Rising star Kim Jin-young, better known as Dex, is expanding his acting portfolio with a confirmed special appearance in the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s action-packed K-drama Bloodhounds 2. The news, first reported on June 17, 2025, and later confirmed by Netflix on June 20, has sparked excitement among fans eager to see the multitalented entertainer take on a new role in this global hit series. While details about his character remain under wraps, Dex’s involvement adds fresh anticipation to an already buzzworthy production.
Dex’s Meteoric Rise in Acting
Dex, a former UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) member turned entertainer, has quickly become a household name in South Korea’s entertainment industry. His charisma and versatility first captured audiences’ hearts on the reality show Single’s Inferno (2021–), where his charm and authenticity made him a fan favorite. Since then, Dex has diversified his career, appearing in programs like Bloody Game 2 (2023), Zombieverse (2023), and Adventure by Accident (2023–), showcasing his ability to engage viewers across genres.
His acting journey began in 2024 with a special appearance in the thriller series Tarot, produced by STUDIO X+U. In the third episode, Dex made a memorable debut, holding his own alongside seasoned actors like Cho Yeo-jeong and Kim Sung-tae. This marked his first step into scripted drama, proving he could translate his on-screen charisma into acting. In 2025, Dex is set to take on a supporting role in the upcoming ENA drama The Defects, where he will act alongside Yeom Jung-ah, Won Jin-a, and Choi Young-joon. Playing Jung-hyun, the operational head of an illegal adoption ring, Dex is expected to showcase a more intense and nuanced performance. Additionally, he is slated to star as a lead in Child Shopping (literal title), further cementing his transition from reality star to serious actor. His special appearance in Bloodhounds 2 is yet another milestone, signaling his growing prominence in the K-drama landscape.
Beyond acting, Dex continues to juggle multiple roles in the entertainment world. He is set to return as a host for the survival show B:MY BOYZ and will appear in the 11th episode of Fresh off the Sea Season 2, premiering in June 2025. His ability to balance reality TV, hosting, and acting highlights his work ethic and versatility, making his Bloodhounds 2 cameo a highly anticipated event.
What to Expect from Bloodhounds 2
Bloodhounds 2 promises to build on the success of its first season, which captivated audiences worldwide upon its June 2023 release. Based on Jeong Chan’s popular Naver webtoon, the action-noir series follows two young boxers, Kim Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Hong Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi), as they navigate the dangerous world of loan sharks. Season 1 saw the duo take down a ruthless loan shark ring led by the villainous Kim Myeong-gil (Park Sung-woong), earning praise for its intense fight scenes and the compelling bromance between its leads. The show ranked in Netflix’s Top 10 across 83 countries, becoming a global phenomenon.
In Season 2, Kim Gun-woo and Hong Woo-jin return to face a new challenge: a global underground boxing league led by the formidable Baek Jeong, played by Jung Ji-hoon (better known as Rain), who marks his first villain role in over two decades. The stakes are higher as Baek Jeong uses his power to draw the boxers into a dark and brutal world of illegal fighting. The season will explore Kim Gun-woo’s dream of becoming a boxing champion while confronting the moral and physical challenges posed by this new adversary. Joining the cast is Hwang Chan-sung of 2PM, adding further star power to the ensemble. Directed and written by Kim Joo-hwan, known for films like Midnight Runners and The Divine Fury, Bloodhounds 2 is expected to deliver even more gripping action and emotional depth.
Filming for the second season began in September 2024 and is slated to continue until April 2025, with a worldwide premiere on Netflix scheduled for 2026. While Dex’s role remains undisclosed, his presence is sure to add a dynamic layer to the series, given his proven ability to captivate audiences. Fans are eagerly awaiting how his cameo will fit into the high-octane narrative, further elevating the excitement for Bloodhounds 2.
Sources: Naver, Sports Donga
