Actor Kim Young-dae has shared his honest thoughts about his upcoming military enlistment and his hopes for a fresh chapter after returning.
In an interview conducted on November 25 in Seoul’s Samcheong-dong for the TVING original series “Dear X,” Kim opened up about preparing for service and reflected on his growth as an actor.
A Dark, Intense Melodrama That Expanded His Acting Range
“Dear X” tells the story of a woman who climbs from hell to the top by wearing a mask of beauty — and the men she destroys along the way. It portrays her downfall and the tragic devotion of the man who chooses hell for her sake.
Kim Young-dae plays Yoon Jun-seo, a man who believes salvation is love. His performance — layered, emotional, and deeply internal — showed a more mature side compared to his previously cool and chic roles. As Jun-seo’s love for Baek Ah-jin (played by Kim Yoo-jung) begins to derail everything he once protected, Kim delivers a convincing portrayal of complex heartbreak and obsession.
The drama has also performed strongly overseas, ranking high on HBO Max and other OTT platforms across 17 Asian countries, with No.1 spots in Southeast Asia — boosting Kim’s global recognition.
A Growing Filmography
Since his 2017 debut in the web drama “The Omniscient Viewpoint of Cupid — Special Edition,” Kim has steadily built a diverse résumé, including Penthouse, Extraordinary You, Undercover, Shooting Stars, The Forbidden Marriage, Moon in the Day, Perfect Family, Running Mate, and more.
About His Enlistment: “A Pause, Not an End”
Born in 1996, Kim is now preparing to enlist.
“I think I’ll go either early next year or at the very end of this year,” he said.
“I see it as a pause in a long journey. I’ve learned the most through experience, more than studying or preparing — and this will be another experience.”
He added:
“After discharge, I want to take on roles I really desire. If there’s a project I love, I want to audition for it myself. I want to expand my acting world.”
Hopes for Growth — and a Simple Wish
Kim reflected on the lessons of his 20s:
“I experienced a lot of trial and error, and I think those moments helped me mature. When I return, I want to show the passion and energy I had when I first started.”
With a laugh, he also mentioned one more wish:
“I hope Kim Yoo-jung and Kim Do-hoon come visit me.”
As Kim Young-dae prepares for his next chapter, fans are already anticipating the evolution of his craft after his return from service.