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Actor

1992-03-13 · Seoul, South Korea · Male

23 series in the catalog

Kim Myung-soo (Korean: 김명수; born March 13, 1992), known professionally as L (Korean: 엘), is a South Korean singer and actor. He debuted as a vocalist of boy band Infinite in 2010 and its sub-group Infinite F in 2014.

Early life

Kim Myungsoo was born on March 13, 1992, in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea. He has a brother, Kim Moon-soo, who is two years younger than him.

Kim attended Duk-soo High School and graduated from Daekyung University on February 15, 2013, majoring in practical music.

Career

2010–2016: Music and acting career

As a high school student, L auditioned for Woollim Entertainment after being street cast for his good looks. He was selected as the first member of idol group Infinite. He made his debut as a vocalist of the boy group in June 2010. In 2011, he made his acting debut in Japanese drama Jiu Keishicho Tokushuhan Sousagakari, which aired on TV Asahi in July. In 2012, he was cast in tvN's romance comedy series Flower Band, as a guitarist of a rock group. He was also cast in MBC's sitcom What's The Deal, Mom?

On May 15, 2013, L released a photo essay book titled L's Bravo Viewtiful, showing photos taken by him on a 93-day journey. The book was a best-seller, and reached No. 1 in pre-orders on online bookstores such as Yes24 and Kyobo. In August 2013, he had a cameo in SBS's Master's Sun, playing the younger version of So Ji-sub's character.

In 2014, he was cast in supporting roles in MBC's Cunning Single Lady and SBS's My Lovely Girl.

With bandmates Sungyeol and Sungjong he comprised the subgroup Infinite F, which released a single album, Koi No Sign, in Japan on November 19, 2014, and a Korean album, Love Sign, in December 2014.

In 2015, he was cast in his first film Mister Shark, about a boy who befriends a shark.

In 2016, L was cast in the Korean-Chinese web drama My Catman. He also starred in the drama special The Day After We Broke Up, which was his first lead role.

2017–2023: Rising popularity and military enlistment

In 2017, L starred in MBC's historical drama The Emperor: Owner of the Mask. His portrayal of a commoner who stands in for the king earned viewers' approval, and he was named Actor of the Month in June by MBC Dramanet.

In 2018, L starred in the legal drama Ms. Hammurabi portraying a judge. His performance in the series was well-received, earning him increased recognition.

In 2019, L starred in the fantasy romance drama Angel's Last Mission: Love.

In August 2019, L left Woollim.

In 2020, L starred in the fantasy romance drama Welcome as a cat who turns into a human male. In December 2020, L starred in historical comedy Royal Secret Agent.

Before his enlistment, he released his debut single album Memory on February 3. He also held an online fan meeting on February 20. On September 25, 2021, it was announced that L would make his musical theatre debut while serving his military enlistment in the military musical Meisa's Song alongside EXO's Chanyeol, B.A.P.'s Daehyun and actor Moon Yong-suk.

On March 7, 2023, L signed a contract with Look Media.

2024–present: Projects and activities in the Philippines

On November 12, 2024, L has signed a contract with Universal Records Philippines and GLXY Talent Management. A day after, he also made an appearance on a Filipino television variety show.

Military enlistment

On February 22, 2021, L enlisted for his mandatory military service as a member of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. L was discharged on August 21, 2022. Later, on August 22, 2022, L posted on Instagram that he was discharged from military service.

Ambassadorship

Tourism Ambassador for Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (2025)