L'OFFICIEL Hommes' Cover Star Kim Mingue in Every Hue
After making an indelible impression for his performances in Business Proposal and The Heavenly Idol, South Korean actor Kim Mingue readies himself for his next phase
While he has been steadily gaining recognition for his latest works like 2022’s hit series, Business Proposal and the recently concluded The Heavenly Idol, our cover star, Kim Mingue has in fact been honing his craft for nearly a decade. Having started his acting career in 2013 with a cameo in television series Monstar, Kim’s big moment to shine came four years ago when he landed his first leading role in the historical drama Queen: Love and War. Since then, his star has only continued to rise. On what he’s proudest of about his journey, the actor tells L’OFFICIEL HOMMES SINGAPORE: “Hearing from fans about how the works and projects I’ve been involved in have brought them laughter, strength, and joy has been everything.”
You most recently worked on television series, The Heavenly Idol, in which you played a high priest who wakes up in the body of a K-pop idol. What did you enjoy most about the role and the production?
I definitely enjoyed most of the comedic scenes while shooting The Heavenly Idol. I had a blast shooting the humorous scenes with my colleagues.
You revealed in an interview that you had once trained to be a singer and an idol group member for a brief period. Was it an interesting experience for you to revisit that part of yourself for The Heavenly Idol?
I think everyone strives to do their job the best that they can in this world. And as a trainee, I was able to have a peek at the glamour behind it all and really witness the sheer amount of hard work and effort that goes on behind the scenes for idol members.
You’ll soon be embarking on fan meets in Asian cities like Manila and Bangkok. What are you looking forward most to?
The meet-and-greets for fans will begin this month. Above all, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to interact and engage with the fans.
If you could go back in time to tell your younger self something, what would you say?
I’d probably tell myself: “Keep working hard like you’re doing now!” Hmm... Maybe if I could have a fresh start with all of the acting experience that I have now, I’d be able to show an even better version of myself on screen.
Is there a certain type of role that you’d love to try next?
Since I’ve been involved in a more comedic style of work, I want to try more action or serious character roles in the future as a contrast.
What are some of your personal goals this year?
I want to engage and communicate with more fans in different ways.
What can viewers and your fans expect from you next?
I’ll be showcasing more diverse projects and characters in the future, so please continue to show lots of love and support!
Editor-In-Chief IAN LEE
Photography JI+DOH
Styling CHEON KWANGMI
Hair CHOI HAN KYONG
Grooming SIM YANG GYEONG
Photography team TETRIS
Styling assistant LEE SHINYOUNG
Production manager KIM YOU HAH