In the fantasy thriller Death's Game, Kim Ji-hoon portrays the character Park Tae-u, who initially comes across as kind and considerate. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Tae-u's true nature is far from benevolent. He is an entitled chaebol with no regard for others or the value of human life. Tae-u's ability to disguise his murderous instincts behind a façade of empathy makes him a captivating and despised villain, especially when portrayed by Kim Ji-hoon.
Before taking on the role in Death's Game, Kim Ji-hoon had already made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous TV dramas and a few films. His portrayal as a serial killer in the 2020 thriller Flower of Evil earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 57th Baeksang Awards. This role further expanded his fan base. He continued to challenge himself by playing a sex trafficker in the 2023 film Ballerina. It seems that playing dark and complex characters has become Kim Ji-hoon's forte, and he attributes his success to the intense effort he puts into understanding and embodying these roles.
