Kim Rae Won's 2025 Comeback: 5 Shocking New Roles That Prove He's Still K-Drama Royalty

One of South Korea's most versatile and enduring actors, Kim Rae Won, is set to dominate the small screen once again, with a lineup of projects stretching well into 2025 and 2026. As of today, December 10, 2025, the veteran star is transitioning from his iconic role as the hot-blooded detective Jin Ho-Gae in The First Responders to two highly anticipated new dramas: a sports rivalry series and a brutal family saga. His strategic choice of diverse roles—from a charismatic baseball coach to a figure in a dark crime story—cements his status as K-Drama royalty and promises a thrilling few years for his fans worldwide.

Kim Rae Won’s career, spanning over two decades, is a masterclass in genre-hopping. From his early rise in romantic comedy to his recent success in action-thrillers, his ability to embody complex characters with depth and intensity remains unmatched. The following is a detailed look at his life, career, and the fresh, must-watch projects that are defining his current era.

Complete Biography and Career Milestones

Kim Rae Won (Korean: 김래원) is a South Korean actor known for his expressive eyes and powerful on-screen presence. His journey from an aspiring athlete to an award-winning actor is a testament to his dedication.

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• Full Name: Kim Rae Won (김래원)
• Date of Birth: March 19, 1981
• Place of Birth: Kangnam, Gangwondo, South Korea
• Height: 184 cm (6 ft 0 in)
• Initial Career Goal: Professional basketball player (ended due to an ankle injury)
• Education: Chung-Ang University (Theater and Film)
• Debut: 1997, in the drama Me
• Breakthrough Role: Lee Kyung-min in the romantic comedy series Rooftop Room Cat (2003)
• Major Award: Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2003 MBC Drama Awards for Rooftop Room Cat
• Notable Dramas: Love Story in Harvard (2004), Doctors (2016), Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me (2017-2018), The First Responders (Seasons 1 & 2) (2022-2023)
• Notable Movies: My Little Bride (2004), Gangnam Blues (2015), Crazy Romance (2019), Decibel (2022), The Moon (2023)

1. The Ultimate Rivalry: Kim Rae Won's Role in 'Full Count' (2025/2026)

The most talked-about project in Kim Rae Won's current slate is the upcoming SBS baseball drama, tentatively titled Full Count (풀카운트). This series marks a significant return to the sports genre for the actor, a fitting choice given his initial dream of becoming a professional basketball player.

What We Know About 'Full Count'

Full Count is an intense, 12-episode series that delves into the competitive world of men's professional baseball, focusing specifically on the high-stakes rivalry between two coaches.

• Kim Rae Won's Role: He is confirmed to play the main role of Hwang Jin Ho, a baseball coach. His character is described as forming a fierce rivalry with the other main lead.
• The Rival: The series pits Kim Rae Won against veteran actor Jung Sung Il, known internationally for his role in The Glory. Jung Sung Il’s character is a former elite pitcher who becomes a coach, contrasting with Hwang Jin Ho, who was considered inferior to him during their playing days.
• Genre & Theme: Sports, rivalry, and coaching competition. This project promises a blend of intense professional drama and personal conflict, appealing to fans of both K-dramas and sports narratives.
• Expected Release: The drama is slated for broadcast on SBS, with a likely premiere in 2025 or 2026.

This project is already generating buzz because it allows Kim Rae Won to channel the competitive spirit of an athlete, a theme that resonates deeply with his own life story.

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2. A Darker Turn: The Crime Saga of 'My Happy Home' (2025)

Adding another layer of complexity to his filmography, Kim Rae Won is also set to star in the 2025 K-drama My Happy Home (즐거운 나의 집). This project appears to be a stark departure from the action-packed heroism of The First Responders, leaning into a much darker, crime-driven narrative.

Key Details on 'My Happy Home'

While details are still emerging, the premise suggests a brutal and unforgiving story.

• Kim Rae Won's Role: He is confirmed for a main role in the 16-episode series.
• Co-Star and Director: He will be joined by actor Heo Sung Tae, another powerhouse known for intense roles, also in a main role. The drama is set to be directed by Kim Chul Gyu.
• Plot Synopsis: The series is described as a "brutal story of the Kim family," who are forced to restart a counterfeit money business to pay for non-covered medicine. This synopsis suggests a high-stakes crime thriller with deep family conflict and moral ambiguity.
• Expected Release: The series is currently slated for release in 2025.

The combination of Kim Rae Won and Heo Sung Tae, under the direction of a seasoned crime drama director, positions My Happy Home as one of the most anticipated dark K-dramas of the year.

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3. Recent Triumphs: From Detective Jin Ho-Gae to Deep Sea Rescuer

To fully appreciate Kim Rae Won's current momentum, it is essential to look at his most recent hits, which solidified his reputation as an action and thriller star, providing excellent topical authority.

The First Responders (2022-2023)

His role as Detective Jin Ho-Gae was arguably his most successful action performance in recent years. In both The First Responders and its sequel, The First Responders 2, he played a brilliant but hot-tempered police detective who works alongside firefighters and paramedics. His nickname, "Jindo Dog," perfectly captured his tenacious and relentless pursuit of criminals, earning him widespread praise for his intense action sequences and emotional depth.

Big Screen Success: Decibel and The Moon (2022-2023)

Kim Rae Won also maintained a strong presence in Korean cinema.

• Decibel (2022): He starred as Kang Do-Young, a former Navy commander racing against time to stop a sound-sensitive bomb terrorist attack. This military action thriller showcased his gravitas and leadership on screen.
• The Moon (2023): In the sci-fi disaster film The Moon, Kim Rae Won took on the role of Lee Sang-Won, a deep-sea rescuer who plays a crucial part in the mission to save an astronaut stranded on the moon. The film demonstrated his versatility, placing him in a high-concept, emotionally charged role alongside D.O. (Do Kyung-soo).

These recent projects—from the procedural action of The First Responders to the high-concept thrillers Decibel and The Moon—have successfully transitioned Kim Rae Won into a leading man for a new generation of K-drama and K-movie fans. His upcoming roles in Full Count and My Happy Home promise to continue this trend, offering fans a diverse and thrilling viewing experience across multiple genres.