Kim Soo-hyun is one of South Korea’s most talented and popular actors. With his charming looks and impressive acting skills, he has won the hearts of fans around the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best Korean dramas and movies starring Kim Soo-hyun. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Korean entertainment, these productions showcase Kim Soo-hyun’s versatility and talent as an actor.
1. My Love from the Star (2013-2014)
This fantasy romantic comedy was a massive hit across Asia. Kim Soo-hyun plays Do Min-joon, an alien who landed on Earth 400 years ago during the Joseon Dynasty. As he waits for a chance to return to his home planet, he meets and falls in love with a famous actress named Cheon Song-yi (played by Jun Ji-hyun).
The drama perfectly blends romance, comedy, and science fiction elements. Kim Soo-hyun’s portrayal of the cold and logical alien slowly warming up to human emotions is both touching and hilarious. His chemistry with Jun Ji-hyun is off the charts, making this drama a must-watch for any Kim Soo-hyun fan.
2. Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
In this historical fantasy drama, Kim Soo-hyun takes on the role of Lee Hwon, a young king during the Joseon Dynasty. The story revolves around his love for a female shaman named Wol, who was once his first love before losing her memories.
Kim Soo-hyun’s performance as the conflicted king torn between his duties and his heart earned him widespread acclaim. The drama’s beautiful cinematography, intricate plot, and stellar cast make it a standout in the historical drama genre.
3. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
This unique drama tackles mental health issues with a mix of dark humor and touching moments. Kim Soo-hyun plays Moon Gang-tae, a psychiatric ward caretaker who crosses paths with Ko Moon-young (Seo Ye-ji), a children’s book author with antisocial personality disorder.
Kim Soo-hyun’s portrayal of Gang-tae, a man who has spent his life taking care of others while neglecting his own needs, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The drama’s exploration of healing and growth through human connections resonated with viewers worldwide.
4. Dream High (2011)
In this youth musical drama, Kim Soo-hyun plays Song Sam-dong, a country boy with a hidden talent for singing. He enrolls in Kirin High School of Art to pursue his dreams alongside other aspiring performers.
This drama was one of Kim Soo-hyun’s earlier works, but it already showcased his ability to bring depth to his characters. His transformation from a shy country boy to a confident performer is a joy to watch. The drama’s upbeat storyline and catchy musical numbers make it a fun and inspiring watch.
5. The Producers (2015)
This behind-the-scenes look at the world of television production stars Kim Soo-hyun as Baek Seung-chan, a rookie PD (production director) at KBS. The drama follows the daily lives and struggles of various staff members working on entertainment shows.
Kim Soo-hyun’s portrayal of the earnest and sometimes naive Seung-chan is both endearing and relatable. His comedic timing shines in this role, proving that he can excel in lighter, more humorous parts as well as serious ones.
6. Secretly, Greatly (2013)
In this action-comedy film, Kim Soo-hyun plays Won Ryu-hwan, a North Korean spy disguised as a village idiot in a small South Korean town. When he and his fellow undercover spies receive an unexpected order, their lives are thrown into chaos.
This movie allows Kim Soo-hyun to showcase his range as an actor, switching between the goofy village idiot persona and the skilled, serious spy. The film’s blend of comedy, action, and drama keeps viewers engaged throughout.
7. The Thieves (2012)
This star-studded heist film features Kim Soo-hyun as part of a team of professional thieves attempting to steal a valuable diamond. While his role is relatively small compared to the main leads, Kim Soo-hyun makes a strong impression as the youngest and most tech-savvy member of the team.
The movie’s fast-paced plot, stunning action sequences, and the chemistry between the ensemble cast make it an entertaining watch. It’s a great opportunity to see Kim Soo-hyun hold his own alongside some of Korea’s biggest stars.
8. Queen of Tears (2024)
In this romantic comedy-drama, Kim Soo-hyun plays Baek Hyun-woo, the legal director of a large company owned by his wife’s family. The story follows the couple as they navigate their struggling marriage and unexpected challenges.
While the drama is still ongoing at the time of writing, early reviews praise Kim Soo-hyun’s nuanced performance as a man trying to save his marriage. His chemistry with co-star Kim Ji-won and the drama’s blend of humor and emotional depth have already made it a hit with viewers.
9. One Ordinary Day (2021)
This crime drama sees Kim Soo-hyun in the role of Kim Hyun-soo, an ordinary college student whose life is turned upside down when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. The series follows his journey through the criminal justice system and his fight to prove his innocence.
Kim Soo-hyun’s portrayal of a young man thrust into a nightmare scenario is both powerful and heart-wrenching. The drama’s gritty realism and exploration of the flaws in the justice system make it a compelling, if sometimes difficult, watch.
10. Real (2017)
In this noir action thriller, Kim Soo-hyun plays Jang Tae-young, a troubleshooter in the criminal underworld who dreams of building a casino resort. The film’s complex plot and dark themes make it a departure from Kim Soo-hyun’s usual roles.
While the movie received mixed reviews, Kim Soo-hyun’s performance was widely praised. He fully commits to the challenging role, showcasing a darker, more intense side of his acting abilities.
