Kwon Sang-woo is a beloved South Korean actor who has captivated audiences with his charm and talent for over two decades. Known for his versatility in both romantic comedies and action-packed thrillers, Kwon has starred in numerous hit dramas and films throughout his career. As of 2025, let’s take a look at 10 of his best works that have left a lasting impression on viewers.
1. Hitman 2 (2025)
Kwon Sang-woo returns to the big screen in this highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 hit “Hitman: Agent Jun.” In “Hitman 2,” Kwon reprises his role as Jun, a former secret agent turned webtoon creator. The movie follows Jun as he becomes entangled in a real-life terrorist attack that mirrors the plot of his criticized webtoon’s second season.
This action-comedy has become a massive success in South Korea, earning $15.6 million from nearly 2.4 million admissions in just three weeks. It has claimed the top spot as the highest-grossing Korean film of 2025 so far. Fans of Kwon Sang-woo will enjoy seeing him showcase both his comedic timing and action skills in this thrilling adventure.
2. Stairway to Heaven (2003)
Although released over two decades ago, “Stairway to Heaven” remains one of Kwon Sang-woo’s most iconic dramas. This heartbreaking love story follows childhood friends Jung-suh (Choi Ji-woo) and Song-joo (Kwon Sang-woo) as they navigate family troubles, separation, and tragedy.
The drama became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Kwon’s status as a leading man in the Korean entertainment industry. Its emotional storyline and the chemistry between Kwon and Choi Ji-woo touched viewers’ hearts, making it a classic that is still fondly remembered today.
3. My Tutor Friend (2003)
In this romantic comedy film, Kwon Sang-woo plays Ji-hoon, a troublemaking high school student who is paired with a college sophomore tutor named Su-wan (Kim Ha-neul). Their clashing personalities and the age dynamic create a fun and engaging story that resonated with audiences.
“My Tutor Friend” was a box office hit, topping the charts for five consecutive weeks upon its release. It sold nearly 4.8 million tickets, making it the third best-selling Korean film of 2003. This movie showcased Kwon’s ability to portray both rebellious and charming characters, further solidifying his popularity.
4. Queen of Mystery (2017)
Switching gears to the small screen, “Queen of Mystery” features Kwon Sang-woo as Detective Ha Wan-seung, who teams up with a prosecutor’s wife and amateur sleuth, Yoo Seol-ok (Choi Kang-hee), to solve various cases. This crime comedy drama blends humor with mystery, creating an entertaining watch for viewers.
The series was well-received, with its first episode reaching impressive ratings of 11.2% nationwide. Kwon’s portrayal of the passionate detective complemented Choi Kang-hee’s character perfectly, leading to a successful on-screen partnership that kept audiences tuning in week after week.
5. The Accidental Detective 2: In Action (2018)
Continuing his streak in the comedy-mystery genre, Kwon Sang-woo stars in this sequel as Kang Dae-man, a comic book store owner turned private detective. Alongside his partners, played by Sung Dong-il and Lee Kwang-soo, Dae-man takes on a challenging case that leads them into unexpected dangers.
Building on the success of its predecessor, “The Accidental Detective 2: In Action” showcases Kwon’s comedic talents while also delivering thrilling action sequences. The film’s blend of humor and suspense proved popular with moviegoers, further establishing Kwon’s versatility as an actor.
6. Medical Top Team (2013)
In this medical drama, Kwon Sang-woo takes on the role of Park Tae-shin, a brilliant thoracic surgeon with a straightforward personality. The series focuses on an elite medical team at a prestigious hospital, exploring both their professional and personal lives.
While “Medical Top Team” faced tough competition in its time slot, it still managed to maintain steady ratings throughout its run. Kwon’s portrayal of the genius but misunderstood doctor added depth to the character, allowing viewers to connect with Park Tae-shin’s struggles and triumphs.
7. Han River Police (2023)
One of Kwon Sang-woo’s more recent dramas, “Han River Police” sees him playing Han Doo-jin, a dedicated police officer patrolling the Han River in Seoul. This easy-watching series offers a glimpse into the daily lives of river patrol officers as they handle various incidents along the iconic waterway.
The drama provides a refreshing change of pace, focusing on smaller, everyday crimes rather than high-stakes cases. Kwon’s performance as the serious and hands-on Officer Han showcases his ability to bring depth to seemingly ordinary characters, making “Han River Police” a comforting and enjoyable watch.
8. Once Upon a Time in High School (2004)
This coming-of-age film set in the 1970s features Kwon Sang-woo as Hyun-soo, a transfer student navigating the harsh realities of a notorious high school. The movie tackles themes of friendship, first love, and the struggles of youth in a turbulent era.
“Once Upon a Time in High School” received praise for its realistic portrayal of school life in 1970s Korea. Kwon’s performance as the conflicted Hyun-soo resonated with viewers, particularly those who lived through that period. The film’s exploration of violence, authority, and teenage emotions showcased Kwon’s ability to take on more serious, dramatic roles.
9. Love, So Divine (2004)
In this romantic comedy, Kwon Sang-woo plays Kim Kyu-shik, a seminary student preparing to become a Catholic priest. His plans are thrown into disarray when he meets and falls for Kim Soo-in (Ha Ji-won), leading to a heartwarming and humorous journey of love and faith.
“Love, So Divine” allowed Kwon to showcase his softer side, playing a character torn between his calling and his heart. The film’s unique premise and the chemistry between Kwon and Ha Ji-won made it a memorable entry in the romantic comedy genre.
10. Temptation (2014)
Rounding out our list is the drama “Temptation,” where Kwon Sang-woo stars as Cha Seok-hoon, a married man facing financial troubles who enters into a dangerous agreement with a wealthy businesswoman. This series explores themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s choices.
“Temptation” reunited Kwon with his “Stairway to Heaven” co-star Choi Ji-woo, rekindling their on-screen chemistry for fans of their previous work together. The drama’s exploration of complex relationships and moral dilemmas showcased Kwon’s growth as an actor, allowing him to portray a more mature and conflicted character.