Kim Young Kwang’s Journey: Height, Hit K-Dramas, and His Upcoming Role in “Walking on Thin Ice”
- Disha Paul
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Kim Young Kwang, born January 11, 1987, in Incheon, began his career as a model—walking for Dior Homme, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and more—before successfully transitioning into acting.
Known for his versatility, he shines in rom-coms, thrillers, and intense dramas. Standing at an impressive 6'2", or about 188 cm, Kim Young Kwang's height in feet is a constant fan curiosity and search trend.
Breakout Villain Role in Trigger
In July 2025, he turned heads with a chilling turn as Moon Baek in Trigger, a Netflix action thriller about a sudden surge of illegal firearms in South Korea.
Kim underwent a dramatic transformation, losing 7–8 kg, using tattoo makeup, and even delivering English dialogue to capture the emaciated, terminal nature of his character. The series quickly soared to #1 on Netflix Korea’s Top 10 and ranked 4th globally among non-English shows!
Kim Young Kwang’s Popular Dramas — Mini Guide
Few actors can switch from lovable hero to menacing villain as effortlessly as Kim Young-kwang. Over his career spanning almost 30 dramas and 7 films, he’s proven his talent knows no limits.
While his latest villainous role in Netflix's Trigger brought him international attention, his past works are filled with gems.
For newcomers, we’ve picked some of his best dramas and movies to get you hooked.
Evilive (2023)
Han Dong-soo is a struggling lawyer who takes on small, unremarkable cases—until he meets Seo Do-young, a charming yet unpredictable gangster and former baseball player. This fateful encounter pulls Dong-soo into the criminal underworld.
As the two men grow closer, the line between right and wrong begins to blur. Do-young’s dangerous charisma pushes Dong-soo toward choices that could forever change who he is.
Aired: October 14 – November 13, 2023
No. of Episodes: 10
Cast: Kim Young-kwang, Shin Ha-kyun, Shin Jae-ha
Streaming Platform: Genie TV / ENA
Call It Love (2023)
Woo-joo’s life falls apart when her late father’s mistress evicts her from her home. Filled with resentment, she decides to get revenge by approaching the mistress’s quiet and work-obsessed son, Han Dong-jin.
What starts as a plan to hurt him turns into something unexpected. Both wounded by the past, they find comfort in each other, forcing Woo-joo to question her feelings and motives.
Aired: February 22 – April 12, 2023
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Kim Young-kwang, Lee Sung-kyung, Sung Joon, Hani, Kim Ye-won
Streaming Platform: Disney+
Somebody (2022)
Sum, a socially awkward developer, creates a popular social app called “Somebody". When she meets the handsome and mysterious Yun-oh, she feels both intrigued and uneasy.
As murders linked to the app surface, Sum’s friends suspect Yun-oh’s involvement. What follows is a tense game of trust, fear, and obsession.
Aired: November 18, 2022
No. of Episodes: 8
Cast: Kim Young-kwang, Kang Hae-rim, Kim Yong-ji, Kim Soo-yeon
Streaming Platform: Netflix
A Year-End Medley (2021) - Movie
Set at Hotel Emross during the holiday season, this heartwarming film follows several characters whose lives intertwine on New Year’s Eve. From first loves to long-awaited reunions, each story carries its charm.
Kim Young-kwang plays Seung-hyo, a radio producer with a complicated romantic past. His path crosses with others seeking love, closure, or a fresh start.
Released: December 29, 2021
Runtime: 138 minutes (also released as 6 short episodes)
Cast: Kim Young-kwang, Han Ji-min, Lee Dong-wook, Kang Ha-neul, Im Yoon-a
Streaming Platform: TVING
Hello, Me! (2021)
Bahn Ha-ni feels stuck and uninspired in life—until her confident teenage self suddenly appears. The younger Ha-ni is full of energy, forcing her older self to face regrets and fears.
With a little push from her past, Ha-ni begins to rediscover her courage and joy. Along the way, she meets Han Yoo-hyun, who becomes a key part of her journey.
Aired: February 17 – April 8, 2021
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Choi Kang-hee, Kim Young-kwang, Lee Re, Eum Moon-suk
Streaming Platform: Netflix
The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019)
Do Min-ik, a brilliant company director, develops face blindness after an accident. He relies heavily on his efficient secretary, Jung Gal-hee, without realizing how much she does for him.
When a mix-up leads him to mistake Gal-hee for someone else, she decides to play along, taking on a glamorous alter ego. Love, confusion, and comedy follow.
Aired: May 6 – June 25, 2019
No. of Episodes: 32 (35-minute format)
Cast: Kim Young-kwang, Jin Ki-joo, Kim Jae-kyung, Koo Ja-sung
Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki, Viu
On Your Wedding Day (2018) - Movie
Hwan Seung-hee and Hwang Woo-yeon first meet in high school and form a close bond. Over the next decade, they cross paths repeatedly, their relationship shifting between friendship and love.
The film beautifully captures the bittersweet reality that timing can be just as important as feelings.
Released: August 22, 2018
Runtime: 110 minutes
Cast: Kim Young-kwang, Park Bo-young
Streaming Platform: VOD / digital platforms
Hot Young Bloods (2014) - Movie
In a small rural town during the 1980s, Young-sook is a feared female gang leader, while Gwang-sik, leader of a male gang, secretly likes her. Trouble starts when the school’s handsome playboy sets his sights on Young-sook.
Love triangles, teenage bravado, and hilarious misunderstandings fill this nostalgic youth comedy.
Released: January 23, 2014
Runtime: 121 minutes
Cast: Kim Young-kwang, Park Bo-young, Lee Jong-suk, Lee Se-young
Streaming Platform: VOD / digital platforms
Upcoming Drama — Walking on Thin Ice
Next up, Kim returns strong in Walking on Thin Ice, set to premiere on September 20, 2025, on KBS2.
Known also as Eunsoo’s Good Day, this crime thriller features Lee Young-ae’s dramatic comeback. She plays a desperate mother entangled in crime, while Kim Young Kwang portrays Lee Kyung, a double-life art teacher by day and dangerous club MD by night.
What’s Next for Kim Young Kwang?
Now that Kim Young Kwang is trending for his tall stature and gripping roles, his career is more exciting than ever.
On the big screen, he’s also starring in the movie The First Ride, alongside Kang Ha Neul, Cha Eun Woo, Kang Young Seok, and Han Sun Hwa. Slated for release in late 2025, the film blends action and heartfelt drama, following an unexpected journey that brings together characters from very different walks of life.
Our 2025 K-drama man crush? Definitely Kim Young Kwang!
Now spill—what’s your all-time favorite drama or movie of his from this list?
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