Discover the Top 7 Must-Watch Films Starring Lee Dong Wook

Bad and Crazy (2021-2022) is a thrilling action-packed detective series featuring the talented yet unconventional detective, Ryu Soo Yeol (Lee Dong Wook), confronting a violently eccentric figure known as 'K,' who is fervently committed to justice.

Lee Dong Wook shares that his character, Ryu Soo Yeol, is a corrupted detective who cares little about the process as long as the results are favorable. A master of compromise, he solely focuses on personal gain, engaging in corruption, flattering superiors, concealing misconduct, all to achieve his own objectives. Lee Dong Wook, undeterred, sees this role as a challenge to transform and refresh himself after previous roles as a virtuous lead and all-around handsome guy.

Featuring the participation of two renowned Korean heartthrobs, Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon, Bad and Crazy promises to deliver 'double the visual' for captivating action scenes. Apart from crime-solving and intense battles, Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon also provide moments of hilarity, leaving the audience in fits of laughter.

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Strangers from Hell (2019) is a gripping and uniquely dark horror film, perfectly suited for those tired of the typical comedy and romance genres. The story revolves around a young man from the countryside striving to make a living in Seoul. Opting for a cheap, run-down boarding house due to financial constraints, he finds himself surrounded by eccentric and twisted neighbors, leading to mysterious and blood-soaked events.

Each tenant in the boarding house possesses peculiar traits, but they share a common and perplexing behavior: an unwavering refusal to answer any questions, especially those posed by Yoon Jong Woo. Whether it's a simple inquiry or about the house rules, such as accessing the 4th floor designated for females or keeping phone conversations quiet, they all silently turn away.

It seems they all unanimously conceal horrifying secrets of this place from the new tenant.

Particularly captivating is Lee Dong Wook's character, Dentist Seo Moon Jo, who runs a clinic near the dorm, appearing friendly and articulate. However, beneath the surface, Seo Moon Jo is the most dangerous resident of this boarding house.

IMDb Rating: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Audience Rating: 67%

Tale of The Nine Tailed (2020) unfolds a tale of unconventional yet surprising love between the mythical fox Lee Yeon (Lee Dong Wook) and the daringly talented producer Ji Ah, who happens to be Yeon's past life lover. In the past, as Yeon was tasked with being the mountain god of Baekdudaegan to protect it from dark forces, he fell in love with Ah-eum (the previous incarnation of Ji Ah).

Their blossoming love amid the towering mountains takes a tragic turn when the demon Imoogi appears, unexpectedly causing Ah-eum's demise. Overwhelmed by the loss of his beloved, Yeon decides to relinquish his mountain god status, entrusting the fox bead to Ah-eum's soul, marking her rebirth. However, upon finding her in the present, Yeon must confront sinister forces, resolve conflicts with his brother Lee Rang, all while ensuring Ji Ah's (also Ah-eum) safety.

The protagonist, the nine-tailed fox Lee Yeon, is portrayed by the talented actor Lee Dong Wook. Following his icy and emotionally charged portrayal in Goblin, in this role, he maintains his loyalty, evident through his expressive eyes, actions, and facial emotions. His performance in the film is incredibly versatile, seamlessly transitioning between fierce battles with supernatural beings, charming humor, and the portrayal of heartbreak from losing a loved one. Particularly, with a timeless youthful appearance, Lee Dong Wook perfectly embodies the character of the mythical fox.

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Bubblegum (2015) is a romantic and humorous film filled with heartwarming moments that will surely capture the audience's emotions. The plot of Bubblegum, although familiar, explores the transition from friendship to love in the main couple. Thanks to the stellar performances of the cast, the film is far from dull, becoming more vibrant than ever.

Bubblegum - The Love Bubble is a modern romantic story, set in an era where most people are immersed in technology, making expressing emotions a challenging task.

What sets it apart from other films about the love between close friends is that Ri Hwan's (Lee Dong Wook) mother disapproves of Haeng Ah (Jung Ryu Won), forbidding them from developing feelings beyond friendship. However, the more forbidden it is, the harder it becomes for the two friends to stay apart.

The film brought Lee Dong Wook to the attention of international audiences. His charming portrayal garnered much attention, once again proving that Lee Dong Wook is more suited for romantic comedy films than serious dramas. After a while, Korean audiences began to notice Lee Dong Wook's scholarly and handsome features.

IMDb Rating: 6.6

Goblin: The Lonely and Great God (2016) revolves around a supernatural being in search of a bride to end his immortal life, coincidentally living with a grim reaper who is eager to regain memories of his past life. They coexist, unaware whether it's destiny or fate.

The series is hailed as a fantasy masterpiece that captivated not only South Korea but also Asia upon its release. It boasts an exceptional and deep cast, including Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo In Na, Yook Sung Jae,...

Lee Dong Wook, the grim reaper, is a seasoned actor in South Korea who faced consecutive failures with previous scripts before Goblin. He acknowledges that Goblin played a significant role in reviving his career.

What sets Goblin apart is its well-crafted character arcs and clever narrative construction. Unlike many other television series, Goblin doesn't have any character that feels ancillary. Each character plays a crucial role in the complex relationships set by the script.

IMDb Rating: 8.6

My Girl (2005) is hailed as one of the most popular and humorous South Korean television dramas in history. Following the typical Korean drama themes of love triangles and contractual relationships, My Girl stood out as one of the top three beloved Korean dramas across Asian countries at the time of its release.

The story revolves around Yu Rin, played by Lee Da Hae, an amateur tour guide who moves to live with a wealthy family under the guise of being their 'fake granddaughter' for a hotel conglomerate owner. Taking on the lead male role is the handsome Lee Dong Wook, portraying Seol Gong Chan - the sole heir of one of the largest hotel conglomerates in South Korea.

Before joining My Girl, Lee Dong Wook was a relatively unknown face, appearing in minor roles in the dramas he participated in. The success of this drama quickly propelled him into the spotlight, garnering attention for his captivating looks and convincing acting skills.

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Hotel King (2014) narrates the tumultuous love story of two main characters: Ah Mo Ne (Lee Da Hae) and Cha Jae Wan (Lee Dong Wook). Cha Jae Wan, a cunning Managing Director, is respected by all for his talent and intelligence, but harbors numerous hidden secrets, including a past marked by wounds and the 'dirty' stigma of murder.

Ah Mo Ne, the hotel heiress, is an innocent, pure-hearted young lady with a slightly rebellious side. Deep within, she carries the scars of a love-deprived childhood, yearning for someone's shoulders to lean on. Their love tragedy perfectly fits the Korean melodrama genre: Two individuals seemingly on the same boat, yet stranded on different shores, deeply in love but unable to reach each other. Despite the initial claim of being a rom-com, the series gradually delves into the melodramatic path, earning praise for the heartfelt moments between the Lee-Lee couple.

The drama achieved record-breaking success in both South Korea and Vietnam. The plot unfolds with suspense, unveiling a series of secrets, conspiracies, and intertwining tragedies of love and family, all amid the backdrop of power struggles, fading morals, and rationality. Yet, amidst the tension, the richly emotional romantic story of the two main characters serves as a harmonizing factor, alleviating the atmosphere and adding depth to the gripping narrative.

IMDb Rating: 7.0