Kim Soo Hyun is one of South Koreaโs most acclaimed actors, known for his versatility, emotional depth, and ability to bring complex characters to life. From romantic comedies to intense thrillers, his filmography boasts some of the highest-rated K-dramas in history. This list highlights his 11 best works, ranked in descending order (11-1), with detailed plot summaries and key details.
10. Dream High (2011)
Genre: Music, Romance, Drama
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Director: Lee Eung-bok, Kim Yong-soo
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Bae Suzy, Ok Taec-yeon, IU
Episodes: 16
Awards: KBS Drama Awards (Best New Actor – Kim Soo Hyun)
Plot Summary: Set in Kirin High School of Arts, Dream High follows a group of students striving to become K-pop idols. Kim Soo Hyun plays Song Sam-dong, a country boy with a hidden musical genius. Despite his hearing impairment, he possesses perfect pitch and dreams of becoming a singer. The drama explores friendships, rivalries, and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. As students compete for success, personal struggles and love triangles emerge, making this a heartfelt coming-of-age story.
Review: A fun, inspiring drama with great music and strong performances, especially Kim Soo Hyunโs breakout role.
9. The Producers (2015)
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Director: Seo Soo-min, Pyo Min-soo
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Cha Tae-hyun, Gong Hyo-jin, IU
Episodes: 12
Awards: KBS Drama Awards (Excellence Award – Kim Soo Hyun)
Plot Summary:
This mockumentary-style drama takes viewers behind the scenes of a TV entertainment division. Kim Soo Hyun plays Baek Seung-chan, a rookie producer who joins the team and navigates office politics, unrequited love, and the chaotic world of variety shows. His awkward yet endearing personality contrasts with veteran producers, leading to humorous and touching moments. The drama blends workplace satire with romance, offering a fresh take on K-drama storytelling.
Review: A unique blend of comedy and romance with Kim Soo Hyun shining in a quirky role.
8. My Love from the Star (2013-2014)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Director: Jang Tae-yoo
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Jun Ji-hyun, Park Hae-jin
Episodes: 21
Awards: Baeksang Arts Awards (Best Actor – Kim Soo Hyun)
Plot Summary:
Kim Soo Hyun stars as Do Min-joon, an alien who has lived on Earth for 400 years. He possesses superhuman abilities but remains emotionally detachedโuntil he falls for top actress Cheon Song-yi (Jun Ji-hyun). Their love story faces obstacles, including his impending return to his planet and threats from a ruthless businessman. The drama mixes sci-fi, romance, and comedy, making it a global phenomenon.
Review: A perfect mix of fantasy and romance with Kim Soo Hyunโs best performance.
7. Real (2017)
Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 5.2
Director: Lee Sa-rang
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Sung Dong-il, Lee Sung-min
Runtime: 137 minutes
Plot Summary:
A dark crime thriller where Kim Soo Hyun plays Jang Tae-young, a ruthless underground casino owner with dissociative identity disorder. As he battles rival gangs and his own fractured psyche, the film explores themes of power, betrayal, and mental instability. The intense action sequences and psychological depth make this one of his most challenging roles.
Review: A gritty, underrated film showcasing Kim Soo Hyunโs range beyond romance.
Also Read: Kim Soo-hyun Tops Star Ranking for 8 Straight Weeks Amid Legal Battles and Fan Support
6. The Thieves (2012)
Genre: Heist, Action, Crime
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Director: Choi Dong-hoon
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Gianna Jun, Kim Yoon-seok
Runtime: 136 minutes
Awards: Blue Dragon Film Awards (Popular Star Award)
Plot Summary:
A star-studded heist film where Kim Soo Hyun plays Zampano, a rookie thief in a team planning to steal a diamond in Macau. Betrayals, double-crosses, and high-stakes action unfold as the crew faces off against rival criminals. The filmโs fast-paced narrative and ensemble cast make it one of Koreaโs highest-grossing films.
Review: A thrilling heist movie with Kim Soo Hyun holding his own among veteran actors.
5. One Ordinary Day (2021)
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Legal Drama
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Director: Lee Myung-woo
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Cha Seung-won
Episodes: 8
Plot Summary:
A remake of the British series Criminal Justice, this drama follows Kim Hyun-soo (Kim Soo Hyun), a college student wrongly accused of murder. With no memory of the crime, he struggles to prove his innocence while navigating a corrupt legal system. His transformation from an ordinary student to a desperate prisoner is gripping.
Review: A tense, well-acted thriller showcasing Kim Soo Hyunโs dramatic intensity.
4. Itโs Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
Genre: Romance, Psychological, Drama
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 8.7
Director: Park Shin-woo
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Ye-ji, Oh Jung-se
Episodes: 16
Awards: Baeksang Arts Awards (Best Actor nomination)
Plot Summary:
Kim Soo Hyun plays Moon Gang-tae, a caregiver at a psychiatric hospital who forms a bond with a troubled childrenโs book author (Seo Ye-ji). The drama explores mental health, trauma, and healing with a mix of dark fairy-tale aesthetics and emotional storytelling.
Review: A beautifully crafted drama with Kim Soo Hyun delivering a heartfelt performance. Masterclass performance from Seo Ye Ji and Kim Soo Hyun.
3. Queen of Tears (2024)
Genre: Romance, Melodrama, Comedy
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 8.9
Director: Jang Young-woo, Kim Hee-won
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji-won
Episodes: 16
Plot Summary:
A chaebol heiress (Kim Ji-won) and her husband (Kim Soo Hyun) face marital struggles, corporate espionage, and a life-threatening illness. The drama balances humor, romance, and intense family drama, becoming one of 2024โs biggest hits.
Review: A perfect blend of romance and drama with Kim Soo Hyun at his very best.
2. Secretly, Greatly (2013)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Director: Jang Cheol-soo
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Park Ki-woong, Lee Hyun-woo
Runtime: 124 minutes
Plot Summary:
Kim Soo Hyun plays Won Ryu-hwan, a North Korean spy posing as a village idiot in South Korea. When his mission is abandoned, he must choose between duty and his new life. The film mixes action, comedy, and tragedy seamlessly.
Review: A compelling spy drama with Kim Soo Hyunโs unforgettable performance.
1. The Moon That Embraces the Sun (2012)
Genre: Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Country: South Korea
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: Kim Do-hoon
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Han Ga-in
Episodes: 20
Plot Summary:
Reiterated for its impact, this drama remains Kim Soo Hyunโs most iconic role. His portrayal of a heartbroken king solidified his status as a top actor.
Review: A timeless classic with Kim Soo Hyunโs career-defining performance.
