Kim Mu Yeol is a talented South Korean actor who has made a name for himself in both Korean dramas and movies. With his versatile acting skills and charismatic presence, he has captivated audiences in various roles. As of 2025, Kim Mu Yeol has an impressive list of works under his belt. Let’s explore the 10 best Korean dramas and movies starring this remarkable actor.
1. The Roundup: Punishment (2024)
“The Roundup: Punishment” is an action-packed crime thriller that showcases Kim Mu Yeol’s ability to portray complex characters. In this fourth installment of the popular “The Roundup” series, Kim plays the role of Baek Chang-ki, a formidable antagonist who goes head-to-head with Ma Dong-seok’s iconic character.
The movie was a massive success, attracting over 7 million moviegoers in South Korea. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, praising the intense action sequences and the chemistry between the lead actors. Kim Mu Yeol’s performance as the villain was particularly noteworthy, adding depth and intrigue to the story.
2. Queen Woo (2024)
In this historical action drama, Kim Mu Yeol takes on the role of Eul Pa-so, a key figure in the political landscape of ancient Goguryeo. “Queen Woo” tells the story of a fierce struggle for power following the death of King Gogukcheon, with the titular queen at the center of the conflict.
The series received high praise for its stunning visuals, intricate plot, and strong performances from the ensemble cast. Kim Mu Yeol’s portrayal of Eul Pa-so was lauded for its nuance and intensity, showcasing his ability to excel in period dramas. With only eight episodes, “Queen Woo” managed to pack a punch and keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its run.
3. Sweet Home (Seasons 2 and 3, 2023-2024)
Kim Mu Yeol joined the cast of the popular apocalyptic horror series “Sweet Home” in its second season, playing the role of Kim Young-hoo. His character added a new dynamic to the already tense and thrilling storyline, which follows a group of survivors in a world where humans are turning into monsters.
The series gained international recognition, becoming one of the most-watched Korean dramas on Netflix. Kim Mu Yeol’s performance in both seasons 2 and 3 was praised for bringing depth and emotional weight to his character, contributing significantly to the show’s success.
4. The Devil’s Deal (2023)
In this political thriller, Kim Mu Yeol stars as Kim Pil-do, a character caught in the web of corruption and power struggles in the world of politics. “The Devil’s Deal” offers a gripping look at the dark side of political ambition and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals.
The movie received critical acclaim for its taut screenplay and powerful performances. Kim Mu Yeol’s portrayal of Kim Pil-do was particularly praised, with many critics noting his ability to convey complex emotions and moral ambiguity. The film’s exploration of timely themes resonated with audiences, making it a thought-provoking and engaging watch.
5. Trolley (2022-2023)
“Trolley” is a drama that delves into the complexities of family, politics, and personal ethics. Kim Mu Yeol plays Jang Woo-jae, a character whose actions set off a chain of events that impact multiple lives. The series explores the consequences of our choices and the weight of secrets.
With its thought-provoking storyline and strong performances, “Trolley” became a talking point among drama enthusiasts. Kim Mu Yeol’s nuanced portrayal of Jang Woo-jae was a highlight of the series, showcasing his ability to handle emotionally charged scenes with finesse.
6. Juvenile Justice (2022)
In this legal drama, Kim Mu Yeol takes on the role of Cha Tae-joo, a judge dealing with juvenile offenders. “Juvenile Justice” offers a gritty and realistic look at the juvenile court system, tackling difficult topics with sensitivity and depth.
The series was widely acclaimed for its honest portrayal of societal issues and the complexities of juvenile crime. Kim Mu Yeol’s performance as the principled yet conflicted judge Cha Tae-joo was a standout, earning him praise from critics and viewers alike. The show’s success led to discussions about real-world juvenile justice systems, highlighting its impact beyond entertainment.
7. Space Sweepers (2021)
While Kim Mu Yeol plays a supporting role in this sci-fi adventure, his performance as Kang Hyeon-u adds emotional depth to the story. “Space Sweepers” is set in a future where Earth has become nearly uninhabitable, following a crew of space junk collectors who stumble upon a humanoid robot child.
The movie was a groundbreaking project for Korean cinema, being the first space blockbuster from the country. It gained international attention on Netflix, with viewers praising its stunning visuals, exciting action sequences, and heartfelt story. Kim Mu Yeol’s scenes, though limited, left a lasting impression on audiences.
8. The Gangster, the Cop, and the Devil (2019)
In this action-packed crime thriller, Kim Mu Yeol plays Jung Tae-seok, a determined detective who forms an unlikely alliance with a gangster to catch a serial killer. The movie offers a perfect blend of suspense, action, and dark humor.
“The Gangster, the Cop, and the Devil” was a commercial and critical success, even screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Kim Mu Yeol’s performance as the passionate and slightly unorthodox detective was widely praised, with many noting his chemistry with co-star Ma Dong-seok. The film’s unique premise and strong performances made it a standout in the Korean crime thriller genre.
9. Forgotten (2017)
This mystery thriller showcases Kim Mu Yeol in one of his most challenging and memorable roles. He plays Yoo-seok, a character shrouded in mystery whose sudden disappearance and reappearance set off a series of shocking revelations.
“Forgotten” received high praise for its intricate plot, atmospheric tension, and outstanding performances. Kim Mu Yeol’s portrayal of the enigmatic Yoo-seok was a highlight of the film, with his ability to switch between different facets of his character keeping viewers guessing until the very end. The movie’s twists and turns, coupled with Kim’s nuanced acting, made it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.
10. Northern Limit Line (2015)
Based on a true story, “Northern Limit Line” is a war drama that recounts the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong between North and South Korean patrol boats in 2002. Kim Mu Yeol plays Yun Yeong-ha, a naval officer involved in the conflict.
The movie was a box office success in South Korea, drawing over 6 million viewers. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of the events and the emotional depth it brought to the story of the soldiers involved. Kim Mu Yeol’s performance as Yun Yeong-ha was particularly noted for its sincerity and emotional impact, helping to bring this piece of recent history to life on the big screen.