Introducing Model Turned Actor Song Jae Rim

Song Jae Rim. Half a decade ago, this name would have been completely foreign to most eyes and ears, unless you happened to be incredibly savvy in the fashion industry where he could be found walking the runways of Juun. J, Herin Homme, and Ha Sang Beg. These days; however, the name Song Jae Rim would bring about a completely different kind of reaction — a spark of recognition, a firm nod of respect, or even a fangirlish squeal of delight.

That’s because Song Jae Rim has been steadily building a reputation for himself as a skilled, talented actor. It is not an easy task to make silent yet deadly characters unforgettable, or to become the saving grace of a lower rated drama, but he not only flawlessly executes his intensity and swoon-worthy factor, he thrives in accomplishing the seemingly impossible as well.

With the current surge in popularity brought on by his dedication to his craft, his recent leading role in “Surplus Princess,” and his onscreen marriage to actress Kim So Eun on “We Got Married,” Song Jae Rim is bound to go far. But instead of simply talking about it, let’s take a look at some of his most noteworthy roles.

The Moon That Embraces the Sun’s Jin Chae Woon

In 2012, Song Jae Rim portrayed Jin Chae Woon, the handsome, introverted, yet loyal bodyguard of King Lee Hwon in “The Moon That Embraces the Sun.” Despite being the top swordsman in Joseon, Jin Chae Woon only held a low social status since he was the result of a union between his noble father and his courtesan mother. Depending on perspective, he was fortunate enough to be under the care of his father’s official wife in the palace.

Jin Chae Woon, along with then Crown Prince Lee Hwon, Prince Yang Myung, and scholar Heo Yeom formed the sageuk equivalent of F4 and stole hearts left and right, but it was his unwavering loyalty, inner turmoil, intensely dark eyes, and mysterious aura that made those hearts ready to burst at the seams with affection. His graceful swordplay and long, gloriously silky hair were, of course, just a nice bonus!

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Nail Shop Paris’s Kay

It originally came as both a shocker and disappointment when Song Jae Rim chopped off his lovely locks seen in “The Moon That Embraces the Sun” and grew out some facial hair for his next role of Kay in “Nail Shop Paris.” Luckily, this change didn’t take long to get used to and even brought his chiseled facial features to the forefront.

Awkward, short-tempered, but completely adorable, Kay is an expert nail artist, but like the other team members, the job often coincides with solving client issues, most of them paranormal in nature. And as if that wasn’t already chaotic enough, he unexpectedly finds himself falling in love with a man… or so he thinks!

Kay’s boyish smile, angsty love, and heartwarming personality was the highlight of this eccentric drama, but you are left guessing until the very end whether he is first or second male lead. Does he get the boy? … I mean, girl? The answer may or may not surprise you. (I bet you’re curious now, aren’t you?)

Surplus Princess’s Kwon Shi Kyung

Perhaps the funniest role to date, partially due to the frequent narration that straddles the line between appropriate and 19+, Song Jae Rim tackles the character of Kwon Shi Kyung in the recently aired drama “Surplus Princess.” Unfortunately, the drama was unexpectedly cut short by a whole four episodes, leaving the writer and drama staff scrambling to finish what would have been an amazing production from beginning until end.

Kwon Shi Kyung is a famous chef with an equally as famous “apple bottom.” In fact, Aileen/Kim Ha Ni spent so much of her time daydreaming of those apples or giving them a good squeeze, you would have thought it was actually his face. You know, where she should have been looking. He is meticulous and slightly nitpicky when it comes to his career. Others whisper about his aloofness and arrogance; however, there’s a very interesting and special reason for that. Kwon Shi Kyung suffers from prosopagnosia, which is more commonly known as ‘face blindness.’ It’s not that he was ignoring you, sweetheart, he just has a difficult time recognizing faces!

[tv]Thank you for supporting us by watching Surplus Princess on SoompiTV![/tv]

Inspiring Generation’s Mo Il Hwa

Show stealer Song Jae Rim became Mo Il Hwa in 2014’s “Inspiring Generation.” Not only is he fighter extraordinaire as Shin Jung Tae’s martial arts teacher, he’s a vampire too. No, not literally, but Mo Il Hwa never appears to have aged, no matter how much time has passed. He’s strong, light on his feet, suave, and all other things deliciously male.

With a cocky grin, a heart-stopping wink, a confident strut, and just the slightest touch of insanity, Mo Il Hwa left a crater sized impression in viewer’s hearts. Although, presumably, his piercing gaze might have contributed to that crater.

You Can Also Find Song Jae Rim In

“Flower Boy Ramyun Shop” as Hee Gon, “Fantasy Tower” as Yong Wan, “Two Weeks” as assassin Mr. Kim, and “Big Man” as cameo Park Dong Pal. Additionally, Song Jae Rim also portrayed the roles of Professor Kim in Gong Yoo’s movie, “The Suspect” and leading character Ki Cheol in horror film “Tunnel 3D.” More of a K-Pop fan? You might have also seen in him the MVs for Zhang Li Yin’s “Agape” and 2NE1’s “Go Away.”

Lastly, Song Jae Rim and on-screen wife, Kim So Eun, on “We Got Married” have garnered much attention for their frequent skinship, earning them the nickname ’19+ Couple’ and sending viewers into fits of laughter and fluttering hearts.

If this isn’t the recipe for success, then I don’t know what is! So, tell me, what was your favorite Song Jae Rim role? What project do you hope he’ll take up next?