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For fans of Korean dramas, Gong Yoo, often referred to as the 'Goblin,' is a household name. To help you easily discover and enjoy his best works, Mytour presents a curated list of the top 10 most remarkable films starring Gong Yoo. Dive in and explore these cinematic gems.
Born Gong Ji Cheol on July 10, 1979, Gong Yoo's stage name is a blend of his father's surname, Gong, and his mother's, Yoo. A handsome and talented South Korean actor, Gong Yoo graduated from the Theater Department at Kyung Hee University. He began his acting career with minor roles, making his debut in the 2001 series School 4. His first leading role came in 2005 with Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy, a show that, while not a major hit, showcased his acting prowess.
Following this, Gong Yoo starred in a series of memorable films, winning the hearts of audiences worldwide. His role in the 2007 hit Coffee Prince brought him closer to fans, while the 2016 blockbuster Train To Busan solidified his status as a leading actor in Korean cinema. The 2017 drama Goblin further elevated his fame, earning him the affectionate nickname 'Goblin' among his admirers.
In addition to his blockbuster hits, Gong Yoo has also starred in numerous other outstanding films. Below is a list of the top 10 most notable films featuring Gong Yoo. Join us as we explore these cinematic highlights.
1. Biscuit Teacher And Star Candy - The Teacher and the Cotton Candy (2005)
The Teacher and the Cotton Candy marks the first entry in the top 10 most remarkable films of Gong Yoo. The story revolves around Na Bori, a teacher notorious for causing trouble and getting into fights, making her a legend at her high school. Determined to reunite with her high school sweetheart, art teacher Ji Hyun Woo, she secures a teaching position at her alma mater. However, her contract requires her to act as a nanny for Park Tae In, a famously mischievous student.
In the film, Gong Yoo portrays the playful student Tae In. With his natural and humorous performance, Gong Yoo not only left a lasting impression on viewers but also caught the attention of many directors, paving the way for his future in acting.
2. Coffee Prince - The Coffee Prince (2007)
The Coffee Prince is a humorous and romantic drama that pioneered the trend of female characters disguising as males. The series achieved tremendous success and garnered numerous prestigious awards. It is also one of the top 10 must-watch films of Gong Yoo. The story revolves around the love affair between Choi Han Gyeol and Gong Yoo Eun Chan. Eun Chan, the family's breadwinner, dresses as a boy and takes on various jobs to earn money, leading many to mistake her for a male.
Gong Yoo plays Han Gyeol, who, unaware of Eun Chan's true gender, hires her to pose as his gay lover to avoid arranged dates. With his charming and captivating performance, alongside the rest of the cast, Gong Yoo contributed to the show's fame, making it an Asian phenomenon shortly after its release.
3. Silenced - The Crucible (2011)
The Silence is a film adapted from the novel Dogani by author Kong Ji Young, inspired by a true story. The movie narrates the arduous and haunting journey of Kang In Ho to uncover the truth. In Ho is a young art teacher who knows sign language, appointed to teach art at a school for deaf and mute children.
Gong Yoo plays the role of teacher In Ho, who, while teaching deaf and mute children, uncovers many secrets that the children have endured. In Ho and a girl named Yoo Jin (working at the Human Rights Protection Center) are determined to bring the truth to light. With his natural acting, Gong Yoo delivers an outstanding performance as In Ho, evoking deep emotions in viewers. The Silence is one of Gong Yoo's top 10 most notable films.
4. Big - Soul Swap (2012)
Soul Swap is a Korean television series that aired in 2012, written by the Hong sisters. This is the next film in the top 10 most notable films of Gong Yoo that you should not miss. The series tells the story of Gil Da-Ran, a high school teacher engaged to the handsome doctor Seo Yoon Jae. Da-Ran is the homeroom teacher of Kang Kyung Joon, an 18-year-old student who accidentally swaps souls with Yoon Jae, leading to a series of complicated events.
In the film, Gong Yoo portrays Seo Yoon, whose soul is swapped, leading Kyung Joon in his body to develop feelings for another girl.
5. The Suspect - The Spy: Undercover Operation (2013)
Next in the top 10 most notable films of Gong Yoo is The Suspect - The Spy: Undercover Operation, released in 2013. The movie revolves around the life of Ji Dong Chul, a skilled former North Korean agent abandoned by his country during a mission, with his wife and child murdered. Hunted, Dong Chul becomes a driver for a powerful chairman. After the chairman is assassinated, he is left with a mysterious pair of glasses. Framed for the murder, Dong Chul goes on the run. Gong Yoo stars as Ji Dong Chul, who, upon uncovering shocking national secrets hidden in the glasses, seeks the truth. His performance left a lasting impression on audiences.
6. The Age Of Shadows - The Dark Era (2016)
The Age of Shadows revolves around a patriotic anti-Japanese organization, the Righteous Brotherhood, undertaking a life-or-death mission: transporting explosives from Shanghai to Seoul. In the film, Gong Yoo plays Kim Woo Jin, a mysterious and daring yet composed independence fighter, the second-in-command of the patriotic group. With his suave appearance and a smirk that embodies Woo Jin's recklessness, Gong Yoo shines in action sequences and delivers a steady, compelling performance in psychological scenes. The film topped the box office during its release and is one of Gong Yoo's top 10 must-watch movies.
7. A Man and A Woman - Temptation of Sin (2016)
Temptation of Sin, released in 2016, tells the forbidden love story of Sang Min and Kim Ki Hong. Two strangers who coincidentally meet in Finland grow closer due to their shared loneliness. Both in their middle age, married, and with children studying in Finland, they feel isolated in their marriages. After their fateful encounter, they continue their secret affair upon returning home. Gong Yoo stars as Kim Ki Hong, and the exceptional performances of both leads leave viewers torn, unable to fully condemn their characters despite their misguided choices.
8. Train to Busan - The Fatal Journey (2016)
Train to Busan, a blockbuster released in 2016, is set in a South Korea devastated by a zombie pandemic. The story begins when Seok Woo boards a train to Busan with his young daughter to visit his ex-wife. On the train, a young girl convulses with a leg wound, ignored by passengers until she turns into a zombie and starts biting others, rapidly spreading the infection. Seok Woo, his daughter, and other passengers must fight for survival against the undead. Ultimately, Seok Woo sacrifices himself to ensure his daughter reaches safety.
As Seok Woo, Gong Yoo delivers an outstanding performance, and the film's gripping narrative made a significant impact upon its release.
9. Goblin - The Lonely and Great God (2017)
Following the success of Train to Busan, Gong Yoo starred in the 2017 hit Goblin - The Lonely and Great God. The series follows Kim Shin, an immortal goblin weary of his eternal life. When he meets and falls for a college student, he tries to prolong his time with her. Gong Yoo portrays Kim Shin, capturing the goblin's strength and resilience while also showcasing his timid and shy side in love. The series further cemented Gong Yoo's reputation and is one of his top 10 must-watch films.
10. Kim Ji Young: Born 1982 (2019)
Kim Ji Young: Born 1982, based on Cho Nam Joo's novel, is a 2019 film addressing postpartum depression. The story follows Kim Ji Young, a 30-year-old woman who quits her job to raise her child and become a homemaker, feeling trapped in her own life. Gradually, her personality changes, and she struggles to control herself under stress and exhaustion.
In the film, Gong Yoo plays Jung Dae Hyun, Kim Ji Young's kind and thoughtful husband, who wrestles with life's challenges. He empathizes with and supports his wife, understanding the hardships she endures.
Above, Mytour has shared with you the Top 10 most notable films of Gong Yoo, which have contributed to his fame and endeared him to audiences, showcasing his exceptional acting skills. If you're a fan of Gong Yoo, don't miss these outstanding films featuring him. Thank you for reading and following this article!
