Honestly, if you haven't been keeping an eye on the Korean acting scene lately, you might be confused about which Kim Jae-won we’re even talking about. There are actually two. One is the "Killing Smile" veteran who dominated the early 2000s, and the other is the towering, sharp-jawed rising star who just high-jacked our Netflix queues in Hierarchy.
It’s a bit of a passing-of-the-torch moment.
Whether you’re here for the nostalgia of the original Hallyu wave or you’re trying to figure out where you’ve seen that tall guy from King the Land before, the filmography of both actors named Kim Jae-won offers some of the best storytelling in K-drama history. Let's get into the shows that actually matter.
The New Guard: Kim Jae-won (Born 2001)
This is the guy currently blowing up on social media. He’s got this specific, cold-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside vibe that directors are obsessed with right now. He didn't just appear out of nowhere; he’s been a high-end fashion model since 2018.
Hierarchy (2024)
If you like Gossip Girl but wish it was more intense and set in a prestigious Korean high school, this is it. Kim Jae-won plays Kim Ri-an, the "king" of Jooshin High School. He’s wealthy, untouchable, and incredibly cynical.
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What’s interesting here is how he handled the role. Ri-an could have been a one-dimensional bully, but Kim brings a lot of suppressed grief and loneliness to the character. It’s his first proper leading role, and it basically cemented him as the next "It Boy" of Korean television.
King the Land (2023)
Most people actually first noticed him here. He played Lee Ro-woon, the handsome flight attendant who had a massive crush on a senior colleague.
It was a supporting role, sure. But he stood out because he was so... normal? Compared to the over-the-top chaebol drama of the main couple, his "straight-arrow" younger man energy was incredibly refreshing. It was the "green flag" role that made everyone Google his name.
Our Blues (2022)
This was his big breakout. He played the young version of Cha Seung-won’s character, Choi Han-soo. Even though he was only in the early episodes, the flashback scenes of a poor but ambitious student falling in love were heartbreaking.
You’ve gotta have some serious acting chops to play the younger version of a legend like Cha Seung-won and not have people complain. He nailed it.
The Icon: Kim Jae-won (The Original "Killing Smile")
If you grew up watching K-dramas in the early 2000s, this man was a permanent fixture on your screen. He earned the nickname "Killing Smile" because, well, look at him. But he’s more than just a pretty face; he’s a Daesang-nominated actor who has led some of the highest-rated shows in MBC history.
Romance (2002)
"I’m the teacher and you’re the student!"
That’s the iconic line from this show. It’s a classic forbidden romance story where Kim plays a high schooler who falls for his teacher. It sounds scandalous now, but in 2002, it was a national phenomenon. This show made him a superstar overnight. If you want to understand why he was so famous, start here.
Can You Hear My Heart (2011)
This is arguably his best performance. He plays Cha Dong-joo, a man who becomes deaf after an accident but pretends he can hear to protect his family’s business.
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The way he portrays the struggle of lip-reading and the frustration of being misunderstood is genuinely moving. It’s a heavy melodrama, but the chemistry between him and Hwang Jung-eum is top-tier. It’s one of those shows that stays with you long after the credits roll.
May Queen (2012)
Another massive hit. This is a sprawling "success story" drama about the shipbuilding industry. Kim plays Kang San, a character who is playful and brilliant but hides a lot of pain regarding his family history. It’s long (38 episodes), but it’s the kind of classic, high-stakes drama that Korea does better than anyone else.
What’s Coming in 2026?
The younger Kim Jae-won isn't slowing down. If you're looking for what to watch next, 2026 is looking massive for him.
First up, there's Yumi's Cells Season 3. He’s taking on the role of Shin Soon-rok. Fans of the webtoon know this is the "final boss" of Yumi's love interests. There’s a lot of pressure here because the previous seasons were so beloved, but early sightings of him filming with Kim Go-eun have already sent the internet into a frenzy.
He’s also popping up in The Art of Sarah (formerly titled Lady Dior), a Netflix crime thriller starring Shin Hye-sun. He’s playing a supporting character named Ji Hwon. It’s a shift from his usual romantic roles, which is a smart move for his career longevity.
A Quick Reality Check on the "Two Jae-wons"
It’s easy to get them mixed up, especially since the veteran Kim Jae-won is still active. He recently appeared on variety shows like Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant, showing off his skills as a dad and a cook. He even mentioned on You Quiz on the Block that he’s interested in taking on more supporting roles or playing an anchor.
Basically, we're in a weirdly lucky spot. We have one Kim Jae-won providing the nostalgic, high-quality veteran acting, and another one defining what the new generation of K-drama leads looks like.
If you’re new to these actors, here is how you should handle your watchlist:
- Want a quick binge? Go for Hierarchy on Netflix. It’s only 7 episodes.
- Want to cry? Watch Can You Hear My Heart. It’s a 30-episode emotional marathon.
- Want to see the "Next Big Thing"? Wait for Yumi's Cells 3 in the first half of 2026.
- Want to see where it all started? Hunt down Romance (2002). It's dated, but the charm is undeniable.
The best way to keep up is to follow the younger Jae-won's official agency (Mystic Story) for updates, as his project pipeline for late 2026 is already starting to fill up with rumors of a new historical drama.