While many South Korean celebrities found their way into showbiz through auditions, castings, and idol training programs, Kim Young-dae originally did not set out to get his big break in the entertainment industry. He moved to Shanghai as a high school freshman to study and was accepted into the prestigious Fudan University which was a feat in itself. However, his life took a significant turn when he was scouted by his current management agency in Seoul during his school break.
Young-dae was instantly intrigued and eager to take on the challenge. When the aspiring actor’s parents voiced their concerns with his decision, he had agreed to return to his studies after two years if he was not able to establish his presence in the field. But it’s safe to say that the audiences have been charmed by his talent and compelling on-screen presence, and he hasn't looked back ever since.
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Young-dae’s acting career kicked off with a web drama, making his on-screen debut with a minor role in Secret Crushes: Special Edition (2017). His television debut came the following year with a supporting role in a drama special titled The Expiration Date of You and Me (2018). After a slew of subsequent roles, the actor gained significant recognition for his striking looks in Extraordinary You (2019) as Oh Nam-joo, the cold and aloof male protagonist of a fictional romance comic universe.
Then came the hit series The Penthouse: War In Life (2021). Young-dae delivered his breakthrough performance as Joo Seok-hoon, across all three seasons—a role which showcased his potential and growth as an actor. His memorable performance earned him the Best New Actor award at the 2021 SBS Drama Awards. Following his successful run in the series, the rising star took on his first lead role on television through Shooting Stars (2022) alongside actress Lee Sung-kyung, marking a significant milestone in his career. His performance in the drama as Gong Tae-sung, an immature and hot-tempered superstar, demonstrated his ability to take on diverse roles as compared to the cold and distant characters he has played.
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Young-dae continued his streak of landing leading roles in romance dramas, signifying his ascent as a promising actor. His most recent work, psychological-thriller drama Dear X, further cultivated his versatile acting range. Playing the role of Yoon Junseo, whose toxic relationship with Baek Ah-jin (played by Kim You-jung) sets him on a path that blurs the line between devotion and obsession, Young-dae captivated audiences with the emotional depth he brought to the complex character.
With his towering height and sharp features, Young-dae has also grabbed the attention of those in the sartorial sphere. He has walked the runway for Songzio Homme’s spring/summer 2019 show at the Hera Seoul Fashion Week. He further established his global fashion presence with fashion week appearances for COS and Songzio along with invitations to high-profile events such as the reopening of Burberry’s Paragon boutique in Singapore. The actor is also establishing his presence in the beauty scene with his attendance at Dolce and Gabbana Beauty’s launch party in Seoul late last year.