Top 8 Well-Known Films Starring Actor Kim Soo Hyun

The Moon Embracing The Sun is a speculative television series consisting of 20 episodes produced by MBC in 2012. The series quickly gained popularity not only in South Korea but also in China and Vietnam, earning the title of National Drama. In this series, Kim Soo Hyun played a young king - Lee Hwon, who has just ascended to the throne with wit and intelligence, co-starring with A-list star Han Ga In - Yeon Woo, a mysterious girl. The duo quickly became an online sensation as well as in real life in 2012. The story begins when Lee Hwon is still a playful and mischievous prince, while Yeon Woo is still an innocent and intelligent young lady. They meet and fall in love, despite the broken heart of Lee Hwon and another lady named Bo Kyung.

Although Yeon Woo becomes the Crown Princess, she expresses her wish to become the Queen Consort to her father, who thinks that if Yeon Woo and Lee Hwon are together, it will cause bloodshed. Therefore, Yeon Woo is framed and dies by the magic of a female shaman, and Bo Kyung takes her place as the Crown Princess. Yeon Woo actually doesn't die but loses her memory, then is taken care of and raised by the female shaman who owes her mother a favor. Fate brings them back together, and they fall in love again, overcoming numerous obstacles and dangers. In the end, they reunite and build the strongest nation of their time.

The love story of The Moon Embracing The Sun is like a modern-day fairy tale, surely becoming a national drama for fans of historical and romantic Korean dramas.

The series achieved the highest ratings for many years and became a strong fortress with a peak rating of 45.8%; moreover, Kim Soo Hyun won prestigious awards: Best Actor - PaekSang Arts Awards 48th and Best Actor, Most Beloved Actor - MBC Drama Awards 2012 for his outstanding performance. Additionally, through this series, Kim Soo Hyun became an A-list star.

DETAILS:

Director: Kim Do-hoon

Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Han Ga In, Jung Il Woo, Kim Min Seo

Year Released: 2012

The Thieves marks one of the debut films of Kim Soo Hyun, and immediately after its release, it became a solid fortress in the Korean film industry with high box office rankings for many years, which other films found challenging to surpass. The Thieves tells the story of a group of thieves consisting of 4 members who successfully steal an ancient seal from a famous exhibition hall in Seoul, South Korea. Suspected and tracked by the police, the entire group along with a newly released member moves to Hong Kong, China, to carry out another heist. Here, they meet and collaborate with 5 other thieves to form a team of 10 people to steal the famous 'Tear of the Sun' diamond necklace hidden in a casino in Macau.

They are thieves from Korea and four thieves from China. The legendary safe cracker Macao Park (Kim Yoon Sook) leads the entire operation, along with Popeye, Pepsi, Anycall (Jeon Ji-hyeon) who always use their charm to execute scams, Jampano (Kim Soo Hyun) - a highly skilled sniper, and Chewed Gum. But on the day of the operation, they walk into the casino unaware that the police have been tipped off. The real diamond has already been switched. The seemingly most harmless person in the group turns out to be the most dangerous when unexpectedly absconds with the real diamond. But will the most dangerous person be the one to ultimately possess that precious item?

With the ever-changing plot of the robbery with continuous surprises and excitement, The Thieves creates a sense of curiosity and fascination for the audience. Additionally, with the cast of Korean and Hong Kong actors, from legendary actors in the film industry to newly popular actors in recent years, especially Kim Soo Hyun and Jeon Ji-hyeon, The Thieves has all the elements to become the most popular film of all time in Korea. Moreover, it contributed to Kim Soo Hyun winning the Best Actor and Most Beloved Actor awards at the 34th Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Most Beloved Actor award at the 49th Baeksang Arts Awards.

DETAILS:

Director: Choi Dong-hoon

Cast: Kim Yun-seok, Lee Jeong-jae, Kim Hye-su, Jeon Ji-hyeon, Kim Soo Hyun

Year Released: 2012

In the drama My Love From The Star, Kim Soo Hyun portrayed the male lead character Do Min-joon alongside the glamorous Jeon Ji-hyun - this leading pair elevated the drama to achieve its highest rating of 33.2%, an astonishing rating that made it a phenomenon during its airing period (2013 - 2014) with 21 episodes.

My Love From The Star revolves around the story of an extraterrestrial man, possessing extraordinary looks and abilities, who has been living on Earth since the Joseon Dynasty after traveling down here on his UFO and getting stranded. Four centuries later, he - a university lecturer - develops feelings for a famous actress named Chun Song Yi - a beautiful yet arrogant and 'eccentric' lady. Additionally, the complications in the supporting romantic storylines add depth to the plot, bringing Song Yi and Min-joon together in the most natural and genuine way, amidst various hardships and humorous situations they encounter.

The drama also highlights human greed when the brother of the male supporting character - a wealthy heir, seemingly kind-hearted on the surface but actually a bloodthirsty demon, who once killed his own brother to inherit the family fortune, and then continues to manipulate his lover and sabotage Song Yi out of fear that she witnessed his actions. He - being the root cause of all troubles - inadvertently provides Min-joon with the opportunity to protect the woman he has loved for 400 years and realize that it is his life's purpose, rather than returning to his home planet.

My Love From The Star brought a fresh breeze to Korean dramas, offering a different and captivating storyline for enthusiasts. Moreover, through a successful portrayal in this drama, Kim Soo Hyun earned himself the Most Beloved Actor (film/TV category) and Outstanding New Actor (film category) awards for his role in the film Secretly, Greatly at the 2014 Baeksang Arts Awards.

DETAILS:

Director: Jang Tae-Yoo

Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Jun Ji Hyun, Park Hae Jin, Ahn Jae Hyun, Hong Jin Kyung

Year Released: 2013

As a South Korean television drama aired on KBS in early 2011, Dream High featured an ensemble cast including Kim Soo Hyun, Suzy, Taecyeon, IU, Wooyoung, and Ham Eun Jung. This was also one of the first dramas in which Kim Soo Hyun showcased his acting talents - right from the start, his talent was evident.

Dream High depicts how six students from different backgrounds come together at Kirin High School of Art to pursue the same dream - to become stars in the Korean K-pop industry.

Go Hye Mi - Suzy plays the lead role as a classical music student who gives up her dream to attend Kirin High School to pay off her father's debt. However, she needs to reconnect with two other exceptional students to gain admission. These two friends are Song Sam Dong - portrayed by Kim Soo Hyun, a teenage boy from the countryside with an incredible singing voice, and Hyun Shi Hyuk - played by Ok Taec Yeon, a man whom Hye Mi coincidentally meets at school while fleeing debt collectors; he is also a rebellious yet immensely talented dancer. Yoon Baek Hee, Hye Mi's former friend, becomes her rival at Kirin High because Hye Mi betrayed Baek Hee in the entrance exam; Baek Hee always strives to regain confidence in front of Hye Mi. Additionally, Jason - Jang Woo Young, a skilled dancer returning from abroad, and Pil Sook - IU, a girl with a chubby appearance but an amazing singing voice, are two other friends with similar aspirations.

Over time and through various events, the group of six friends gradually matures and undergoes significant changes. They also achieve success in their careers and progress on the path to realizing their dreams. The drama is also one of the best high school dramas, portraying the thoughts, humorous situations, and youthful and pure feelings of adolescence. Through these, these individuals, who started with nothing, become successful and happy in their own unique ways.

DETAILS:

Director: Lee Eung Bok

Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Suzy, Taecyeon, IU, Wooyoung, Ham Eun Jung

Year Released: 2011

Kim Soo Huyn once again ventured into his acting career and crossed over to the film industry with the movie Secretly, Greatly - based on the popular webtoon of the same name by author Hun in 2013. Secretly, Greatly tells the story of a group of spies called Unit 5446 trained by North Korea's special forces with the lofty goal of unifying Korea. They secretly infiltrate South Korea, dispatching to the impoverished area of Seoul's capital, each assuming three disguises: a fool, a rock music trainee with a passion for rock music, and a high school student. In reality, they are geniuses; Won Ryu Hwan - Kim Soo Huyn is a skilled spy, fluent in five languages ​​with many special skills, who has defeated many opponents to be chosen to infiltrate South Korea along with his two equally outstanding comrades Lee Hyun Woo and Park Ki Woong to carry out a special mission.

After spending a long time without receiving any orders from North Korea, they gradually become familiar with the lives of ordinary people in the poor neighborhood and integrate into their lives. It is from here that moments of humor and mixed emotions emerge. Until one day, their long-awaited lives are turned upside down when all three suddenly receive a 'secret and great' mission, and they all have to struggle internally to find the right direction. The dangers and sadness at the end of the film are highlights that prevent the film from being forgotten by viewers; instead, it will leave a lasting impression, etched forever in their hearts, through many thrilling and humorous moments.

This film brought Kim Soo Huyn the Grand Prize for Best New Actor in 2013, the Baeksang Arts Award for Most Popular Actor in the Film Category in 2014, and the Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actor in the Film Category in 2014 alongside the film My Love From The Star. Moreover, Secretly, Greatly shattered box office records immediately upon its release.

DETAILS:

Director: Jang Cheol-soo

Cast: Kim Soo-Hyun, Park Ki-woong, Lee Hyun-woo

Year Released: 2013

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay marks Kim Soo Hyun's comeback after his military discharge. The actor has proven that his name never goes out of style, and his acting skills continue to rise. Despite choosing to return in a social psychological drama, even playing the role of a poor community health worker, only revolving around caring for his autistic older brother, Kim Soo Hyun still brings his own charisma to his character Kang Tae.

It is Kang Tae's noble character and kind heart that catches the attention of the famous children's book author Go Moon Young. As a beloved children's book author, wherever she goes, her radiance shines, but Go Moon Young suffers from a social personality disorder due to a childhood full of humiliation. The powerful, cold, indifferent woman with a complex personality and disbelief in love seems to gradually change before the gentle Kang Tae.

Although just premiered, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay has quickly garnered attention and achieved a relatively high rating compared to other shows airing at the same time. With a romantic storyline intertwined with many supernatural elements, delving deep into human psychology; creative storytelling; meticulous special effects, colors, and costumes in the film... It’s Okay to Not Be Okay promises to be a memorable work in Kim Soo Hyun's career.

DETAILS:

Director: Park Shin-woo
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji, Oh Jung-se, Park Gyu-young
Year Released: 2020

The Producers is a South Korean television series produced in 2015 starring Kim Soo-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun, Gong Hyo-jin, and IU. The series aired on KBS2 and consists of 12 episodes. This marks another series where Kim Soo Hyun takes on one of the four main roles. The show revolves around directors in the entertainment department of a television station, between experienced directors and newbies. In it, Kim Soo Hyun plays a rookie television producer, Baek Seung-chan, inexperienced and green, but his quirky and comedic character adds a fresh touch to his acting career. Gong Hyo Jin and Cha Tae Hyun play senior directors with 10 years of experience - Tak Ye-jin and Ra Joon-mo, respectively. Meanwhile, IU portrays a top singer - Cindy.

Initially, Baek Seung-chan admires then gradually falls for his senior Ye-jin, and it seems like their sisterly relationship will be the highlight of the series. But no, the story gradually changes in the final episodes of the series when Ye-jin rejects her junior's feelings, and later, they become nothing more than close colleagues, and Seung-chan also realizes that his affection for his senior is only admiration and fondness. At the same time, Ye-jin realizes her true heart belongs to Joon-mo, a childhood friend who has secretly liked her for years, and they finally come together after many years of being just close friends. As for Cindy - initially a top singer but dislikes Seung-chan for his awkwardness, gradually, Cindy naturally begins to like the guy, and then, through many incidents, the two start to develop feelings for each other, albeit not explicitly, but this couple is promising to become something after the series ends. The Producers may not be a blockbuster like My Love from the Star or It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, but through the series, Kim Soo Hyun's acting continues to impress convincingly.

DETAILS:

Directors: Seo Soo-min, Pyo Min-soo

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun, Gong Hyo-jin, IU

Year Released: 2015

Worst Friends tells the story of high school student Jun Ki, who has been under a lot of pressure from family expectations since childhood. This makes him exhausted, with average academic performance, and involved with a group of bad friends, smoking and causing trouble. To protect the future of their son, the family decided to send him to the United States. 4 years later, Jun Ki returns to his home country...

Unlike the cool and handsome image often seen in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay or My Love from the Star, Kim Soo Hyun shocked fans with his portrayal of a playful bad boy, even having a hot scene with his co-star in Worst Friends. Following the success of the film, the actor's name became even more widely known.

DETAILS:

Director: Nam-koong Sun
Main Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Bae Hye-mi, Jung So-min

Year Released: 2009