Han Suk-kyu is a legendary South Korean actor who has been captivating audiences for decades with his incredible performances. Known for his versatility and depth, Han has starred in numerous critically acclaimed dramas and films throughout his career. As we look back on his impressive body of work in 2025, let’s explore 10 of the best Korean dramas and movies featuring this talented actor.
1. Dr. Romantic (2016-2023)
Han Suk-kyu’s portrayal of the eccentric but brilliant surgeon Kim Sa-bu, also known as Teacher Kim, in the medical drama “Dr. Romantic” is nothing short of masterful. The series follows Teacher Kim as he mentors young doctors at a small, understaffed hospital in the countryside.
What makes this drama special is Han’s ability to bring depth and complexity to his character. Teacher Kim is not just a skilled doctor; he’s a man with a mysterious past and a unique philosophy on medicine and life. Han’s performance is both charismatic and nuanced, perfectly capturing the character’s quirks and wisdom.
The drama’s success led to multiple seasons, with Han reprising his role each time. His performance earned him several awards, including the prestigious Grand Prize (Daesang) at the SBS Drama Awards.
2. Deep Rooted Tree (2011)
In this historical drama, Han Suk-kyu takes on the role of King Sejong the Great, one of Korea’s most revered monarchs. The series tells the story of the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangul, and the political intrigue surrounding it.
Han’s portrayal of King Sejong is both regal and human. He perfectly captures the king’s intelligence, vision, and determination, as well as his struggles and doubts. The actor’s ability to convey complex emotions with subtle expressions adds depth to every scene.
This role showcased Han’s talent for historical dramas and earned him widespread acclaim, including another Grand Prize at the SBS Drama Awards.
3. The Berlin File (2013)
Switching gears to the big screen, “The Berlin File” is a thrilling spy movie that showcases Han Suk-kyu’s versatility as an actor. In this film, he plays Jung Jin-soo, a South Korean intelligence agent involved in a complex international conspiracy.
Han brings a quiet intensity to his role, creating a character who is both tough and vulnerable. His performance adds layers of depth to the fast-paced plot, making the movie more than just an action thriller.
The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews, with many critics praising Han’s nuanced performance.
4. Christmas in August (1998)
Although released earlier in his career, “Christmas in August” remains one of Han Suk-kyu’s most beloved films. In this romantic drama, Han plays Jung-won, a photographer diagnosed with a terminal illness who falls in love with a young traffic officer.
Han’s performance is subtle yet deeply moving. He perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of Jung-won’s situation, conveying a mix of joy, sadness, and acceptance. The actor’s ability to express complex emotions without words is on full display in this film.
This movie is often cited as one of the classics of Korean cinema, with Han’s performance being a significant reason for its enduring popularity.
5. Watcher (2019)
In this gripping crime thriller drama, Han Suk-kyu plays Do Chi-kwang, a police officer leading an internal affairs investigation. The series delves into themes of corruption, betrayal, and the quest for justice.
Han’s portrayal of Do Chi-kwang is intense and compelling. He brings a quiet authority to the role, creating a character who is both determined and morally complex. His performance anchors the series, providing a steady center amidst the twisting plot.
The drama received critical acclaim, with many praising Han’s nuanced acting and the show’s taut storytelling.
6. The Prison (2017)
In this gritty crime film, Han Suk-kyu takes on the role of Jung Ik-ho, a prisoner who runs a crime empire from behind bars. It’s a departure from some of his more heroic roles, allowing Han to showcase his range as an actor.
Han’s performance as the charismatic yet ruthless Ik-ho is captivating. He brings a menacing charm to the character, making him both frightening and oddly likable. The actor’s ability to command the screen even in scenes with little dialogue is truly impressive.
The film was a box office success and received positive reviews, with many critics highlighting Han’s powerful performance.
7. Forbidden Dream (2019)
Returning to historical drama, “Forbidden Dream” sees Han Suk-kyu once again portraying King Sejong. This time, the focus is on the king’s relationship with his greatest scientist, Jang Yeong-sil.
Han’s portrayal of Sejong in this film is different from “Deep Rooted Tree,” showing a more personal side of the king. He beautifully captures Sejong’s passion for science and his complex friendship with Jang Yeong-sil. The actor’s chemistry with co-star Choi Min-sik adds depth and emotion to the story.
While the film is a fictionalized account, Han’s performance brings a sense of authenticity to the historical figures, making them feel real and relatable.
8. My Paparotti (2013)
In this heartwarming drama film, Han Suk-kyu plays Sang-jin, a music teacher who helps a troubled student pursue his dream of becoming a singer. It’s a role that allows Han to show his softer side.
Han brings warmth and humor to his portrayal of Sang-jin. He perfectly captures the character’s initial cynicism and his gradual rediscovery of his passion for music. The actor’s ability to convey complex emotions through subtle changes in expression adds depth to the character’s journey.
The film was well-received, with many praising the chemistry between Han and his young co-star, as well as the uplifting story.
9. White Night (2009)
This noir-style thriller showcases yet another side of Han Suk-kyu’s acting abilities. He plays Han Dong-soo, a man seeking revenge for a past tragedy. The film’s non-linear narrative and complex characters allow Han to deliver a nuanced and intense performance.
Han’s portrayal of Dong-soo is haunting and powerful. He conveys the character’s pain, determination, and moral ambiguity with subtle gestures and expressions. The actor’s ability to maintain an air of mystery while still allowing glimpses of vulnerability makes his character truly compelling.
While the film received mixed reviews overall, Han’s performance was widely praised.
10. Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim 3 (2023)
The third installment of the popular “Dr. Romantic” series sees Han Suk-kyu return to his iconic role as Teacher Kim. This season builds on the character’s development from previous seasons while introducing new challenges and relationships.
Han’s performance in this season is as captivating as ever. He brings new layers to Teacher Kim, showing how the character has grown and changed over time. The actor’s ability to maintain the essence of the character while allowing for evolution is truly impressive.
The series was another hit, with fans and critics alike praising Han’s continued excellence in the role.
