Six Memorable K-Drama Characters of Kim Soo-hyun

Kim Soo-hyun’s passionate, precise interpretations certainly grant him that weight as a performing artist. He is, indeed, an elite player—a savant in Korean entertainment who might reveal an entirely diverse facet of any given character; six such are listed below.

Song Sam-dong – Dream High (2011)

Following Dream High‘s success as a staggering teen musical drama, Kim sparked a fair amount of nods. Being a country yokel—a musical whiz—but battling an uncommon medical condition earned him the KBS Drama Awards’ Best New Actor and Popularity Awards. His portrayal of Sam-dong’s plight and his underlying pain was most notably impressive. Based on Naver news, Kim trained extensively at JYP Entertainment to hone his vocal and choreographic skills so he might do effectively next to K-pop idol actors such as Bae Suzy and Ok Taec-yeon.

Lee Hwon, King of Joseon – Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)

Kim has perpetually had an eye fixated on the heights but at all times has remained grounded, which is arguably the most significant credit that nets his benefits. “I am very grateful for this moment, but I am ashamed as well. It’s like having a lot of homework. I’ll keep trying to become a better actor to remain worthy of this award,” Kim told JoongAng Daily after claiming the Best Actor (TV) award at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards, despite seasoned actors in the fray. This was in recognition of his illustrious role in this epic fantasy K-drama featuring the intimate love story of the monarch and a female shaman set against the strains and machinations of warring political camps.

Do Min-joon – My Love from the Star (2013-2014)

The actor obviously enjoys inhabiting unknowns, which spurs him to push harder on emoting distinct roles, particularly demanding ones like Do Min-joon. For what he did in this classic K-drama, Kim drew sweeping approval worldwide. He cemented his reputation as a Hallyu phenomenon and a television juggernaut in Korea with his rendition of Min-joon, the extraterrestrial who descends from the stars. Juxtaposed with the feisty, stylish alien with heightened athletic powers, he nailed another face of the character, tempered with genuine care that flooded across as he sought Jun Ji-hyun on-screen.

Baek Seung-chan – The Producers (2015)

Seung-chan, a zealous lawyer, joins KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) for a cause, taking on a tyro producer-director with the variety/entertainment division in this comedy-drama television series. Considering the huge ratings hit of My Love from the Star, Kim, and screenwriter Park Ji-eun officially reunited for The Producers, touted as the most-awaited show of 2015. The series, however, for its exaggerated picture of producers as weak in handling celebrities, save for a few rare instances, opened to a conflicting reception. But Kim, as a standard, gave his best while also being credited for his comic timing.

Moon Gang-tae – It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

Moon Gang-tae—a psychiatric unit caretaker who crosses paths with a rowdy children’s book author—was the artist’s dramatic resurgence. The story saw favorable critiques and rose to be one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history, attributable to its novel concept, aesthetic appeal, character development, and focus on mental health.

As Gang-tae, Kim was a perfect emulation of the character’s grappling with loss and sorrow: one who endures obligation but never strays out of it; a man missing love who still heals people while masking his personal scars. And indeed, underneath the entirety of the pain, he figures a radically different lover, risking all for those he values. Most deservingly, Kim picked up acknowledgment for the performance, winning the Daesang (or “Grand Prize”) at the 5th Asia Artist Awards in the television category.

Kim Hyun-soo – One Ordinary Day (2021)

Kim’s taste for darker narrative nuances and a flair for challenging themes and roles are clear. His work in One Ordinary Day, the Korean version of the British TV series Criminal Justice, is a noteworthy instance of that. He plays an average college guy who accidentally finds himself a crucial suspect in a grisly murder case after being implicated by circumstantial evidence. Kim was top-notch even though the drama was not feted very well. He reaffirmed that he is a surprise in that he has an unfathomable acting style that is simultaneously attractive and appropriate for what he undertakes on camera.