You Haven’t Truly Lived the K-Drama Experience Until You’ve Watched These Stars in These Roles!

There are moments in K-dramas that stay with you long after the screen goes dark. The performances of certain actors transcend the script, turning an otherwise typical show into an unforgettable experience. These K-drama actors did not just play their roles—they made you feel every emotion, every heartache, and every high that their characters experienced. From passionate romance to heartbreaking tragedies, these actors infused something magical into the screen with their performances that made their characters legendary and unforgettable.

If you consider yourself a K-drama addict, you haven't really tasted the dynamism of Korean drama yet unless you've watched these stars portray these legendary roles. Let us get closer to the performances that ignited the K-drama world and still linger in our hearts.

1. Lee Min-ho as Goo Jun-Pyo – Boys Over Flowers (2009)

Maybe the most memorable K-drama role ever, Lee Min-ho's performance as cocky but debonair Goo Jun-Pyo in Boys Over Flowers solidified his stardom. His on-screen chemistry with Geum Jan-di (played by Ku Hye-sun) was unforgettable, and his journey from being an entitled heir to a lovesick, vulnerable soul was pure perfection. Lee Min-ho's magnetism and ability to walk the line between intensity and sweetness left a lasting impression. Boys Over Flowers is a classic, plain and simple—boy, is it a K-drama genre-buster for Lee Min-ho and K-drama itself.

2. Song Hye-kyo as Cha Eun-sung – Autumn in My Heart (2000)

Song Hye-kyo's turn in Autumn in My Heart cemented her status as a legendary actress in K-drama world. As Cha Eun-sung, the casualty of a poignant love tragedy, Song Hye-kyo showed an emotional depth which is rarely felt in television. The tearful narrative of love, loss, and family separation is amplified by Song Hye-kyo's ability to convey raw emotion in facial expressions. Autumn in My Heart is one of the shows that will forever be associated with Song Hye-kyo's incredible acting ability.

3. Ji Chang-wook as Kim Je-ha – The K2 (2016)

Ji Chang-wook portrayed Kim Je-ha, a former soldier turned bodyguard, in The K2—and he brought to the character intensity, vulnerability, and power that few have been able to match. His portrayal of a man who seeks revenge and becomes smitten with the complex and powerful Anna (Im Yoona) was riveting. Ji Chang-wook brought the difficult yet emotionally nuanced character of Kim Je-ha to life, and his action scenes combined with romantic seconds of vulnerability made this show a fan favorite. His acting was so good that it solidified his place as being one of the all-time great K-drama actors of his generation.

4. Park Seo-joon as Park Sae-ro-yi – Itaewon Class (2020)

In Itaewon Class, Park Seo-joon’s portrayal of Park Sae-ro-yi, an ambitious and determined young man who fights to bring justice to those who wronged him, was both powerful and moving. His character’s journey from personal loss to building a successful business was inspiring. Park Seo-joon made us feel every bit of Sae-ro-yi’s struggles and triumphs, showing his growth in a way that captivated viewers. The sincerity and passion he infused into the role catapulted Itaewon Class to one of the best K-dramas of 2020—and Park Seo-joon to the hearts of the most dedicated fans in the business.

5. Kim So-eun as Jang Ma-ri – The Man Who Can't Get Married (2009)

Kim So-eun's acting in The Man Who Can't Get Married is a stunning display of subtlety shining. Portraying Jang Ma-ri, a woman who assists a cranky man (played by the equally talented Ji Jin-hee) in accepting love, Kim So-eun delivered a performance that was replete with grace, warmth, and vulnerability. Her characterization of a woman who doesn't push love but allows it to develop organically struck a chord with the audience, and her capacity for expressing profound emotional nuances made her performance unforgettable.

6. Hyun Bin as Ri Jeong-hyeok – Crash Landing on You (2019)

Hyun Bin's acting as Ri Jeong-hyeok in Crash Landing on You ranks among the finest acting in the history of K-dramas. As a North Korean officer who falls in love with a South Korean lady (played by Son Ye-jin), Hyun Bin made us believe that love is powerful enough to prevail even in the most unlikely circumstances. His stoic veneer, combined with the depth of love and tendereness he felt for Se-ri, made him a character who was both intimidating and poignantly human. Hyun Bin's performance catapulted Crash Landing on You to legendary levels, and his rapport with Son Ye-jin made the drama memorable.

7. Kim Go-eun as Eun-tak – Goblin (2016)

Kim Go-eun's portrayal of Eun-tak in Goblin was heartwarming and heart-wrenching. By the girl who falls in love with the immortal Goblin, Kim Go-eun lightened and deepened the character. Her beautiful youthfulness was nicely balanced with the emotional maturity of the character as the narrative reached its climax. Her tragic and sweet romance with Gong Yoo's character was all thanks to Kim Go-eun's natural ability to make the audience feel every inch of Eun-tak's emotional rollercoaster.

8. Lee Jung-jae as Ji Sun-woo – The Squid Game (2021)

While The Squid Game was filled with complex and interesting characters, Lee Jung-jae's acting out of Ji Sun-woo, a man so desperate to give his family an improved existence he is willing to do whatever, and dealing with his inner demons, stood out. His portrayal resonated on a raw, emotional level, showing vulnerability through which the struggles of his character became something one could root for. Lee Jung-jae brought intensity and depth to a role that became synonymous with sacrifice, survival, and the human condition. Lee Jung-jae was catapulted to international fame in no small part due to his authoritative presence.

9. Yoo In-na as Sunny – Goblin (2016)

Yoo In-na's Sunny in Goblin was nothing short of enchanting. Bringing the reincarnation of the Goblin's first love, Sunny's fiery, independent, and compassionate nature was a complete opposite from the grim reaper's tragic character. Her garrulous vibe and deep emotional connection with Lee Dong-wook's character were the ideal mix - humorous and touching. Yoo In-na's performance left everyone remembering her, and she also had tremendous chemistry with Lee Dong-wook's Wang Yeo and turned out to be the show's major highlight.

10. Suzy Bae as Seo Dal-mi – Start-Up (2020)

Bae Suzy’s portrayal of Seo Dal-mi in Start-Up showed a young woman striving to make her mark in the tech industry while navigating love and familial expectations. Suzy brought a refreshing charm to the role, making Dal-mi’s optimism, ambition, and vulnerability so relatable. Her journey from a naive girl to a successful entrepreneur was inspiring, and her chemistry with Nam Joo-hyuk’s character, Nam Do-san, made us root for their relationship with every episode.