Korean entertainment has taken the world by storm, and one actor who has been making waves is Kim Sung-kyu. With his versatile acting skills and charismatic presence, Kim has starred in numerous popular dramas and movies. Let’s explore the top 10 Korean dramas and movies featuring Kim Sung-kyu that have captivated audiences worldwide as of 2025.
1. Kingdom (2019-2020)
Kim Sung-kyu’s breakthrough role came in the hit Netflix series “Kingdom.” This historical zombie thriller took the world by storm, earning high praise from critics and viewers alike. In this gripping tale set in Korea’s Joseon period, Kim plays Yeong-shin, a mysterious but skilled warrior who joins forces with the crown prince to fight against a zombie plague threatening to destroy the kingdom.
“Kingdom” stands out for its unique blend of traditional Korean culture and the zombie genre. The series boasts stunning visuals, intricate costumes, and heart-pounding action sequences. Kim’s portrayal of Yeong-shin adds depth to the story, as his character’s mysterious past and exceptional fighting skills keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Key statistics:
- 2 seasons, 12 episodes total
- Average viewer rating: 8.3 out of 10
- Streamed in over 190 countries
2. The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019)
In this action-packed crime thriller, Kim Sung-kyu takes on the role of Kang Kyung-ho, a detective working alongside an unlikely duo – a gangster and a police officer – to catch a serial killer. The movie showcases Kim’s ability to portray complex characters, as Kang Kyung-ho struggles with his moral compass while navigating the dangerous world of organized crime.
“The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil” was a box office hit in South Korea and gained international recognition for its intense action sequences and compelling storyline. Kim’s performance adds an extra layer of tension to the already thrilling plot, making it a must-watch for fans of the crime genre.
Key statistics:
- Box office revenue: Over $25 million in South Korea
- Viewer rating: 7.0 out of 10
- Screened at the Cannes Film Festival
3. The Outlaws (2017)
Although Kim Sung-kyu plays a supporting role in “The Outlaws,” his performance as Yang-tae, a ruthless Chinese-Korean gangster, left a lasting impression on viewers. The movie follows a detective’s efforts to maintain peace between warring gangs in Seoul’s Chinatown district.
Kim’s portrayal of Yang-tae showcases his ability to transform into morally ambiguous characters. His intense on-screen presence and convincing depiction of a hardened criminal contributed significantly to the movie’s success.
Key statistics:
- Box office revenue: Over $50 million in South Korea
- Viewer rating: 7.2 out of 10
- Won several awards for its action sequences and performances
4. D.P. (2021-2023)
In this critically acclaimed Netflix series, Kim Sung-kyu plays the role of Park Beom-gu, a military officer involved in tracking down deserters from the Korean army. “D.P.” (which stands for Deserter Pursuit) offers a gritty and realistic look at the challenges faced by young men during their mandatory military service in South Korea.
Kim’s performance as the stern but complex Park Beom-gu adds depth to the series, exploring themes of power, abuse, and the human cost of military discipline. His nuanced portrayal helps to highlight the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of authority within the military system.
Key statistics:
- 2 seasons, 12 episodes total
- Average viewer rating: 8.2 out of 10
- Praised for its honest portrayal of military life in South Korea
5. Moving (2023)
In this superhero K-drama, Kim Sung-kyu takes on the role of Lee Jae-man, a character with extraordinary abilities who becomes entangled in a complex web of government secrets and personal vendettas. “Moving” combines elements of action, drama, and science fiction to create a unique and engaging story.
Kim’s portrayal of Lee Jae-man showcases his range as an actor, balancing the character’s superhuman abilities with very human emotions and motivations. The series gained popularity for its fresh take on the superhero genre within a Korean context.
Key statistics:
- 20 episodes
- Average viewer rating: 8.4 out of 10
- One of the most expensive K-dramas produced, with a budget of over $50 million
6. Karma (2025)
In this thrilling crime drama, Kim Sung-kyu plays a central role in a story of intertwined fates and moral dilemmas. While specific details about his character are kept under wraps, early reviews praise Kim’s performance as one of his most complex and nuanced to date.
“Karma” explores themes of justice, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. The series has been noted for its intricate plot and strong ensemble cast, with Kim’s performance being a standout element.
Key statistics:
- 16 episodes
- Highly anticipated series of 2025
- Collaboration between top Korean and international production companies
7. Pachinko (2024)
Although Kim Sung-kyu appears in a supporting role in the second season of “Pachinko,” his performance as Kim Chang-ho adds significant depth to the already rich narrative. Based on the bestselling novel by Min Jin Lee, “Pachinko” tells the multigenerational saga of a Korean family who immigrate to Japan.
Kim’s portrayal of Chang-ho, a character navigating the complexities of identity and belonging in a foreign land, has been praised for its sensitivity and emotional depth. His performance contributes to the series’ exploration of themes such as family, sacrifice, and the immigrant experience.
Key statistics:
- Based on a New York Times bestselling novel
- Multi-language production (Korean, Japanese, English)
- Average viewer rating: 8.4 out of 10
8. The Fiery Priest (2019-2024)
In this action-comedy series, Kim Sung-kyu plays the role of Goo Dae-young, a detective who becomes involved in the unconventional crime-solving methods of a hot-tempered Catholic priest. The series combines elements of comedy, action, and social commentary, creating a unique and entertaining viewing experience.
Kim’s portrayal of Detective Goo adds a perfect balance to the eccentric cast of characters, showcasing his ability to blend comedy with more serious dramatic moments. The series’ popularity led to multiple seasons, with Kim reprising his role to the delight of fans.
Key statistics:
- Multiple seasons spanning from 2019 to 2024
- Average viewer rating: 8.1 out of 10
- Won several awards for its unique blend of genres
9. Grid (2022)
In this sci-fi mystery thriller, Kim Sung-kyu takes on the challenging dual role of Kim Man-ok and Lee Si-won. “Grid” tells the story of a mysterious entity that once saved humanity from a crisis but has now returned as a potential threat.
Kim’s performance in this dual role showcases his versatility as an actor, effectively portraying two distinct characters with their own motivations and personalities. The series gained attention for its intricate plot and thought-provoking themes about technology and humanity.
Key statistics:
- 10 episodes
- Average viewer rating: 6.4 out of 10
- Praised for its innovative storyline and visual effects
10. Officer Black Belt (2024)
In this action-comedy film, Kim Sung-kyu plays the lead role of Kim Sun-min, a skilled martial artist who becomes a police officer. The movie combines thrilling action sequences with humor, creating an entertaining and light-hearted viewing experience.
Kim’s performance as the titular “Officer Black Belt” allows him to showcase both his comedic timing and his physical prowess in action scenes. The film became a surprise hit, appealing to audiences looking for fun and exciting entertainment.
Key statistics:
- Box office revenue: Over $30 million in South Korea
- Viewer rating: 6.8 out of 10
- Praised for its well-choreographed action scenes and Kim’s charismatic performance