Nam Joo-hyuk has become one of the most beloved actors in South Korea, captivating audiences with his charming personality and impressive acting skills. As we look back on his career up to 2025, let’s explore the 10 best Korean dramas and movies starring Nam Joo-hyuk that have solidified his status as a top actor in the industry.
1. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Set against the backdrop of the 1998 financial crisis in South Korea, “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” tells a heartwarming story of love and perseverance. Nam Joo-hyuk plays Baek Yi-jin, a young man whose family faces financial ruin. As he rebuilds his life, he forms a deep connection with Na Hee-do, played by Kim Tae-ri.
This drama showcases Nam Joo-hyuk’s ability to portray complex emotions. His character’s journey from hardship to success is both inspiring and relatable. The series beautifully captures the spirit of youth and the pursuit of dreams, making it a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age stories.
2. Start-Up (2020)
In “Start-Up,” Nam Joo-hyuk takes on the role of Nam Do-san, a brilliant but struggling tech entrepreneur. The drama follows his journey in the competitive world of start-ups, alongside Seo Dal-mi, an ambitious young woman with big dreams.
Nam Joo-hyuk’s portrayal of Do-san is both endearing and authentic. He perfectly captures the character’s initial lack of confidence and his growth throughout the series. The show offers an exciting glimpse into South Korea’s tech industry while delivering a touching story of personal and professional development.
3. The Light in Your Eyes (2019)
This fantasy romance drama showcases Nam Joo-hyuk in a more mature role. He plays Lee Joon-ha, a man who becomes entangled in the life of a woman with the ability to manipulate time. The series explores deep themes of life, death, and the passage of time.
Nam Joo-hyuk’s performance in this drama is particularly noteworthy, as he portrays his character with depth and sensitivity. The unique storyline and emotional depth of “The Light in Your Eyes” make it a standout in Nam Joo-hyuk’s filmography.
4. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016-2017)
In this beloved coming-of-age drama, Nam Joo-hyuk stars as Jung Joon-hyung, a talented swimmer who falls in love with aspiring weightlifter Kim Bok-joo. The series follows their journey as college athletes, dealing with the pressures of competition and the joys of first love.
Nam Joo-hyuk’s charming and playful performance in this drama won the hearts of viewers worldwide. His chemistry with co-star Lee Sung-kyung is undeniable, making their on-screen romance feel genuine and sweet. This lighthearted and funny drama is perfect for those seeking a feel-good watch.
5. Who Are You: School 2015 (2015)
One of Nam Joo-hyuk’s earlier roles, “Who Are You: School 2015” features him as Han Yi-an, a star swimmer caught between two identical twin sisters. This teen drama combines elements of mystery and romance, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
Although not the main lead, Nam Joo-hyuk’s performance in this drama showcased his potential as an actor. His portrayal of the conflicted Yi-an hinted at the depth and range he would display in future roles.
6. The School Nurse Files (2020)
In this quirky supernatural drama, Nam Joo-hyuk plays Hong In-pyo, a Chinese character teacher who teams up with a school nurse with the ability to see mysterious jelly-like creatures. The series blends fantasy, comedy, and drama in a unique and entertaining way.
Nam Joo-hyuk’s performance in this offbeat drama demonstrates his versatility as an actor. His chemistry with co-star Jung Yu-mi adds charm to the series, making it a delightful watch for those who enjoy unconventional storytelling.
7. Vigilante (2023)
In one of his more recent dramas, Nam Joo-hyuk takes on a darker role in “Vigilante.” He plays a police college student who secretly operates as a vigilante, taking justice into his own hands. This action-packed series showcases a different side of Nam Joo-hyuk’s acting abilities.
His portrayal of a complex character torn between his duty as a future police officer and his desire for justice adds depth to the thrilling narrative. “Vigilante” proves that Nam Joo-hyuk can excel in more intense, action-oriented roles as well as romantic ones.
8. The Great Battle (2018)
Nam Joo-hyuk’s venture into historical epics, “The Great Battle” tells the story of the Siege of Ansi, where a small Korean army defended a fortress against a massive invading Chinese force. Nam plays Sa-mool, a young warrior who becomes a key defender in the battle.
This film allowed Nam Joo-hyuk to showcase his skills in action sequences and historical drama. His performance as the conflicted Sa-mool adds emotional depth to the grand-scale battle scenes, making “The Great Battle” a thrilling watch for history and action fans alike.
9. Josée (2020)
In this touching romance film, Nam Joo-hyuk stars opposite Han Ji-min as Young-seok, a college student who forms a deep connection with Josée, a woman with a physical disability. The movie explores themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth.
Nam Joo-hyuk’s gentle and nuanced performance in “Josée” highlights his ability to portray deep emotions with subtlety. The film’s poignant story and beautiful cinematography, combined with Nam’s heartfelt acting, make it a must-see for romance lovers.
10. Remember (2022)
In one of his more recent film roles, Nam Joo-hyuk stars in “Remember,” a thriller about revenge and memory loss. He plays a young man who helps an elderly Alzheimer’s patient carry out a plan for revenge. The film combines elements of drama and suspense, showcasing Nam Joo-hyuk’s range as an actor.
His performance in “Remember” demonstrates his growth as an actor, tackling complex emotional scenes with skill and authenticity. The film’s intriguing plot and Nam’s compelling acting make it a worthy addition to his filmography.