[On the Record] Kim Minjae "You Need to Know How and Why You Live"

Actor Kim Minjae Interview

'Romantic Doctor Kim Sa-bu 3' Nurse Park Euntak Role
7 Years at Doldam Hospital "Applause for Uncompromising Courage"

Kim Min-jae [Photo by Nyamnyam Entertainment]

Actor Kim Min-jae (27) has grown alongside the drama 'Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim' (2016?2023) for seven years. Through three seasons, he laughed and cried with the family of Doldam Hospital. He has made remarkable progress both as an actor and as a person.

On the morning of the 19th, Kim Min-jae, whom we met at a cafe in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, shared his thoughts on the series finale, saying, "Compared to other seasons, my feelings about letting go are more touching and restless," and added, "I already miss it."

In SBS drama 'Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim 3' (written by Kang Eun-kyung and Lim Hye-min, directed by Yoo In-sik and Kang Bo-seung), which ended on the 17th, Kim Min-jae was loved for his role as Park Eun-tak, a responsible and righteous nurse at Doldam Hospital. Throughout seasons 1 to 3, he protected Doldam Hospital, leaving a strong and solid impression with his dependable presence.

Kim Min-jae said, "I was amazed while reading the script, wondering 'How can such writing come out?'" and added, "It was great to act alongside people I love." He continued, "Each season was different and fresh. Although it was tough while filming, it was fun. Because I filmed happily, I want to continue for the next season as well."

"A great senior and a good adult" The real teacher Han Suk-kyu

'Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim' returned with a new season after three years. When asked if he would like to appear if season 4 is produced, Kim Min-jae nodded, saying, "It holds great meaning for me." What is it that so strongly binds the actors? He said, "The message the drama delivers is outstanding."

Kim Min-jae said, "We need to know why we live and how we live. The message questioning the value of life in this era and uncompromising moral values is attractive." He emphasized, "There are people at Doldam Hospital who courageously answer those questions and keep their convictions."

Kim Min-jae [Photo by Nyamnyam Entertainment]

This season, along with personal growth, he also achieved love with Yoon Ah-reum (played by So Ju-yeon), bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion. Kim Min-jae and So Ju-yeon's last scene was a kiss. He recalled, "By chance, the last scene for Team A was a kiss scene, and we filmed it for five hours. If it had been on another day, it would have been tough, but since it was the last shoot, it passed by so quickly that I don't even know how it went."

Han Suk-kyu, who played Kim Sa-bu in the drama, became a true 'teacher' to Kim Min-jae. Kim Min-jae described Han Suk-kyu as "a great senior and a wonderful adult." He added, "Every moment talking with Han Suk-kyu is moving and an honor."

He also mentioned, "Han Suk-kyu advised me to finish my military service quickly since season 1." When asked about memorable advice as an actor, he recalled the season 2 wrap-up party. Kim Min-jae said, "Actors often suffer while acting by scratching their own hearts, but he told me to only scratch as much as my heart doesn't tear. He worries a lot about the younger generation. He is very concerned about young actors who are confused and don't know how to live during this chaotic time."

Kim Min-jae is determined to enlist this year. Preparing to apply for the military band, he said, "I want to complete my national defense duty quickly." He continued, "I felt the need to organize my acting career in my 30s and my life ahead and to study, and the timing just matched. I thought, 'Now is the time.' Although I am enlisting earlier than actors of my age group, I believe it will be a valuable time for me," showing a composed attitude.

He added, "Since I will have a lot of personal time, I will focus on self-development by reading many books and learning languages. I want to show a good side of myself as an actor."

Plan to enlist this year... "A valuable time to fill myself"

Kim Min-jae [Photo by Nyamnyam Entertainment]

Kim Min-jae will reveal a new side of himself with a special appearance in the Netflix series 'Hounds' (directed by Kim Joo-hwan), released online on the 9th. Although his screen time is limited, the reaction was that his rough appearance, unlike his usual neat and upright face, was refreshing. He said, "Actor Woo Do-hwan asked me to appear, so I rushed over immediately." He laughed, adding, "It was the first time I cursed in a work, and it felt strange."

When asked about his experience playing a villain, he joked, "It wasn't a villain, it was trash," making everyone laugh. Kim Min-jae said, "I deliberately approached it in an ordinary way. Maybe that's why I received many comments that my different side was impressive, so I am satisfied." He added, "There are many different sides within me. I have played neat and upright characters in many works and usually value manners, but I have many hidden sides. I hope to show them someday."

Wrapping up his last schedule before enlistment with this interview, Kim Min-jae plans to enjoy a personal trip in the U.S. to close out his twenties. He expressed satisfaction, saying, "My goal in my twenties was to live my thirties based on various experiences, and it turned out that way." He added, "Before enlisting, I want to travel to places like New York and Los Angeles without any worries and just enjoy myself."

He said, "I also look forward to my acting career in my thirties after discharge. I have a strong desire to learn more. I want to fill myself with various things like languages, music, and society."