The man of the hour, Kim Young Dae, is currently everyone’s talk of the town as his dramas were airing back-to-back with “To The Moon” recently ending, and “Dear X” being the hottest K-Drama at the moment! Even with just those two shows, we can already see Young Dae’s versatility as he plays two completely different characters. For those who can’t get enough of him, let’s get to know more about the rising star, Kim Young Dae!
Get To Know Kim Young Dae
Kim Young Dae started his acting career through minor roles, and I’m sure you first heard of him when he starred as one of the main characters in the fantasy high school rom-com “Extra-ordinary You!” This was the drama that introduced Young Dae to a lot of K-Drama fans, and he was even called “Gang Dong Won’s son” since they share an uncanny resemblance to each other!
Since then, we’ve seen Young Dae grow from appearing as extras and supporting characters to becoming a household name when he starred as one of the famous Hera Palace children in the makjang sensation “The Penthouse!” After that, Young Dae went on to become one of the next favorite leading men, starring alongside Lee Sung Kyoung, Shin Min Ah, and now Kim Yoo Jung!
Must-Watch K-Dramas From Kim Young Dae
“Extra-ordinary You“
If you’re a fan of rom-coms, then there’s no way you should miss “Extra-ordinary You!” This is a one-of-a-kind high school drama with a fantasy twist, as it’s set in a school where students begin to realize they are characters living inside a manhwa (webtoon!). While the main characters are portrayed by Kim Hye Yoon and Rowoon, Kim Young Dae plays Oh Nam Ju, the webtoon’s textbook male lead: handsome, rich, confident, and the captain of the school’s elite trio.
What makes Young Dae’s portrayal of Oh Nam Ju stand out is how he perfectly balances being both charming and hilariously over-the-top. His exaggerated “cool guy” mannerisms and serious tone bring so much comedy to the show. His character embodies every cliché of a “perfect K-Drama lead,” which makes it so fun to watch because it feels like a drama within a drama!
“The Penthouse“
While a lot of international fans loved Young Dae in his previous drama, it was through “The Penthouse” that he became even more popular in South Korea! This drama was a huge sensation, receiving over 30% nationwide ratings throughout its three seasons! Here, Kim Young Dae plays Joo Seok Hoon, one of the children caught in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of wealthy families living in an exclusive building.
Kim Young Dae became everyone’s favorite here because he brought depth to the emotional conflicts of a young man trying to find himself while surrounded by deceit and power, all while protecting the girl he grew to care for. This drama is known as a makjang filled with insane plot twists that showcased the dark side of ambition, and Young Dae’s performance made it even more unforgettable.
“The Forbidden Marriage“
Now, “The Forbidden Marriage” is a rom-com drama where Young Dae takes the spotlight as the male lead! Here, he transforms into King Lee Heon, who issues a marriage ban after the death of his crown princess seven years ago. Set in the Joseon era, this historical romance unfolds when a con artist enters the palace, claiming she can communicate with the late queen’s spirit.
Kim Young Dae in this drama, shows a new side of himself, as he perfectly delivers his comedic timing while dealing with all the misunderstandings and chaos that come with the female lead! His chemistry with co-star Park Ju Hyun was one of the biggest highlights of the series. It’s a drama that knows how to balance humor, mystery, and heartfelt moments, making it very entertaining to watch from start to finish!
“To The Moon“
The recently concluded drama “To The Moon” stars Kim Young Dae alongside Lee Sun Bin in a slice-of-life office comedy! Here, he plays Han Ji Woo, a handsome director nicknamed “Professor Ham.” On the outside, he seems perfect successful, confident, and cool, but deep down, he’s struggling with regrets about the dreams he never chased. That all changes when he crosses paths with the female lead, who helps him rediscover his passion and purpose in life.
This drama is a comforting and relatable watch as it centers around three women who simply want to live comfortably without constantly worrying about their next paycheck. Kim Young Dae’s character fits in perfectly with their stories, and it’s so much fun watching his bickering relationship with Lee Sun Bin slowly turn into something romantic. Their bond through music and shared moments adds warmth and depth to the show.
Kim Young Dae is truly one of the most well-loved K-Drama actors today, and it’s been so fun watching him grow from supporting roles into a leading man. With every project, he continues to win over more hearts! Don’t worry about where to watch his dramas as they’re all available for streaming on KOCOWA+!
