Famous People From North Korea

List of famous people from North Korea, including photos when available. The people below are listed by their popularity, so the most recognizable names are at the top of the list. Some of the people below are celebrities born in North Korea, while others are simply notable locals. If you're from North Korea you might already know that these prominent figures are also from your hometown, but some of the names below may really surprise you. This list includes people who were born and raised in North Korea, as well as those who were born there but moved away at a young age.

List features Ok Jeon, Jo Kwang and more people.

If you want to answer the questions, "Which famous people are from North Korea?" or "Which celebrities were born in North Korea?" then this list is a great resource for you.
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  • Kim Jong-chul (born 25 September 1981), sometimes spelled Kim Jong Chol, is a son of former North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-il. His younger brother is Kim Jong-un, now the leader of North Korea. ...more
  • Seung Sahn

    Dec. at 77 (1927-2004)
    Seungsahn Haengwon (Korean: 숭산행원대선사; Hanja: 崇山行願大禪師; RR: Sungsan Haeng'weon Daeseonsa, August 1, 1927 – November 30, 2004), born Duk-In Lee, was a Korean Seon master of the Jogye Order and founder of ...more
  • Dec. at 69 (1903-1972)
    Younghill Kang (June 5, 1898 — December 2, 1972, Korean name 강용흘) was an important early Asian American writer. He is best known for his 1931 novel The Grass Roof (the first Korean American novel) ...more
  • Dec. at 79 (1926-2006)
    Shin Sang-ok (October 11, 1926 – April 11, 2006) was a South Korean film producer and director with more than 100 producer and 70 director credits to his name. His best-known films were made in the ...more
  • Lee Soon-jae (born November 16, 1934)is a South Korean actor. He has had a prolific career on the small and big screen spanning over six decades, and was given a second-class Eungwan Order of ...more
  • Om Yun-Chol

    Age: 31
    Om Yun-chol is a weightlifter representing North Korea. He is 152 cm / 5'0" and weighs 56 kg /123 lbs. He won the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics at the men's 56 kg event. He became only the ...more