Lee Sang-yoon has become one of South Korea’s most beloved actors, known for his versatile performances and charming screen presence. 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.
1. My Daughter Seo-young (2012-2013)
This heartwarming family drama was Lee Sang-yoon’s big breakthrough role. He plays Woo-jae, a kind-hearted man who falls in love with Seo-young, the daughter of a gambling addict. The story follows their journey of love, family conflicts, and reconciliation.
The drama explores deep themes of forgiveness and family bonds. Lee Sang-yoon’s portrayal of Woo-jae’s unwavering love and support for Seo-young touched many viewers’ hearts. His chemistry with co-star Lee Bo-young was praised by fans and critics alike.
My Daughter Seo-young was a huge hit, with high ratings throughout its run. It cemented Lee Sang-yoon’s status as a leading man in the Korean drama world.
2. Angel Eyes (2014)
In this romantic melodrama, Lee Sang-yoon plays Park Dong-joo, a dedicated doctor who reunites with his first love after 12 years apart. The story revolves around themes of lost love, second chances, and healing.
Lee Sang-yoon’s portrayal of Dong-joo was both sensitive and strong. He perfectly captured the character’s mix of lingering feelings for his first love and his growth as a skilled surgeon. His scenes with co-star Ku Hye-sun were filled with emotion and nostalgia.
Angel Eyes allowed Lee Sang-yoon to show his range as an actor, balancing tender romantic moments with intense medical scenes. The drama was praised for its touching story and strong performances.
3. Liar Game (2014)
This thrilling drama based on a Japanese manga saw Lee Sang-yoon take on a very different role. He plays Ha Woo-jin, a genius ex-con who helps a naive college student in a high-stakes game of deception.
Lee Sang-yoon’s charismatic performance as the mysterious and clever Woo-jin was a highlight of the show. He brought depth to the character, hinting at hidden pain beneath Woo-jin’s confident exterior. His chemistry with co-star Kim So-eun kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Liar Game showcased Lee Sang-yoon’s ability to excel in more intense, suspenseful roles. It proved he could be just as compelling playing a morally gray character as he was in romantic leads.
4. On the Way to the Airport (2016)
This mature melodrama explores the complex emotions of two married individuals who find themselves drawn to each other. Lee Sang-yoon plays Seo Do-woo, an architect who forms a deep connection with a flight attendant.
The drama deals with weighty themes of love, marriage, and fidelity. Lee Sang-yoon’s nuanced portrayal of Do-woo’s inner conflict and growing feelings was praised for its realism and sensitivity. His chemistry with co-star Kim Ha-neul felt natural and bittersweet.
On the Way to the Airport allowed Lee Sang-yoon to take on a more serious, adult role. His performance showed his growth as an actor capable of handling complex emotional material.
5. Whisper (2017)
In this gripping legal thriller, Lee Sang-yoon plays Lee Dong-joon, a principled judge who becomes entangled in a web of corruption. The drama follows his fight for justice alongside a determined police detective.
Lee Sang-yoon brought gravitas and intensity to the role of Dong-joon. He convincingly portrayed the character’s inner struggle between his sense of justice and the pressures of a corrupt system. His scenes with co-star Lee Bo-young crackled with tension and chemistry.
Whisper showcased Lee Sang-yoon’s ability to lead a high-stakes drama. His commanding presence and emotional depth elevated the already intriguing plot.
6. About Time (2018)
This fantasy romance allowed Lee Sang-yoon to show his softer side once again. He plays Lee Do-ha, a man who can stop time, who falls for a woman who can see people’s life spans.
Lee Sang-yoon’s portrayal of Do-ha was charming and vulnerable. He captured the character’s mix of confidence in business and awkwardness in love. His sweet chemistry with co-star Lee Sung-kyung made for many heartwarming moments.
About Time let Lee Sang-yoon flex his romantic comedy muscles while also dealing with deeper themes of mortality and making the most of our time. His performance struck a perfect balance between light and serious moments.
7. VIP (2019)
This office drama with a twist saw Lee Sang-yoon take on the role of Park Sung-joon, a department store VIP manager whose perfect life is shaken by rumors of infidelity.
Lee Sang-yoon brought depth to Sung-joon, a character hiding secrets beneath a polished exterior. He skillfully portrayed Sung-joon’s inner turmoil as his carefully constructed world begins to crumble. His scenes with co-star Jang Nara were filled with tension and unspoken emotions.
VIP allowed Lee Sang-yoon to play a more morally ambiguous character. His nuanced performance kept viewers guessing about Sung-joon’s true nature until the very end.
8. One the Woman (2021)
This comedy-drama saw Lee Sang-yoon in a lighter role as Han Seung-wook, a chaebol heir who helps a tough prosecutor who has lost her memory and is mistaken for his sister-in-law.
Lee Sang-yoon’s portrayal of Seung-wook was both funny and sweet. He had great comedic timing in the drama’s more humorous scenes, while also bringing depth to Seung-wook’s backstory of lost love and family conflict. His chemistry with co-star Honey Lee was a highlight of the show.
One the Woman showcased Lee Sang-yoon’s versatility, proving he could excel in comedy just as well as in more serious roles. The drama was a hit with viewers, who loved the fun plot and Lee Sang-yoon’s charming performance.
9. Buried Hearts (2025)
This thriller, which premiered in early 2025, saw Lee Sang-yoon take on one of his most intense roles yet. While details of the plot were kept under wraps before its release, early reviews praised Lee Sang-yoon’s powerful performance.
The drama revolves around a massive political slush fund and the dangerous consequences of its discovery. Lee Sang-yoon’s character is caught in the middle of this high-stakes situation, forced to make difficult choices.
Buried Hearts allowed Lee Sang-yoon to showcase his growth as an actor, taking on a complex, morally gray character in a tense political thriller. His commanding presence and emotional depth elevated the already gripping story.
10. The Haunted Palace (2025)
Lee Sang-yoon’s most recent drama as of 2025 sees him venture into the world of fantasy and horror. While it’s too early to judge the full impact of his performance, early episodes have already generated buzz among viewers and critics.
The drama blends elements of traditional Korean folklore with modern storytelling. Lee Sang-yoon plays a mysterious character connected to the supernatural events unfolding in the royal palace.
The Haunted Palace represents an exciting new direction in Lee Sang-yoon’s career, allowing him to explore a genre he hasn’t tackled before. His ability to bring depth and nuance to fantastical storylines has already impressed many viewers.
