Kim Min-jae

Kim Min-jae is a South Korean actor and rapper, also known by the stage name Real.be. He rose to prominence with his breakthrough role as Park Eun-tak in the SBS medical drama Dr. Romantic (2016) and has since become a familiar face in Korean television. Known for his idol-like visuals and emotional range, Kim has taken on diverse roles from historical romances like Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist to romantic comedies such as Dali & Cocky Prince. He is also a former trainee under CJ E&M, originally set to debut as the leader of an idol group. As of 2026, Kim is active under YAMYAM Entertainment and recently completed his mandatory military service in March 2025. [edit]

Kim Min-jae grew up in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, and developed an interest in music early on. He studied composition and piano at a music academy during middle school. In his first year of high school, he auditioned for CJ E&M and became a first-generation trainee at the company, training for four years while attending Seoul Performing Arts High School (SOPA). He was initially slated to debut as the leader and rapper of CJ E&M's planned idol group, alongside future members of ACE and SF9. However, after taking acting lessons, he discovered a passion for performing emotionally charged scenes, stating, "It consisted of getting angry, crying, and cursing, and it was so fun." He decided to pursue acting instead. Since March 2016, he has been enrolled at Chung-Ang University. [edit]

Kim made his acting debut in 2014 with the joint South Korean-Vietnamese drama Forever Young and a cameo in I Need Romance 3. In 2015, he appeared in Second 20s and My First Time, and competed on the hip-hop survival show Show Me the Money 4. His big break came in 2016 when he was cast as Park Eun-tak in SBS's Dr. Romantic, a role he would reprise in the second and third seasons. He also made a memorable special appearance in the hit drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God as the King. In 2017, he landed his first lead role in KBS2's Hit the Top. He continued to take on leading parts in MBC's Tempted (2018), JTBC's Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency (2019), and SBS's Do You Like Brahms? (2020). In 2021, he starred as Jin Mu-hak in Dali & Cocky Prince and composed lyrics for labelmate Punch's album. From 2022 to 2023, he played the lead role of Yoo Se-poong in tvN's Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist and its second season. He enlisted for mandatory military service on September 18, 2023, and was discharged on March 17, 2025. [edit]

Kim Min-jae is known for his idol-like visuals, a legacy of his trainee background. His Instagram feed is casual and personal, often featuring his beloved white dog. Fans appreciate his warm and earnest screen presence, and he has built a loyal following through his consistent performances in romantic and historical dramas. While he doesn't have an official fandom name, his supporters actively engage with his social media posts, especially those showing his daily life and pet. [edit]

Kim Min-jae commands a steady, dedicated following across South Korea and among fans of K-dramas, yet his footprint remains distinct from the global superstars who dominate international headlines. While he has built a loyal base through consistent performances in medical dramas and historical romances, he does not currently hold a placement in iFANN's Global Top 1,000 rankings or any scope-specific top lists. The iFANN Global Fame Engine evaluated his profile in August 2026 and determined that he is currently unranked on the published charts. This absence from the top tier reflects his status as a beloved television actor rather than a worldwide cultural phenomenon with mass-market viral traction. His audience engages warmly with his work, particularly his emotional range and visual presence, but this support has not translated into a formalized global ranking position at this time. Regarding his fanbase, there is no documented official fandom name associated with Kim Min-jae. Supporters interact primarily through social media and drama viewing communities without a singular, recognized collective identity. Unlike idols with structured campaigns or specific nicknames, his fans operate as a dispersed group united by appreciation for his roles in series like Dr. Romantic and Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist. The lack of an official title underscores his positioning as an actor whose popularity rests on individual projects rather than a manufactured celebrity ecosystem.[edit]

Kim Min-jae was originally slated to debut as an idol group leader and rapper under CJ E&M alongside future members of ACE and SF9. He performed as a guest rapper at an ACE concert and appeared in Puff Dae-jung's "Ice Ice Baby" stage. He also featured in numerous music videos during his trainee period. His stage name Real.be reflects his musical background. Kim decided to switch from idol training to acting after finding acting lessons "so fun." Fans frequently note his white fluffy dog, which he posts often on Instagram. Despite his rising fame, he has maintained a low-key public image compared to many peers. Some observers recall his early days as a trainee as a pivotal moment where he chose the path of storytelling over pop stardom. There are no widely retold legends or viral folklore incidents surrounding him; his career is defined by steady professional milestones rather than mythical moments. The story of his transition from trainee to actor remains the most enduring narrative about his early life, highlighting a genuine love for the craft that guided his career shift.[edit]

Kim's parents supported his early interest in music. He has not publicly disclosed information about siblings. He has a white fluffy dog that he frequently features on his Instagram, which fans consider part of his family. [edit]

Kim has frequently worked with Han Suk-kyu in the Dr. Romantic series. He also co-starred with Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Sung-kyung in Dr. Romantic 2. His labelmate is singer Punch, for whom he wrote lyrics. During his trainee days, he trained alongside future members of ACE and SF9. [edit]

Kim Min-jae has no confirmed public relationships. As of 2026, he is reportedly single with no known girlfriend. He has kept his personal life private, and no credible sources have linked him to any romantic partner. [edit]

Heading into 2026, iFANN currently estimates Kim Min-jae's net worth at $1 Million. This figure represents an editorial analysis of his earnings trajectory since his breakout role in Dr. Romantic. His income streams are anchored by acting salaries from major television productions, music royalties derived from his past work as the rapper Real.be, and select endorsement deals. While specific per-episode fees remain private, his history of securing lead roles in high-profile dramas indicates a robust financial foundation. He has not publicly disclosed involvement in separate business ventures or real estate holdings. The valuation reflects a solid career built on consistency and versatility within the Korean entertainment industry.[edit]