Son Suk Ku has become one of South Korea’s most compelling actors, known for his intense performances and versatility. From dark thrillers to slow-burn romances, his roles leave a lasting impact. This list covers his best K-dramas, ranked in descending order (10-1), with detailed summaries and key facts.
11. Nothing Serious (2021) (Film)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Release Year: 2021
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Director: Jeong Ga-young
Cast: Jeon Jong-seo, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
Two strangers, Ja-young (Jeon Jong-seo) and Woo-ri (Son Suk Ku), meet through a dating app and decide to have a no-strings-attached relationship. As they spend time together, their casual fling becomes complicated by unexpected emotions.
Review:
A refreshingly honest rom com with great chemistry between the leads.
10. Mother (2018)
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Release Year: 2018
IMDb Rating: 8.6
Director: Kim Cheol-kyu
Cast: Lee Bo-young, Heo Yool, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
A schoolteacher, Kang Soo-jin (Lee Bo-young), discovers that one of her students, Hye-na (Heo Yool), is being abused by her mother and her boyfriend, Lee Seol-ak (Son Suk Ku). Unable to ignore the cruelty, Soo-jin kidnaps Hye-na to protect her. As they go on the run, Seol-ak relentlessly pursues them, revealing his violent nature. The drama explores trauma, motherhood, and survival.
Review:
A gripping thriller with strong performances, especially from Son Suk Ku as the terrifying antagonist.
9. Suits (2018) (Korean Adaptation)
Genre: Legal, Drama
Release Year: 2018
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Director: Kim Jin-woo
Cast: Jang Dong-gun, Park Hyung-sik, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
A genius college dropout, Go Yeon-woo (Park Hyung-sik), fakes his credentials to work at a top law firm under Choi Kang-seok (Jang Dong-gun). Son Suk Ku plays David Kim, a rival lawyer with a grudge against Kang-seok. The series follows legal battles, corporate politics, and moral dilemmas.
Review:
A solid adaptation with sharp courtroom drama. Son Suk Ku shines as the cunning rival lawyer.
8. Matrimonial Chaos (2018)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Release Year: 2018
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Director: Kim Sung-wook
Cast: Cha Tae-hyun, Bae Doona, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
Two couples navigate marriage struggles—one dealing with infidelity (Son Suk Ku and Lee El) and the other with personality clashes (Cha Tae-hyun and Bae Doona). The drama blends humor and emotional depth while exploring modern relationships.
Review:
A refreshing take on marriage with strong chemistry among the leads.
7. Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019)
Genre: Political Thriller
Release Year: 2019
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Director: Yoo Jong-seon
Cast: Ji Jin-hee, Son Suk Ku, Heo Joon-ho
Plot Summary:
After a bombing kills South Korea’s top politicians, Environment Minister Park Mu-jin (Ji Jin-hee) becomes acting president. Son Suk Ku plays Cha Young-jin, a senior administrator skeptical of Mu-jin’s leadership. The series follows political conspiracies and national crises.
Review:
A gripping political drama with strong performances, especially Son Suk Ku’s nuanced antagonist.
6. Be Melodramatic (2019)
Genre: Slice-of-Life, Comedy
Release Year: 2019
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Director: Lee Byeong-heon
Cast: Chun Woo-hee, Jeon Yeo-been, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
Three women in their 30s navigate careers, love, and grief. Son Suk Ku plays Kim Sang-soo, a director who befriends a documentary maker (Jeon Yeo-been) still mourning her late fiancé.
Review:
A heartfelt, witty drama with standout performances.
5. D.P. (2021-2023)
Genre: Military, Thriller
Release Year: 2021
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Director: Han Jun-hee
Cast: Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
A soldier (Jung Hae-in) joins the Deserter Pursuit unit to track down AWOL soldiers. Son Suk Ku plays Captain Im Ji-seop, a morally complex officer. The series exposes military brutality and corruption.
Review:
A hard-hitting drama with Son Suk Ku delivering a powerful performance.
4. My Liberation Notes (2022)
Genre: Slice-of-Life, Drama
Release Year: 2022
IMDb Rating: 8.8
Director: Kim Seok-yoon
Cast: Kim Ji-won, Lee Min-ki, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
Three siblings in a rural town struggle with loneliness until a mysterious man (Son Suk Ku) enters their lives. The drama explores self-discovery and human connection.
Review:
A slow-burn masterpiece with deep emotional resonance.
3. A Killer Paradox (2024)
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Release Year: 2024
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: Lee Chang-hee
Cast: Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
A college student (Choi Woo-shik) accidentally kills a serial killer, leading detective Jang Nan-gam (Son Suk Ku) to hunt him down in a deadly cat-and-mouse game.
Review:
A dark, gripping thriller with stellar performances.
2. The Roundup (2022) (Film)
Genre: Action, Crime
Release Year: 2022
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Director: Lee Sang-yong
Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
Detective Ma Seok-do (Ma Dong-seok) hunts down a ruthless killer (Son Suk Ku) in this high-octane action film.
Review:
A brutal, adrenaline-pumping crime film with Son Suk Ku as a terrifying villain.
1. Heavenly Ever After (2025)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Release Year: 2025
IMDb Rating: N/A (Upcoming)
Director: Kim Seok-yoon
Cast: Kim Hye-ja, Son Suk Ku
Plot Summary:
An 80-year-old woman (Kim Hye-ja) reunites with her husband (Son Suk Ku) in heaven, where he chooses to appear as his 30-year-old self. The drama explores love beyond age and time.
Review:
A unique, thought-provoking romance with a standout performance from Son Suk Ku.
Also read: Son Suk Ku May Postpone Acting Break for New Drama Ordinary People with Ha Jung Woo
SOURCE: IMDb, Wikipedia, AsianWiki, Netflix
