VERIVERY's Kangmin Takes on Sci-Fi Hero Role in New Short-Form Drama 'Jump Boy LIVE'

VERIVERY member Kangmin is expanding his artistic horizons with his second acting role, taking on the lead in the upcoming short-form drama Jump Boy LIVE. The series, which premieres exclusively on the global K-pop short-form platform KITZ on February 27, 2026, marks a bold step into the human science fiction genre for the young idol-turned-actor.

From K-Pop Stage to Sci-Fi Screen

In Jump Boy LIVE, Kangmin plays Ion, a last-place student at a prestigious science high school who dreams of becoming a social media influencer despite being an outsider among his peers. His life takes a dramatic turn when he accidentally picks up a fragment of a meteorite during one of his livestream sessions, granting him the extraordinary ability to teleport. Armed with this newfound power, Ion transforms from a struggling outcast into a "live hero" who uses his abilities to save the world, all while broadcasting his adventures to his growing audience.

The premise cleverly combines the aspirational world of content creation with classic superhero tropes, wrapped in a coming-of-age narrative that speaks directly to the digital generation. The series is optimized for vertical short-form viewing, embracing the mobile-first content consumption habits of its target audience.

A Director with International Credentials

Jump Boy LIVE is directed by Lee Jung-hoon, whose previous work The Scalpel-Wielding Hunter was selected for screening at the prestigious Cannes International Series Festival. His involvement lends significant creative credibility to the project, suggesting that Jump Boy LIVE aims to deliver production quality that rivals traditional full-length dramas despite its short-form format. The series is written by Lee Ra-ik, who crafted the screenplay with the unique visual language of vertical content in mind.

On February 20, the production team unveiled the main poster and trailer, which immediately generated buzz among fans. The trailer opens with a catchy soundtrack and follows Ion as he stumbles upon the meteorite fragment during a routine SNS livestream, setting the stage for his transformation into an unlikely hero.

Kangmin's Growing Acting Career

For Kangmin, the youngest member of VERIVERY under Jellyfish Entertainment, Jump Boy LIVE represents his second foray into acting. The idol has been steadily building his individual profile, including successful solo fan meetings in Hong Kong and Osaka in early 2026. His casting as the lead in a sci-fi drama demonstrates the growing trend of K-pop idols leveraging their star power and performance skills to carve out parallel careers in acting.

VERIVERY, which debuted in 2019, has maintained an active presence in the K-pop scene, and Kangmin's dual pursuits in music and drama reflect the group's members exploring diverse creative outlets. The role of Ion, a character who gains superpowers and becomes a hero through livestreaming, aligns naturally with Kangmin's real-world experience as a performer who connects with fans through digital platforms.

The Rise of Short-Form K-Drama

Jump Boy LIVE is part of a growing wave of premium short-form content emerging from the Korean entertainment industry. Platforms like KITZ are positioning themselves at the intersection of K-pop fandom and serialized storytelling, creating content specifically designed for mobile viewing. By casting popular idols in these productions, the platform taps into built-in audiences while offering fans new ways to engage with their favorite artists.

With its blend of sci-fi action, coming-of-age drama, and livestreaming culture, Jump Boy LIVE is set to test whether short-form content can deliver the kind of narrative depth and visual spectacle that K-drama fans have come to expect. All eyes will be on Kangmin when the series drops on KITZ on February 27.