Hwang Jung-min is one of South Korea’s most talented and versatile actors. With a career spanning over three decades, he has starred in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films and dramas. As of 2025, Hwang Jung-min continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances and charismatic screen presence. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best Korean dramas and movies starring Hwang Jung-min that you should definitely watch.
1. I, the Executioner (2024)
Hwang Jung-min returns to his iconic role as Detective Seo Do-cheol in this highly anticipated sequel to the 2015 hit film “Veteran.” In “I, the Executioner,” Seo teams up with a young detective named Park Sun-woo to track down a dangerous serial killer who taunts the police and public through online videos. This action-packed crime thriller showcases Hwang’s ability to blend intense action scenes with moments of humor and heart.
The film premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2024, earning praise for its gripping storyline and Hwang’s powerful performance. If you enjoyed Hwang as the tough but lovable detective in “Veteran,” you’ll definitely want to see him reprise the role in this thrilling sequel.
2. Mission: Cross (2024)
In this Netflix original spy comedy, Hwang Jung-min plays Park Kang-moo, a former secret agent who has settled into life as a househusband. His peaceful existence is disrupted when a former colleague asks for his help on a dangerous mission. What makes this film extra fun is that Kang-moo’s wife, played by Yum Jung-ah, is an ace detective who starts to suspect her husband is hiding something from her.
“Mission: Cross” is a perfect blend of action, comedy, and romance. Hwang shows off his comedic timing as he tries to balance his secret mission with keeping his true identity hidden from his wife. The chemistry between Hwang and Yum is delightful, making this a must-watch for fans of spy comedies and romantic comedies alike.
3. 12.12: The Day (2023)
This historical drama takes us back to a pivotal moment in South Korean history – the military coup of December 12, 1979. Hwang Jung-min plays Chun Doo-gwang, one of the key figures involved in the coup. The film explores the tense 24 hours leading up to and during the coup, showcasing the power struggles and moral dilemmas faced by those involved.
Hwang’s performance as the ambitious and ruthless Chun Doo-gwang earned him the Best Actor award at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards. His portrayal is both chilling and captivating, allowing viewers to understand the complex motivations behind his character’s actions. “12.12: The Day” is not just a great showcase of Hwang’s acting skills, but also an important film for understanding modern Korean history.
4. Deliver Us from Evil (2020)
In this high-octane action thriller, Hwang Jung-min plays In-nam, a skilled assassin planning to retire after one last job. However, his plans are derailed when he becomes involved in a kidnapping case in Thailand and finds himself pursued by a vengeful criminal whose brother he killed.
“Deliver Us from Evil” takes viewers on a thrilling ride across multiple countries, with breathtaking action sequences and a compelling story of redemption. Hwang’s portrayal of the world-weary assassin trying to do the right thing is both nuanced and powerful. The film was a huge box office success in South Korea, cementing Hwang’s status as one of the country’s top action stars.
5. The Spy Gone North (2018)
Based on a true story, “The Spy Gone North” stars Hwang Jung-min as Park Chae-seo, a South Korean spy who infiltrates North Korea in the 1990s to gather intelligence on their nuclear program. What starts as a straightforward mission becomes increasingly complex as Park finds himself caught between conflicting loyalties and political machinations.
Hwang’s subtle and layered performance as the conflicted spy is truly remarkable. He conveys a wide range of emotions, from patriotic determination to moral uncertainty, often with just a look or a gesture. The film is a tense and thought-provoking espionage thriller that showcases Hwang’s ability to carry a complex, dialogue-heavy role.
6. The Wailing (2016)
For those who enjoy horror films, “The Wailing” is an absolute must-see. In this atmospheric and deeply unsettling movie, Hwang Jung-min plays a mysterious shaman who arrives in a small village plagued by a strange and deadly illness. As the local police officer investigates the outbreak, he turns to the shaman for help in battling what may be a supernatural evil.
While Hwang’s role is not the main character, his presence looms large over the film. His performance as the enigmatic shaman is both mesmerizing and terrifying, leaving viewers unsure whether to trust him or fear him. “The Wailing” is widely regarded as one of the best Korean horror films ever made, and Hwang’s performance is a big part of what makes it so unforgettable.
7. Veteran (2015)
No list of Hwang Jung-min’s best works would be complete without mentioning “Veteran.” This action-comedy was a massive hit in South Korea and introduced many international viewers to Hwang’s charismatic screen presence. He plays Seo Do-cheol, a tough detective who takes on a corrupt and arrogant business heir.
What makes “Veteran” so enjoyable is the perfect balance of thrilling action sequences, laugh-out-loud comedy, and social commentary. Hwang’s Seo Do-cheol is the kind of hero you can’t help but root for – he’s tough and determined, but also funny and deeply principled. The film’s huge success led to the 2024 sequel, “I, the Executioner.”
8. Ode to My Father (2014)
“Ode to My Father” is an epic drama that spans several decades of Korean history, from the 1950s to the present day. Hwang Jung-min plays Deok-su, an ordinary man whose life reflects the struggles and triumphs of South Korea as a nation. From the Korean War to the country’s rapid industrialization, we see history unfold through Deok-su’s eyes.
This film showcases Hwang’s incredible range as an actor, as we see him portray Deok-su from a young man to old age. His performance is deeply moving, capturing the resilience and sacrifice of a generation that lived through immense hardship and change. “Ode to My Father” was a massive box office hit in South Korea and is considered one of the most important Korean films of the 2010s.
9. New World (2013)
In this gripping crime thriller, Hwang Jung-min plays Jung Chung, the charismatic and unpredictable second-in-command of a powerful criminal organization. When the organization’s leader dies, Jung Chung finds himself in a dangerous power struggle, unaware that one of his closest allies is actually an undercover police officer.
Hwang’s performance as Jung Chung is simply electrifying. He perfectly captures the character’s mix of charm, humor, and ruthlessness, creating a villain who is both terrifying and oddly likable. “New World” is often compared to classic gangster films like “The Godfather,” and Hwang’s unforgettable performance is a big reason why.
10. Hush (2020-2021)
While Hwang Jung-min is best known for his film roles, he has also made his mark in television dramas. “Hush” is a 16-episode series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of journalism. Hwang plays Han Joon-hyeok, a jaded senior reporter who becomes a mentor to a young intern played by Im Yoon-ah.
“Hush” allows Hwang to showcase a different side of his acting skills. His portrayal of Han Joon-hyeok is more subdued than many of his film roles, but no less compelling. We see the character’s struggle with the ethics of journalism and his growing bond with his young mentee. The drama received praise for its realistic portrayal of the pressures and challenges faced by journalists in Korea.