Preye
Without even introducing Kim Soo Hyun, I’m sure you already know about him – or, at least you’ve heard about him.
This talented, versatile actor shines regardless of his role, and his phenomenal performances in several top-rated Korean dramas easily made him a fan favorite.
In this post, I’ll be listing 8 amazing Korean dramas starring Kim Soo Hyun that I genuinely loved and I feel you’ll enjoy, too!
Brief background:
Kim Soo Hyun made his TV debut with a hilarious supporting role in the family sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile back in 2007, but it was his sensational performance in the 2011 teen drama Dream High that catapulted him into the spotlight and stole all our hearts.
He is practically swimming in awards, with four Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and even a Blue Dragon Film Award. He has even been featured in several magazines for his many achievements.
In 2016, Kim Soo Hyun even tried his luck at becoming a professional bowler, but he didn’t strike out completely, ranking 10th out of 114 participants in his first try-out tournament. The second time around, the pins weren’t in his favor, and he fell just shy of the 200 points needed to qualify.
After completing his mandatory military service (yes, even stars have to do that), our charming actor made a triumphant return to the screen with the heartwarming romance drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay – and he absolutely stunned.
Here are 8 Kim Soo Hyun Korean dramas & movies you should watch right now:
1. It’s Okay To Not Be Okay (2020)
This drama became a huge hit in 2020, and it’s no wonder why. It revolves around mental health issues in the most captivating way.
Kim Soo Hyun rocked his role as Moon Gang Tae, a caring caregiver at OK Psychiatric Hospital.
After his mom passed away, he took on the responsibility of looking after his older brother, Moon Sang Tae, who’s on the autism spectrum.
And, along the way, he crosses paths with Ko Moon Young, a children’s book author with a bit of an antisocial streak.
Gang Tae, Sang Tae, and Moon Young’s heartwarming journey was really the sweetest thing.
This is one of the best Kim Soo Hyun Kdramas I’ve watched, and if you’ve been on the fence, check it out.
Also see: 18 Fluffy Romantic Kdramas That Will Make You Smile & Cry With Glee
2. My Love From The Star (2013)
Starring alongside Jun Ji Hyun, Kim Soo Hyun played the role of an alien who is living on Earth as a human named Do Min Jun in this Kdrama.
Years ago, he came to Earth for research but could not return to his planet, and with no options left, he adjusted to life on Earth.
After years, he is finally preparing to go home in a few months, but destiny seems to have a different plan as he meets Cheon Song YI, a top actress who happens to be his new neighbor.
I watched this Kdrama this year, and I feel so sad because I almost wish I could watch it for the first time again.
Guys, if you like romance that will make you laugh and smile, I’ll recommend this.
Related: Top 15 Fantasy Kdramas Worth Binge-Watching This Weekend
3. Moon Embracing The Sun (2012)
In this gripping historical drama, Kim Soo Hyun delivers a remarkable performance as Lee Hwon, the revered King of Joseon known for his keen intellect and compassionate nature, who himself became entangled in a tale of love and tragedy.
During his youthful years, his heart was captivated by Heo Yeon Woo, the crown princess, whose life was abruptly extinguished by a treacherous political conspiracy.
As destiny weaves its intricate threads, Lee Hwon crosses paths with Wol, a shaman bearing an uncanny resemblance to his lost love, Yeon Woo.
From this point forward, the plot thickens, as Lee Hwon delves into the enigma of Yeon Woo’s destiny, gradually uncovering the clandestine secrets concealed within the palace’s walls.
The OST of this saeguk is really one of the best out there, and I’ll forever recommend it. It gives me a good cry whenever I need to wash my eyes, and it’s just one of the best roles Kim Soo Hyun has played.
Also see: 10 Amazing Romantic Historical Kdramas So Sweet They’ll Melt Your Heart
4. Dream High (2011)
Dream High is a high school drama about the students at Kirin High School, a school famous for training singers and idols.
Kim Soo Hyun plays the role of Song Sam Dong, a talented music prodigy who is in love with Go Hye Mi (played by Bae Suzy).
The show follows the ups and downs of these students’ lives as they work hard to fulfill their dreams and become successful in their chosen fields.
As I said earlier, this drama was like a breakout role for Kim Soo Hyun, and if you haven’t watched this beautiful high school Korean drama, then you should give it a chance soon – it’s that good.
Also see: 24 Heartwarming High School Korean Dramas That You Should Watch Today
5. Secretly, Greatly (2013)
In the film, Kim Soo Hyun plays Lieutenant Won Ryu Hwan, a clandestine operative from North Korea.
As a multilingual expert fluent in five languages and gifted with keen insight into human behavior, he assumes the guise of a simple-minded villager residing in South Korea.
With no directives from North Korea, he and his fellow agents gradually adapt to their new lives in the South.
However, their existence takes a dramatic twist when they receive an unexpected order from North Korea, instructing them to take their own lives.
6. One Ordinary Day (2021)
This time around, Kim Soo Hyun plays Kim Hyun Soo, an ordinary college student.
On a seemingly typical day, he borrows his father’s taxi to spend time with his friends, much like any other student, but a chain of unforeseen circumstances unfolds, leading him to become the primary suspect in a murder case.
The drama intensifies as Kim Hyun Soo allies himself with an unscrupulous lawyer and a prisoner, pooling their resources to establish his innocence.
This is the second Kim Soo Hyun Kdrama I watched, and I really enjoyed it. He doesn’t star in many thriller roles, but he gave this role his all – and it shows.
Related: 10 Action & Thriller Kdramas That Will Keep You Coming Back For More
7. The Producers (2015)
Kim Soo Hyun shines in this drama as Baek Seung Chan, a shy and inexperienced PD at the KBS network.
Motivated by his infatuation, he joins the KBS network as a rookie producer and soon finds himself placed under the guidance of Ra Joon Mo, a seasoned but largely unsuccessful senior producer.
The storyline centers around his journey as a PD, exploring the complex relationships he forms with the senior producers and the renowned K-pop idol, Cindy.
If you want a Kim Soo Hyun drama that’s “different” from his other roles, then you will definitely enjoy this Kdrama.
Also see: 14 Emotional Melodrama Kdramas That Tugged At My Heartstrings
8. Real (2017)
In this movie, Kim Soo Hyun takes on a completely different role from his usual sweet and gentle characters, he absolutely dazzled in this Korean movie.
This time around, he plays the role of Jang Tae Yong, the charismatic owner of a sprawling casino known for his knack for problem-solving.
He soon finds himself caught in a delightful predicament with his dual personality, and the movie takes us on a humorous journey as Jang Tae Yong navigates the challenges of balancing his genuine self with his alter ego, all while searching for a way to manage his unique condition.
There you have it – 8 of the best Korean dramas and movies starring Kim Soo Hyun that you will definitely love.
As usual, here’s my not-so-subtle nudge for you to watch it right now, and if you have, then this is a sign that you NEED to rewatch it right now.
There are lots of other recommendations, so check out the related posts below, and I’m certain you’ll find something.
And, what did you think? Which of these Kim Soo Hyun dramas is your favorite? Did I miss any drama? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy watching!
