Lee Dong-wook is a talented South Korean actor who has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with his charismatic performances and versatile acting skills. As we look back on his impressive career up to 2025, let’s explore the top 10 Korean dramas and movies that showcase his incredible talent and charm.
1. Goblin (2016-2017)
One of Lee Dong-wook’s most iconic roles came in the fantasy romance drama “Goblin.” In this series, he played the Grim Reaper, a mysterious and charismatic character who forms an unlikely friendship with the titular Goblin, played by Gong Yoo.
The story revolves around a 939-year-old goblin searching for his human bride to end his immortal life. Lee Dong-wook’s portrayal of the Grim Reaper added depth and humor to the series, making it a fan favorite. His chemistry with the other cast members, especially Yoo In-na, who played his love interest, was particularly praised.
“Goblin” became a cultural phenomenon, earning high ratings and critical acclaim. It showcased Lee Dong-wook’s ability to bring complex characters to life and cemented his status as a top actor in the Korean entertainment industry.
2. Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020)
In this fantasy drama, Lee Dong-wook took on the lead role of Lee Yeon, a nine-tailed fox (gumiho) who works as a living god protecting the mortal realm. The series blends Korean mythology with modern-day Seoul, creating a unique and captivating story.
Lee Dong-wook’s portrayal of Lee Yeon was both powerful and nuanced. He perfectly captured the character’s centuries-old wisdom and inner conflicts, as well as his devotion to his long-lost love. His performance helped bring the mythical world of gumiho to life, making it accessible and engaging for viewers.
The drama’s success led to a sequel, “Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938,” which aired in 2023. This continuation allowed Lee Dong-wook to further explore his character, showcasing his growth as an actor and his ability to maintain consistency across different series.
3. Touch Your Heart (2019)
For fans of romantic comedies, “Touch Your Heart” is a must-watch Lee Dong-wook drama. In this lighthearted series, he played Kwon Jung-rok, a successful lawyer who becomes the reluctant boss of a famous actress trying to rebuild her career.
Lee Dong-wook’s chemistry with his co-star Yoo In-na (whom he previously worked with in “Goblin”) was the highlight of the show. His portrayal of the stern, no-nonsense lawyer slowly falling in love was both endearing and hilarious. The drama allowed Lee Dong-wook to showcase his comedic timing and romantic lead capabilities, proving his versatility as an actor.
4. Bad and Crazy (2021)
In this action-packed drama, Lee Dong-wook took on a more complex role as Ryu Soo-yeol, a capable but corrupt police detective. The series follows Soo-yeol as he encounters a mysterious man named “K” who pushes him to become a better person and fight against corruption.
Lee Dong-wook’s performance in “Bad and Crazy” was praised for its depth and intensity. He skillfully portrayed Soo-yeol’s internal struggles and gradual transformation, keeping viewers engaged throughout the series. The drama’s blend of action, comedy, and psychological elements allowed Lee Dong-wook to showcase different facets of his acting abilities.
5. Strangers from Hell (2019)
For those who enjoy psychological thrillers, “Strangers from Hell” offers a chilling performance by Lee Dong-wook. In this dark and suspenseful drama, he played Seo Moon-jo, a dentist with a sinister secret who befriends the main character in a rundown apartment building.
Lee Dong-wook’s portrayal of the mysterious and unsettling Moon-jo was a departure from his usual roles, demonstrating his range as an actor. His ability to switch between charm and menace kept viewers on edge throughout the series. This performance showcased Lee Dong-wook’s willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles.
6. Divorce Insurance (2025)
One of Lee Dong-wook’s most recent dramas, “Divorce Insurance,” premiered in March 2025. In this comedy-drama, he plays Noh Ki-joon, an elite insurance actuary who, despite his professional success, has been through three divorces.
The series follows Ki-joon and his team as they develop a new insurance product designed to address the modern crisis of divorce. Lee Dong-wook’s portrayal of Ki-joon, a man trying to navigate both his professional and personal life, is both humorous and touching. His performance brings depth to the character, exploring themes of love, commitment, and second chances.
“Divorce Insurance” allows Lee Dong-wook to showcase his comedic talents while also delving into more serious themes, further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor.
7. The Beauty Inside (2015)
While primarily known for his drama roles, Lee Dong-wook has also made his mark in films. “The Beauty Inside” is a romantic fantasy movie where he plays Woo-jin, a man who wakes up in a different body every day.
Although Lee Dong-wook only appears briefly in the film (as one of Woo-jin’s many forms), his performance is memorable and impactful. The movie’s unique premise allowed him to showcase his ability to convey complex emotions in a short amount of screen time. “The Beauty Inside” remains a fan favorite and demonstrates Lee Dong-wook’s ability to leave a lasting impression even in smaller roles.
8. A Year-End Medley (2021)
This heartwarming ensemble romantic comedy features Lee Dong-wook as Yong-jin, the CEO of a hotel where various love stories unfold on New Year’s Eve. The film showcases Lee Dong-wook’s ability to shine in an ensemble cast, bringing charm and depth to his character.
“A Year-End Medley” allows Lee Dong-wook to display his romantic lead qualities in a more mature role. His performance adds to the film’s warm and festive atmosphere, making it a perfect watch for those who enjoy feel-good movies. The success of the film led to an extended version being released as a mini-series in 2022, giving fans even more of Lee Dong-wook’s endearing performance.
9. Single in Seoul (2023)
In this romantic comedy film, Lee Dong-wook plays Park Young-ho, a popular social media content creator who believes in the joys of living alone. The movie explores themes of independence, loneliness, and unexpected connections in the modern world.
Lee Dong-wook’s portrayal of Young-ho showcases his ability to bring depth to seemingly straightforward characters. His performance captures the nuances of a person who outwardly promotes single life while inwardly longing for connection. “Single in Seoul” allows Lee Dong-wook to showcase his romantic lead capabilities in a more mature and contemporary setting.
10. Harbin (2024)
Lee Dong-wook’s most recent film as of 2025, “Harbin,” sees him take on a more serious and historical role. Set in the early 20th century, the movie follows Korean independence activists in Harbin, China. Lee Dong-wook plays Lee Chang-seop, one of these activists fighting against Japanese colonial rule.
This role represents a significant departure from Lee Dong-wook’s usual romantic or fantasy roles, showcasing his range as an actor. His performance in “Harbin” demonstrates his ability to take on challenging historical roles and contribute to films that explore important periods in Korean history.
