Let’s be honest—there’s something about Kim Young Kwang that makes every drama he stars in feel a little more special. Maybe it’s his striking looks, or maybe it’s the way he disappears into every role he plays. Either way, this model-turned-actor has become one of Korea’s most versatile leading men, effortlessly jumping between heart-fluttering rom-coms and dark, intense thrillers.
Born on January 11, 1987, Kim Young Kwang didn’t start in acting. He began as a model, walking major runways before slowly transitioning into television. But once he made that move, there was no going back. From tender romantic leads to chilling villains, he’s proven again and again that he can do it all—and do it well.
If you’ve ever watched him on screen, you know exactly what I mean. So, if you’re in the mood for some drama binge recommendations (and maybe a few tears or swoons along the way), here are five of Kim Young Kwang’s most unforgettable Kdramas that show just how powerful his performances can be.
The Secret Life of My Secretary
Let’s start with something light and fun—the kind of drama that makes you smile without even realizing it. The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019) is a romantic comedy that feels like a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day: sweet, a little silly, but exactly what you need to lift your mood.
Kim Young Kwang plays Do Min Ik, a perfectionist boss with a rather icy personality, who’s constantly picking on his overworked secretary, Jung Gal Hee (played by Jin Ki Joo). At first, you can’t help but roll your eyes at his arrogance—but then, as the story unfolds, something magical happens. Their relationship slowly evolves from cold professionalism to something a lot more heartfelt.
It’s one of those dramas that takes a simple office romance trope and turns it into something charming and deeply emotional. Kim Young Kwang nails the transformation of his character—from a man who hides behind work to someone who finally learns to love and trust.
And let’s be honest, his chemistry with Jin Ki Joo? Totally off the charts.
Somebody
If you thought you knew Kim Young Kwang from his romantic roles, Somebody will completely change your mind. This drama is not for the faint-hearted—it’s dark, twisted, and shows a version of him that’s almost unrecognizable.
Here, he plays Sung Yun Oh, a handsome yet deeply disturbing architect who gets entangled in a string of mysterious murders linked to a dating app called “Somebody.” The drama dives into obsession, control, and manipulation, creating a chilling atmosphere that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
What’s fascinating is how Kim Young Kwang manages to make his character both terrifying and hypnotic at the same time. You’re scared of him—but you can’t look away.
It’s bold, risky, and a massive departure from his previous roles. But that’s exactly what makes it one of his best performances. Watching him here, you’ll realize how fearless he is as an actor—completely unafraid to take on roles that push him to uncomfortable emotional depths.
Evilive
If Somebody was dark, Evilive takes things a step further. This crime-action drama shows Kim Young Kwang in a role so intense, you might actually forget to breathe while watching.
He steps into the shoes of Seo Do Yeong, a former baseball player who turns into a ruthless gangster. He’s manipulative, calculating, and unpredictable—a man who thrives in chaos. What’s so impressive here is how Kim Young Kwang gives the character both menace and charisma. You hate him, but you can’t help being intrigued by him.
Alongside Shin Ha Kyun, who plays a lawyer drawn into the underworld, their dynamic becomes this fascinating dance between morality and corruption. The tension between them feels electric, and Kim’s portrayal of a man teetering between control and madness is nothing short of captivating.
If you’ve ever doubted his acting range, Evilive will shut down any lingering doubts. He doesn’t just play a villain—he embodies one. And it’s absolutely thrilling to watch.
Call It Love
After all that darkness, it’s only fair to cleanse the emotional palate with something softer. Call It Love is the kind of drama that moves at its own gentle pace, whispering rather than shouting its emotions. It’s introspective, melancholic, and deeply human.
Kim Young Kwang stars as Han Dong Jin, a quiet man who hides his pain behind polite smiles. When Lee Sung Kyung’s character enters his life, the two broken souls slowly find solace in each other. It’s not your typical whirlwind romance—it’s more like watching two lonely people learn how to breathe again.
The beauty of Call It Love lies in its subtlety. Every glance, every pause, every unspoken word carries meaning. Kim Young Kwang’s performance is understated but powerful. You can feel his longing, his guilt, his quiet hope—all without him needing to say much at all.
If you’re someone who loves healing dramas that explore love in its most fragile form, this one will touch your heart in ways you didn’t expect.
Trigger
And finally, let’s talk about Kim Young Kwang’s newest hit, Trigger (2025). This one’s a total adrenaline rush—a perfect mix of action, suspense, and emotional depth.
He plays Moon Baek, a man caught in the center of chaos when illegal firearms start flooding into South Korea, a country known for its strict gun laws. The story unfolds like a ticking time bomb, and Kim’s performance carries the intensity needed to keep viewers glued to the screen.
What’s interesting is how Trigger balances high-octane action scenes with real human emotion. Moon Baek isn’t just some stoic hero—he’s flawed, conflicted, and sometimes unpredictable. That moral gray area makes him fascinating to watch.
Kim Young Kwang shows once again that he’s more than just a pretty face. He’s an actor who understands nuance—someone who can make even the smallest moment feel big and real.
And yes, those fight scenes? Absolutely badass.
The Many Faces of Kim Young Kwang
Looking back, it’s almost impossible to put Kim Young Kwang in a box. One day he’s making us laugh with a charming office romance, the next he’s haunting our dreams as a manipulative villain. That unpredictability is what makes him so magnetic.
He’s not afraid to experiment, to take risks, or to show sides of himself that might make viewers uncomfortable. And that’s rare in the K-drama world. Many actors play it safe—but Kim Young Kwang? He dives in headfirst, and the result is always unforgettable.
Whether you’re into swoon-worthy love stories or psychological thrillers that make you question everything, his filmography offers something for everyone.
Why Fans Keep Coming Back for More
Part of Kim Young Kwang’s charm is how real he feels on screen. He doesn’t just act—he becomes the character. You see it in his eyes, his body language, even in the silence between words.
And let’s not forget his chemistry with co-stars. From Jin Ki Joo in The Secret Life of My Secretary to Lee Sung Kyung in Call It Love, his pairings always feel natural and emotionally grounded. It’s like watching two people genuinely fall for each other—and isn’t that what makes K-dramas so addictive?
A Bright Future Ahead For Kim Young Kwang
With the success of Trigger and his growing list of acclaimed performances, it’s safe to say Kim Young Kwang isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation about what kind of role he’ll take on next. Will it be another dark, complex villain? Or maybe a return to the kind of tender, emotionally charged romance that made so many fall for him in the first place?
Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure—he’ll make it unforgettable.
Kim Young Kwang’s Most Memorable Korean Dramas
Kim Young Kwang’s career is proof that true talent lies in versatility. He’s an actor who can make you laugh, cry, shiver, and swoon—all in one episode. And whether he’s playing the sweetest boyfriend or the scariest antagonist, there’s always something deeply human about his performances.
So if you’re planning your next drama marathon, maybe start with one (or all) of these five titles. Just be warned—you might end up becoming a full-fledged Kim Young Kwang fan by the end.
And honestly? Same.