Kim Young Dae has steadily built a strong reputation in the South Korean entertainment industry with his versatile acting skills. His latest role as Yun Jun Seo in the drama DEAR X has gained significant attention for its emotional depth. In DEAR X, he portrays a loyal friend and pivotal figure in the life of actress Baek A Jin, delivering a performance that many consider his most powerful to date. This role embodies complex emotions and marks a peak in his growing career.
Before starring in DEAR X, Kim Young Dae’s journey began with smaller projects and web dramas. Over time, he has taken part in notable dramas that helped him gain recognition and awards. His range spans from mystery to romantic comedy, historical, and fantasy genres, displaying his adaptability in different storytelling styles. For viewers wanting to explore his work, here are nine recommended dramas that showcase his best performances.
1. EXTRAORDINARY YOU (2019)
This drama introduced Kim Young Dae’s captivating charm as O Nam Ju, a charismatic high school student. The storyline revolves around a girl who discovers she is a character in a comic, blending fantasy with youth romance. With an 8.3 rating on MyDramaList, the drama was a breakthrough for Kim, highlighting his appeal among young audiences.
2. THE PENTHOUSE: WAR IN LIFE (2020-2021)
Kim Young Dae played Joo Seok Hoon, the privileged son of a wealthy businessman caught in a whirlwind of ambition and conflict. This intense drama earned an 8.7 rating on MyDramaList and garnered him the Best New Actor award. His chemistry with seasoned actors contributed to the drama’s gripping emotional tone.
3. CHEAT ON ME, IF YOU CAN (2020)
In this mystery drama, he portrayed Cha Soo Ho, a character shrouded in secrets. The show scored 7.8 on MyDramaList. Kim delivered a nuanced performance that emphasized subtlety and suspense, differing from his earlier lighthearted roles.
4. SHTING STARS (2022)**
Kim took on the role of Kong Tae Seong, a top star caught in a humorous but complicated relationship with PR head O Han Byeol. This rom-com, with an 8.3 rating, earned him the Best Acting Performance award at the Asia Artist Awards. The dynamic between the leads was a highlight, driving strong audience engagement.
5. THE FORBIDDEN MARRIAGE (2022)
As King Lee Heon, Kim Young Dae portrayed a regal figure torn between love and duty in a romantic-fantasy setting. With an 8.3 MyDramaList rating, the drama showcased his ability to convey deep emotional struggles. His work won Excellence Actor and Best Couple awards at the MBC Drama Awards.
6. MOON IN THE DAY (2023)
Kim challenged himself with a dual role—Do Ha, a nobleman from the past, and Han Jun Oh, a present-day celebrity possessed by a vengeful spirit. This complex portrayal earned a 7.7 rating and highlighted his skill in differentiating contrasting personalities within a single narrative.
7. NO GAIN, NO LOVE (2024)
In this romantic drama, Kim played Kim Ji Uk, a kindhearted man who pretends to be engaged to a woman to support her career. The 8.2-rated drama featured a warm and touching storyline, emphasizing Kim’s natural romantic presence and on-screen chemistry.
8. TO THE MOON (2025)
Kim portrayed Ham Ji U, a corporate director involved in the drama’s themes of cryptocurrency investment and personal ambition. This realistic drama holds a 7.5 rating and presents a mature, charismatic character balancing ambition with compassion. The role further expanded Kim’s acting repertoire.
9. DEAR X (2025)
His role as Yun Jun Seo is deeply impactful, reflecting a supporting but emotionally central character. DEAR X received an 8.5 rating and mixes themes of ambition, love, and betrayal. Kim’s performance anchors the story’s emotional core, marking a significant milestone in his career.
These nine dramas highlight Kim Young Dae’s evolution from a promising newcomer to a respected actor known for emotional intensity and diverse roles. His ability to immerse himself in varied characters has cemented his status as one of Korea’s rising stars. The consistent high ratings and awards validate his growing influence in the industry. Fans anticipating his next roles can expect more compelling performances that push his artistic boundaries further.
