Rising Star Kim Jae-won: The Journey of a South Korean Actor and Model
In the fast-paced world of South Korean entertainment, few talents have ascended as rapidly as Kim Jae-won. Since making his debut, the actor and model has transitioned from a fashion runway presence to a household name, captivating audiences with his versatile performances in both romantic dramas and intense thrillers. Known for his ability to embody the "first love" archetype while tackling complex, gritty roles, Kim is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after talents in the industry.
This article explores the career, education, and impressive filmography of Kim Jae-won, tracing his path from a student of the performing arts to a leading man on global platforms like Netflix.
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Key Facts
- Born: February 9, 2001, in Seoul, South Korea.
- Occupations: Actor and Model.
- Agency: Mystic Story.
- Notable Works: Hierarchy, Our Blues, and King the Land.
- Education: School of Performing Arts Seoul and Chung-Ang University.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Kim Jae-won was born in Seoul on February 9, 2001. His journey into the arts began with a rigorous academic focus on performance. He attended the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul, specializing in the Department of Theatre & Film. He furthered his professional training at Chung-Ang University, studying in the Performance Film Creation department, a field known for its highly competitive entry requirements.
Career Evolution
2018–2021: From Modeling to Acting Debut
Kim first entered the public eye in 2018, working as a fashion model. He transitioned into acting in 2021, making his debut in the Filipino-Korean web series Love From Home, directed by Kristel Fulgar. He followed this with an appearance in the series Romanced, laying the groundwork for his future television success.
2022–Present: Rising Stardom and Leading Roles
Kim's breakthrough came in 2022 when he appeared in the tvN drama Our Blues. Portraying the young version of the character Cha Seung-won, his performance earned him immense adoration from viewers. This momentum continued with his role in the EBS drama Fall For You, where he played Je Soo-oh, a character that solidified his reputation as the quintessential "first love" figure.
In 2023, Kim demonstrated his range by taking on the role of Shin Chang-hoon, a former homicide detective, in the tvN series Stealer: The Treasure Keeper. He also appeared in the popular romantic comedy King the Land on JTBC. By 2024, he secured his first major lead role as Kim Ri-an in the Netflix original series Hierarchy, starring alongside Roh Jeong-eui and Lee Chae-min.
Looking toward the future, Kim has a packed schedule of high-profile projects, including the Netflix series The Art of Sarah and a confirmed role as Shin Soon-rok in the third season of Yumi's Cells. Beyond acting, Kim has expanded into hosting, notably serving as an MC for Music Bank starting in February 2026.
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Summary of Career Milestones
| Period | Key Milestone / Project | Role / Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Professional Debut | Fashion Model |
| 2021 | Acting Debut | Web Series (*Love From Home*) |
| 2022 | Breakthrough Role | Young Cha Seung-won (*Our Blues*) |
| 2024 | Netflix Lead Role | Kim Ri-an (*Hierarchy*) |
| 2026 | Television Hosting | MC for *Music Bank* |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kim Jae-won's most famous roles?
Kim Jae-won is widely recognized for his roles in Our Blues, the Netflix series Hierarchy, the romantic comedy King the Land, and his upcoming appearance in Yumi's Cells season 3.
Where did Kim Jae-won study acting?
He studied at the School of Performing Arts Seoul in the Department of Theatre & Film and later attended Chung-Ang University in the Performance Film Creation department.
Is Kim Jae-won a model as well as an actor?
Yes, Kim Jae-won began his career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model in 2018 before transitioning into acting in 2021.
What is his role in the upcoming Yumi's Cells season 3?
Kim Jae-won has been confirmed to play the role of Shin Soon-rok, who is the love interest of the character Kim Yumi (played by Kim Go-eun).
Has Kim Jae-won hosted any television shows?
Yes, Kim Jae-won was announced as a host for the music program Music Bank, beginning his tenure on the February 27, 2026, episode.