Kim Jae Won has officially emerged as the nation’s new “youngest boyfriend” thanks to his starring role in Yumi’s Cells Season 3.
The 25-year-old actor, who played Soon Rok – a sharp-tongued but unexpectedly sweet editor at Julie Publishing, recently met with Sports Chosun at Samcheong-dong in Seoul to discuss his passion for the series and the overwhelming response from viewers.
Yumi’s Cells Season 3 follows Yumi, played by Kim Go Eun, after she becomes a successful writer. Her quiet daily life is shaken once again by the arrival of Soon Rok, who takes her on another emotional journey full of love, laughter and heartbreak.
THE Yumi’s Cells franchise he first gained huge popularity for his unique combination of live narration and 3D animation. From Season 1 premiered in 2021, followed by Season 2 in 2022 and Season 3 This year, the series has built a five-year legacy that many viewers now consider one of Korea’s most definitive romantic dramas.
Following memorable male protagonists like Goo Woong (played by Ahn Bo Hyun) in Season 1 and Babi (played by Park Jinyoung) in Season 2Kim Jae Won’s portrayal of Soon Rok has earned huge praise online.
Although Soon Rok appears logical and emotionally reserved on the surface, the character also reveals an unexpectedly lovable side as a devoted homebody with low social energy outside of work. Kim Jae Won’s performance highlighted this contrast perfectly, transforming Soon Rok into the character of a younger boyfriend who confidently throws himself into love despite his calm personality.
Reflecting on the drama’s popularity, Kim Jae Won shared, “A lot more people recognize me on the street now. I’m spending these days feeling grateful for all the love.” She also revealed that her older sister is a huge fan of the original series. “When I told her I was going to play Soon Rok, she was shocked and asked me, ‘Are you going to play Soon Rok?’ That reaction really made me realize how popular this series is.”
The actor admitted that he initially felt pressure to take on such a beloved character. “Soon Rok will basically become a unicorn-like young man in the original webtoon. I was wondering if I could portray him correctly,” he said. “But after I read the script, I felt incredibly lucky. I thought, ‘This is a really huge opportunity.'”
Rather than focus on ratings pressure, Kim Jae Won said his main concern was simply doing justice to the role. “I told myself to work 200% harder so I don’t become a burden on the series.”
The actor also spoke about his synchronization with Soon Rok’s personality. According to director Lee Sang Yeob, Kim Jae won visually it closely matched the characterespecially since he wore glasses like Soon Rok when he was younger. Friends who know him personally have also pointed out the similarities, especially his own natural cuteness and playful charm.
Kim Jae Won also didn’t hide his admiration for co-star Kim Go Eun. “Working with Kim Go Eun was truly a continuous learning experience,” he shared. “She’s a veteran actress, and even though I was inexperienced, she constantly guided me on set and communicated with me so much. Just being able to act alongside her still feels unreal.”
Despite their 10-year age difference, viewers praised the couple’s chemistry throughout the drama. Kim Jae Won said he never really felt the age difference while acting together and was flattered by fans calling him “everyone has younger boyfriends.”
She also admitted that she loved the wedding ending of the drama. “When I first received the script, I wondered if Yumi and Soon Rok would really get married like in the original webtoon. Later, after reading the final episodes, I naturally immersed myself in those emotions. Honestly, I think the ending of the wedding made it even better,” he joked. “I have become Kim Go Eun’s last man.”
When asked what his favorite scene was, Kim Jae Won immediately chose the ending of episode 6 – the moment when Soon Rok unexpectedly visits Yumi’s house and directly confesses his feelings instead of apologizing to another writer. “That confession scene was especially meaningful to me because it felt like the first time Soon Rok had confessed like that in his life,” he explained.
One of the most talked about moments of the drama was the now viral “fish-shaped pastry kiss” scene. Kim Jae Won laughed while discussing this, saying: “It went really well. Looking at Soon Rok, I thought, ‘How can someone be so harmless and yet make hearts beat like this?’ Honestly, it was even more exciting than a normal kiss.
She also revealed that Soon Rok’s shaking legs after the kiss were completely real. “My legs actually gave out and viewers noticed that detail,” he said. “There’s also a scene where Soon Rok wipes his lips a little afterwards, and it was an impromptu moment that happened naturally without me planning it.”
Kim Jae Won also addressed the famous “Maltese dog controversy” from episode 1. In the scene, Rok soon bluntly insults Maltese dogs while talking to Yumi, sparking hilarious reactions from real-life Maltese owners online. The actor even jokingly apologized via social media afterward.
Laughing, Kim Jae Won said: “I simply recited the lines from the script faithfully, but after the episode aired, I was shocked to see so many viewers with Maltese profile photos flooding my comments.” He added, “I would like to apologize once again to all Maltese owners. Maltese dogs are actually the cutest dogs in the world.”
Alongside Kim Go Eun and Kim Jae Won, Yumi’s Cells Season 3 The cast also included Jeon Seok Ho, Choi Daniel, Lee Yoo Bi, and several returning cast members. The drama was written by Song Jae Jung and Kim Kyung Ran, with Lee Sang Yeob directing.
Sources: Naver
