7 dramas of Kim Soo Hyun that showcase his acting versatility

We can’t deny the fact that Kim Soo Hyun is one of the most multifaceted artists in the entertainment industry. He made his acting debut in 2007 through the sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile, and since then, he has continued to prove that he is capable of taking on a wide variety of roles. He has impressive acting skills and consistently brings depth to every character he portrays.

The dramas he starred in are a testament to his remarkable acting range. Here are the dramas that highlight his incredible versatility as an actor.

1. Dream High (2011)

Dream High follows six young students who dream of becoming K-pop stars. Their journey isn’t easy as they pursue their dreams; along the way, they face failures that lead to personal growth. The story also features friendship, rivalry, and heart-fluttering romance. Kim Soo Hyun played Song Sam Dong, a country boy from Chungcheong Province. Each character in the drama has different inspiring stories, especially Sam Dong, who struggles a lot in pursuing his dreams. He is one of the characters with the biggest emotional journeys in the series.

Moreover, Dream High received so much love from the viewers. One of the memorable things about the success of the drama was when the cast members performed together in a special Dream High concert and released it as a special episode of the drama.

2. Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)

Moon Embracing the Sun is a romantic historical drama about King Lee Hwon (played by Kim Soo Hyun) and Heo Yeon Woo, who fall in love when they are young but are separated by a tragic conspiracy. Years later, they meet again, but Yeon Woo has lost her memory and is living as a shaman named Wol. Little did Lee Hwon know that the woman whom he thought was gone a long time ago was with him all along, falling in love with her for the second time.

The drama is a major success in Korea. It earned a nationwide viewership rating of 42.2% and won several awards. This drama has become a solid foundation for establishing Kim Soo Hyun’s career and has become one of Korea’s leading actors.

3. My Love from the Star (2013)

My Love From the Star is another popular drama starring Kim Soo Hyun. It is a fantasy romantic drama that tells the story of Do Min Joon, played by Kim Soo Hyun, an alien who has been living on Earth for about 400 years. His path crosses with Cheon Song Yi, an actress whom he falls in love with. Do Min Joon is one of the iconic characters Kim Soo Hyun portrayed. Both he and his leading lady, Jun Ji Hyun, received major awards for this series, and their overflowing chemistry in the series is commendable.

4. The Producers (2015)

The Producers is a drama about the people who work behind the camera. It highlights the behind-the-scenes world of being a TV producer. The drama is remarkable as it stars four major Korean stars: Kim Soo Hyun, Gong Hyo Jin, Cha Tae Hyun, and IU. Their dynamics in this drama are truly amazing. Kim Soo Hyun also won the grand prize at the 2015 Baeksang Arts Awards for his excellent portrayal of his role as Baek Seung Chan. This is also the drama reunion of Kim Soo Hyun and IU following their drama Dream High.

5. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is a must-watch psychological drama. It tells the love story of Moon Gang Tae and Ko Moon Young. They have childhood traumas, and as they fall in love, they learn how to heal themselves. Alongside Kim Soo Hyun, the drama stars also include two great artists: Seo Ye Ji and Oh Jung Se. The drama also tells a heartwarming story about family and emotional healing. This drama also has a remake in the Philippines, which was released in 2025.

6. One Ordinary Day (2021)

One Ordinary Day is a 2021 crime thriller drama that tells the story of an ordinary university student who becomes a murder suspect overnight when he gets involved with a woman whom he met one night and slept with. This drama highlights the people who face injustices and are wrongfully accused and imprisoned for things they didn’t even do. It also highlights how an innocent person changes as they deal with these injustices in life. Kim Soo Hyun portrayed the role of Kim Hyun Soo, which proves how wide his acting range is.

7. Queen of Tears (2024)

One of the popular 2024 romantic comedy dramas, Queen of Tears, is a story about the married couple, Hong Hae In and Baek Hyun Woo, who go through a dizzying crisis, but their love blooms again miraculously. Kim Soo Hyun played the role of Baek Hyun Woo. This drama is a certified hit and achieved the highest drama rating in tvN’s history. His chemistry with his co-star Kim Ji Won is also heart-fluttering.

Have you all watched these dramas of Kim Soo Hyun? Which one is your favorite?