There’s only one man in Korea that even Dispatch, known for celebrity exposés, seems eager to protect: Kim Seon Ho.
A quiet 10 year journey to prove yourself
After studying at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, Kim Seon Ho made his acting debut in theater in 2009. For nearly a decade he dedicated himself to theater, appearing in numerous acclaimed productions. Those years helped him hone his acting skills and develop one of his greatest strengths: the ability to express deep emotions through body language and subtle expressions.
Despite being a brilliant talent in the theater world, Kim Seon Ho remained largely unknown to the general public. Only in 2017, at the age of 31, did he officially debut on television with a small role in “Good director“. Although the part was minor, his versatile performance attracted attention. Later that same year, he gained more popularity with his funny but sincere role as a rookie cop in “Two policemen“, which opened the doors to more opportunities.
From 2018 to 2019, he continued to prove himself with several supporting and supporting roles in dramas such as “100 days my prince” AND “Welcome to Waikiki 2Although she had not yet landed leading roles, her natural charm and compelling performances gradually carved out her space in Korean television.
Then came the major turning point in his career: in 2020, Kim Seon Ho starred in “Startup” alongside Suzy and Nam Joo Hyuk. He played Han Ji Pyeong, a wealthy and intelligent investor with a reclusive past. Although he was technically a second lead, Han Ji Pyeong’s sweet and friendly nature captivated millions of viewers. His breakout success turned him into a trending name on platforms like Naver and Twitter, earning him the nickname “Nation’s Good Boy” – a title inspired by a joke from the show.
Riding the wave of “Startup“, Kim Seon Ho got his first leading role in”Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha“, where he played Hong Du Sik, a kind and multi-talented man who helps everyone in Gongjin Village. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal area, the healing romance resonated deeply with viewers, offering a warm and gentle story of love and life.
A scandal and an extraordinary comeback
Just when his career reached new heights, Kim Seon Ho faced a shocking scandal in October 2021. An anonymous online post accused him of mistreating his ex-girlfriend. The post quickly went viral, causing him to be dropped from multiple projects and lose numerous endorsement deals.
However, just a few days later, the truth began to emerge. Dispatch, often known for reporting scandals, took the rare step of defending Kim Seon Ho. They released evidence showing that the allegations had been distorted. It was a very unusual move for Dispatch and their support helped clear its name. While Kim Seon Ho has managed to protect his “good guy” image, he has chosen to step away from the spotlight for a while.
In 2022 he returns to acting with the theater show”Touching the void“, followed by the film “The Child” in 2023. Throughout all the obstacles in his career, he has maintained professionalism, never lashing out or placing blame, choosing instead to focus on his craft. This attitude has only deepened fans’ respect and admiration for him.
“When life gives you tangerines”: a triumphal return after the storm
After the kind of controversy that could have ended a career, Kim Seon Ho not only survived, but came back stronger. “When life gives you tangerines“isn’t just another drama; it’s a defining moment in the story of his comeback.
In the series he plays Park Cheong Seop, a reserved and seemingly detached artist with a kind and deeply empathetic soul. He is not good at expressing feelings with words, but his silent actions show a deep affection for the female protagonist Geum Myeong (played by IU). At the end of the series, after returning from military service, Cheong Seop reappears in Geum Myeong’s life, seemingly ready to win her heart and marry her.
This drama isn’t just a comeback vehicle for Kim Seon Ho – it’s a testament to the fact that he never truly lost his touch. His return is powerful, convincing and, above all, unstoppable.
“Can this love be translated?”
His return to the spotlight in Can this love be translated?a romantic comedy starring Go Youn Jung, has sparked excitement and debate. Although the plot received mixed reactions, the series still marks a milestone in Kim Seon Ho’s steady and resilient comeback after past personal controversies.
In Can this love be translated?Kim plays Joo Ho Jin, a multilingual interpreter who is fluent in many languages but is clumsy in expressing personal emotions. To prepare, he spent months studying languages and honing his emotional capacity, efforts praised by director Yoo Young Eun at press events.
The drama’s international filming locations, exquisite wardrobe and cinematic visuals impressed viewers. However, the plot attracted criticism for its convoluted narrative, particularly around female protagonist Do Ra Mi’s split personality arc. Despite this, the visual chemistry between Kim Seon Ho and Go Youn Jung remains a strong draw, continuing to fuel the drama’s popularity.
At a time when many celebrities stumble under scrutiny, Kim Seon Ho’s story stands out: a quiet redemption arc defined by perseverance, professionalism and humility, so much so that even Dispatch seemed to say: “Leave this alone.”
Sources: K14
