Standing tall at 1.87 m, Jang Ki Yong is once again making waves on screens with his latest role in Dynamite Kiss, marking a turning point in his decade‑long journey from runway star to respected actor. Once dismissed by critics as a “visual decoration” and a “king of low ratings,” Jang’s persistence and evolving craft are now paying off.
Originally a sought‑after model, Jang Ki Yong debuted on the runway in 2012. His striking height, impeccable proportions, and sharp features quickly captured attention, earning him bookings with major fashion houses like Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, and Loewe. But that same standout look became a double‑edged sword when he transitioned to acting. In the early years, audiences often labeled him a “walking mannequin”, a comment on his limited emotional range on screen.
Jang made his acting debut in 2014 with a cameo in It’s Okay, That’s Love, then appeared in works such as The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos, A Beautiful Mind, My Mister, Come and Hug Me, and Kill It. Despite working with notable casts and directors, most of these projects failed to make a significant impact on ratings or cement his acting reputation.
His first breakthrough came with 2019’s Search: WWW, the first project he starred in that achieved double‑digit ratings. Still, debates about his acting ability lingered. Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021), opposite Song Hye Kyo, was meant to elevate him further, but mixed reviews and modest viewership kept critics unconvinced. Around this time, My Roommate Is a Gumiho offered a rare positive highlight, though many still saw his success leaning heavily on his looks rather than performance depth.
Instead of fading, Jang Ki Yong chose growth. After enlisting in late 2021 and completing his military service in 2023, he used the hiatus to reset his career—returning with a more thoughtful approach to role selection and screen presence. His realignment became clearer with The Atypical Family (JTBC, 2024), a drama blending supernatural elements with family and psychological themes. Critics and viewers noted his emotional improvement, a step forward that built momentum toward his current success.
Dynamite Kiss, which premiered in November 2025, places Jang at the center of a modern rom‑com set in a corporate world. He plays Gong Ji Hyuk, a rule‑driven team leader whose icy exterior gradually melts as he grows closer to Go Da Rim (played by Ahn Eun Jin). What distinguishes his performance is the nuance with which he portrays Ji Hyuk’s inner shift—from reserved and logical to vulnerable and tender—offering a depth previously missing from some of his roles.
While the Dynamite Kiss script has its flaws, the chemistry between Jang Ki Yong and Ahn Eun Jin has kept audiences engaged, and the positive reception suggests the series is helping redefine his narrative from mere eye candy to a compelling lead.
Offscreen, Jang’s public image has matured as well. Since his return, he’s embraced a more grounded personal style—minimalist and youthful—and has appeared in numerous fashion and beauty campaigns, expanding his appeal beyond dramas.
Now managed by United Artist Agency, alongside stars like Song Hye Kyo and Ahn Eun Jin, Jang Ki Yong may not yet be the guaranteed “ratings king”—but he’s comfortably shed the label of struggling actor. After more than a decade in the spotlight, he has emerged not just as a familiar face, but as a performer with staying power and growing artistic credibility.