Kim Bum, also known as Kim Sang Bum, is a talented South Korean actor who has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with his versatile performances. Born on July 7, 1989, in Seoul, South Korea, Kim Bum has been active in the entertainment industry since 2006. As of 2025, he has starred in numerous popular Korean dramas and movies, showcasing his acting skills and charm. Let’s explore the 10 best Korean dramas and movies featuring Kim Bum that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Boys Over Flowers (2009)
“Boys Over Flowers” is the drama that catapulted Kim Bum to stardom. In this iconic series, he plays So Yi Jung, a charming and talented potter who is part of the elite F4 group. The drama follows the story of a working-class girl who enters an exclusive high school and becomes entangled with the F4.
Key Statistics:
- Average viewership rating: 28.4%
- Highest viewership rating: 32.1%
- Number of episodes: 25
- Broadcast period: January 5 to March 31, 2009
This drama became a cultural phenomenon, not only in South Korea but also across Asia. Kim Bum’s portrayal of the charismatic So Yi Jung earned him widespread recognition and numerous fan clubs.
2. Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020)
In this fantasy drama, Kim Bum takes on the role of Lee Rang, a half-blood gumiho (nine-tailed fox) and the half-brother of the main character. His performance as the complex and conflicted Lee Rang showcased his growth as an actor and ability to portray multifaceted characters.
Key Statistics:
- Average viewership rating: 5.286%
- Highest viewership rating: 5.804%
- Number of episodes: 16
- Broadcast period: October 7 to December 3, 2020
Despite airing on a cable channel, “Tale of the Nine-Tailed” consistently ranked first in its time slot. Kim Bum’s portrayal of Lee Rang was widely praised by critics and viewers alike.
3. Law School (2021)
Kim Bum stars as Han Joon-hwi, a first-year law student with a mysterious past, in this legal drama. The series follows the story of students and professors at a prestigious law school as they get caught up in an unusual case.
Key Statistics:
- Average viewership rating: 5.306%
- Highest viewership rating: 6.891%
- Number of episodes: 16
- Broadcast period: April 14 to June 9, 2021
“Law School” was praised for its engaging plot and strong performances. Kim Bum’s portrayal of the intelligent and enigmatic Han Joon-hwi was particularly well-received.
4. Ghost Doctor (2022)
In this medical fantasy drama, Kim Bum plays Go Seung-tak, a highly skilled surgeon from a wealthy family. The story revolves around two doctors from different backgrounds whose spirits are bound together.
Key Statistics:
- Average viewership rating: 6.5%
- Highest viewership rating: 8.1%
- Number of episodes: 16
- Broadcast period: January 3 to February 22, 2022
“Ghost Doctor” received positive reviews for its unique premise and the chemistry between its lead actors. Kim Bum’s performance as the arrogant but talented surgeon was highly praised.
5. Padam Padam (2011)
This fantasy romance drama features Kim Bum as Lee Gook-soo, a guardian angel who helps the main character, a man wrongly convicted of murder. The series explores themes of love, redemption, and second chances.
Key Statistics:
- Average viewership rating: 1.5%
- Highest viewership rating: 2.4%
- Number of episodes: 20
- Broadcast period: December 5, 2011, to February 7, 2012
While the viewership ratings were modest, “Padam Padam” was critically acclaimed for its unique storyline and strong performances. Kim Bum’s portrayal of the kind-hearted guardian angel showcased his versatility as an actor.
6. That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013)
In this melodrama, Kim Bum plays Park Jin-sung, the loyal friend of the main character, a con man who pretends to be the long-lost brother of a blind heiress. The series explores themes of love, trust, and deception.
Key Statistics:
- Average viewership rating: 11.3%
- Highest viewership rating: 15.8%
- Number of episodes: 16
- Broadcast period: February 13 to April 3, 2013
“That Winter, the Wind Blows” was a commercial and critical success. Kim Bum’s performance as the conflicted Park Jin-sung added depth to the series and showcased his growth as an actor.
7. Goddess of Fire (2013)
This historical drama stars Kim Bum as Kim Tae-do, a skilled potter who falls in love with the first female potter of the Joseon Dynasty. The series tells the story of Yoo Jung, a woman who overcomes discrimination to become a master potter.
Key Statistics:
- Average viewership rating: 9.2%
- Highest viewership rating: 12.1%
- Number of episodes: 32
- Broadcast period: July 1 to October 22, 2013
While “Goddess of Fire” received mixed reviews, Kim Bum’s performance as the passionate and talented Kim Tae-do was widely praised. The drama showcased his ability to take on historical roles.
8. Mrs. Cop (2015)
In this crime drama, Kim Bum plays Lee Ro-joon, the CEO of a large company who becomes involved in a series of mysterious events. The series follows a tough female detective as she balances her career and family life.
Key Statistics:
- Average viewership rating: 9.5%
- Highest viewership rating: 13.3%
- Number of episodes: 18
- Broadcast period: August 3 to September 29, 2015
“Mrs. Cop” was well-received for its engaging plot and strong performances. Kim Bum’s portrayal of the complex Lee Ro-joon added depth to the series and showcased his ability to play morally ambiguous characters.
9. Hidden Identity (2015)
This action-packed drama features Kim Bum as Cha Gun-woo, a member of an elite police team that works undercover to solve high-profile cases. The series combines elements of crime, action, and suspense.
Key Statistics:
- Average viewership rating: 1.5%
- Highest viewership rating: 2.3%
- Number of episodes: 16
- Broadcast period: June 16 to August 5, 2015
While “Hidden Identity” had modest viewership ratings, it was praised for its intense action sequences and strong ensemble cast. Kim Bum’s performance as the skilled and determined Cha Gun-woo showcased his versatility as an actor.
10. Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013)
This Chinese-Hong Kong action-adventure film features Kim Bum in a supporting role as Yuan Zhen, a foreign doctor. The movie is a prequel to the Detective Dee series and follows the young detective as he solves mysteries in 8th-century China.
Key Statistics:
- Box office: $96.4 million (China)
- Release date: September 28, 2013
- Runtime: 134 minutes
While Kim Bum’s role in “Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon” was relatively small, it marked his debut in a major international production. The film was a commercial success in China and helped expand Kim Bum’s fanbase beyond Korea.