The 8 Most Successful Korean Actors in Historical Drama

Park Bo Gum was born on June 16, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea. Compared to the four senior actors listed above, Park Bo Gum is a rising star who gained recognition recently, particularly for his role as the genius Go player Choi Taek in the drama Reply 1988. As a result, his filmography is still relatively short.

In Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, where he starred opposite Kim Yoo Jung, Park Bo Gum received high praise from directors, co-stars, and audiences. His portrayal of a young, sincere crown prince with determination and passion was perfectly executed. Every glance, gesture, and even his radiant smile in the drama touched the hearts of viewers.

Starring as the “rival” of Jinyoung in the summer 2016 hit Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, Park Bo Gum showcased his exceptional acting skills in his first major leading role. While his character Choi Taek in Reply 1988 opened the door to fame, it was Moonlight Drawn by Clouds that catapulted his popularity across Asia and solidified his status as a top-tier actor.

Yoo Seung Ho, born on August 17, 1993, is a South Korean actor who debuted in 2000 through the MBC Mini-Drama "Fish Bones." He is often referred to as the "Nation's Little Brother," the mini So Ji Sub, and the "Flawless Handsome Young Man." Yoo Seung Ho gained fame as a child actor with roles in The Way Home (2002), Heart is (2006), and The Legend (2007). He transitioned to adult roles with appearances in Queen Seon Deok (2009), Lord of Study (2010), Warrior Baek Dong Soo (2011), and I Miss You (2012).

Before playing the role of Lee Sun in Ruler: Master of the Mask, Yoo Seung Ho had already earned recognition for his stunning historical drama appearances. He was celebrated as the top historical drama star of the 90s generation in Korean cinema. In the historical drama The King and I, Yoo Seung Ho portrayed a young King Seong Jong. Though his role was brief, his compelling performance and handsome portrayal won the hearts of viewers.

Ji Chang-wook, born on July 5, 1987, is a South Korean actor known for his handsome looks and perfect physique. With his image as one of the cleanest celebrities in South Korea's showbiz, Ji Chang-wook has gained immense popularity due to his relentless dedication and hard work. Aside from acting, he also has a talent for singing, rivaling many K-pop idols in terms of skill.

He began his career in musical theater but became a household name with his role in the hit drama Smile Dong-hae, one of South Korea's top-rated series in the first half of 2011, reaching a staggering 41% viewership.

However, it was his portrayal of Emperor Ta-hwan in the historical drama Empress Ki that truly launched Ji Chang-wook to stardom. The role cemented his status as an A-list actor in Korean cinema and across Asia, earning him numerous prestigious awards and critical acclaim.

Yoo Ah In, born October 6, 1986, is one of the most talented young actors in South Korean cinema. He is often regarded as a “breakout star” in the entertainment industry.

Yoo Ah In earned the nickname “wild horse” after his standout role in Sungkyunkwan Scandal, which became a hit across Asia, even though he played a supporting character in the drama.

The handsome actor has appeared in several iconic historical dramas, including Jang Ok Jung, Living by Love (2013), Six Flying Dragons (2015), and The Throne (Sado, 2015). With his striking looks and charismatic presence, Yoo Ah In's portrayal in Hanbok has captivated fans. His masculine aura and undeniable charm make him perfectly suited for historical roles, and he continues to be a beloved figure in the world of period dramas.

Lee Min Ho, born June 22, 1987, is a South Korean actor and model, best known for his roles as Goo Jun Pyo in the drama Boys Over Flowers, Lee Yoon Sung in City Hunter, and Kim Tan in The Heirs (2013), among others.

Lee Min Ho's first historical drama role was as Choi Yong, a character that marked a new venture for him. In the time-travel drama Faith, he played a military general from Goryeo who travels to the modern day to bring Dr. Yoon Eun Soo (Kim Hee Sun) back to the past to save the princess. Amidst the chaos of time travel, many intriguing situations arise between people from different eras.

From this moment on, a beautiful love story begins to unfold. Lee Min Ho not only looked dashing in modern suits, but he also exuded the aura of a warrior in his powerful historical armor. The drama was met with a warm reception from audiences, thanks to the chemistry between veteran actress Kim Hee Sun and the handsome Lee Min Ho.

Lee Jun Ki, born April 17, 1982, is a South Korean actor, model, and singer. Lee Jun Ki first gained fame for his role as Gong-gil in the film The King and the Clown. Since then, he has appeared in several popular television dramas, including My Girl (2005), Time Between Dog and Wolf (2007), The Legend of Iljimae (2008), Arang and the Magistrate (2012), Two Weeks (2013), Gunman in Joseon (2014), Scholar Who Walks the Night (2015), and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, establishing himself as a prominent figure in historical dramas.

From an unknown actor, Lee Jun Ki transformed into a shining star, playing roles ranging from a tragic clown to a powerful historical hero, and even a strong, cold-hearted man in modern dramas. His successful roles have solidified his place in the hearts of fans, earning him recognition as a superstar who helped spread the Hallyu wave beyond Korea.

It would be a major oversight not to mention Kim Soo Hyun when talking about top historical drama actors. His role as King Lee Hwon in the hit series The Moon Embracing the Sun propelled him to A-list status, thanks to his undeniable acting talent.

Born February 16, 1988, in Seoul, South Korea, Kim Soo Hyun captivated audiences with his bright appearance and mesmerizing smile, becoming one of the top stars in the country. His acting skills have earned him widespread acclaim, and while he's known for his success in modern dramas, he has proven his versatility with his fitting performances in historical films.

Although his historical drama roles have been few, Kim Soo Hyun's portrayal in traditional costumes always leaves a lasting impression. Notably, his role in The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012) as a young, loyal, and decisive king remains iconic.

Song Joong Ki, born September 19, 1985, in Daejeon, South Korea, has participated in very few historical drama projects, but he's still considered one of the most successful actors in the genre. His portrayal in Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2012) as the charming and clever scholar Gu Yong Ha captured the hearts of many viewers, especially female fans.

With his sincere performance and captivating gaze, Song Joong Ki perfectly embodied the character of a mischievous, intelligent scholar who is also deeply loyal to his friends. His radiant smile in the drama has been praised endlessly. Alongside this role, he received the Best Couple award with his co-star Yoo Ah In.

With a mix of charm, humor, and his baby-faced, scholarly look, Song Joong Ki brought Gu Yong Ha to life so well that it’s hard to imagine anyone else portraying this character better. Even after 8 years, his portrayal remains one of the most iconic historical drama characters in Korean film history.