Kim Young Dae
Info
🙂 Native Name: 김영대 (Kim Young Dae)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: March 2, 1996
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Pisces
📏 Height: 185 cm (6′1″)
💍 Spouse: None
👶 Children: None
Biography
Kim Young Dae is a South Korean actor born on March 2, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea. Initially pursuing studies in business administration at Fudan University in Shanghai, he later returned to Korea and shifted his focus to acting—a decision that would soon shape his career in the entertainment industry. His tall figure, striking visuals, and calm charisma helped him quickly gain attention, even as a newcomer.
He began his acting career with minor roles, but his breakout came in 2019 with the popular fantasy high school drama “Extraordinary You.” Portraying Oh Nam Joo, a tsundere-style male lead within a comic book world, he captivated viewers and gained a loyal fan base. His performance in the series earned him recognition as one of the most promising rising stars of the next K-drama generation.
Kim continued to build momentum with his roles in “The Penthouse” (2020–2021), a high-intensity melodrama where he played Joo Seok Hoon, the troubled son of a wealthy family. The show’s massive popularity further cemented his fame in Korea and abroad. In 2022, he starred in “Shooting Stars” alongside Lee Sung Kyung, portraying a top star navigating the dark side of celebrity life and love. The role allowed him to show his range and gain more attention for his emotional depth and comedic timing.
Despite his growing popularity, Kim Young Dae remains private about his personal life. He is not married and has no children. While fans have speculated about potential relationships with co-stars, none have been confirmed. Focused on his craft, he continues to rise in the K-drama world, with fans eagerly awaiting each of his new roles. As of now, he is considered one of the most watchable young talents in the Korean drama industry.
Hobbies
Reading novels, especially fiction and classic literature, is one of his favorite pastimes. He has mentioned enjoying quiet, reflective time with books.
He enjoys playing soccer and often references his love for sports as a way to relax and stay fit.
Watching movies and analyzing acting performances helps him refine his own skills as an actor.
Kim Young Dae spends time on photography, often capturing everyday scenes with a sentimental touch.
He has a growing interest in learning languages, including improving his Chinese from his time at Fudan University.
Interests
He’s deeply interested in psychology and human behavior, which he uses to develop complex characters.
Kim Young Dae is intrigued by fashion and styling, often seen experimenting with unique but subtle looks during magazine shoots and events.
He follows K-League and European football, passionately supporting certain teams when time allows.
He has a soft spot for travel and cultural exchange, influenced by his time living in Shanghai and exposure to multiple cultures.
He’s fascinated by musical scores in films, sometimes paying more attention to background music than dialogue.
Facts
Before becoming an actor, Kim Young Dae was studying at Fudan University in China, majoring in business.
His acting debut was in web dramas, such as Office Watch 2 and Just Too Bored, before hitting TV screens.
His breakthrough role was in Extraordinary You (2019), which brought him critical acclaim and mass appeal.
He is managed by Outer Korea, an agency that also represents other major Korean celebrities.
Despite his serious on-screen persona, he’s known to be playful and humorous off-screen, often surprising fans with his duality.
Secrets
Kim Young Dae has never publicly dated anyone, and maintains strong privacy about his romantic life—causing fans to speculate.
He has admitted to being shy in real life, especially around new people, contrasting with his confident on-screen roles.
Despite his athletic build, he claims he’s not a morning person, often struggling with early call times.
He once shared that he had stage fright during his early acting days, especially in front of large production crews.
A lesser-known fact is that he used to write short stories as a teen and once considered a career in writing.
Funny Things
He’s afraid of insects, especially flying ones, and once jumped during a variety show shoot when a bug flew near him.
Fans noticed he often forgets where he put his phone during interviews—his co-stars tease him about it.
He once accidentally called his director “mom” on set due to exhaustion, creating a legendary behind-the-scenes moment.
His mimicry skills are surprisingly good—he does hilarious impressions of his fellow actors in private settings.
He tends to make weird facial expressions when concentrating, especially during script reading.
Fears
Kim Young Dae has expressed a fear of public failure, especially disappointing fans or underperforming in a major role.
He has a mild fear of deep water, preferring pools to the ocean when traveling or filming.
He’s uncomfortable with extreme heights, avoiding roller coasters or tall observation decks.
He fears losing touch with reality or becoming too absorbed in celebrity culture, and strives to stay grounded.
Despite his fame, he worries about being misunderstood, especially since he is naturally quiet and introspective.
News
1. Kim Young Dae Stars in Upcoming Thriller Drama “Dear X”
In 2025, Kim Young Dae is set to star in the anticipated melo-thriller series Dear X on TVING. He will portray Yoon Jun-seo, a man who believes that salvation is love, opposite Kim Yoo-jung’s character, Baek Ah-jin, a top actress with a hidden cruel nature. The drama, based on a popular Naver Webtoon, is directed by Lee Eung-bok, known for Descendants of the Sun and Sweet Home.
2. Renewal of Exclusive Contract with Agency Outer Korea
On March 19, 2024, Kim Young Dae renewed his exclusive contract with his agency, Outer Korea. The agency expressed enthusiasm about continuing their partnership, highlighting Kim’s growth and success since his debut in 2017.
3. Lead Role in Romantic Comedy “No Gain No Love”
Kim Young Dae took on the lead role of Kim Ji-wook in the 2024 romantic comedy No Gain No Love, which aired on tvN from August 26 to October 1, 2024. The series, also available on TVING and Amazon Prime Video, follows a woman who stages a fake wedding to avoid workplace discrimination, with Kim’s character pretending to be her fiancé.
4. Participation in 2024 KBS Music Festival
Kim Young Dae made a memorable debut at the 2024 KBS Music Festival, marking a new chapter in his career. His appearance was noted as a highlight of the event, showcasing his versatility and expanding presence in the entertainment industry.
5. Fan Meeting in Tokyo Following Drama Success
Following the conclusion of No Gain No Love, Kim Young Dae held a fan meeting in Tokyo, Japan, in October 2024. He shared photos from the event and his sightseeing experiences, expressing gratitude for his international fanbase and the support received throughout his career.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Kim Young Dae, primarily celebrated for his acting prowess, has also ventured into the music scene, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
🎵 Musical Abilities and Performances
Beyond acting, Kim Young Dae is musically inclined, proficient in playing the guitar and piano. He has expressed interest in singing and even performed a song on “Idol Radio” .
🎤 OST Contribution: “Unrequited Love”
In 2024, Kim Young Dae made his debut as an OST artist with the song “Unrequited Love” for the KBS2 drama Perfect Family. The track, characterized by its hazy synth sounds and gentle ballad style, complements the drama’s emotional depth. His warm and soothing voice adds a poignant layer to the series .
🎶 Music Video Appearance
Kim Young Dae also appeared in the music video for “Unrequited Love,” further blending his acting and musical talents .
🎼 Live Musical Engagements
During his Asia fan meetings, including events in Jakarta and Manila, Kim Young Dae showcased his musical side by performing live, playing instruments, and singing for his fans.
While Kim Young Dae’s primary focus remains acting, his musical endeavors highlight his versatility and commitment to connecting with audiences through various artistic expressions.
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