Park Seo-joon has become one of South Korea’s most beloved actors, known for his charming smile and versatile acting skills. From romantic comedies to action-packed thrillers, Park has showcased his talent in a wide range of roles. Let’s take a look at 10 of his best Korean dramas and movies that have captivated audiences around the world.
1. Itaewon Class (2020)
Itaewon Class is often called one of the best Korean dramas of all time, and for good reason. In this revenge story, Park Seo-joon plays Park Sae-ro-yi, a man determined to build a successful food business empire to get back at the powerful CEO who ruined his life.
Park’s performance as Sae-ro-yi is truly outstanding. He perfectly captures the character’s inner struggles, strong determination, and growth from an angry young man to a smart business leader. The show takes place in the lively Itaewon district of Seoul and features a colorful cast of characters who help bring the story to life.
What makes Itaewon Class special is how it breaks away from typical Korean drama storylines. It tackles serious topics like discrimination and corporate corruption while still being entertaining. Park Seo-joon’s powerful acting is the heart of the show, making viewers root for Sae-ro-yi’s success every step of the way.
2. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)
If you love romantic comedies, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a must-watch. Park Seo-joon stars as Lee Young-joon, a handsome and successful company vice-president who is shocked when his capable secretary Kim Mi-so (played by Park Min-young) decides to quit her job.
This drama is full of laughs and sweet moments as Young-joon tries to convince Mi-so to stay. Park Seo-joon is hilarious as the self-centered boss who slowly realizes his true feelings. His chemistry with Park Min-young is amazing, making their romance feel real and exciting.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is perfect for when you want something light and fun to watch. It’s got all the best parts of a romantic comedy – funny situations, cute couple moments, and a story that will make you smile.
3. Fight for My Way (2017)
Fight for My Way tells the story of four friends in their 30s trying to follow their dreams despite facing many challenges. Park Seo-joon plays Ko Dong-man, a former taekwondo athlete who gave up his passion but decides to try again as a mixed martial arts fighter.
This drama feels very real and relatable. It shows the struggles young people face when trying to succeed in a world that often values fancy jobs and degrees more than personal dreams. Park Seo-joon’s portrayal of Dong-man is both funny and touching. His growing romance with his longtime friend Choi Ae-ra (Kim Ji-won) is sweet and natural.
Fight for My Way stands out because it focuses on ordinary people and their everyday lives. It’s a heartwarming story about friendship, love, and never giving up on your goals, no matter how hard things get.
4. Midnight Runners (2017)
Midnight Runners is an action-comedy movie that shows a different side of Park Seo-joon. He stars alongside Kang Ha-neul as two students at the Korean National Police University who witness a kidnapping and decide to solve the crime themselves.
The movie starts off light and funny, with lots of jokes about the two friends’ police training. But it takes a more serious turn when they get involved in a real criminal case. Park Seo-joon and Kang Ha-neul have great chemistry, making their friendship feel genuine and entertaining.
What makes Midnight Runners special is how it balances humor with thrilling action scenes. Park Seo-joon proves he can do more than just romantic roles, showing off his skills in both comedy and action. The movie was a big hit in South Korea and helped expand Park’s reputation as a versatile actor.
5. She Was Pretty (2015)
She Was Pretty is a classic romantic comedy that helped make Park Seo-joon famous. He plays Ji Sung-joon, a handsome magazine deputy chief editor who reunites with his childhood friend Kim Hye-jin (Hwang Jung-eum). The twist is that their looks have completely changed since they were young.
This drama is full of funny misunderstandings and sweet moments as Sung-joon and Hye-jin get to know each other again as adults. Park Seo-joon is charming as always, but also shows growth as his character learns to look beyond appearances.
She Was Pretty is loved for its message about self-love and confidence. While some parts of the story might feel familiar if you’ve watched many Korean dramas, Park Seo-joon’s performance and his chemistry with the cast make it a enjoyable watch.
6. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)
In this historical drama, Park Seo-joon takes on the role of Moo Myung, a young man who joins an elite group of warriors called the Hwarang in ancient Korea. The show mixes history with romance and coming-of-age stories as the young men train to protect their kingdom.
Park’s performance as Moo Myung is one of the highlights of the drama. He convincingly portrays his character’s journey from seeking revenge to becoming a skilled fighter and leader. The friendship between the Hwarang members, which includes stars like BTS’s V and Choi Minho from SHINee, is another fun aspect of the show.
While Hwarang has some pacing issues in the middle episodes, Park Seo-joon’s acting and the beautiful historical setting make it worth watching. It’s a good choice for viewers who want to see Park in a different type of role set in a fascinating time period.
7. Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)
Kill Me, Heal Me is a unique drama where Park Seo-joon plays a supporting role as Oh Ri-on, the protective brother of the female lead. The main story follows a man with multiple personality disorder, but Park steals many scenes with his funny and heartfelt performance.
What makes Park’s role in this drama special is his hilarious interactions with one of the main character’s personalities, Ahn Yo-na. Their over-the-top scenes together are some of the funniest moments in the show. Park Seo-joon’s ability to be both dramatic and comedic really shines here.
Even though he’s not the main lead, Park Seo-joon’s performance in Kill Me, Heal Me is memorable and shows his range as an actor. It’s a great drama to watch if you want to see him in a different kind of role that still lets him show off his charm and talent.
8. Gyeongseong Creature (2023)
One of Park Seo-joon’s most recent projects is Gyeongseong Creature, a Netflix series that mixes historical drama with supernatural horror. Set in 1945 during Japan’s occupation of Korea, Park plays Jang Tae-sang, a wealthy businessman who gets caught up in mysterious and terrifying events.
This show is quite different from Park’s usual roles, allowing him to showcase a more serious and intense side of his acting. The drama’s mix of historical setting and monster horror creates a unique and thrilling atmosphere. Park’s chemistry with co-star Han So-hee adds depth to the story as their characters face dangerous situations together.
While some viewers had issues with the show’s pacing and special effects, Park Seo-joon’s performance is consistently praised. Gyeongseong Creature is a good choice for those who want to see Park take on a more mature and complex role in a story that blends history with fantasy.
9. Dream (2023)
In the sports comedy movie Dream, Park Seo-joon plays Yoon Hong-dae, a professional soccer player who ends up coaching a team of homeless people for a special tournament. This heartwarming film shows Park’s ability to balance humor with more emotional moments.
The movie’s strength lies in the chemistry between the cast members, especially between Park Seo-joon and IU, who plays the team’s manager. Their playful banter provides many of the film’s funniest scenes. While the overall story might feel familiar to sports movie fans, Park’s charming performance helps keep things fresh and entertaining.
Dream might not be Park Seo-joon’s most critically acclaimed work, but it’s a feel-good movie that lets him show off his comedic timing and ability to lead an ensemble cast. It’s a good pick for a light, uplifting watch featuring Park in a role that plays to his strengths.
10. The Marvels (2023)
Park Seo-joon made his Hollywood debut in The Marvels, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He plays Prince Yan, a character from a planet where everyone speaks in rhyme. While his role is small, it marks an important step in Park’s career as he enters the global film market.
Even with limited screen time, Park manages to leave an impression with his charismatic performance. His appearance in such a big international production opens up possibilities for more diverse roles in the future. It’s exciting for fans to see him alongside Hollywood stars and potentially reach a wider audience.
Although some viewers were disappointed by how little Park appeared in the movie, his involvement in The Marvels is still significant. It shows his growing popularity and the potential for Korean actors to break into major international films.