Hyun Bin is one of South Korea’s most beloved actors, known for his charming smile, impressive acting skills, and versatile roles. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Hyun Bin has starred in numerous hit dramas and movies that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Let’s take a look at 10 of his best works that showcase his talent and charisma.
1. Crash Landing on You (2019-2020)
At the top of our list is the immensely popular drama “Crash Landing on You.” This romantic comedy tells the story of a South Korean heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and falls in love with a North Korean military officer.
Hyun Bin plays Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok, a noble and kind-hearted soldier who risks everything to protect and help the South Korean woman return home. His portrayal of the stoic yet caring captain won hearts around the world. The chemistry between Hyun Bin and his co-star Son Ye-jin is electric, making this drama a must-watch for any fan of romantic comedies.
2. Secret Garden (2010-2011)
“Secret Garden” is a fantasy romantic comedy that helped cement Hyun Bin’s status as a top Hallyu star. In this drama, he plays Kim Joo-won, a rich and arrogant department store CEO who switches bodies with a poor stuntwoman.
Hyun Bin’s performance as the snobbish Joo-won who gradually falls in love and learns to be a better person is both hilarious and touching. His chemistry with co-star Ha Ji-won is fantastic, and their bickering relationship is a joy to watch. This drama was a massive hit and is still beloved by fans today.
3. Memories of the Alhambra (2018-2019)
For those who enjoy a mix of romance, science fiction, and action, “Memories of the Alhambra” is a perfect choice. Hyun Bin stars as Yoo Jin-woo, a CEO of an investment company who travels to Spain to meet the creator of an innovative augmented reality game.
This drama showcases Hyun Bin’s ability to handle complex roles. As Jin-woo gets caught up in the dangerous world of the AR game, Hyun Bin brilliantly portrays his character’s descent into confusion and desperation. The unique storyline and Hyun Bin’s compelling performance make this drama stand out.
4. My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)
“My Lovely Sam Soon” was Hyun Bin’s breakout role and remains a classic in Korean drama history. He plays Hyun Jin-heon, a restaurant owner who hires Kim Sam-soon, a talented pastry chef, after witnessing her get dumped in public.
Even in this early role, Hyun Bin’s charm is evident. His portrayal of Jin-heon, who starts off cold but gradually warms up to Sam-soon, is endearing and natural. This drama is perfect for those who enjoy sweet romantic comedies with relatable characters.
5. Hyde, Jekyll, Me (2015)
In “Hyde, Jekyll, Me,” Hyun Bin takes on the challenging task of playing two characters in one body. He stars as Gu Seo-jin, a man with dissociative identity disorder. Seo-jin is cold and ruthless, while his alter ego, Robin, is kind and warm-hearted.
Hyun Bin’s ability to switch between these two contrasting personalities is impressive. He brings depth and complexity to both characters, making viewers sympathize with Seo-jin’s struggle and fall in love with Robin’s gentleness. This drama showcases Hyun Bin’s range as an actor.
6. The Negotiation (2018)
Moving to the big screen, “The Negotiation” is an action-thriller that shows a different side of Hyun Bin. He plays Min Tae-gu, a dangerous arms dealer holding hostages in Bangkok. Opposite him is Son Ye-jin as Ha Chae-yoon, a crisis negotiator trying to save the hostages.
This movie allows Hyun Bin to break away from his usual romantic roles and portray a complex villain. His intense performance keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the film. The tension between his character and Son Ye-jin’s makes for a thrilling watch.
7. Confidential Assignment (2017)
“Confidential Assignment” is an action-comedy film where Hyun Bin plays Im Cheol-ryung, a North Korean detective who teams up with a South Korean detective to catch a criminal. This movie perfectly balances action and humor, with Hyun Bin showing off both his fighting skills and comedic timing.
Hyun Bin’s portrayal of the serious and mission-focused Cheol-ryung is both badass and endearing. His chemistry with co-star Yoo Hae-jin, who plays the South Korean detective, adds a lot of fun to the movie. The success of this film even led to a sequel in 2022.
8. Late Autumn (2010)
“Late Autumn” is a more serious and contemplative film that showcases Hyun Bin’s ability to handle dramatic roles. He plays Hoon, a man on the run who meets Anna, a prisoner on a three-day leave to attend her mother’s funeral.
In this film, Hyun Bin delivers a nuanced and sensitive performance. Despite the language barrier between his character and Anna (played by Tang Wei), Hyun Bin conveys deep emotions through his expressions and body language. This movie proves that Hyun Bin can excel in quieter, more introspective roles as well.
9. The Fatal Encounter (2014)
For history buffs, “The Fatal Encounter” offers a glimpse into Korea’s past. Hyun Bin plays King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, focusing on a 24-hour period where the king faces multiple assassination attempts.
This film allows Hyun Bin to showcase his versatility as an actor. His portrayal of the young king, burdened by the weight of the crown and constant threats to his life, is both regal and vulnerable. The movie’s intense atmosphere and Hyun Bin’s compelling performance make it a gripping historical thriller.
10. I Am Happy (2008)
Rounding out our list is “I Am Happy,” a lesser-known but powerful film. Hyun Bin plays Man-soo, a patient in a mental hospital who falls in love with a fellow patient, Soo-kyung. This movie deals with heavy themes of mental illness and societal prejudice.
Hyun Bin’s portrayal of Man-soo is heartbreakingly sincere. He brings a touching vulnerability to the character, making viewers empathize with Man-soo’s struggles and root for his happiness. This film shows Hyun Bin’s willingness to take on challenging roles that tackle important social issues.