The Best K-Dramas of Gangnam B-Side Star Ji Chang-wook (2024)

Lifestyle

Directed by: Han Dong-wook

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Wi Ha-joon, Lim Se-mi

Release date: 27 September 2023

Episodes: 12

Synopsis: In the backdrop of 1980s South Korea, police officer Park Jun-mo (played by Ji Chang Wook) and his wife and elite narcotics officer Yoo Eui-jung (played by Lim Se-mi) join forces and go undercover to take down illegal drug trading between Korea, China and Japan. However, things get difficult when the criminal organisation responsible for the same appoints their new head Jung Ki-cheol (played by Wi Ha-joon).

About the show: The show truly proved Ji Chang Wook’s reputation as a stellar action hero. “Action acting is extremely challenging, but the charm and sense of achievement that comes after conquering it is incredibly rewarding,” the actor was quoted saying about the series by Times of India.

Directed by: Cha Young-hoon

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hye-sun

Release date: 2 December 2023

Episodes: 16

Synopsis: Cho Yong-pil (played by Ji Chang-wook) decides to become a weather forecaster to protect the elders of his town (Jeju Island) after an incorrect weather report leads to his mother’s death. However, he has a reputation for being quite difficult. Meanwhile, his childhood friend Cho Sam-dal (played by Shin Hye Sun) moves to Seoul to become a fashion photographer but decides to head back home after a challenging time. The two get closer together, with time not having changed a thing between them.

About the show: The show is hailed as one of the best romantic titles in modern times. Speaking about his role in the drama, the actor told The Hindu, “Yong Pil has his standards but is a warm-hearted person, he was not a difficult character to play, and I got a hang of the meteorological stuff.”

Directed by: Han Hee, Lee Sung-joon

Cast: Ha Ji-won, Ji Chang-wook, Joo Jin-mo, Baek Jin-hee

Release date: 28 October, 2013

Episodes: 51

Synopsis: Ki Seung-nyang (played by Ha Ji Won) was sent to Yuan as a child along with tribute women. She escapes, growing up in disguise as a male warrior and serving at the court. Her first love and fiance king Choonghye of Goryeo (played by Joo Jin-mo) dies. Later, she discovers true love with Toghon Temür (played by Ji Chang-wook) — the last emperor of the Yuan dynasty and her later husband. Along the way she navigates class politics, death, and war.

About the show: The drama is considered Ji Chang-wook’s breakthrough series. His compelling performance of the emperor earned him critical acclaim as well as the Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Project Drama at the 2013 MBC Drama Awards.

Directed by: Lee Jung-sub, Kim Jin-woo

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young, Yoo Ji-tae

Release date: 8 December, 2014

Episodes: 20

Synopsis: Night courier Seo Jung-hoo (played by Ji Chang-wook) — who goes by the moniker Healer — transports high-value items for well-paying clients under the radar. He works alone and dreams of one day retiring to a remote island — saving money from assignments to make it a reality. Things change when he’s handed a high-paying assignment that involves hunting down a Chae Young-shin (played by Park Min young) who’s a rookie entertainment journalist. This involves Healer getting closer to her in disguise as intern Park Bong-soo. As the two grow closer, they discover love and unravel a gritty old murder incident. The latter puts them in a series of dangerous situations.

About the show: The drama’s high-energy action scenes and passionate romance made it an instant hit. This marked Ji Chang-wook’s ascension to international fame and he won the Popularity Award (Actor) at the 2014 KBS Drama Awards for his performance. “I came out looking really cool from start to finish,” SCMP quotes him saying. In an interaction with Korea Times, he reflected on his approach to the night courier character. “I focused more on the fantasy that my character owned, who fights against the men in power.”

Directed by: Kwak Jung-hwan, Sung Yong-il

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Song Yoon-ah, Yoona, Jo Sung-ha, Kim Kap-soo

Episodes: 16

Release date: 23 September 2016

Synopsis: Mercenary soldier Kim Je-ha (played by Ji Chang-wook) becomes a fugitive when he’s framed for the murder of his civilian lover Raniya while on an assignment in Iraq. Upon his return to South Korea, he’s offered the job of a bodyguard with a security company that’s owned by presidential candidate Choi Yoo-Jin (played by Song Yoon-ah). Je-Ha’s desire to exact revenge against candidate Park Kwan-soo (played by Kim Kap-soo) — who’s believed to have ordered Raniya’s killing — has him accept the offer. His client? Go An-na (played by Yoona) – Yoo-Jin’s reclusive stepdaughter. The two discover love and trust as they navigate dangerous situations.

About the show: The thriller is hailed for its complex, jaw-dropping action scenes. Ji Chang-wook had to learn martial arts to perform his stunts. “Among all the projects I have done so far, this was by far the hardest. It was so hard it made me resolve to never do another action drama,” the actor was quoted by SCMP as saying. He further elaborated on how he prepared for it all. “I told the director, it’s considerably difficult to maintain my body. I had to exercise every day and control what I ate.” For his compelling, fiery performance, he earned the Best Bad Boy title at the 5th Annual Drama Fever Awards (2017).

Directed by: Park Sun-ho

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Nam Ji-hyun, Choi Tae-joon, Kwon Nara

Episodes: 40

Release date: 10 May, 2017

Synopsis: Prosecutor Noh Ji-wook (played by Ji Chang-wook) and his trainee Eun Bong-hee (played by Nam Ji-hyun) often lock horns. However, when the latter is falsely charged in a mysterious murder case, the two need to work together to solve it. Along the way, they uncover the seedy side of law enforcement, navigate near-death experiences, and fall in love.

About the show: The drama slowly climbed up the rankings to become a cult classic. It also marked Ji Chang Wook’s first romantic comedy rodeo. “Since there were no action I felt very relaxed and comfortable,” he confessed to New Straits Times with a laugh before adding, “However, the drawback is the great lengthy dialogue in the script…there is pressure nonetheless.” He further elaborated on his preparation for the role, noting that the drama was not just a romance or comedy but also a thriller. “With that in mind, I made sure that Noh Ji-wook has a personality that works well with both the story and the other characters on the show.”

Directed by: Myoungwoo Lee

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Kim Yoo-jung

Release date: 19 June, 2020

Episodes: 16

Synopsis: 22-year-old Jung Saet-byul (played by Kim You-jung) is a popular girl who enjoys retro fashion and spending time with her friends and family. Although she has several suitors, she can’t get Dae-hyun (played by Ji Chang-wook) out of her mind — whom she’d approached years ago to help her buy a cigarette, only to be handed candy and a lecture in return. Dae-hyun, meanwhile, manages his family’s convenience store. Forced to pick up multiple shifts and struggling with sleep deprivation, he’s advised by his father to get a part-timer. The catch? The only applicant is Saet Byul.

About the show: The feel-good drama was an absolute hit, with Ji Chang Wook’s popularity only peaking. He was also nominated for several awards at the 7th APAN Star Awards and SBS Drama Awards (2020) for his performance. SCMP quotes him describing his character, “He is slightly indecisive, but he is a very cute and upright character.”

Directed by: Park Shin-woo

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Kim Ji-won, Kim Min-seok, Han Ji-eun, Ryu Kyung-soo, So Joo-yeon

Release date: 22 December, 2020

Episodes: 17

Synopsis: 32-year-old forthright and passionate architect Park Jae-won (played by Ji Chang-wook) can’t get a woman who broke his heart out of his mind. The person in question is Lee Eun-o (played by Kim Ji-won), a 29-year-old freelance marketer who has a beachside romance with him under false pretences as her free-spirited alter ego Yoon Seon-a. The former takes to Seoul to reunite with her.

About the show: Ji-Chang Wook’s romantic drama endeavours only strengthened with this series. Before hopping on board the project, he told Korea Times,”I’ve always wanted to work with writer Jung and director Park, so I’m thrilled finally to work with them,” He further added, “As this is my first series on a new platform and format, I hope many people can take interest in it.”

Directed by: Kim Seong-yoon

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Choi Sung-eun, Hwang In-youp

Release date: 6 May, 2022

Episodes: 6

Synopsis: After being abandoned by her parents, teenage Yoon Ah-yi (played by Choi Sung-eun) needs to support herself and her younger sister. She makes ends meet with work, juggling school along with it. Her life changes when she meets magician Lee Eul (played by Ji Chang Wook), who fills her days with wonder and joy.

About the show: The drama received acclaim from critics and viewers alike. Immersing himself in his character involved Ji Chang Wook to put in a lot of work, “I learned and practised magic for about three to four months. Magician Lee Eun-gyeol helped me a lot to design the scenes where (Lee Eul) performs magic shows,” he told Korea Times. He further revealed his motivation to work on the project, “When I read the script for ‘The Sound of Magic,’ it felt like my own story, and just reminded me of the feelings I went through when I was young.” he said, before adding, “There have always been tough times. Even when I faced choices. There were times I struggled financially, and times I was under a lot of stress.” For his stellar performance, he bagged the Global Star Award at the 2022 APAN Star Awards.