Rising South Korean actor Kim Min-kyu is quickly gaining international attention for his role as Cha Jin-wook in the hit drama Bitch X Rich 2. His portrayal of the mysterious and charismatic “bad boy” is turning heads across Asia, making him one of the most talked-about young actors of 2025.
According to Naver, the series has gone viral throughout the region, and Kim Min-kyu is winning hearts with his sharp visuals, strong screen presence, and effortless acting. Despite limited screen time, his on-screen chemistry with lead actress Kim Ye-ri has drawn praise for its natural and engaging dynamic.
In Bitch X Rich 2, Kim Min-kyu plays Cha Jin-wook, the secret son of Chasel Medic Group’s chairman. After studying abroad, he returns to Korea to prepare for an arranged marriage with Baek Je-na (played by Yeri of Red Velvet). To get closer to her, he enrolls in Cheongdam International High School. Though he exudes arrogance and a cold demeanor, Cha Jin-wook is not just another privileged heir. Beneath his rebellious exterior lies a strategic mind, determined to compete with his half-brothers for control of the family empire.
Cha Jin-wook’s complex duality a brooding, cigarette-smoking rebel who melts hearts while sipping banana milk has resonated with fans. Kim Min-kyu shared in interviews that he was drawn to the role because of its freshness, “This character felt like a new challenge and an opportunity to showcase a different side of myself as an actor.”
Audiences have been especially invested in the dynamic between Cha Jin-wook and Baek Je-na, dubbing them the “elite chaebol couple” for their luxurious, high-society aesthetic. The drama has gained traction for its blend of power struggles, youthful romance, and stylish visuals, with fans eagerly anticipating more romantic scenes between the “banana milk prince” and Cheongdam High’s queen bee.
Born in 2001 and standing at 185 cm, Kim Min-kyu has often been described as a perfect blend of K-drama heartthrobs Cha Eun-woo and Hwang Min-hyun. He first rose to fame as a contestant on Mnet’s survival show Produce X 101 and was formerly a trainee at Jellyfish Entertainment.
Beyond acting, Kim Min-kyu has worked as a model and MC. His acting debut came in 2020 with Pop Out Boy!, and he gained further recognition in Netflix’s The Fabulous in 2022. In 2023, he showed his range in the drama Maestra: Strings of Truth.
In 2024, Kim Min-kyu won the Best Rookie Actor award at the Brand of the Year Awards and starred in the historical series Missing Crown Prince. However, it is Bitch X Rich 2 that has truly solidified his status as a breakout star, with fans and critics alike praising his performance.
With his versatile acting skills, undeniable charm, and growing popularity, Kim Min-kyu is poised to become one of the next big names in K-dramas.