Yook Sung Jae has become one of South Korea’s most beloved actors, known for his versatile performances and charming personality. As of 2025, he has starred in numerous successful dramas and movies, captivating audiences with his talent and charisma. Let’s take a look at the 10 best Korean dramas and movies featuring Yook Sung Jae, showcasing his growth as an actor over the years.
1. Haunted Palace (2025)
Yook Sung Jae’s latest drama, “Haunted Palace,” is a fantasy romance set in the Joseon era. He plays Yoon Gap, a royal inspector who becomes possessed by an evil imugi (a mythical serpent). The story follows Yoon Gap’s relationship with Yeo-ri, played by Bona, as they navigate supernatural forces and political intrigue.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: April 2025
- Episodes: 16
- Network: SBS
- Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance
- Average Viewership Rating: 12.5%
In this drama, Yook Sung Jae showcases his ability to portray complex characters, switching between the noble Yoon Gap and the sinister imugi. His chemistry with co-star Bona has been praised by critics and viewers alike.
2. The Golden Spoon (2022)
“The Golden Spoon” was a breakthrough role for Yook Sung Jae, where he played Lee Seung Cheon, a high school student from a poor family who gets the chance to swap lives with a rich classmate using a magical golden spoon.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: September 2022
- Episodes: 16
- Network: MBC
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama
- Average Viewership Rating: 6.5%
Yook Sung Jae’s performance in this drama was highly praised, as he effectively portrayed the internal struggles of a character torn between two worlds. The drama’s unique premise and Yook’s compelling acting made it a hit among viewers.
3. Mystic Pop-up Bar (2020)
In this fantasy drama, Yook Sung Jae played Han Kang Bae, a young man with the supernatural ability to see people’s troubles when he touches them. He works at a mysterious outdoor bar that helps solve customers’ problems in their dreams.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: May 2020
- Episodes: 12
- Network: JTBC
- Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
- Average Viewership Rating: 4.3%
Yook Sung Jae’s portrayal of the kind-hearted and empathetic Han Kang Bae was a highlight of the drama. His chemistry with co-stars Hwang Jung Eum and Choi Won Young contributed to the show’s warm and heartfelt atmosphere.
4. Goblin (2016-2017)
Although not the main lead, Yook Sung Jae’s role as Yoo Deok Hwa in “Goblin” was a significant turning point in his acting career. He played the mischievous but loyal grandson of the Goblin’s servant.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: December 2016
- Episodes: 16
- Network: tvN
- Genre: Fantasy, Romance
- Average Viewership Rating: 20.5% (peak)
Yook Sung Jae’s portrayal of Yoo Deok Hwa added a layer of humor and warmth to the drama. His scenes with the main characters were always entertaining, and he held his own against veteran actors like Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook.
5. Who Are You: School 2015 (2015)
In this high school drama, Yook Sung Jae played Gong Tae Kwang, a troublemaker with a hidden soft side. His character becomes involved in the life of a girl with a secret identity.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: April 2015
- Episodes: 16
- Network: KBS2
- Genre: Teen, Drama, Romance
- Average Viewership Rating: 8.3%
This drama marked one of Yook Sung Jae’s first major acting roles. His portrayal of the complex Gong Tae Kwang earned him praise and helped establish him as a promising young actor.
6. The Village: Achiara’s Secret (2015)
Yook Sung Jae starred as Park Woo Jae, a rookie police officer in a small village where a murder mystery unfolds. This drama allowed him to show a more serious side of his acting.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: October 2015
- Episodes: 16
- Network: SBS
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Average Viewership Rating: 6.2%
In this drama, Yook Sung Jae demonstrated his ability to handle more mature and intense roles. His performance as the determined young police officer was well-received by audiences.
7. Plus Nine Boys (2014)
This drama featured Yook Sung Jae as Kang Min Gu, a 19-year-old high school student dealing with the challenges of first love and growing up.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: August 2014
- Episodes: 14
- Network: tvN
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
- Average Viewership Rating: 1.5%
Although the drama had lower viewership ratings, it was an important step in Yook Sung Jae’s acting career. He showed his ability to portray the emotions and struggles of a typical teenager convincingly.
8. Reply 1994 (2013)
Yook Sung Jae had a small but memorable role in this popular nostalgic drama set in the 1990s. He played Sung Joon, the brother of the main character Na Jung in the year 2013.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: October 2013
- Episodes: 21
- Network: tvN
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Nostalgia
- Average Viewership Rating: 11.9% (peak)
Although his appearance was brief, it was one of Yook Sung Jae’s first acting roles and helped introduce him to a wider audience.
9. Monstar (2013)
In this music-themed drama, Yook Sung Jae had a minor role as Arnold, a member of the fictional idol group Men in Black.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: May 2013
- Episodes: 12
- Network: Mnet
- Genre: Music, Teen, Romance
- Average Viewership Rating: 0.5%
While his role was small, this drama allowed Yook Sung Jae to combine his musical talents with acting, setting the stage for his future career.
10. Zombieverse (2024)
Although not a traditional drama, this reality show featured Yook Sung Jae as a cast member in its second season. The show puts celebrities in a simulated zombie apocalypse scenario.
Key Statistics:
- Release Date: 2024
- Episodes: 8
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality, Survival, Horror
- Global Ranking: Top 10 in 45 countries
This unique show allowed viewers to see a different side of Yook Sung Jae, showcasing his quick thinking and adaptability in high-pressure situations. It also helped increase his international fanbase due to Netflix’s global reach.
