Actress Claudia Kim, known for her roles in Hollywood blockbusters and Korean dramas, has signed an exclusive contract with Saram Entertainment after leaving YG Entertainment. This move marks a new chapter in her career, promising expanded opportunities in both Korean and international entertainment.
Why Claudia Kim Left YG Entertainment
Claudia Kim parted ways with YG Entertainment in early 2025. The agency decided to shut down its actor management division, ending contracts with several actors, including Claudia Kim, Lee Sung Kyung, and Lee Soo Hyuk. This closure prompted Claudia Kim to seek a new agency to continue her acting career.
The decision was mutual and amicable. YG Entertainment focused on restructuring its business, while Claudia Kim looked for a company with a strong global management system to support her diverse projects.
Saram Entertainment Welcomes Claudia Kim
On May 2, 2025, Saram Entertainment announced that Claudia Kim had signed an exclusive contract with them. The agency expressed enthusiasm about working with her.
We are extremely delighted to be working together with actress Claudia Kim. Claudia Kim is an actress with a broad acting spectrum and an unrivaled global filmography. We will be unsparing in our support so that Claudia Kim, who is active all over the world with her unique aura and solid energy, can continue her activities in all directions by joining forces with Saram Entertainment, which is building an organized global management system.
— Lee So Young, CEO of Saram Entertainment
Saram Entertainment, founded in 2006 by Lee So Young, is known for managing prominent actors like Jo Jin Woong, Choi Soo Young, Honey Lee, and Byun Yo Han. The agency has a reputation for supporting artists in both domestic and international projects, making it a fitting choice for Claudia Kim.
Claudia Kim’s Impressive Career
Born Kim Soo Hyun on January 25, 1985, in Seoul, South Korea, Claudia Kim spent six years of her childhood in the United States. She is fluent in English, which has helped her secure roles in global projects. Initially, she dreamed of becoming an international lawyer or TV anchor but pursued modeling after winning a South Korea-China modeling competition in 2005.
Her acting debut came in 2006 with the drama Queen of the Game. She gained recognition in Korean dramas like Monster, 7th Grade Civil Servant, Romance Town, and Brain. Her role in Chimera (2021) showcased her versatility, earning praise from viewers.
Claudia Kim broke into Hollywood with her role as Dr. Helen Cho in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). She further solidified her global presence as Nagini in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) and appeared in The Dark Tower (2017)53 and Equals (2016). Her work in the Netflix series Marco Polo (2014–2016) also added to her international fame.
Recently, she starred in the 1945-set historical drama Gyeongseong Creature (2023–2024) on Netflix, playing a complex character in a story about survival and resistance. Her performance in The Atypical Family (2024) as Bok Dong Hee was notable for its use of special effects makeup and wire action, highlighting her dedication to challenging roles. She also earned acclaim for her role in the film A Normal Family (2024), showcasing her growth as an actress.
In 2019, Claudia Kim became the first Korean actress invited to Max Mara’s Women in Film Gala in Los Angeles, an event advocating for gender equality in entertainment since 1973. This milestone underscored her influence in the global industry.
Personal Life Updates
Claudia Kim married Matthew Shampine, a Korean-American businessman and former general manager of WeWork Korea, on December 14, 2019, at the Hotel Shilla in Seoul. The couple welcomed their daughter on October 1, 2020.
In September 2024, Claudia Kim announced her divorce from Matthew Shampine after five years of marriage. The split was amicable, with both parties agreeing to support each other moving forward.
After careful discussion, Soo-hyun decided to end her marriage. They reached an amicable agreement and completed the divorce proceedings. The two have gone their separate ways, but they are supporting each other. This is a decision made after much thought and sufficient discussion, so we ask that you refrain from leaving malicious comments and speculation.
— YG Entertainment, September 23, 2024
Claudia Kim is a pescetarian and has been involved in philanthropic activities, using her platform to advocate for social issues. Her commitment to both her craft and social causes has made her a respected figure in the industry.
Joining Saram Entertainment positions Claudia Kim for new opportunities. The agency’s global management system aligns with her international career, which spans Hollywood films, Netflix series, and Korean dramas. Fans are eager to see her take on more diverse roles, building on her recent successes in The Atypical Family and Gyeongseong Creature.
Saram Entertainment’s roster of talented actors suggests Claudia Kim will have strong support to explore projects that showcase her range. Her ability to seamlessly work in both Korean and Western entertainment makes her a unique talent, and this partnership could lead to more high-profile roles.
Netizen Reactions to the News
Fans and netizens expressed excitement about Claudia Kim’s new agency on social media platforms like X. Many congratulated her and shared optimism about her future projects.
Wow, Claudia Kim with Saram Entertainment? This is huge! Can’t wait to see her in more dramas and movies!
So happy for Soohyun! Saram is a great fit for her global career. More Hollywood roles, please!
Claudia Kim’s journey is so inspiring. From Avengers to K-dramas, she’s unstoppable. Saram’s lucky to have her!
These reactions reflect the widespread support for Claudia Kim’s career move. Fans appreciate her versatility and are hopeful for more standout performances.
Current Projects
As of May 2025, Claudia Kim is preparing for the second season of Gyeongseong Creature, set to release on Netflix. The drama, which blends historical themes with suspense, has already garnered a strong fanbase. Her role in the series continues to showcase her ability to tackle emotionally complex characters.
Also Read: How Kim Soo-hyun Scandal Highlights Society’s Addiction to Outrage and Viral Gossip
With Saram Entertainment’s backing, Claudia Kim is likely to announce new projects soon. Her recent performances in The Atypical Family and A Normal Family have solidified her reputation as an actress who can handle diverse genres, from fantasy to drama.
CREDITS: Soompi, Twitter(x)
