Kim Seon-ho Movies and TV Shows: Complete List & Guide

If you’ve scrolled through Netflix’s K-drama section lately, you’ve probably seen Kim Seon-ho—whether as the sharp-tongued Han Ji-pyeong in Start-Up or the warm-hearted dentist in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. His journey from stage actor to one of South Korea’s most recognizable faces took a sudden turn in 2021, but his filmography tells a story of steady growth, with a feature film debut in 2023’s The Childe and a new drama coming in 2026.

Film Debut: 2017 ·
Total Dramas: 10+ ·
Total Movies: 3 ·
Most Watched Drama: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha ·
Netflix Series: 3 ·
Awards: 2

Here are the key personal and career details for Kim Seon-ho.

What is Kim Seon-ho’s most popular movie?

The Childe (2023) as his most prominent film

Kim Seon-ho’s first leading film role came in The Childe, a 2023 action thriller directed by Park Hoon-jung (Wikipedia filmography). The movie marked his transition from television to the big screen, and he received top billing for the first time in a feature film.

Box office and reception of The Childe

While exact box office figures are not widely reported, the film was released in South Korea and internationally. It garnered mixed reviews, with critics highlighting the intense action sequences and Kim Seon-ho’s performance as a departure from his typical rom-com image.

Other notable films

• He has appeared in only three films to date, with The Childe being the most prominent. Earlier film work includes a minor role in the 2018 film You Drive Me Crazy (Rotten Tomatoes film rating site).

What this means: Kim Seon-ho’s filmography is still emerging, but The Childe stands as his most significant film to date—a deliberate pivot from television romance to cinematic action.

What is Kim Seon-ho famous for?

Breakout role in Start-Up (2020)

Kim Seon-ho gained widespread recognition for his supporting role as Han Ji-pyeong, a sharp financial investor, in the Netflix drama Start-Up (2020) (Rotten Tomatoes film rating site). The character’s wit and emotional depth made him a fan favorite, even though he was not the male lead.

Lead role in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

His first leading role came in the rom-com Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, which premiered on Netflix on August 28, 2021 (Cosmo.ph entertainment coverage). Playing a small-town dentist, he charmed audiences worldwide and solidified his status as a Hallyu star.

Variety show 2 Days & 1 Night

Starting in 2019, Kim Seon-ho became a cast member of the popular variety show 2 Days & 1 Night (Cosmo.ph entertainment coverage). His natural, funny personality on the show helped him build a loyal fanbase beyond his scripted roles.

Theatre background

Before moving to screen, Kim Seon-ho started his career on stage (Rotten Tomatoes film rating site). This foundation in theater gave him the vocal control and emotional range that later set him apart on television.

The pattern: Kim Seon-ho’s fame is built on a trio of TV roles—a supporting scene-stealer, a leading man, and a variety show regular—all within 18 months.

Does Kim Seon-ho speak English?

English proficiency level

Kim Seon-ho has basic English skills but is not fluent. He has used short English phrases in interviews and during variety show segments, but he typically speaks Korean in public appearances.

Evidence from interviews

In interviews with international media, he often relies on a translator or responds in Korean. There are no known long-form interviews conducted entirely in English by him.

Comparison with other Korean actors

Compared to peers like Park Seo-joon or Lee Min-ho, who have performed in English-language productions, Kim Seon-ho’s English proficiency is more limited. He has not yet taken on an English-speaking role.

The catch: Fans who follow him on variety shows will notice he occasionally uses English words naturally, but he’s far from conversational.

What is the new K-drama with Kim Seon-ho?

Can This Love Be Translated? (2026)

Kim Seon-ho is set to star in the upcoming drama Can This Love Be Translated?, scheduled for 2026 (Wikipedia). The project is still in pre-production, with plot details and co-stars not yet fully confirmed.

The Tyrant (2024)

In 2024, he appeared in the streaming series The Tyrant, playing Director Choi (Spanish Wikipedia). This project reunited him with director Park Hoon-jung, who also directed The Childe (Wikipedia filmography).

Upcoming projects

• Beyond 2026, no confirmed projects are publicly listed. Fans should monitor official announcements from SALT Entertainment.

What this means: Kim Seon-ho is maintaining a steady pace—one drama or film every 1–2 years—and his collaboration with Park Hoon-jung suggests a possible shift toward action/thriller genres.

What is the issue of Kim Seon-ho?

Controversy in 2021

In October 2021, Kim Seon-ho became the center of a private life controversy involving his ex-girlfriend. Allegations were posted online, claiming he had pressured her to have an abortion. The story quickly spread, causing a major scandal. Kim Seon-ho issued a public apology, and the controversy led to his temporary withdrawal from several projects.

Allegations and apology

In his apology, Kim Seon-ho reportedly said, “I sincerely apologize to those who have been hurt by my actions.” He also asked for time to reflect and promised to take responsibility.

Impact on career

Following the controversy, he was dropped from the film Dog Days and the variety show 2 Days & 1 Night, where he had been a regular since 2019 (Cosmo.ph entertainment coverage). However, he later returned to acting with The Childe in 2023, indicating a gradual career recovery.

What happened to his mother?

Separate from the controversy, Kim Seon-ho’s mother was reportedly the victim of a robbery in 2021. The incident was unrelated to his personal scandal and did not affect his career.

The trade-off: The controversy temporarily derailed Kim Seon-ho’s momentum, but his ability to return with a leading film role shows that audiences and producers are willing to give him a second chance.

Kim Seon-ho’s career is a study in contrasts: rapid rise, sudden fall, and measured recovery. For fans wondering whether to invest in his filmography, the evidence points to an actor willing to take risks—and a production industry that still believes in his talent. Kim Seon-ho’s career shows that even after a scandal, a strong portfolio of roles can rebuild trust, one project at a time.