11 Lee Jun Young K-Dramas Which Showcase His Versatility

Few idol-turned-actors have pulled off a transformation quite like Lee Jun Young. Once known simply as Jun, the rapper-vocalist of U-KISS and later a member of project group UNB, he has spent the better part of a decade quietly building one of the most versatile filmographies on screen—swinging between swoon-worthy romantic leads, chaotic high school villains, and chairman-in-a-soccer-player’s-body chaos with equal ease. Lee Jun Young has made a habit of disappearing into wildly different characters, which is exactly what makes a deep dive into his filmography so rewarding. Pick your mood, and watch one of these 11 dramas which showcase his range.

“Reborn Rookie”

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Lee Jun Young takes on double identities as Hwang Jun Hyun, a rising soccer star whose body gets hijacked by the soul of Kang Yong Ho (Son Hyun Joo), the ruthless chairman of conglomerate Choiseong Group, after a near-fatal accident. What follows is a body-swap revenge plot with the melodrama dial turned all the way up. Lee Jun Young’s tightrope act of playing a wide-eyed athlete possessed by a decades-older corporate shark is no less than a blast. Watch it also for the sheer fun of him turn a once-peaceful internship into chaos.

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“When Life Gives You Tangerines”

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In “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” Lee Jun Young plays Park Yeong Beom, who falls for Geum Myeong (IU) when they meet for the first time at University. Though devoted to her, Yeong Beom is unable to defy his mother’s wishes, causing lasting impacts on their relationship. Lee Jun Young’s Yeong Beom is a small but quietly devastating supporting role. Watch it for one of the most affecting “green flag who still couldn’t stay” performances.

“Weak Hero Class 2”

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If “When Life Gives You Tangerines” made you fall for him, “Weak Hero Class 2” will make you forget that Yeong Beom ever existed. Lee Jun Young plays Geum Seong Je, the chaotic, violence-loving right-hand man of bully leader Na Baek Jin (Bae Na Ra) in this brutal high school survival drama led by an awesome ensemble including Park Ji Hoon. Watch it for proof that he can anchor a dark thriller without losing an ounce of nuance.

“Melo Movie”

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This slow-burn romance ensemble drama stars Lee Jun Young as Hong Si Jun, a self-styled musical genius who is, in reality, still an unknown composer. The series centers on a different couple (Choi Woo Shik and Park Bo Young), but Si Jun’s own relationship with his longtime girlfriend-turned-screenwriter, Son Ju A (Jeon So Nee), forms an aching secondary arc—from a blindsiding breakup on their anniversary to an unexpectedly bittersweet reunion years later. Watch it for a quieter, more wounded kind of heartbreak, set against a wistful meditation on love, art, and growing up.

“The Impossible Heir”

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Lee Jun Young schemes his way up a corporate ladder in this revenge drama. He plays Kang In Ha, the neglected illegitimate son of the Kangoh Group’s chairman. Kang In Ha teams up with his childhood friend Han Tae Oh (Lee Jae Wook) in a shared, ruthless climb to the top. It’s a partnership built on mutual use that inevitably curdles. Watch it for Lee Jun Young’s deliberately layered performance as a character meant to carry both real vulnerability and menace, even if the show around him doesn’t always do the premise justice.

“Pump Up the Healthy Love”

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Need a palate cleanser after all that darkness? Then “Pump Up the Healthy Love” is for you. Lee Jun Young plays Do Hyeon Joong, an eccentric, fitness-obsessed gym owner and former bodybuilding champion who whips travel agency manager Lee Mi Ran (Jeong Eun Ji) into shape at his 24-hour gym. It’s a lighthearted rom-com built on workout banter and slow-burn romance. Watch it for Lee Jun Young in full hulk-with-a-heart mode. It’s a delightful 180 from his villain era.

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“Let Me Be Your Knight”

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Lee Jun Young plays Yoon Tae In, the leader, lead vocalist, and producer of idol group LUNA, who develops sleepwalking episodes rooted in childhood trauma. In Yoon Joo (Jung In Sun), a tour guide whose sister is a sleep doctor, poses as her sister and moves into the band’s dorm to secretly treat him, and a predictable but charming romance ensues. Watch it for a fluffy, idol-life rom-com that lets Lee Jun Young flex both his music background and his knack for playing wounded, guarded leading men.

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“May I Help You”

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Kim Tae Hee (Lee Jun Young) is a carefree errand-service runner who is secretly grieving the loss of his younger brother. He teams up with funeral director Baek Dong Joo (Hyeri)—a woman who can briefly communicate with the recently deceased—to grant the dead’s last wishes. A show that fits the gentle, weepy comfort-watch category, watch it for a tender, slow-healing romance and some genuinely moving one-off stories about the people Dong Joo helps along the way.

“Imitation”

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A fictionalized, occasionally satirical look at the K-pop idol industry, “Imitation” comes packed with real idols playing idols including members of ATEEZ, SF9, and T-ara. Lee Jun Young plays Kwon Ryoc, the center of top boy group SHAX. He’s talented, image-conscious, and is none too pleased about a rookie (Jung Zi So) who built her career impersonating a star he’s connected to. Watch it for Lee Jun Young essentially replaying his own idol years on screen, plus a real soundtrack he sings on.

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“Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale”

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Moon Cha Min (Lee Jun Young) is an eighth-generation chaebol heir who runs an exclusive social club and has zero patience for women chasing a “Cinderella” fantasy. Naturally, he falls for Shin Jae Rim (Pyo Ye Jin), the club’s new manager, who’s guilty of exactly that dream, until she isn’t. Watch it for Lee Jun Young playing the arrogant-prince archetype with just enough vulnerability to make the slow-burn payoff land.

“Avengers Social Club”

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This is where it all began. Lee Jun Young stars as Lee Soo Gyeom in this revenge dramedy about three women and one neglected young man banding together to settle scores against the people who wronged them. Soo Gyeom grew up sidelined by his biological father, who only resurfaces hoping a son will help secure his inheritance. But Soo Gyeom joins his stepmother (Lee Ye Won) in the “Bokja Club,” which includes Hong Do Hee (Ra Mi Ran) and Lee Mi Sook (Myung Se Bin) instead. Watch it for the role many longtime fans still call his most natural performance and the first glimpse of the actor he’d become.

Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Yoo Yeon Seok 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.

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5 Song Wei Long C-Dramas That Showcase His Charm and Versatility

Song Wei Long has been steadily notching up the popularity quotient among fans worldwide. His charismatic screen presence, brooding good looks, and the ease with which he showcases the intensity of his characters have made him one of the most sought-after stars.

From a young man grappling with emotional scars of a turbulent family life and a surgeon dealing with heartbreak to a general seeking to avenge his family, the actor has showcased a diverse range from coming-of-age modern dramas to period pieces.

Here are five Song Wei Long dramas to watch, rewatch, and binge on this summer.

“Go Ahead”

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What makes a family? Is it biology and blood ties, or is it the unconditional love and compassion from strangers who eventually become family?

“Go Ahead,” a slice of life and coming-of-age drama, tells the story of three unrelated friends-turned-siblings: Ling Xiao (Song Wei Long), He Zi Qiu (Zhang Xin Cheng), and Li Jian Jian (Tang Song Yun). Brought up by two devoted and kind-hearted fathers, the three navigate the wonder years of childhood to teen angst and finally the complexities of adulthood.

Ling Xiao has had a difficult childhood. His mother blamed him for a family tragedy, and being witness to the volatile relationship between his parents as well as their divorce forces Ling Xiao to grow up fast. The most matured and reliable of the trio, he nurses deep emotional wounds but keeps to himself. When he is compelled to go back to his mother, it deeply impacts Jian Jian, who is heartbroken. Years later, when Ling Xiao returns as a successful dentist, the childhood relationship of the past takes a more complicated turn.

Song Wei Long does a good job expressing the anguish of his character, who is grappling with loneliness and abandonment issues and is emotionally manipulated, through his eyes. A warm and heartfelt narrative, “Go Ahead” brings in the laughs as well as tears and serves as a reminder that love, trust, and understanding are what makes a family.

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“Shine on Me”

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Song Wei Long could be the screen’s favorite man in scrubs. In “Shine on Me,” he plays Lin Yu Sen, a bright neurosurgeon who is destined for bigger things, until an accident forces him to quit medicine. He starts working for his family business and takes a transfer to the company’s branch in a fast developing town.

There he meets Nie Xi Guang (Zhao Jin Mai). Though a wealthy girl, she is determined to make it on her own. An intern in the finance department, she and Yu Sen start off on the wrong foot. Yu Sen begrudges her for an incident that changed his life and transfers Xi Guang to his department.

But as the two begin working closely, friendship gradually blossoms into love. While Yu Sen supports and encourages Xi Guang to take the initiative and lead a complex assignment, her optimism and faith in him inspire him return to medicine once again. The two respect and help each other grow both personally and professionally.

Song Wei Long’s Yu Sen is a green flag. A man who unconditionally supports the woman he loves, he cheers and celebrates her wins. He has no qualms in being in the background as she surges ahead in her career. And the chemistry between the two characters adds a spark to this feel-good love story.

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“Everlasting Longing”

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From playing the gentle and composed doctor, Song Wei Long showcases the ferocity of a warlord in the period drama “Everlasting Longing.” He plays Xuan Lie, the wolf lord, who has a towering presence and a self assurance which humbles his adversaries.

An invincible general known for his fighting skills, he investigates his parent’s murder. He meets Jun Qi Luo (Angelababy), a mysterious woman who leads a double life. She roams around in the guise of Jun Fei Fan, the illegitimate son of a merchant family.

Xuan Lie is in search of Fei Fan, since the arrow which killed his parents is the one designed by the Fan family. However, when he finds out that Fei Fan is actually a woman, he is impressed. He admires her fighting skills and her knowledge of weapons. Their relationship, initially built on mistrust, evolves into something deeper.

Song Wei Long as the shrewd yet progressive general Xuan Lie is admirable. A liberal man who feels strongly for people, he is unbiased in his ways. Plus the costumes in the drama are stunning and the stunts are impressive.

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“Youthful Glory”

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In “Youthful Glory,” Song Wei Long plays Prince Jiang Xu of Dingbei. After guarding the borders for years, Jiang Xu returns to investigate financial embezzlement in the Dingbei army. But it seems it’s not just a one off case, but one that has deep connections involving both military and political officials.

In order to delve deeper and investigate the matter, he gets into an arranged marriage with Ming Tan (Bao Shang En), the daughter of an influential general. He wants to protect the Mings from political exploitation, but his investigations lead to severe repercussions for the family he marries into.

This creates a rift between him and his wife, and it is up to Jiang Xu to clear the Ming family name, who have been made scapegoats. He also has to win back his wife, whom he has fallen deeply in love with.

An entertaining and pacy narrative, the playful contrast between the practical male lead and an assertive female lead is refreshing. Song Wei Long delivers a compelling performance, and the chemistry with his co-star is on point.

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“The Bionic Life”

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Song Wei Long steps into completely new territory with this dystopian sci-fi thriller. Set in 2035, the series revolves around a world where humanoid robots coexist with humans, until a chilling string of android murders begins to shake society. Investigators Cheng Nuo (Song Wei Long) and An Qiu (Vicky Chen) are dispatched to solve a series of android murders. Cheng Nuo’s composed exterior and sharp instincts combined with An Qui’s empathy make them a formidable team as they delve into the matter.

Cheng Nuo is one of the most intriguing characters in the series, allowing Song Wei Long to step away from his usual romantic hero image and showcase a darker, more restrained performance. The drama stands out for its ambitious storytelling and cinematic aesthetic. Instead of relying purely on sci-fi spectacle, “The Bionic Life” blends mystery, noir, and emotional conflict to ask unsettling questions about what truly separates humans from artificial beings.

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Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Yoo Yeon Seok 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.

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6 Park Ji Hoon K-Dramas That Prove His Versatility

Park Ji Hoon has struck the right chords of success in his acting career, especially with the recent hit “The King’s Warden,” which surpassed 16 million moviegoers. The singer-turned-actor has showcased immense range as he seamlessly shifts between genres. From playing an astute student navigating the notorious world of teen politics, to a Crown Prince grappling with identity disorder, he also took on the role of matchmaker, and now a soldier chef whipping up a storm in the military mess. Through each of his performances, Park Ji Hoon has demonstrated his acting prowess.

Here are six Park Ji Hoon dramas which highlight his range as an actor.

“The Legend of Kitchen Soldier”

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Private Kang Sung Jae (Park Ji Hoon) may have been the best trainee in military bootcamp. But when he is assigned to the military mess, it requires a lot more than just physical strength to whip up a variety of dishes to feed the battalion.

Sung Jae has been classified as an “S Class” recruit by the establishment, one with potential health issues. On his arrival at the Gangrim outpost, he starts hallucinating, visualizing a virtual reality console, complete with voice over and instructions guiding him. It’s a sort of alter ego which is only visible to him. His strange behavior further convinces his colleagues that he is probably not all there.

He is assigned to the kitchen, which is under Yoon Dong Hyun (Lee Hong Nae), infamous for his dreadful cooking skills. Sung Jae, who is geared up to be the best kitchen soldier, is in for the biggest challenge. The console promises him he is on a quest to become the best chef, but the reality is trickier after his first dish causes a mishap and his commanding officer (Lee Sang Yi) wants him out of the mess.

Park Ji Hoon tugs at your heart with the earnestness and determination of Sung Jae. You cheer and root for him, wanting him to win. He brings forth the vulnerability of a young man who is seeking his mission in life as he also grapples with loss.

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“Weak Hero Class 1 & 2”

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In “Weak Hero,” Park Ji Hoon plays Yeon Si Eun, an analytical and sharp student who prefers staying in the background. He is unable to sustain his quiet and peaceful existence when he becomes the target of bullying by the school’s most notorious bully.

Si Eun lacks the strength to confront or fight his perpetrators. However, he finds support in fellow student, Ahn Su Ho (Choi Hyun Wook), a former athlete who steps in to help him. The conflict escalates with the entry of Oh Bum Seok (Hong Kyung), a young man with a troubled past. Si Eun is forced to step up, relying on strategy as his modus operandi in navigating the violent environment. Calculated in his approach, he eventually realizes that amid shifting loyalties and mounting volatility, mental strength is his only real weapon.

With two seasons, the show achieved a cult following amongst fans of the genre for its raw and gritty narrative. Park Ji Hoon as Si Eun showcases the character’s arc and development across seasons effortlessly, as he overcomes new challenges and situations. Not an easy role, he brings forth both the physical reactivity and emotional vulnerability of Si Eun with ease.

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“Love Song for Illusion”

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Crown Prince Sajo Hyun (Park Ji Hoon) suffers from a personality disorder. His alter ego, the shrewd and calculating Ak Hee, despises Sajo Hyun’s reticent and meek personality.

Sajo Hyun is sensitive with an artistic temperament. He’d rather spend time in the royal drapery designing gowns than spending time learning about military strategy and artillery. He seeks solace in the fabrics, and creating designs is his way of stepping away from the chaos of everyday life. Sajo Hyun, who has been forced to witness the brutality of the royal courts and is constantly told to man-up, develops mental health issues. The blunt and uninhibited Ak Hee is the embodiment of those untapped issues.

Yeon Wol (Hong Ye Ji), a fearless young girl who wants to avenge her father, becomes an assassin, as Yeon Wol’s family was massacred by the King. She enters the courts and become Sajo Hyun’s concubine. The two resent each other for their own reasons. For Yeon Wol, he is the son of the man who killed her father, and for Sajo Hyun, she is Ak Hee’s woman. But what Sajo Hyun does not realize is that Yeon Wol is the girl he had always been looking for.

Park Ji Hoon brings forth the inner conflict of a young man ridden by guilt and his contrasting personalities effortlessly. “Love Song for Illusion” also breaks down gender stereotypes fluidly.

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“Love Revolution”

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If you think being intense is Park Ji Hoon’s forte, “Love Revolution” shows another facet of the actor. Here he plays Gong Ju Young, a high school student who falls in love with Wang Ja Rim (Lee Ruby). His feelings and confession are rejected, as Ja Rim gives him the cold shoulder and looks right through him.

Friends on both sides help Ju Young to win over Ja Rim. The only issue is that Ju Young is genuinely a good guy. He’s the kind of person that doesn’t play mind games and neither does he understand the strategies of love. Ja Rim finds him plain and dull. So, does he succeed in winning over the love of his life?

“Love Revolution” is a high school romantic comedy that also upends gender stereotypes. It is Ja Rim who turns into the heartbreaker, while Ju Young is the devoted boyfriend. Park Ji Hoon makes Ju Young lovable and charms viewers with his gullible honesty.

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“Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency”

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The historical romance drama follows a king who turns to Joseon’s finest marriage agency to protect his first love. At his request, the agency’s three handsome matchmakers, played by Kim Min Jae, Park Ji Hoon, and Byeon Woo Seok, risk their lives to transform the woman in question, Gae Ddong (Gong Seung Yeon), into a refined noblewoman.

Park Ji Hoon plays the role of the Flower Crew’s “image consultant,” Go Young Soo. An honest, confident, and cheerful person, he is the group’s most optimistic person. But underneath the faćade, Young Soo’s past as an executioner continues to impact him, especially when it comes to making decisions, and his inner conflict impacts him in more ways than he can handle.

Park Ji Hoon impresses with his steady performance as he showcases emotional depth in highlightingYoung Soo’s personality.

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“At a Distance, Spring is Green”

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The coming-of-age drama follows college students Yeo Joon (Park Ji Hoon), Nam Soo Hyun (Bae In Hyuk), and Kim So Bin (Kang Min Ah) as they navigate university life while dealing with struggles beyond the classroom, including family pressures and financial hardships.

As friendships slowly blossom between the three students, each from vastly different backgrounds, they learn that any relationship in life requires patience, effort, and compromise. As they confront their inner turmoil and heal, they also mature both as individuals and as friends.

The show highlights realistic concerns of the every day and is a bittersweet narrative of life. It empowers through the stories of its protagonists and their journeys of self-discovery.

Park Ji Hoon, as the wealthy and popular Yeo Joon, articulates the pain and loneliness of his character. He’s someone who grew up with everything but feels the lack of affection he grew up around.

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Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Yoo Yeon Seok 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.

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