Top 10 Most Notable Films of Kim Bum

Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead continues the thrilling saga of Detective K, portrayed by Kim Min, as he embarks on a new mystery involving vampires. This installment offers a fresh twist compared to its predecessors, blending fantasy with clever storytelling. As the film unfolds, long-forgotten secrets about the detective’s identity, family, and a cold case come to light.

Kim Bum delivers a standout performance as a completely transformed antagonist, earning praise from both fans and critics. Unlike his previous roles, where he was the charming lead, here he portrays a dark and charismatic vampire, showcasing his impressive versatility.

In addition to the tense moments and humorous exchanges, Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead offers a poignant love story marked by both sweetness and sorrow. While the film had a modest budget, its polished visuals and sound design still captivated audiences. It’s a worthwhile watch for a mix of entertainment and drama.

IMDb Score: 6.0
Audience Rating: 44%

Mrs. Cop 2 is a gripping crime drama that follows Choi Young Jin, a brilliant and experienced head of a special investigation unit. Using her sharp instincts and professional judgment, she battles dangerous criminals to ensure justice is served. While excelling in her demanding career, Young Jin struggles to find balance, often sacrificing precious time with her family.

The official poster for the film reveals Kim Bum in a striking role as a villain. His cold, calculating eyes and devious smile promise an intriguing new performance that adds much anticipation to the film. This new chapter in his career offers a unique and compelling portrayal of a dark character.

Mrs. Cop 2 succeeds in portraying a modern woman in a fresh and impactful way. Juggling numerous responsibilities, Young Jin is often overwhelmed by the challenges she faces. The film offers audiences an in-depth look at the life of a single mother, confronting the complexities and struggles ahead.

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Hidden Identity is an action-packed series following a covert police unit dedicated to monitoring critical communications and infiltrating high-security networks. The team consists of Cha Gun Woo (Kim Bum), Jang Moo Won (Park Sung Woong), Jang Min Joo (Yoon So Yi), and Choi Tae Pyeong (Lee Won Jong), each with their personal vendettas and unique skills. Together, they take on dangerous criminals and solve complex cases.

Kim Bum once again surprises audiences with a different side of his acting talent, playing Cha Gun Woo in Hidden Identity. In this role, he portrays a tough character bent on seeking revenge for his girlfriend’s death, going to great lengths to achieve his goal. To embody the role, Kim Bum lost 13kg, which added to the intensity and believability of his performance. His dedication and captivating portrayal earned him widespread praise from fans and critics alike.

Hidden Identity brings a fresh energy to the action genre, creating an engaging and entertaining experience. While the film didn’t make a massive splash, it set the stage for a promising new direction in crime action series.

IMDb Rating: 6.6

The Beloved is a Chinese drama set in the 1990s, capturing the beauty of youth and the unforgettable memories it leaves behind. The film explores how a perfect love story can turn into a haunting tragedy, leaving scars that last a lifetime. When Tô Doanh’s beloved is tragically killed in a laboratory fire, Giang Trọng Văn (Kim Bum) undergoes a drastic transformation, becoming an entirely different person, and his family is destroyed in an unimaginable way. From that point on, Giang Trọng Văn disappears without a trace.

Kim Bum’s portrayal of Giang Trọng Văn is a departure from his usual roles, offering a fresh yet somewhat underwhelming performance that didn’t generate a significant impact.

The film received positive feedback from fans, who were intrigued by the complicated love triangle and eagerly awaited its conclusion.

IMDb Rating: 5.5

The Gifted Hands follows the story of Kim Jun (Kim Bum), a young artist with an extraordinary gift of psychic ability. When a kidnapping and murder case is being investigated by Detective Yang Chun-dong (Kim Kang Woo), Kim Jun accidentally recalls a scene from the crime scene, which he had previously drawn in a graphic style. This realization leads him to discover his remarkable ability: by touching objects, he can see the memories of everything connected to them. His gift becomes a vital tool in solving cases, but it also isolates him, as others fear his powers. As a result, he uses his talent to draw and document the memories he experiences, ultimately becoming an essential key in solving kidnapping and murder mysteries.

In The Gifted Hands, Kim Bum takes on a role that’s quite different from his usual, portraying an eccentric young man with developing acting skills. Although his performance lacks polish due to limited experience, his charm and good looks earned praise from viewers. This film offered him an opportunity to refine his acting while delivering a unique and fresh performance.

With its blend of humor and detective thriller elements, The Gifted Hands offers an entertaining experience that’s perfect for light viewing, with the added allure of Kim Bum in a quirky and memorable role.

IMDb Rating: 6.4

Boys Over Flowers is a television adaptation of Yoko Kamio’s manga, “Boys Over Flowers,” which tells the story of Jan Di, an ordinary girl who unexpectedly earns a spot at the prestigious Shinhwa High School, where the children of wealthy and influential families study. Here, she meets four charismatic, powerful, and wealthy young men, known as the ‘F4.’ Among them are Goo Jun Pyo (Lee Min Ho), So Yi Jung (Kim Bum), Yoon Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong), and Song Woo Bin (Kim Joon). The drama kicks off when Jan Di stands up for a friend, angering Jun Pyo, making her a target for bullying. Despite the tension, Jan Di remains unfazed, continuing her studies at the school and eventually winning Jun Pyo’s affection.

This series marked a major turning point in Kim Bum’s acting career, with his portrayal of So Yi Jung, a charming yet somewhat rebellious heartthrob, earning him widespread recognition. So Yi Jung is a character who, despite his playboy image, falls for a girl and tries to transform himself to win her heart. For many fans, when they think of Kim Bum, they immediately associate him with the beloved character of Yi Jung.

Boys Over Flowers became a massive hit with a happy ending, causing a cultural sensation and leading to international success as it was licensed in multiple countries. The show’s popularity was fueled by its beautifully crafted settings and well-developed characters, making it a major influence in the Asian drama world.

IMDb Rating: 7.9
Audience Rating: 71%

High Kick 1 is a popular South Korean sitcom that revolves around the hilarious daily lives of the Lee family, spanning three generations. The show skillfully blends humor with heartwarming moments, exploring everything from family squabbles to comical love stories. Despite the frequent arguments and misunderstandings, the family members grow closer, learning to appreciate and understand one another better as a result.

This series played a key role in launching Kim Bum’s career, where he portrayed a character bearing his own name. Initially an outsider, he slowly becomes an integral part of the Lee family, especially through his close friendship with Min Ho. Although his acting skills were still in the early stages, Kim Bum’s dedication to the role won him recognition and sympathy from viewers.

High Kick 1 remains a beloved classic, particularly for fans who grew up watching it in the late '90s and early 2000s. The show’s massive success has made it a nostalgic favorite that continues to be fondly remembered by audiences.

IMDb Rating: 8.4

Ghost Doctor explores the intense world of life-saving surgeries and the immense pressure doctors face daily. The show focuses on the struggles of saving critically ill patients, as well as the personal challenges doctors must overcome. The story follows Cha Young Min (Bi Rain), a brilliant but arrogant surgeon, and Go Seung Tak (Kim Bum), a kind-hearted intern. Their lives take an unexpected turn when their souls swap, leading to hilarious and chaotic situations as they attempt to navigate each other’s roles in the operating room. Their vastly different personalities and medical skills create a perfect storm of comedic moments.

The show captivated viewers with its stellar cast, particularly the dynamic chemistry between Kim Bum and Bi Rain. Their pairing sparked a lot of excitement, as both actors delivered strong performances that made the drama a hit. Kim Bum's portrayal of the clumsy, underperforming doctor was a fresh take, contrasting sharply with his usual suave roles.

While the theme of body-swapping isn’t new to K-dramas, Ghost Doctor stands out with its unique storyline, strong script, and emotional depth. The actors' performances brought a sense of realism to the show, making the characters’ struggles feel genuine and relatable.

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Law School kicks off with a high-stakes case that involves a prestigious law school’s professors and students, all of whom become suspects in a major criminal investigation. As the story unfolds, the characters must race against time to gather evidence and clear their names, all while trying to protect the reputation of their esteemed institution.

One of the standout features of Law School is its remarkable cast, including Kim Bum, Ryu Hye Young, and Lee Soo Kyung, who bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Kim Bum, despite being in his thirties, convincingly portrays a law student, impressing audiences with his dynamic performance and solidifying his place as a versatile actor.

The show truly shines with its fresh take on a familiar genre. The blend of reality and flashbacks is skillfully executed, offering a unique narrative that captivates viewers. Through its gripping storyline, the drama delves into the role of law in society and reveals the darker, often hidden aspects of the legal system.

IMDb Rating: 8.0
Audience Rating: 100%

Tale of the Nine Tailed follows the captivating story of Lee Yeon (Lee Dong Wook), a nine-tailed fox from Korean mythology, who adopts a human form to protect nature and its surroundings as a guardian spirit. His life takes a tragic turn when he falls in love with Ah Eum, only for a dark force to separate them through her untimely death. Undeterred, Lee Yeon embarks on a journey across the afterlife to retrieve a special artifact that will allow him to recognize Ah Eum in her next life. After 600 years, Ah Eum is reincarnated as Ji Ah (Jo Bo Ah), a radio station executive, but her life is clouded by a mysterious car accident that took her parents. Ji Ah now focuses on supernatural phenomena, and when she crosses paths with Lee Yeon, the two team up to uncover the truth while being pursued by dangerous forces.

Kim Bum plays the role of Lee Rang, Lee Yeon's half-brother, a character that has captured the audience’s attention. His portrayal of a mysterious and cold-hearted individual driven by vengeance adds a layer of intrigue to the series. As his character's complex psychological journey unfolds, Kim Bum showcases his acting prowess, proving his ability to handle roles with depth and complexity.

The series excels with its intriguing plot and immersive visuals. The dark, moody color palette enhances the atmosphere, and the well-crafted characters make Tale of the Nine Tailed a must-watch for fans of the supernatural genre.

IMDb Rating: 7.9