PICK: Lee Sun Kyun’s 5 Best K-Dramas

Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Yu Jin Kim

Two posthumous films of the late actor Lee Sun Kyun, who passed away last December, will be released in theaters this summer: Project Silence and Land of Happiness. Project Silence tells the story of a battle against a murderous military dog on a collapsing bridge, while Land of Happiness follows incidents that occurred during the assassination of Park Chung Hee and the military mutiny on December 12th, 1979. Lee Sun Kyun played a wide range of characters in various media and genres since debuting in 2000, gaining global recognition through the Oscar-winning film Parasite. Today, we introduce five of Lee Sun Kyun’s notable works to remember him by.

Payback (2023) 

Payback is a gripping drama about those who rise against corruption, greed and power, and it is the last drama Lee Sun Kyun appeared in. Lee starred as Eun Yong, a man who is at the center of the revenge plot. Eun Yong had a dark and impoverished childhood but rose to become the CEO of a global private equity fund thanks to his exceptional talent for making money. He survives the urban jungle and enters a gentlemanly world, leveraging capital to generate more wealth. During this journey, he meets Jun Kyung (played by Moon Chae Won) and teams up with her to embark on a quest for revenge. Lee Sun Kyun vividly portrayed the character who subtly changes according to the class created by capital, and he showcased a new side of himself by performing most of the action scenes without a stunt double.

My Mister (2018) 

My Mister is a heartwarming story about three brothers struggling with life’s burdens and a young woman facing her own hardships. They find comfort and healing in their unexpected connection. Lee Sun Kyun plays Dong Hoon, the second of the three brothers. He’s a talented architect constantly passed over for promotions. His wife Yoon Hee (played by Lee Ji Ah) is having an affair with the president of his company. Dong Hoon’s life takes a turn when he meets Ji An (IU). He tries to help her through a tough situation, even after discovering she’s been tapping his phone. Unlike typical Korean dramas, My Mister focuses on the characters’ emotional scars and difficult pasts, drawing viewers in with a realistic portrayal. Lee Sun Kyun’s performance as Dong Hoon resonated deeply with audiences with his portrayal of a man isolated and adrift in the modern world.

Pasta (2010)

Pasta tells the story of a woman, Yoo Kyung (Gong Hyo Jin), who dreams of becoming a chef and making people happy with her food. Lee Sun Kyun garnered much attention for shedding his usual gentle persona to play the fiery chef. In the drama, he plays Choi Hyun Wook, a chef full of pride who dreams of leading the best Italian restaurant in Korea with his strong charisma and leadership. However, he clashes with the kitchen assistant Yoo Kyung and gradually falls for her despite their completely different personalities. Lee Sun Kyun later mentioned Pasta as a project that changed his life as an actor. The scene where he delivers the iconic line, “One plate of Vongole,” perfectly captures his character’s personality with his deep, unforgettable voice. Even today, the line remains a memorable catchphrase.

Coffee Prince (2007) 

Unfailingly returning every summer, Coffee Prince stands as an iconic symbol of youthful romance dramas. The drama revolves around Eun Chan (Yoon Eun Hye), who pretends to be a man to support her family, and her experiences working at Han Gyeol’s (Gong Yoo) coffee shop. Lee Sun Kyun portrays Han Gyeol’s cousin and music producer, Han Sung, exuding the charm of a captivating second male lead. A memorable scene features Han Sung singing a sweet song over the phone to his girlfriend, Yoo Joo (Chae Jung An). In a 2020 MBC Documentary Specia, Lee Sun Kyun expressed his fondness for the character and the drama, stating, “While it’s difficult to remember all the names of the characters I’ve played, I think I’ll remember Choi Han Sung for the rest of my life. It was such a great role. It might even be my last youthful romance drama.”

Behind the White Tower (2007) 

Behind the White Tower served as a breakthrough for actor Lee Sun Kyun, propelling him into the spotlight and establishing him as a prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry. Set against the backdrop of a university hospital, the drama delves into the relentless pursuit of power by the brilliant but ambitious doctor, Jun Hyuk (Kim Myung Min), and his eventual downfall. Lee Sun Kyun portrays Do Young, Jun Hyuk’s university classmate who always prioritizes his patients’ well-being above all else. He fearlessly follows his convictions, even if it means facing expulsion from the hospital. Do-young’s unwavering dedication to his patients is evident in a heartwarming scene where he warms a cold stethoscope with his hands before placing it on a young patient’s chest. This act of compassion earned him the affectionate nickname “Stethoscope Do Young” among viewers.

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.