Before making a name for himself in the MCU, Park Seo-joon was already and continues to be a top-tier actor in Korea, recognized for his outstanding performances in K-dramas alongside Gyeongseong Creature.
Whether they are new to his work or long-time fans, Park Seo-joon's name is often mentioned as a must-see actor. He initially made a name for himself in the romance genre, propelling him to stardom. However, Park has since ventured into Hollywood, portraying Prince Yun in the MCU, and even made a cameo in the film Parasite.
K-drama fans can rest assured that their favorite actor is still on screen, starring in Netflix's Gyeongseong Creature alongside Han So-hee. He portrays Tae-sang, a wealthy pawn shop owner in Gyeongseong, known for his reliable information and involvement in solving missing person cases with Chae-ok. With a versatile talent and a popular filmography, this actor shines in any role he takes on.
She Was Pretty
In addition to A Witch’s Love, Park Seo-joon rose to prominence in the romance genre through K-dramas such as She Was Pretty. It is a hidden treasure for fans who appreciate a Cinderella story. The romantic comedy revolves around Kim Hye-jin (Hwang Jung-eum) and a genuine love story. Hye-jin comes from a wealthy family and is admired for her beauty.
Her family's bankruptcy also leaves her physically changed, with frizzy hair and rosy red cheeks making her less desirable as an adult. Fate reunites her with a childhood friend, Ji Sung-joon (Park Seo-joon), who was once unattractive but has grown into a handsome and successful man. They agree to meet, but Hye-jin is hesitant due to her own transformation. With the help of a pretty friend, she sends her in her place. Unbeknownst to her, her friend develops feelings for Sung-joon. Hye-jin's situation becomes even more complicated when she is assigned to work for a fashion magazine where Sung-joon is the editor, but he doesn't recognize her and treats her with disdain.
She Was Pretty is available on Viki and Amazon Prime Video.
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
2017's popular historical K-drama "Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth" captured the hearts of fans with its compelling coming-of-age story. Starring Park Seo-joon, Go A-ra, and Park Hyung-sik, the series follows a group of young warriors known as Hwarang, with Crown Prince Sammaekjong at the center. When his father dies and political turmoil erupts, his mother makes a difficult decision to send him away for his safety. Under a different name, he joins the Hwarang, a group of elite warriors unaware that the prince and future king is among them. Park Seo-joon's character, Kim Sun-woo, becomes an ally of humble birth, unaware of a secret that even he himself does not know.
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth is available on Viki and Amazon Prime Video.
Fight For My Way
Park's portrayal in Fight For My Way is a beloved guilty pleasure for K-drama fans. The sports romance hits all the right notes for romance enthusiasts, with Ko Dong-man (played by Park Seo-joon) portraying a former TaeKwonDo athlete who left the sport after an unfortunate incident. Now a martial artist with a troubled past, he constantly clashes with his longtime friend and neighbor, Choi Ae-ra (played by Kim Ji-won). Despite their childish ways, they never saw each other as potential romantic partners - until their dynamic takes a surprising turn.
You can watch Fight For My Way on Viki and follow Ae-ra's journey of pursuing her dream of becoming an announcer, while also discovering the sparks of romance between her and her friend as they both strive to achieve their dreams.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is the ultimate introduction to K-drama for newcomers. This classic series skillfully incorporates all the beloved tropes of the genre and solidified actors Park Min-young and Park Seo-joon as romance icons.
Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young) has been the devoted secretary to her vice-chairman boss Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon) for nine years. When she announces her resignation to pursue her own interests, it shakes Young-joon to his core as he realizes how much he needs her. As he desperately tries to get her to stay, their boss-employee relationship takes a comedic and blush-worthy turn as he begins to fall in love with her. Meanwhile, Mi-soo is on a thrilling search for the man who has haunted her past, and who may hold the key to Young-joon's own trauma.
Check out What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim on Viki! Itaewon Class made a big impact when it launched on Netflix during the Hallyu wave, and it helped launch Park Seo-joon into The Marvels. The 2020 K-drama is beloved by fans for its compelling storyline.
Park Sae-ro-yi (played by Park Seo-joon) is a new student at school, unafraid to confront the bully Jang Geun-won (played by Ahn Bo-hyun). However, things take a dark turn when Geun-won is involved in the death of Sae-ro-yi's father. Determined to seek vengeance, Sae-ro-yi's plans are thwarted by the fact that Geun-won is the heir to a powerful CEO.
Sae-ro-yi's pursuit of justice lands him in prison for three years, leading to the loss of his girlfriend. Upon his release, he is determined to honor his father's memory by opening a bar-restaurant in Itaewon. His ambitions draw the attention of Geun-won, whose father owns a chain of successful restaurants in the area. As tensions rise, Sae-ro-yi forms unexpected connections with his staff and Jo Yi-seo (played by Kim Da-mi).
Itaewon Class is available on Netflix.
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Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of Park Seo-joon, I am thrilled to delve into the diverse K-dramas that showcase his exceptional talent. Beyond his latest captivating performance in Gyeongseong Creature, Park Seo-joon has graced our screens with an array of unforgettable characters that have left an indelible mark on the world of K-dramas.
From his heart-fluttering portrayal in She Was Pretty to his charismatic presence in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Park Seo-joon's versatility and range as an actor are truly remarkable. His ability to effortlessly transition between genres, from romantic comedies to historical dramas and action-packed thrillers, is a testament to his immense skill and dedication to his craft. Each role he takes on feels authentic and genuine, drawing viewers into the stories and leaving them captivated by his charm and charisma.