From playing a musical genius to an ageless alien and a caregiver in a psychiatric ward, Kim Soo Hyun has showcased his versatility across genres. One of the most popular and sought-after actors, he was also crowned “King of Commercials.”
In his recent drama “Queen of Tears,” he plays Baek Hyun Woo, the “Cinderella Man” in lieu of his marriage to heiress Hong Hae In (Kim Ji Won). Conflicted in his feelings toward his wife, who blows hot and cold, when he finally understands Hae In better, it seems there are several forces at play to keep the couple apart. Kim Soo Hyun’s onscreen presence and chemistry with Kim Ji Won have scorched the ratings, and people cannot seem to get enough of the actors. Here’s a look at five Kim Soo Hyun dramas which showcase his meticulous charm and acting prowess.
“My Love From the Star”
Kim Soo Hyun stars as Do Min Joon, a handsome and ageless alien who has inadvertently found himself residing on planet earth for nearly 400 years. The man has no time for humans and their weird ways and keeps to himself. As he awaits to get back home to his own planet somewhere in the vast galaxy, he runs into Chun Song Yi (Jun Ji Hyun), a high-billed movie star. Song Yi on the surface comes across as temperamental and moody, but at heart she is a lonely, lost soul. She ends up taking a class at the college where Min Joon teaches, one of his many professions while being an earthling, and she also realizes he is her neighbor as well. Min Joon finds himself getting entwined in Song Yi’s affairs, and the inevitable happens: the two fall in love. But is it possible for an alien and a human to have an happily ever after or will the forces of nature play truant?
“My Love From the Star” has a timeless appeal and remains an all-time favorite amongst fans. Jun Ji Hyun’s comic timing apart, Kim Soo Hyun has an undeniable charm as the reticent dropdead gorgeous, otherworldly being. His “knight in shining armor” act is swoon-worthy to say the least. And the chemistry between the two leads makes them one of the most endearing couples of all time.
Start watching “My Love From the Star”:
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”
Moon Kang Tae (Kim Soo Hyun) is a mild-mannered and introverted caregiver at a psychiatric hospital. His main priority is his older brother Sang Tae (Oh Jung Se), an aspiring artist who is on the autism spectrum. However, their quiet life gets a jolt with the arrival of the temperamental and haughty Go Moon Young (Seo Ye Ji). As a children’s book author, Moon Young takes a fancy toward Kang Tae and does everything possible to get close to him. She initially irks him, and he tries to distance himself but soon enough warms up toward this hostile young woman.
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” sensitively deals with issues pertaining to mental health and childhood trauma as well as unhealed emotional scars. Kim Soo Hyun’s Kang Tae is a young man who grew up well before time, given the situation with his brother. Kim Soo Hyun is exceptional as he articulates his character’s dilemmas and sense of responsibility as well as his own struggles. The intensity of his and Seo Ye Ji’s chemistry and the underlying tension between the two is well articulated by both the actors, and we get some memorable kisses as well.
“The Moon Embracing the Sun”
When Yeon Woo (Han Ga In), daughter of the King’s advisor, marries Crown Prince Lee Hwon (Kim Soo Hyun), the union sends ripples of discontent in the palace. Many, including the conniving Queen, see Yeon Woo as a thorn in their plans to wrestle control, and they hatch a conspiracy.
As Yeon Woo is anointed as the crown princess, the couple’s happiness is short-lived. It is alleged that Yeon Woo has succumbed to her death from a mysterious illness. The heartbroken Lee Hwon is forced to marry another but refuses to consummate his marriage as he is unable to move on and continues to mourn the death of Yeon Woo. When he meets the shaman Wol, who looks like Yeon Woo, it comes as a shock. In the meantime, Lee Hwon is caught in a battle of inheritance and discovers some shocking secrets.
“The Moon Embracing the Sun” is a perfect blend of history, fantasy, romance, and tragedy. Kim Soo Hyun as the burdened King gives a remarkable performance. On one hand, he is weighed down by the crown, and on the other hand he is an empathetic human, compassionate toward his people and pining for the woman he loves.
Start watching “The Moon Embracing The Sun”:
“Dream High”
Song Sam Dong (Kim Soo Hyun) may be the country bumpkin, but the boy has an innate talent for music. He lands at Kirin Arts School and meets Hye Mi (Suzy), Jin Gook (Taecyeon), Pil Sook (IU), and Jason (Wooyoung), youngsters waiting to strike the right chord and make it in the world of music. Sam Dong is a simpleton—he is neither street smart nor calculating, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. But one day, when he realizes his ailment is serious, he may have to give up on his dreams and hopes of making music. But, as this young boy challenges the odds to become one of the shining stars on the world stage, his is the story of perseverance and determination, a fight against all odds.
“Dream High” is a story of aspirations, struggles, heartbreak, and friendship. Kim Soo Hyun endears as Sam Dong, and you cannot help but root for him to win. In one of the scenes when he helplessly wails as it finally registers that he could have well lost his hearing, you cannot help but feel his plight.
Start watching “Dream High”:
“The Producers”
Yet another Kim Soo Hyun drama about following your dreams is “The Producers.” Seung Chan (Kim Soo Hyun) gives up what could have been a thriving and stable career in law and joins a broadcast station as a rookie producer. His reasons are pure and simple: he is infatuated with Ye Jin (Gong Hyo Jin), a producer of the show “Music Bank,” and he wants to work with her. Little does the gullible Seung Chan know that what goes on behind the scenes are very different from what meets the eye. He also runs into the impassive Cindy (IU), a singing sensation who is cold and aloof.
“The Producers” gives a fly on the wall narrative of the lives of the many people who work in a broadcast station. As each one navigates the hyper competitive yet merciless world of showbiz in ways they know best, they also learn some life lessons the hard way. Kim Soo Hyun is lovable as the wide-eyed and unassertive freshman who is willing to please. As he comes to terms with his feelings for Cindy, his awkwardness is adorable to say the least.
Start watching “The Producers”:
Hey Soompiers, which one of these dramas features your favorite Kim Soo Hyun character ? Let us know in the comments below!
Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Yang Yang and Lee Junho bias. A long time K-drama fan, she loves devising alternate scenarios to the narratives. She has interviewed Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, Cha Eun Woo, and Ji Chang Wook to name a few. You can follow her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram.
Currently watching: “Wedding Impossible“