Ju Ji Hoon is a talented South Korean actor who has captivated audiences with his versatile performances in both dramas and movies. Known for his charismatic presence and impressive acting skills, Ju Ji Hoon has become one of the most sought-after actors in the Korean entertainment industry. Let’s explore his top 10 works as of 2025, showcasing his range and growth as an actor.
1. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025)
Ju Ji Hoon’s latest drama, “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,” has taken the world by storm. In this medical action series, he plays Baek Kang Hyuk, a brilliant trauma surgeon who faces life-or-death situations daily. The show combines intense medical scenes with thrilling action sequences, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Baek Kang Hyuk is not your typical doctor. He’s smart, charismatic, and always ready to take on challenging cases. The drama shows how he and his team save lives while dealing with hospital politics and financial pressures. Ju Ji Hoon’s performance brings depth to the character, making viewers root for him as he fights to keep his trauma center running.
2. Light Shop (2024)
In “Light Shop,” Ju Ji Hoon takes on a more mysterious role as Won Young, the owner of a unique 24-hour lamp store. This drama has a touch of magic and explores themes of healing and self-discovery. Won Young’s shop attracts people with hidden secrets and emotional burdens, offering them a chance to find light in their darkest moments.
The drama’s dreamy atmosphere and Ju Ji Hoon’s subtle yet powerful performance create a captivating viewing experience. It’s a departure from his more action-packed roles, showcasing his ability to portray quiet, introspective characters with depth and nuance.
3. Blood Free (2024)
Stepping into the world of science fiction, “Blood Free” presents a future where artificial meat has replaced animal products. Ju Ji Hoon plays Woo Chae-woon, a former soldier turned bodyguard in this thrilling drama. The story explores the ethical implications of bioengineering and corporate power.
As Woo Chae-woon, Ju Ji Hoon brings a mix of physical prowess and emotional complexity to the screen. The drama combines action sequences with thought-provoking storylines, making it both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
4. Kingdom (2019-2020)
“Kingdom” is perhaps one of Ju Ji Hoon’s most internationally recognized works. This historical zombie thriller set in Korea’s Joseon period was a game-changer in the Korean drama landscape. Ju Ji Hoon stars as Crown Prince Lee Chang, who must fight against both political enemies and a mysterious plague that turns people into zombies.
The series, which spans two seasons, showcases Ju Ji Hoon’s ability to lead a large-scale production. His portrayal of the conflicted yet determined prince earned him praise from critics and viewers alike. The blend of traditional Korean elements with the zombie genre created a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
5. Hyena (2020)
In “Hyena,” Ju Ji Hoon plays Yoon Hee-jae, a elite lawyer from a wealthy background. The drama explores the competitive world of law firms catering to the rich and powerful. Yoon Hee-jae’s life is turned upside down when he encounters Jung Geum-ja, a scrappy lawyer who uses unconventional methods to win cases.
This role allowed Ju Ji Hoon to show off his comedic timing and chemistry with co-star Kim Hye-soo. The drama’s mix of legal battles, romance, and personal growth made it a hit with viewers. Ju Ji Hoon’s portrayal of the arrogant lawyer who slowly opens his heart was both entertaining and touching.
6. Jirisan (2021)
“Jirisan” takes viewers to the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Jiri, one of Korea’s most famous national parks. Ju Ji Hoon plays Kang Hyun-jo, a rookie ranger with a mysterious past. Together with veteran ranger Seo Yi-kang (played by Jun Ji-hyun), they work to rescue lost hikers and uncover the secrets of the mountain.
This drama combines elements of mystery, supernatural occurrences, and stunning nature scenes. Ju Ji Hoon’s performance as the dedicated and intuitive ranger adds depth to the story, making “Jirisan” a unique entry in his filmography.
7. Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017) and Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018)
While these are technically two movies, they form a cohesive story and were huge box office hits in Korea. Ju Ji Hoon plays Haewonmaek, a grim reaper who guides souls through the afterlife. These fantasy epics blend spectacular visual effects with emotional storytelling, exploring themes of life, death, and redemption.
Ju Ji Hoon’s portrayal of the stoic yet caring grim reaper showcased his ability to bring depth to fantastical characters. His performance in these films further cemented his status as a versatile actor capable of carrying big-budget productions.
8. The Spy Gone North (2018)
In this espionage thriller based on true events, Ju Ji Hoon takes on a supporting role as Jung Moo-taek, a North Korean security officer. The film follows a South Korean spy who infiltrates North Korea in the 1990s to gather intelligence on the country’s nuclear program.
Despite not being the lead, Ju Ji Hoon’s performance as the sharp and intimidating Jung Moo-taek left a strong impression on viewers. The film’s tense atmosphere and political intrigue provided a perfect backdrop for Ju Ji Hoon to showcase his ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters.
9. Dark Figure of Crime (2018)
This crime thriller sees Ju Ji Hoon in the role of Kang Tae-oh, a imprisoned criminal who claims to have committed multiple murders. The film explores the psychological battle between Tae-oh and the detective trying to uncover the truth behind his confessions.
Ju Ji Hoon’s chilling performance as the manipulative and enigmatic Kang Tae-oh earned him critical acclaim. The film’s dark tone and complex narrative allowed him to dive deep into a character unlike any he had played before, further demonstrating his range as an actor.
10. Love Your Enemy (2024)
Rounding out our list is “Love Your Enemy,” a romantic comedy that shows Ju Ji Hoon’s lighter side. He plays Seok Ji-won, who returns to his hometown as a successful businessman only to reunite with his childhood rival, Yoon Ji-won. The drama explores how their lifelong rivalry evolves into something more as they rediscover each other as adults.
This role allowed Ju Ji Hoon to showcase his charm and comedic timing. The drama’s blend of humor, romance, and nostalgia provided a refreshing change of pace from his more serious roles, proving that he can excel in lighter genres as well.