Kim Rae Won
Info
🙂 Native Name: 김래원 (Kim Rae Won)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: March 19, 1981
🏠 Birth Place: Gangneung, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Pisces
📏 Height: 184 cm
💍 Spouse: Not Married
👶 Children: None
Biography
Kim Rae Won, born on March 19, 1981, in Gangneung, South Korea, is a distinguished actor known for his versatility and emotive performances. He initially aimed for a career in professional basketball, but a severe injury in high school led him to switch paths to acting. His journey into the entertainment industry began with small roles in television dramas in the late 1990s. He gained early recognition in the 2003 drama Rooftop Room Cat, where his charming portrayal of a carefree young man in a romantic comedy drew significant attention and established him as a leading actor in Korean dramas.
Kim Rae Won’s career took a more serious turn in 2006 when he starred in Which Star Are You From?, followed by his critically acclaimed performance in Sunflower (2006). His role as a reformed gangster trying to live a peaceful life in Sunflower was praised for its emotional depth and intensity, proving Kim’s ability to take on diverse roles beyond romantic leads. This movie is still regarded as one of his most iconic performances and solidified his place as one of South Korea’s top actors.
In the 2010s, Kim Rae Won continued to build his career, starring in notable dramas such as Punch (2014) and Doctors (2016). In Punch, he played a determined prosecutor battling a terminal illness while seeking justice, showcasing his ability to handle complex and intense characters. Doctors saw him return to the romantic drama genre, where his chemistry with co-star Park Shin Hye captivated audiences, making it one of the top-rated dramas of the year.
Kim Rae Won’s more recent projects include The Prison (2017) and L.U.C.A.: The Beginning (2021), where he ventured into action and thriller genres, continuing to show his versatility. With a career spanning over two decades, Kim Rae Won remains a respected figure in Korean cinema and television, known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to evoke deep emotions in his performances. Fans continue to anticipate his future projects as he consistently evolves as an actor.
Hobbies
- Fishing – Kim Rae Won enjoys fishing in his free time and has mentioned in interviews that it helps him relax. He often shares fishing trips with close friends.
- Golf – He is an avid golfer, frequently playing the sport during his off time. He’s even participated in celebrity golf tournaments.
- Cooking – Kim Rae Won enjoys cooking, particularly Korean dishes. He finds it therapeutic and often cooks for family and friends.
- Playing Video Games – He has shared in interviews that playing video games is a favorite pastime, especially after long days of filming.
- Traveling – Exploring new places is something he enjoys whenever he gets a break from his busy schedule, especially traveling to quiet and scenic locations.
Interests
- Cinematography – Beyond acting, Kim Rae Won has a deep interest in cinematography and directing, often expressing a desire to learn more about behind-the-scenes work in film production.
- Human Psychology – He has a keen interest in understanding human behavior, which helps him develop more authentic characters in his acting roles.
- Action Films – In recent years, he has shown a growing interest in action films, especially after working on projects like L.U.C.A.: The Beginning.
- Environmental Conservation – Kim Rae Won is known for his concern about environmental issues and actively promotes awareness about the importance of nature preservation.
- Martial Arts – To stay fit and prepare for his action roles, Kim Rae Won practices martial arts, particularly for roles that demand high physical performance.
Facts
- Basketball Dreams – Before becoming an actor, Kim Rae Won dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player but had to give up due to an injury during high school.
- Acting Debut – He made his acting debut in the drama Me Too, Flower! in 1997, but his breakthrough came with the popular romantic comedy Rooftop Room Cat in 2003.
- Fluent in Japanese – He learned Japanese for his role in the drama Love Story in Harvard (2004) and remains fluent in the language.
- Military Service – Kim Rae Won completed his mandatory military service in the South Korean army from 2009 to 2011, pausing his acting career for two years.
- Award-Winning Actor – Over his career, he has received numerous accolades, including the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the SBS Drama Awards for his performance in Punch (2014).
Secrets
- Quiet Personality – Despite his strong and charismatic roles, Kim Rae Won is known for his quiet and introspective nature, preferring to spend time alone or with close friends and family.
- Method Acting – He often delves deeply into his roles, using method acting techniques to fully immerse himself in the characters he portrays.
- Health Struggles – He has struggled with maintaining a healthy weight at various points in his career due to the physical demands of some of his roles.
- Early Career Doubts – In the early stages of his acting career, Kim Rae Won doubted whether he had chosen the right path, as he struggled to land significant roles.
- Personal Life – He keeps his personal life very private and rarely discusses relationships or family in interviews, maintaining a low-profile image.
Funny Things
- Clumsy in Real Life – Despite his suave on-screen image, Kim Rae Won has admitted to being clumsy in real life, often tripping or dropping things on set, which his co-stars find amusing.
- Fear of Ghosts – In interviews, he has jokingly mentioned that he has a fear of ghosts and paranormal activities, something his colleagues tease him about.
- Awkward Dancer – Kim Rae Won has admitted that dancing is not one of his strong suits. His awkward dance moves on variety shows have provided some light-hearted moments for his fans.
- Fan Interactions – He is known for his shy and sometimes awkward interactions with fans, especially during fan meetings, despite his confident on-screen persona.
- Habit of Losing Things – His co-stars have teased him about how often he loses his belongings, particularly his phone, during filming or while traveling.
Fears
- Height – Like many others, Kim Rae Won has expressed discomfort with heights, which has made some of his action scenes in tall buildings or cliff-side settings challenging.
- Public Speaking – Despite being in the spotlight for years, Kim Rae Won has a fear of public speaking and often feels nervous before delivering speeches at award ceremonies or public events.
- Failure – He has mentioned in interviews that he fears failure, both in his professional and personal life, which drives him to continually improve his craft.
- Disappointing Fans – Kim Rae Won takes his career seriously and fears disappointing his loyal fanbase, which is why he is known for his dedication and hard work.
- Health Issues – Like many actors, he fears health-related issues that could impact his ability to perform demanding physical roles in action films and dramas.
News
Starring in The First Responders Season 2 (2023)
Kim Rae Won returned for the second season of the highly anticipated drama The First Responders, continuing his role as a detective in this action-packed series.Lead Role in Decibel (2022)
Kim Rae Won played a former Navy officer in Decibel, an intense action-thriller involving a sound-sensitive bomb, further cementing his reputation for strong, dynamic roles.Global Recognition
His acting skills have gained international acclaim, with fans across Asia, Europe, and the Americas praising his performances for their depth and versatility.Philanthropic Work
Kim Rae Won has actively participated in charity work, focusing on issues like environmental conservation, animal welfare, and disaster relief efforts.Style Icon Status
Known for his sophisticated fashion sense, Kim Rae Won frequently appears on magazine covers and is a sought-after brand ambassador for luxury brands.
TV Drama
Music / OST
Kim Rae Won does not have a formal music career. He is primarily known for his work as an actor in South Korean television and film. While he has occasionally been involved in projects with strong musical elements, such as singing for promotional content or playing characters associated with music, there is no official record of him pursuing a career in music, releasing albums, or performing as a professional musician. His focus remains on his acting career, where he has garnered widespread recognition for his diverse roles.
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