Lee Sung Min has become one of South Korea’s most respected and versatile actors, known for his ability to portray complex characters across various genres. As of 2025, his impressive body of work includes numerous critically acclaimed dramas and films. Let’s explore the top 10 Korean dramas and movies starring Lee Sung Min that have captivated audiences and showcased his exceptional talent.
1. Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
“Misaeng: Incomplete Life” is a groundbreaking drama that catapulted Lee Sung Min to widespread recognition. In this series, he plays Oh Sang-shik, a seasoned team leader at a trading company. The drama offers a realistic portrayal of office life in Korea, resonating with viewers and achieving high ratings for a cable network program.
Key points:
- Lee Sung Min’s performance earned him critical acclaim and several awards
- The drama became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea
- It was the first Korean drama to film on location in Jordan
2. Reborn Rich (2022-2023)
In “Reborn Rich,” Lee Sung Min takes on the role of Jin Yang-chul, the chairman of a powerful conglomerate. His portrayal of a cunning and ruthless businessman adds depth to the drama and contributes significantly to its success.
Key statistics:
- The drama recorded the second-highest ratings in Korean cable television history
- The final episode achieved an impressive 26.9% nationwide rating
- Lee Sung Min’s performance was widely praised, with many viewers calling for him to win major acting awards
3. A Bloody Lucky Day (2023)
This thriller series features Lee Sung Min as Oh Taek, an ordinary taxi driver who finds himself in a terrifying situation when he picks up a mysterious passenger. The drama showcases Lee’s ability to portray everyday characters in extraordinary circumstances.
Notable facts:
- The series premiered at the 28th Busan International Film Festival
- It was released in two parts on the streaming platform TVING
- The drama gained international distribution through Paramount+
4. The Spy Gone North (2018)
In this critically acclaimed film, Lee Sung Min plays Ri Myung-woon, a high-ranking North Korean intelligence officer. His nuanced portrayal of this complex character earned him the Best Actor award at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards.
Highlights:
- The film is based on real events from the 1990s
- Lee Sung Min’s performance was praised for its depth and authenticity
- The movie explores themes of loyalty, patriotism, and political intrigue
5. Shadow Detective (2021-2023)
Lee Sung Min stars as Kim Taek-rok, a veteran detective forced to confront his past and seek justice for a wrongful conviction. This series showcases Lee’s ability to portray both vulnerability and strength in a single character.
Key points:
- The drama spans two seasons, demonstrating its popularity with viewers
- Lee Sung Min’s portrayal of the detective is considered a major highlight of the series
- The show blends elements of mystery, suspense, and character drama
6. Memory (2016)
In “Memory,” Lee Sung Min takes on the challenging role of Park Tae Suk, a lawyer diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This drama allows Lee to showcase his range as an actor, portraying the emotional journey of a man losing his memories.
Notable aspects:
- The drama tackles the sensitive topic of Alzheimer’s disease
- Lee Sung Min’s performance was praised for its emotional depth and realism
- The series explores themes of family, career, and personal identity
7. The Man Standing Next (2020)
This historical political drama features Lee Sung Min as former President Park Chung-hee. Despite initial skepticism, Lee’s portrayal was highly praised, demonstrating his ability to transform into historical figures.
Key points:
- Lee Sung Min mastered a distinct Gyeongsang dialect for the role
- The film explores a crucial period in South Korean political history
- Lee’s performance helped the movie become a critical and commercial success
8. Juvenile Justice (2022)
In this Netflix drama, Lee Sung Min plays Kang Won-jun, a complex character dealing with personal and professional challenges. The series allows Lee to showcase his ability to portray morally ambiguous characters.
Highlights:
- The drama tackles serious social issues related to juvenile crime
- Lee Sung Min’s performance adds depth to the show’s exploration of justice and morality
- The series gained international attention through its release on Netflix
9. Golden Time (2012)
“Golden Time” features Lee Sung Min as Choi In-hyuk, a trauma specialist. This medical drama allowed Lee to demonstrate his commitment to roles, as he reportedly lost weight and studied the mannerisms of emergency room doctors for the part.
Key aspects:
- The drama focuses on the high-pressure world of emergency medicine
- Lee Sung Min’s dedication to the role impressed viewers and critics alike
- The series blends medical drama with personal storylines
10. Money Game (2020)
In “Money Game,” Lee Sung Min plays Heo Jae, a key figure in a financial crisis drama. This series allows Lee to showcase his ability to portray powerful and influential characters in high-stakes situations.
Notable points:
- The drama explores themes of economics, politics, and personal ethics
- Lee Sung Min’s performance adds gravitas to the complex storylines
- The series offers a glimpse into the world of high-level financial decision-making
