Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Kim Soo Hyun once again joins forces with writer Park Ji Eun after their previous collaborations on The Producers and My Love from the Star, captivating audiences anew. He is currently receiving acclaim for his remarkable chemistry with Kim Ji Won in Queen of Tears, where all eyes are on him. The richer his character’s background in his works, the more successful they tend to be—a testament to his widespread appeal to the audience. Queen of Tears is currently the second highest-rated drama in tvN’s history and enjoys global popularity through Netflix. In this article, we introduce the five best works of “romance king” Kim Soo Hyun.
>> Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won Share Their Most Memorable Moments From ‘Queen of Tears’
One Ordinary Day (2021)
In One Ordinary Day, viewers can see a new side of Kim Soo Hyun. This remake of the British drama Criminal Justice follows the life of an ordinary college student, Kim Hyun Soo, whose life is turned upside down when he becomes embroiled in an unexpected incident. After spending a night with a woman he just met, Hyun Soo finds himself accused of her murder. Despite all evidence pointing to him as the perpetrator, he desperately struggles to prove his innocence. Kim Soo Hyun delivers a profound portrayal of his character’s dire psychological state, drawing viewers deeply into the critical view of the judicial system portrayed in the series.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay depicts the story of two people, each carrying their own painful past, who come together to heal each other’s wounds. This was Kim Soo Hyun’s first project after his military discharge and had garnered much anticipation. He plays Moon Gang Tae, a psychiatric ward caretaker who has dedicated his life to caring for his brother with developmental disabilities. Gang Tae, who has neglected himself while caring for his brother, starts to change after meeting Ko Moon Young (Seo Ye Ji), a capricious and willful children’s book author. Kim Soo Hyun’s ability to convey his character’s depression and pain through his expressions alone drew empathy, and his romantic chemistry with Seo Ye Ji was palpable. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay remains a critical part of Kim Soo Hyun’s filmography, celebrated for its mature performances and high quality.
The Producers (2015)
The Producers is set within the real broadcasting station of KBS, depicting the lives of people in the broadcasting industry. With the station as its backdrop, popular shows like 1 Night 2 Days and Music Bank naturally make their way into the plot, and many celebrities appear as cameos. Kim Soo Hyun plays Baek Seung Chan, a newbie producer in the variety show department, forming a dynamic ensemble with Cha Tae Hyun, Gong Hyo Jin, and IU. Seung Chan, who harbors a crush on his senior producer Tak Ye Jin (Gong Hyo Jin) and struggles with what kind of broadcasts to create, eventually finds his place, becoming a reliable figure for pop star Cindy (IU). Kim Soo Hyun and IU, who had previously worked together in Dream High (2011), continue their friendship to this day.
My Love from the Star (2013)
My Love from the Star features Kim Soo Hyun’s first collaboration with writer Park Ji Eun in this romantic comedy about a romance between an alien who landed on Earth 400 years ago and a top star. Kim Soo Hyun plays Do Min Jun, an alien with supernatural powers living on Earth while concealing his identity. Having witnessed the deaths of his loved ones over the centuries, Min Jun has closed off his heart, but he slowly opens up and falls in love with Cheon Song Yi, a type of person he has never encountered before. Her unpredictable nature and naivete draw him in, and he becomes increasingly integrated into her world. The success of this drama solidified Kim Soo Hyun’s status as an actor.
The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
The Moon Embracing the Sun is a historical drama set in the Joseon Dynasty, portraying the fated love between a king and a shaman enveloped in secrecy. Based on a novel of the same name, the drama achieved immense popularity, at one point reaching a peak viewership of 42.2%. Kim Soo Hyun’s first foray into historical dramas saw him co-starring with Han Ga In, quickly rising to top star status. His fresh yet charismatic appearance, combined with his exceptional acting, brought him into the spotlight. The drama is remembered for its iconic lines like “I have tried to forget but could not,” and “Do not dare move away from me; it is a command.”
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
“Excellent!”