for career milestones; statements from his agency HighZium Studio via Korean news outlets; and his Official Instagram Account for social media verification. Katy Louise Saunders’ details come from her Instagram Account and Wikipedia page. Net worth estimates are drawn from aggregator sites and media reports, though none are officially audited.
Summary: The Key Takeaways About Song Joong-ki
Song Joong-ki is a South Korean actor born in 1985, known for globally popular dramas. He married Katy Louise Saunders in 2023, with whom he has a son and a daughter. His estimated net worth is between $30–50 million, his official Instagram is @hi_songjoongki, and his religion remains undisclosed. For more on related careers, see Lily Collins – Biography, Husband, Movies and Baby News 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Song Joong-ki
Are Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo still married?
No, they divorced in July 2019 after less than two years of marriage.
How tall is Song Joong-ki?
He is 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) tall, according to multiple reliable sources.
What is Song Joong-ki’s most famous role?
He is best known for playing Captain Yoo Si-jin in the drama Descendants of the Sun (2016).
When did Song Joong-ki’s military service end?
He was discharged in 2015 after serving approximately 21 months.
Does Song Joong-ki have any siblings?
He has an older brother, but detailed information about his sibling is minimal and not widely publicized.
How many children does Song Joong-ki have?
He has two children with Katy Louise Saunders: a son born in June 2023 and a daughter born in November 2024.
What is Song Joong-ki’s religion?
He has not publicly stated his religion. Some unverified sources suggest Christianity, but no official confirmation exists.
Does Katy Louise Saunders have a known net worth?
No, Katy Louise Saunders’ net worth is not publicly disclosed in any available source.
Sophie Chen is News & Politics Editor at readingwire.co.uk, covering UK and world news, politics, policy and current affairs.