K-Pop Star Matthew Kim Serves Up Sizzle In 'Beef' Season 2

Matthew Kim's Sizzling Debut in 'Beef'

Netflix's "Beef" is back with a second season, and this time it's bringing some major SoCal heat thanks to K-pop sensation Matthew Kim. Hailing from the group KARD, Kim steps onto the small screen as an irresistible tennis pro named Woosh – so steamy, he’s known to lose his shirt more than a few times. "It’s getting a little hot out here," he quips, setting the stage for some Malibu-style drama at the country club.

Training for the Role – On and Off the Court

Kim, a Los Angeles native, admits his tennis skills were less than pro-level when he scored the role, but that didn’t stop him. "The honest answer is that my tennis game was horrible," he laughs. "I took lessons before I played the part. But luckily I didn't have to play too much on the set. I learned enough to make it look good." Fans on social media seem to agree that he certainly makes it look good.

Beyond tennis, Kim's prep involved a serious glow-up: weight training, food discipline, and even dyeing his hair from black to blonde – a trademark move he pulls off in his music career, and now, as Woosh. "Dyeing the hair helped build the character," he shares. "It was a great idea to create the image of Woosh."

"Because I would be selling skin care, I went to a clinic to learn about skin, pores, and the effects of products on them," Kim says about preparing for his character’s entrepreneurial side hustle.

From K-Pop Dreams to Hollywood Scenes

Kim's journey from K-pop stages to Hollywood sets is as dynamic as his performance. Initially dreaming of dance choreography, his career trajectory took a turn when his mother signed him up for "K-pop Star" in South Korea. "I'm so glad that I sucked it up and went, because moms are always right. Mom's intuition is always right," he admitted back in 2024.

Now he's rubbing elbows with heavyweights like Carey Mulligan and Youn Yuh-jung in "Beef." Playing opposite these Oscar-worthy stars was daunting yet exhilarating for Kim. "I can't wait to audition for more roles in the future," he says with excitement. "I'd love to play a sexy antagonist in an action movie."

With his first acting gig under his belt, Matthew Kim is setting his sights on the horizon. Hollywood better watch out – this K-pop star is ready for the big leagues.