Im Si-wan, also known as Yim Si-wan, has become one of South Korea’s most versatile and talented actors. From his early days as a K-pop idol to his current status as a respected actor, Im Si-wan has consistently delivered powerful performances across various genres. Let’s explore the top 10 Korean dramas and movies starring Im Si-wan as of 2025, showcasing his impressive range and acting prowess.
1. Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
“Misaeng: Incomplete Life” is a critically acclaimed drama that catapulted Im Si-wan to stardom. In this series, he plays Jang Geu-rae, a former baduk (Go) player who enters the corporate world with only a high school equivalency diploma.
Key Statistics:
- Episodes: 20
- Average Viewership Rating: 8.4% (impressive for a cable network)
- Awards: Won Best New Actor at the 51st Baeksang Arts Awards
The drama beautifully portrays the struggles of office life and personal growth. Im Si-wan’s portrayal of Geu-rae’s journey from an inexperienced intern to a competent employee resonated with viewers, making “Misaeng” a cultural phenomenon in South Korea.
2. The King in Love (2017)
Set in the Goryeo dynasty, “The King in Love” features Im Si-wan as Crown Prince Wang Won. This historical drama tells the story of a love triangle between the crown prince, his best friend, and a beautiful woman they both fall for.
Key Statistics:
- Episodes: 40
- Average Viewership Rating: 6.7%
- Filming Locations: South Korea and Brunei
Im Si-wan’s portrayal of the complex and ambitious crown prince showcased his ability to handle historical roles with depth and nuance. The series received praise for its beautiful cinematography and the chemistry between the lead actors.
3. Strangers from Hell (2019)
In this psychological thriller, Im Si-wan takes on a darker role as Yoon Jong-woo, a young man who moves to Seoul and finds himself living in a sinister apartment building with creepy neighbors.
Key Statistics:
- Episodes: 10
- Average Viewership Rating: 3.0%
- Based on a popular webtoon of the same name
“Strangers from Hell” allowed Im Si-wan to showcase his versatility as an actor, moving away from his usual nice-guy image. His portrayal of Jong-woo’s descent into paranoia and fear was both chilling and captivating.
4. Run On (2020-2021)
“Run On” is a romantic drama where Im Si-wan plays Ki Seon-gyeom, a former sprint runner who becomes a sports agent. The drama follows his relationship with Oh Mi-joo, a film translator.
Key Statistics:
- Episodes: 16
- Average Viewership Rating: 3.3%
- Streaming platform: Netflix
This drama showcased Im Si-wan’s softer side, allowing him to flex his romantic lead muscles. His chemistry with co-star Shin Se-kyung was praised by viewers, and the drama’s exploration of personal growth and relationships struck a chord with audiences.
5. Tracer (2022)
In “Tracer,” Im Si-wan stars as Hwang Dong-joo, a new team leader at the National Tax Service. The drama focuses on his efforts to uncover corruption within the organization.
Key Statistics:
- Episodes: 16
- Average Viewership Rating: 7.2%
- Won the Grand Prize at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards
This role allowed Im Si-wan to showcase his ability to lead a complex, plot-driven drama. His portrayal of the determined and principled Dong-joo earned him critical acclaim and further cemented his status as a versatile actor.
6. Emergency Declaration (2021)
“Emergency Declaration” is a disaster thriller film where Im Si-wan plays Jin-seok, a mysterious passenger on a flight that faces an unprecedented crisis.
Key Statistics:
- Box Office: $24.6 million worldwide
- Runtime: 140 minutes
- Premiered at the 74th Cannes Film Festival
In this high-stakes thriller, Im Si-wan’s performance as the enigmatic and potentially dangerous Jin-seok kept audiences on the edge of their seats. The film’s intense atmosphere and star-studded cast, including Song Kang-ho and Lee Byung-hun, made it a must-watch.
7. Unlocked (2023)
“Unlocked” is a thriller film where Im Si-wan plays Jun-yeong, a delivery man who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation after finding a lost phone.
Key Statistics:
- Runtime: 117 minutes
- Streaming platform: Netflix
- Based on the Japanese novel “Sumaho o Otoshita dake na no ni” by Akira Shiga
This film showcased Im Si-wan’s ability to carry a tense, psychological thriller. His portrayal of the seemingly ordinary Jun-yeong, who harbors dark secrets, was both unsettling and compelling.
8. Boyhood (2024)
“Boyhood” is a coming-of-age drama series that follows the life of a young boy from childhood to adulthood. Im Si-wan plays the adult version of the main character.
Key Statistics:
- Episodes: 16
- Average Viewership Rating: 9.8%
- Won Best Actor at the 2024 Blue Dragon Series Awards
This drama allowed Im Si-wan to showcase his range as an actor, portraying the complexities of adult life and reflecting on the journey of growing up. His nuanced performance resonated with viewers and critics alike.
9. Summer Strike (2022)
In “Summer Strike,” Im Si-wan plays Ahn Dae-beom, a librarian in a small seaside village who becomes entangled with a woman who decides to take a break from her busy city life.
Key Statistics:
- Episodes: 12
- Average Viewership Rating: 2.5%
- Based on the webtoon “I Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything” by Joo Young-hyun
This healing romance drama showcased Im Si-wan’s ability to portray warm, relatable characters. His chemistry with co-star Seolhyun was praised, and the drama’s exploration of finding oneself resonated with viewers.
10. Mantis (2025)
“Mantis” is an action film where Im Si-wan plays the titular character, a top-tier assassin who returns to the chaotic hitman industry after a vacation.
Key Statistics:
- Runtime: 130 minutes (estimated)
- Release Date: 3rd quarter of 2025
- Co-stars: Park Gyu-young and Jo Woo-jin
This upcoming film promises to showcase Im Si-wan in a new light as an action star. The premise of a skilled assassin navigating a competitive and dangerous world has generated significant buzz among fans and critics alike.