The 7 Biggest Updates On Actor Kim Bum: New K-Drama, 2025 Schedule, And The Lee Rang Legacy
The South Korean actor Kim Bum, a star who has successfully transitioned from a charming flower boy to a compelling, complex anti-hero, is currently gearing up for a major return to the small screen with a new drama confirmed for the 2024/2025 schedule. As of December 24, 2025, the actor is cementing his status as one of the most versatile and in-demand talents in the K-drama industry, balancing major international appearances with a highly anticipated new project.
His career trajectory, marked by iconic roles like the F4 member So Yi-jung and the half-gumiho Lee Rang, continues to captivate global audiences. The latest updates reveal a clear path for the actor in the coming year, focusing on a fresh genre challenge and maintaining his strong connection with fans worldwide.
Kim Bum: Complete Biography and Profile
Kim Bum, born Kim Sang-bum, is a highly celebrated South Korean actor and singer managed by King Kong by Starship. He first rose to international fame through the hit drama *Boys Over Flowers* and has since built a diverse filmography that showcases his extensive range, from romantic leads to intense, morally ambiguous characters.
- Full Name: Kim Sang-bum (김상범)
- Stage Name: Kim Bum (alternatively Kim Beom)
- Date of Birth: July 7, 1989
- Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
- Height: 181 cm (5 ft 11 in)
- Agency: King Kong by Starship
- Active Years: 2006–present
- Iconic Roles: So Yi-jung in *Boys Over Flowers*, Lee Rang in *Tale of the Nine Tailed* and *Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938*, Han Joon-hwi in *Law School*.
- Notable Awards: New Star Award (SBS Drama Awards for *Dream*, 2009), Netizen Popularity Award (Korea Drama Awards for *East of Eden*, 2008), Korean Ken (Barbie and Ken Awards, 2010).
The Confirmed K-Drama: Kim Bum’s New Rom-Com Challenge
One of the most exciting and current pieces of news surrounding the actor is his confirmed role in a new SBS romantic comedy drama, currently operating under the working title, *Sold Out Again Today*.
This project marks a shift for Kim Bum, who has recently excelled in darker, more complex roles. His last major series, *Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938*, saw him reprise the fan-favorite role of the anti-hero gumiho, Lee Rang, which concluded in 2023.
The new drama, *Sold Out Again Today*, will see him starring alongside top-tier actors Ahn Hyo Seop and Chae Won Bin.
While specific details about the plot and his character are still emerging, the casting itself has generated immense buzz. The shift to a rom-com setting is a welcome move for many fans who first fell for his charming persona in *Boys Over Flowers*. This role is anticipated to showcase his lighter, more charismatic side, offering a refreshing contrast to his intense performances in series like *Law School* and the *Tale of the Nine Tailed* franchise.
This upcoming K-drama is a key entity in his 2025 schedule, signaling a high-profile return to a mainstream network. The production is a major focus for his agency, King Kong by Starship, ensuring that his global popularity is leveraged for maximum audience reach.
From F4 to Fox: The Evolution of Kim Bum’s Topical Authority
Kim Bum’s career is a masterclass in character evolution, establishing his topical authority across multiple, distinct genres. The two roles that define his global footprint—and represent the most significant LSI keywords for his career—are So Yi-jung and Lee Rang. The stark contrast between these two characters highlights his immense growth as an actor.
The So Yi-jung Phenomenon (*Boys Over Flowers*)
In 2009, Kim Bum became a household name across Asia as So Yi-jung, one of the four members of the elite F4 group in the hit drama *Boys Over Flowers*.
Yi-jung was the group’s resident Casanova, a talented potter from a wealthy family who struggled with his own family trauma and commitment issues. The character’s popularity was not just due to his visual appeal but the heartwarming chemistry he shared with the character Chu Ga Eul (played by Kim So-eun), creating one of the most beloved secondary couples in K-drama history, often affectionately dubbed the "So-Eul" couple.
This role cemented his image as a charming romantic lead and a symbol of the *Hallyu* wave's early international success.
The Lee Rang Transformation (*Tale of the Nine Tailed*)
More than a decade later, Kim Bum executed a stunning career pivot by taking on the role of Lee Rang, the half-blood gumiho and younger brother of the main character, Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-wook), in the 2020 fantasy drama *Tale of the Nine Tailed*.
Lee Rang was a complex, villainous character driven by deep-seated abandonment issues and a burning desire for destruction.
The character was lauded by critics and fans alike as one of the most compelling portrayals of a villain-turned-anti-hero, demonstrating Kim Bum's ability to handle intense emotional depth and action sequences.
His performance was so powerful that he was brought back for the successful sequel, *Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938* (2023), where the character was further developed and became a central element of the show's success.
The *Lee Rang* entity is now arguably as important as *So Yi-jung* in his career narrative, allowing him to be recognized not just for romance but for genre-bending fantasy and action as well.
Upcoming Public Appearances and Global Outreach in 2025
Beyond his confirmed K-drama, Kim Bum is actively engaging with his international fanbase, confirming his status as a global star.
A significant event on his 2025 calendar is his scheduled appearance at the Beauty Summit 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
He is set to attend the event on August 28, participating in various cultural activities alongside fellow Korean star Song Ji Hyo.
This type of public engagement is crucial for maintaining his global presence and connecting directly with the massive fanbase he has cultivated across Southeast Asia. His consistent involvement in international events, coupled with his high-profile K-drama roles, ensures that "actor Kim Bum" remains a trending and relevant entity in the global entertainment sphere. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the production schedule for *Sold Out Again Today* and any further announcements regarding his 2025 activities.
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