Kim Young Kwang has established himself as one of the most versatile actors in the K-drama industry, capable of transitioning from charming romantic leads to characters with a much darker side. His filmography ranges from lighthearted romantic comedies to tension-filled action thrillers, demonstrating the breadth of his acting talent.
If you are a fan of the actor or want to discover why so many viewers follow him from project to project, here we review seven K-dramas starring Kim Young Kwang that you cannot miss.
Pinocchio
In this drama, Choi Dal Po (Lee Jong Suk) and Choi In Ha (Park Shin Hye) are two aspiring journalists with very different motivations for entering the world of journalism. Kim Young Kwang plays Seo Beom Jo, a wealthy heir who enters that same world and ends up intertwined in the lives of both protagonists.
This role is considered one of those that gave Kim Young Kwang the most exposure. As the second male lead, he won over the public with his charisma, his attractiveness, and his captivating gaze. But beyond his wealthy facade and playful personality, Beom Jo hides a more sensitive side that is revealed little by little throughout the story, making this character an especially endearing one.
D-Day
When a devastating earthquake hits Seoul, the city falls into chaos and thousands of people need urgent medical attention. Surgeon Lee Hae Sung (Kim Young Kwang) risks everything to save his patients, even when his decisions clash with the interests of a profit-oriented hospital. Alongside Dr. Jung Ddol Mi (Jung So Min) and surgeon Han Woo Jin (Ha Seok Jin), he faces extreme situations that test his vocation.
In this role, Kim Young Kwang shows a completely different facet as a passionate, stubborn doctor willing to break the rules when a life is at stake. His performance is moving due to the dedication with which his character fights to save those around him, even against all odds.
Gogh, the Starry Night
This story follows Go Ho (Kwon Yu Ri), a single woman who works at an advertising agency and receives interest from several men at once. Kim Young Kwang plays Kang Tae Ho, one of the suitors, alongside Hwang Ji Hoon (Lee Ji Hoon) and Oh Jung Min (Shin Jae Ha).
Despite Kang Tae Ho's tough character, the audience ends up falling in love with him upon discovering that he has been secretly in love with Go Ho for years. Seeing this cold and strict boss transform into someone much more tender next to the woman he loves is a real treat for fans of Kim Young Kwang, who manages to make that contrast between hardness and tenderness especially moving.
Lookout
In this series, Lee Si Young plays Jo Soo Ji, a police officer determined to avenge her daughter's murder. The person responsible for the crime, Yoon Si Wan (Lomon), escapes justice thanks to the power of his father, a prosecutor played by Choi Moo Sung. After the failure of her own attempt at revenge, Soo Ji is taken in by Jang Do Han (Kim Young Kwang) and his team, consisting of Kim Seul Gi, Key, and Shin Dong Wook, who join forces to take down the corrupt prosecutor.
Kim Young Kwang is impressive as this vigilante in a tension-filled action series, in a complex, multi-layered role that allows him to demonstrate all his acting talent. One of the most emotional scenes is when he speaks with his father, who has suffered a nervous breakdown, a moment that shows his ability to convey vulnerability.
Somebody
Kim Sum (Kang Hae Rim) develops a social media app called Somebody, which ends up linked to a murder case. When she meets Seong Yun O (Kim Young Kwang), an attractive architectural designer with a mysterious side, she feels drawn to him. But as their relationship progresses, she begins to discover a much darker facet of the man she is falling in love with.
In Somebody, Kim Young Kwang takes on one of his most unexpected and dark roles. As Seong Yun O, he achieves an unsettling charisma that is hard to ignore, even when something does not seem right. His ability to balance the character's attractive and seemingly calm facade with his disturbing side demonstrates Kim Young Kwang's acting range, far removed from his usual romantic roles.
Take Charge of My Heart
In this production, Baek Ho Rang (Kim Young Kwang) is the heir to a wealthy family who lives with an artificial heart, while Na Bo Bae (Chae Soo Bin) is a drama screenwriter who acquires electrical powers after being struck by lightning. Unable to touch anyone without giving them a shock, Bo Bae discovers that her electricity does not affect Ho Rang and that she can even recharge his artificial heart. With the upcoming surgery still months away, both seal an agreement that brings them closer and closer.
This is Kim Young Kwang's most recent project and a perfect option for those who enjoy his romantic comedies. His chemistry with Chae Soo Bin is very entertaining to watch, in a lighter role that confirms why the actor shines especially in these types of stories.
Trigger
In a country where firearms are illegal, a sudden rise in crimes linked to these weapons forces detective Lee Do (Kim Nam Gil), a former military sniper, to seek the origin of the illegal weapons. In his investigation, he is joined by Moon Baek (Kim Young Kwang), a mysterious partner whose calm appearance hides his true intentions.
Kim Young Kwang is especially captivating in this series, showing a completely different facet as an actor. As Moon Baek, he balances a playful and carefree personality with a much darker and more dangerous side, keeping the viewer on edge about his true intentions. His chemistry with Kim Nam Gil adds even more tension to the plot.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Young Kwang’s K-Dramas
Which role gave Kim Young Kwang the most recognition?
His character Seo Beom Jo in Pinocchio is considered one of the roles that brought him the most attention at the beginning of his career, thanks to his charisma and the emotional evolution of his character.
In which K-drama does Kim Young Kwang play a darker character?
In Somebody, Kim Young Kwang plays Seong Yun O, a designer with an unsettling and disturbing side, in one of his roles furthest from his typical romantic characters.
What is the most recent Kim Young Kwang project mentioned in this list?
Take Charge of My Heart is the most recent production, where he plays Baek Ho Rang alongside Chae Soo Bin, in a romantic comedy with fantasy elements.
Which action K-dramas does Kim Young Kwang star in?
Among his action projects, Lookout stands out, where he plays a vigilante, and Trigger, in which he brings Moon Baek to life alongside Kim Nam Gil.
Which actresses has Kim Young Kwang shared the lead with in these dramas?
He has shared the screen with actresses such as Park Shin Hye in Pinocchio, Jung So Min in D-Day, Kwon Yu Ri in Gogh, the Starry Night, Kang Hae Rim in Somebody, and Chae Soo Bin in Take Charge of My Heart.
