Choi Hyun Wook has made a name for himself by effortlessly portraying youthful characters who hide their inner struggles while also standing out in villainous supporting roles. Now, he’s stepping into the lead role of a romantic comedy. tvN’s upcoming series My Dearest Nemesis follows Baek Soo Jung (played by Moon Ga Young), who unexpectedly ends up working for her ex and first love, Ban Joo Yeon. As Choi Hyun Wook takes on the role of a wealthy third-generation chaebol heir, anticipation is high for his transformation. Here’s a look at the dramas that have shaped him into the actor he is today.
Twinkling Watermelon
Twinkling Watermelon follows Eun Gyeol (Ryeoun), a musically gifted CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) boy who stumbles into a mysterious music shop and unexpectedly travels back in time. There, he meets his teenage father, Ha Yi Chan (Choi Hyun Wook), and together they form a band, sharing the joys of music and the struggles of youth. Ha Yi Chan is a hopeless romantic, so much so that he even signs the song “Magic Castle” to his crush. His carefree and cheerful personality provides comfort to Eun Gyeol, who has always felt the weight of responsibility as the de facto head of his household. Though Eun Gyeol tries to prevent Yi Chan’s future hearing loss, the two ultimately find happiness in ways they never expected.
High Cookie
High Cookie tells the story of a mysterious cookie that grants a person’s deepest desires with just one bite, gradually taking control of an elite high school. The drama focuses on Min Young (Jung Da Bin), who becomes consumed by the cookie, and Soo Young (Nam Ji Hyun), who risks everything to save her younger sibling. The series cleverly unpacks themes of ambition and greed by using cookies—a familiar and harmless object—as a metaphor for hidden desires. Notably, its release coincided with drug scandals in the entertainment industry and created an unexpected buzz. Choi Hyun Wook plays Ho Soo, a classmate of Min Young who makes money from selling the cookies. Though his role isn’t large, he adds tension to the story by portraying a character who fuels others’ desires while harboring secrets of his own.
Weak Hero Class 1
Weak Hero Class 1 follows Si Eun (Park Ji Hoon), a model student and self-imposed outsider, as he meets Soo Ho (Choi Hyun Wook) and Beom Seok (Hong Kyung) and takes a stand against violence. Coming from a difficult financial background, Soo Ho works part-time jobs to support his family and has little interest in school life. However, he transforms into someone who values friendship and loyalty as he grows closer to Si Eun. To portray the skilled fighter Soo Ho, Choi Hyun Wook trained at an action school and even sparred with real martial artists. Weak Hero Class 1 received positive reactions for its powerful action sequences and its portrayal of Si Eun and his friends’ deep friendship and the subtle emotions they go through.
Twenty Five Twenty One
Twenty Five Twenty One is a coming-of-age story set during the IMF financial crisis in Korea, depicting the friendships, love, and growth of young people navigating turbulent times. The drama follows Yu Rim (Bona), the ace of her high school fencing team, and Hee Do (Kim Tae Ri), who takes up fencing with dreams of becoming a champion while seeing Yu-rim as her rival. Meanwhile, the story also explores the lives of university student Yi Jin (Nam Joo Hyuk), who pursues his dream of becoming a journalist despite his family’s financial struggles, Ji Woong (Choi Hyun Wook), who is more interested in music and fashion than studying, and Seung Wan (Lee Joo Myung), a headstrong class president with a strong sense of justice. Ji Woong is a confident character who falls in love with Yu Rim at first sight. He boldly tells her, “The most important lessons aren’t in textbooks, they’re in the hallways,” while serving detention. His confidence shines through as he even makes a public love confession during a school band performance. With his effortless charm and comedic timing, Choi Hyun Wook brought Ji Woong to life and earned a nomination for Best New Actor in the TV category at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
Racket Boys
Racket Boys is set in a rural middle school and follows students who dream of becoming badminton idols. Choi Hyun Wook plays Woo Chan, a badminton enthusiast struggling with a slump. Teaming up with Hae Kang (Tang Jun Sang), Yoon Dam (Son Sang Yeon), and Yong Tae (Kim Kang Hoon), Woo Chan competes in tournaments but feels disappointed and emotionally neglected as his parents do not support his dream of becoming a professional athlete. However, he later discovers that his father has secretly been watching his matches, which helps him gradually overcome his slump. Choi Hyun Wook vividly portrayed Woo Chan’s emotional struggles, earning him the Best New Actor award at the SBS Drama Awards.
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Discover more K-dramas starring Choi Hyun Wook on OnDemand Korea and Amasian.tv! Stream Amasian TV at lgchannels.com—now available on Channel 250 in the U.S. and Channel 263 in Canada.
Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
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.
