Choi Min-sik is one of South Korea’s most talented and respected actors. With a career spanning over three decades, he has delivered many memorable performances in both films and TV dramas. As of 2025, Choi Min-sik continues to captivate audiences with his powerful acting. Let’s take a look at 10 of his best Korean dramas and movies that you should definitely watch.
1. Oldboy (2003)
Oldboy is perhaps Choi Min-sik’s most famous role internationally. In this intense thriller, he plays Oh Dae-su, a man who is mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years. After being suddenly released, he goes on a quest for revenge to find out why he was held captive. Choi’s raw and emotional performance as the tormented protagonist is unforgettable. The film is known for its shocking twists and brutal action scenes. Oldboy won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and is considered a modern classic of Korean cinema.
2. I Saw the Devil (2010)
In this dark and violent thriller, Choi Min-sik takes on the role of Jang Kyung-chul, a dangerous serial killer. When he murders the fiancée of a secret agent, it sets off a brutal game of cat-and-mouse between the two men. Choi is terrifying as the remorseless killer, creating one of the most memorable villains in Korean film. His scenes with Lee Byung-hun, who plays the vengeful agent, are intense and gripping. While very violent, the film is a masterful psychological thriller that showcases Choi’s ability to fully transform into a character.
3. The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
This epic historical war film became the highest-grossing movie in Korean history upon its release. Choi Min-sik stars as Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who led the Korean navy to a decisive victory against a much larger Japanese fleet in 1597. Choi gives a powerful performance as the brilliant naval commander, capturing both his strategic genius and inner struggles. The film features spectacular naval battle scenes that bring this important moment in Korean history to life. Choi’s commanding presence anchors the entire film as he portrays one of Korea’s greatest national heroes.
4. New World (2013)
In this gripping crime thriller, Choi plays the ruthless boss of a criminal organization. The story follows an undercover police officer who has infiltrated the gang, leading to dangerous conflicts of loyalty. Choi is menacing yet charismatic as the crime lord Chung, showing why he excels at playing complex villains. The film is filled with twists and turns as the undercover cop tries to navigate the dangerous criminal underworld. New World was a big hit in Korea and further cemented Choi’s status as one of the country’s top actors.
5. Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (2012)
Set in the port city of Busan in the 1980s and 1990s, this crime drama stars Choi as Choi Ik-hyun, a corrupt customs officer who rises in the criminal underworld. It’s a meaty role that allows Choi to show his range as an actor as his character evolves from a bumbling official to a powerful gangster. The film provides an interesting look at organized crime in Korea during a time of rapid economic growth. Choi received multiple awards for his nuanced portrayal of the morally ambiguous protagonist.
6. Big Bet (2022-2023)
This crime drama series marked Choi Min-sik’s return to television after a long absence. He plays Cha Mu-sik, a man who builds a casino empire in the Philippines but faces numerous challenges to his business. The show was praised for its tense plot and Choi’s compelling performance as the ambitious protagonist. Big Bet was a hit on Disney+ and showed that Choi could still dominate the small screen. The series ran for two seasons, allowing for deeper character development.
7. Shiri (1999)
Shiri was a groundbreaking film that helped kick off the Korean Wave in cinema. In this action thriller, Choi plays a North Korean spy and assassin named Park Mu-young. The movie follows South Korean agents trying to stop a terrorist plot, leading to intense confrontations with Choi’s character. The film was a massive hit and showed that Korean movies could compete with Hollywood blockbusters. Choi’s charismatic performance as the antagonist was a key part of the movie’s success.
8. In Our Prime (2022)
This heartwarming drama sees Choi playing a genius mathematician named Ji-woo who becomes a school security guard. He forms an unlikely friendship with a struggling student and helps the boy discover a talent for math. It’s a gentler role than many of Choi’s famous parts, allowing him to show his softer side. The film explores themes of education and finding one’s passion in life. Choi’s portrayal of the kind-hearted mentor earned him praise from critics and audiences.
9. Forbidden Dream (2019)
In this historical drama, Choi takes on the role of Jang Yeong-sil, a famous scientist and inventor from Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. The film explores Jang’s relationship with King Sejong the Great as they work together on various scientific projects. Choi delivers a thoughtful performance as the brilliant but low-born inventor who must navigate the complex world of the royal court. The movie provides an interesting look at a fascinating period of Korean history and scientific development.
10. Exhuma (2024)
One of Choi’s most recent films, Exhuma is a supernatural thriller that was a big hit in Korea. Choi plays a geomancer who is called to investigate strange events surrounding a wealthy family’s grave. The movie blends elements of horror, mystery, and traditional Korean beliefs about the spirit world. Choi’s performance as the skilled but conflicted geomancer adds depth to the eerie atmosphere of the film. Exhuma showcases Choi’s continued ability to take on diverse and challenging roles even later in his career.