Rising South Korean Actor Known for Compelling Roles in Television Dramas

👨 Who Is Kim Young-dae?

Kim Young-dae is a South Korean actor recognized primarily for his work in television dramas. Since his debut in 2017, he has garnered attention for his roles in popular series such as “Extraordinary You,” “The Penthouse: War In Life,” and “Cheat on Me If You Can.” His ability to embody complex characters has made him a rising star in the Korean drama scene.

More recently, Kim took on his first leading role in the tvN series “Shooting Stars,” further solidifying his status as a versatile actor capable of carrying a show. His performances have earned him both critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase across Asia and beyond.

🪪 Quick Profile

• Full Name: Kim Young-dae
• Hangul: 김영대
• Birth Date: 1996-03-02
• Age: 30 years 5 months 5 days
• Nationality: South Korea
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces

🏡 Early Life & Background

Born on March 2, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, Kim Young-dae grew up in the country’s capital where he developed an early interest in the arts. Details about his childhood are limited, but his formative years in Seoul likely exposed him to the vibrant Korean entertainment culture that would later shape his career.

🫧 Education & Training

Kim Young-dae pursued higher education at Digital Seoul Culture Arts University, an institution known for nurturing talents in the creative fields. This formal training provided him with foundational skills and a professional framework that supported his development as an actor.

His education has complemented his practical experience, enabling him to refine his craft and adapt to various roles across different genres.

🎬 Career Beginnings

Kim Young-dae began his acting career in 2017 with minor roles in web dramas such as “Secret Crushes: Special Edition” and other short series including “Office Watch 2” and “Just Too Bored.” These early projects allowed him to gain experience and visibility in the industry.

In 2018, he made his television debut in the KBS2 Drama Special episode “The Time Left Between Us.” Although initially cast in smaller parts, Kim steadily built his reputation through appearances in shows like “Item” and “Welcome to Waikiki 2.” His breakthrough came later that year when he was cast as a main character in the MBC series “Extraordinary You,” which brought him wider recognition and praise.

🌟 Notable Works & Iconic Roles

🎬 Acting Style & Public Image

Kim Young-dae’s acting style is characterized by a naturalistic and emotionally nuanced approach, which allows him to bring depth to a wide range of characters. He often portrays youth grappling with complex emotions, demonstrating a subtlety that resonates with viewers.

Publicly, he is seen as a dedicated and approachable actor who balances professionalism with a warm presence. His growing popularity is also linked to his ability to connect authentically with fans, both on-screen and through social media engagements.

🎞️ Drama & Movie List (Key Roles)

Year	Title	Role	Type
2025	Dear X	Yoon Joon-seo	TV Drama
2025	To the Moon	Ham Ji-woo	TV Drama
2024	No Gain No Love	Kim Ji-uk	TV Drama
2023	Moon in the Day	Han Joon-oh / Do-ha	TV Drama
2022	Shooting Stars	Gong Tae-seong	TV Drama
2022	The Forbidden Marriage	King Lee Heon	TV Drama
2020	True Beauty	Oh Nam Joo [Man at Namsan Tower]	TV Drama
2020	The Penthouse	Joo Seok-hoon	TV Drama
2020	Cheat On Me, If You Can	Cha Soo-ho	TV Drama
2020	When the Weather Is Fine	Oh Young-woo	TV Drama

🥇 Awards & Achievements

Throughout his career, Kim Young-dae has received multiple awards recognizing his acting talent and rising status. Notably, he won the Best Acting Performance award at the Asia Artist Awards in both 2022 and 2023, reflecting his consistent excellence.

He also earned the Netizen Award, Actor at the 2020 KBS Drama Awards for “Cheat on Me If You Can,” and has been nominated for prestigious honors such as Best New Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards and SBS Drama Awards. His accolades highlight his impact and promise within the Korean entertainment industry.

🌸 Personal Life

Kim Young-dae maintains a private personal life, with limited publicly available information beyond his professional activities. He is known to support charitable causes, including donations to organizations aiding underprivileged children and social welfare initiatives.

His respectful approach to privacy is appreciated by fans, who admire his focus on his craft and positive public image.

📅 Recent & Upcoming Projects

Recently, Kim Young-dae starred in the historical drama “The Forbidden Marriage” (2022-2023), where he continued to demonstrate his range by taking on a sageuk role. He also appeared as a muse at the 2022 Paris Fashion Week digital show for the brand Songzio, indicating his expanding presence beyond acting.

Looking ahead, he is involved in the upcoming series “To the Moon,” for which he has received a Best Couple Award nomination at the 2025 MBC Drama Awards, signaling ongoing engagement with high-profile television projects.

🤔 Fun Facts

• Fashion Influence

  Kim Young-dae modeled at the 2019 Hera Seoul Fashion Week and was a muse at the 2022 Paris Fashion Week digital show for Songzio.

• Philanthropic Efforts

  He has made donations to support children in group shelters and to Big Issue Korea for the underprivileged.

• Early Theatre Experience

  Before his television debut, Kim performed in the stage play “A Story to Kill” during 2017-2018.

• Award Recognition

  He won the Netizen Award, Actor at the 2020 KBS Drama Awards for his role in “Cheat on Me If You Can.”

🌟 Legacy & Why Fans Love Kim Young-dae

Kim Young-dae’s legacy is still in formation, but he is already appreciated for his steady rise and ability to choose roles that showcase both vulnerability and strength. Fans admire his authentic portrayals and the emotional sincerity he brings to his characters, which fosters a strong connection with audiences.

His commitment to growth and versatility has earned him respect within the industry and a loyal fanbase that eagerly anticipates his future work. His blend of talent, professionalism, and humility makes him a standout figure in contemporary Korean drama.

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