Love and K-dramas: Familiar Faces of the Male Contestants

Netflix's latest dating reality show brings the drama as eight Korean and Japanese actors compete for a lead role in a K-drama and a chance at love. But where have these contestants appeared before? Despite the language barrier, the contestants share the common desire to break into K-drama and to be open-minded about finding love.

The cast includes Song Ji-hyuk (36), Kim Won-shik (29), Lee Tae-gyun (27), and Kim Dong-kyu (28), who have consistently displayed impressive acting skills in each episode's storyline. For K-drama fans, the lineup is a dream come true, with some of the male contestants already familiar from their previous roles.

Song Ji-hyuk

Song Ji-hyuk, the most senior contestant, boasts more acting experience than the others. His remarkable Japanese skills stunned the female contestants when he joined Love Like a K-drama, revealing his extensive acting work in Japan.

Despite his impressive background, his K-drama roles have yet to land him a leading role, according to My Drama List. He has made guest appearances in Voice, Bachelor’s Vegetable Store, Girls’ Love Story, and The Game: Towards Zero. In 2020, he played a supporting role as a police officer in the fantasy mystery series Alice.

His most recent role was in 2023 in the supporting role of Choi Jong-soo in the historical mystery romance The Secret Romantic Guesthouse.

Kim Won-shik

Male contestant Kim Won-shik, also known as "Love Like a K-drama," has had limited success in leading K-drama episodes. He appeared in Episode 4 of the popular teen romance K-drama True Beauty as Ji Woo-hyeon in 2020, and later had an unspecified role in Netflix's global hit fantasy K-drama Alchemy of Souls. His acting career also includes work in the Philippines, including a remake of the popular romance K-drama What's Wrong With Secretary Kim and Pag-ibig Na Kaya?

Kim Dong-kyu

Kim Dong-kyu, like his fellow co-stars, is an up-and-coming actor who is steadily building his reputation in the industry. His performance in Love Like a K-drama has garnered praise from both judges and fans, with many noting his perfect K-drama appearance. Despite having only appeared in TV specials and one drama so far, he has already made a strong impression.

Lee Tae-gyun

In 2018, he took on key roles in Something Between Us, Comic Book Cafe, and Wind Blowing in Jeju. Then in 2019, he portrayed one of the main characters, Jo Tae-jin, in the youth K-drama Dating Class.

Finding acting credentials for Love Like a K-drama male contestant Lee Tae-gyun might be a challenge, as he is relatively new to the acting scene and has primarily made a name for himself in the fashion industry. As a model, he has been featured in notable magazines including Vogue Korea, Arena Korea, and GQ Korea. For more K-drama news, click here, details about Single’s Inferno Season 3 can be found here, and information about Physical: 100 Season 2 is available here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the new Netflix dating reality show, Love Like a K-drama. The show brings together eight Korean and Japanese actors who are competing for a lead role in a K-drama and a chance at love. I am a big fan of K-dramas, so I am excited to see these actors compete for a chance to star in one.

The cast of Love Like a K-drama includes some familiar faces. Song Ji-hyuk has appeared in several K-dramas, including Voice, Bachelor's Vegetable Store, Girls' Love Story, and The Game: Towards Zero. Kim Won-shik has appeared in True Beauty and Alchemy of Souls. Kim Dong-kyu has appeared in Something Between Us, Comic Book Cafe, Wind Blowing in Jeju, and Dating Class. Lee Tae-gyun is a newcomer to the acting scene, but he has made a name for himself in the fashion industry.

I am excited to see these actors compete for a chance to star in a K-drama. I think the show will be a lot of fun, and I can't wait to see who wins.