Wrapping up his latest project “Welcome to Samdal-ri” alongside Shin Hye Sun, Ji Chang Wook once again showcased his ability to draw in audiences, with the series maintaining impressive ratings until its conclusion. No surprises there – it’s the Ji Chang Wook effect.
His portfolio includes quite a few solid dramas, each contributing to his reputation as a reliable actor. If you’re on the lookout for quality K-dramas, here’s a list of 16 recommendations starring Lee Jong Suk you can watch on Dramacool.
1.Welcome to Samdalri (2023)
After losing his mother, Cho Yong Pil becomes determined to become a weather forecaster in order to protect the elders of his hometown. However, his passion for accuracy and refusal to tolerate misinformation causes him to be seen as a stubborn troublemaker at work. His childhood friend Cho Sam Dal, now known as Cho Eun Hye, leaves their small town to pursue a career in fashion photography in Seoul. But when her success crumbles, she returns to Samdalri where she is still known as Sam Dal. The two old friends, who had a falling out in the past, are reunited when Cho Sam Dal returns to their hometown and they rediscover their old fondness for each other.
Release date: December 02, 2023
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Life, Drama
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Shin Hye Sun, Seo Hyun Chul
2.The Worst of Evil (2023)
Set in 1990s Seoul, this drama follows the story of a former DJ who begins selling a powerful new drug called “Gangnam Crystal” in nightclubs. He has gained control of a gangster organization and the police are struggling to crack down on the drug trafficking. To infiltrate the organization, rural police officer Park Jun Mu is assigned to go undercover. However, he soon discovers that his wife, detective Yoo Eui Jung, has also volunteered for the dangerous mission and has a mysterious past with the drug kingpin. As Park Jun Mu works to take down the drug cartel and protect his wife, he faces challenges and dangers at every turn.
Release date: September 27, 2023
Genres: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Wi Ha Joon, Im Se Mi
3.If You Wish Upon Me (2022)
The drama follows the story of Yoon Kyeo Re, a man who has faced a lifetime of abuse and misery. After serving time in prison, he is ordered to complete community service at an end-of-life care facility for the terminally ill. There, he meets Kang Tae Shik, who leads a volunteer team dedicated to granting dying patients their last wishes. He also meets Seo Yeon Joo, a young nurse who is determined to keep her patients active. As Yoon Kyeo Re works at the facility, he begins to question his past and whether it is too late to change his fate.
Genres: Romance, Life, Drama, Medical
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Choi Soo Young, Sung Dong Il
4.The Sound of Magic (2022)
Yoon Ah Yi, a high school student, works multiple jobs to support herself and her younger sister after their parents left due to debt collectors. Despite her financial struggles, she excels academically and hopes to become financially stable as an adult. In school, she competes with her classmate, Na Il Deung, for the top grade but they develop romantic feelings for each other. One day, Yoon Ah Yi meets magician Lee Eul at an abandoned amusement park and finds comfort in his magic performances.
Genres: Music, Psychological, Drama, Fantasy
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Choi Sung Eun, Hwang In Youp
5.Lovestruck in the City (2020)
“Lovestruck in the City” follows the lives of young individuals navigating through the challenges of finding love and happiness in a bustling urban environment. Park Jae Won, an architect with a love for the city, becomes infatuated with a woman who has stolen his heart and disappeared without a trace. Meanwhile, Lee Eun Oh temporarily takes on a new identity as Yun Seon Ah, a carefree and impulsive persona, which catches the attention of Jae Won. As their paths cross and their feelings deepen, they must confront their own struggles and uncertainties while trying to make their relationship work.
Ji Chang Wook’s performance showcased his ability to portray a character with depth and complexity. Park Jae-won’s romantic journey, marked by passion and unpredictability, allowed Ji Chang Wook to explore a nuanced and charismatic side of his acting repertoire. The chemistry between Ji Chang Wook and his co-star Kim Ji-won added an extra layer of authenticity to the series, making it a memorable addition to his body of work.
Genres: Romance, Life, Youth, Drama
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Kim Ji Won, Kim Min Seok
6.Backstreet Rookie (2020)
Jung Saet Byul is a 22-year-old girl with exceptional fighting abilities and a love for retro fashion. Despite having numerous admirers, she only has eyes for Choi Dae Hyun, a handsome convenience store owner who she met three years ago while running an errand for cigarettes. In the present, Jung Saet Byul applies for a part-time job at Choi Dae Hyun’s store, sparking the beginning of their love story. As they work together, they help heal each other’s emotional wounds and grow into adults with dreams for the future.
Ji Chang Wook charmed audiences with his lead role as quirky convenience store owner Choi Dae-hyun. The romantic comedy highlighted his versatility, blending humor and warmth in a captivating storyline alongside co-star Kim Yoo-jung.
Genres: Action, Business, Comedy, Romance
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Kim You Jung, Han Sun Hwa
7.Melting Me Softly (2019)
Ma Dong Chan and Go Mi Ran participate in a 24-hour frozen human experiment, but are instead frozen for 20 years. They must keep their body temperature below 33°C to survive and face personal challenges upon thawing in a world that has moved on. Meanwhile, they also try to repay their family’s debts.
In “Melting Me Softly” (2019), Ji Chang Wook showcased his versatility in a romantic comedy where he portrayed a character unfrozen after 20 years. His performance added humor and charm to the unconventional storyline, highlighting his ability to excel in diverse roles.
Genres: Mystery, Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Won Jin Ah, Yoon Se Ah
8.Suspicious Partner (2017)
“Suspicious Partner” follows the story of Noh Ji Wook, a gifted prosecutor, and Eun Bong Hee, an intern at the justice department. Bong Hee is wrongly accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend and Ji Wook risks his career to save her. As their careers and personal lives become intertwined, they must work together to catch the real killer before it’s too late. Ji Wook’s friendship with Eun Hyuk, a childhood friend, is also tested as they navigate through the dangerous case.
Ji Chang Wook takes on the role of Noh Ji-wook, a prosecutor known for his charisma and confidence. He successfully portrayed the character’s emotional transformation, evolving from a reserved and stoic individual to someone navigating the intricate paths of love and trust.
Genres: Thriller, Comedy, Law, Romance
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Nam Ji Hyun, Choi Tae Joon
9.The K2 (2016)
Kim Je Ha is a former mercenary soldier who becomes a fugitive after being wrongfully accused of killing his girlfriend in Iraq. He returns to Korea and becomes a bodyguard for Choi Yoo Jin, the wife of a presidential candidate. Je Ha plans to use his job to seek revenge on Park Kwan Soo, the leader of the ruling party who he believes ordered his girlfriend’s murder.
As Je Ha guards Go An Na, the illegitimate daughter of the presidential candidate, they develop feelings for each other. However, Yoo Jin, Je Ha’s boss and ally in seeking revenge, also poses a threat to An Na. Je Ha must navigate his loyalty between seeking revenge and protecting An Na.
Ji Chang Wook took on the role of Kim Je-ha, a former mercenary entangled in political conspiracies. His powerful portrayal brought depth to the character’s internal struggles and showcased his ability to excel in action-packed sequences.
Genres: Action, Thriller, Psychological, Romance
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Im Yoon Ah, Song Yoon Ah
10.The Whirlwind Girl Season 2 (2016)
Qi Bai Cao becomes a renowned martial artist after winning competitions in Asia. However, after the death of her mentor Ruo Bai, she struggles to continue and meets a skilled man named Chang An who takes over her training. With his intense coaching, Bai Cao regains her determination and strives for martial arts success. Adapted from the novel “The Whirlwind Girl” by Ming Xiao Xi.
Genres: Action, Romance, Martial Arts, Sports
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, An Yue Xi, Chen Xiang
11.Healer (2014)
Seo Jung Hoo is a night courier with the code name “Healer,” who helps his clients obtain their desires with the assistance of a skilled hacker. However, his latest job introduces him to a tabloid writer, Chae Young Shin, and a successful reporter, Kim Moon Ho. As he digs deeper into their past, he discovers a dangerous mystery that puts them all at risk.
Ji Chang Wook’s portrayal of Jung-hoo demonstrated a perfect blend of intensity and vulnerability, drawing viewers into the character’s complex world.
Genres: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Romance
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Park Min Young, Yoo Ji Tae
12.Secret Love (2014)
“Secret Love” features five love stories, each starring members of the idol group KARA. The themes include first love, dating, breakups, unrequited love, and immortal love.
Genres: Romance, Drama, Fantasy, Melodrama
Starring: Han Seung Yeon, Yeon Woo Jin, Goo Ha Ra, Ji Chang Wook
13.Empress Ki (2013)
This historical drama follows the story of Empress Ki, a woman from the small kingdom of Goryeo who was taken to the Mongol Empire against her will to become a palace woman. Despite her lowly status, she rises to power and becomes the last empress of the Yuan Dynasty, founded by Genghis Khan. Her reign lasts for 37 years, making her one of the most powerful women in East Asia and East Europe.
Ji Chang Wook delivered a memorable performance in “Empress Ki”. As the emperor’s loyal bodyguard, he skillfully portrayed the internal conflicts and loyalty of his character, contributing to the overall success of the drama.
Genres: Historical, Romance, Melodrama, Political
Starring: Ha Ji Won, Ji Chang Wook, Joo Jin Mo
14.Five Fingers (2012)
In Ha, the son of a successful pianist, aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, his dreams are shattered when his father brings home an illegitimate son, Ji Ho, and declares him as the heir to the family business. In Ha’s mother seeks revenge and manipulates Ji Ho while pretending to be a good mother to him. As Ji Ho grows up to be a talented pianist and the heir to the business, he discovers the truth about the lies and schemes that have been used against him. He then sets out to seek revenge on those he once considered family.
Genres: Music, Romance, Melodrama
Starring: Chae Shi Ra, Ju Ji Hoon, Ji Chang Wook
15.Bachelor’s Vegetable Store (2011)
“Bachelor Vegetable Store” follows the lives of six single young men and their pursuit of love and success. Han Tae Yang, a talented young man with ambitious plans for his small vegetable shop, unexpectedly falls in love. Tae Yang’s wealthy friend, who grew up without a father, also joins the shop and becomes involved with a spoiled heiress. As the heiress becomes drawn to Tae Yang instead, complications arise in their relationships. The story is based on a true story of a man who transformed a small vegetable shop into a renowned national brand.
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Melodrama
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Wang Ji Hye, Kim Young Kwang
16.Warrior Baek Dong Soo (2011)
During the Joseon Dynasty, Crown Prince Sa Do conspires against King Jeong Jo. Warrior Baek Dong Soo and his group defend the King against a mysterious organization of assassins who plot to kill him. The drama follows the conflicts and events surrounding this conspiracy.
Genres: Action, Historical, Romance, Martial Arts
Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Yoo Seung Ho, Yoon So Yi
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