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K-dramas, made in South Korea, are always there when viewers want to see stories that are different from the stereotypical American shows. Some, like Squid Games and Business Proposal, have stood out and grabbed the attention of Western countries. This ensures that the K-drama genre is now widely known and is constantly rising in popularity, especially among teenagers and young adults.
But, there are acting performances from the main leads of a K-drama that have been able to capture viewers' hearts in a way that was completely unforgettable to them. Viewers have discussed and shared their opinions on which actor or actress should hold the title of Best K-Drama Performance in the past various times, sometimes engaging in heated discussions on social media...so the topic is quite delicate among K-drama fanatics, and whoever wants to say their ranking needs to walk on eggshells. So, this list is solely a personal ranking of who deserves this title. To conclude, here are the 10 K-Drama Performances Perfect From Start to Finish.
10 Kim Go Eun
E.g. 'The King: Eternal Monarch' (2020)
Kim Go Eun, in The King: Eternal Monarch, portrays the courageous and determined detective Jeong Tae Eul. This K-drama's plotline features a Korean emperor (Lee Min-Ho) who passes through a portal and reaches the present day, which is considered a parallel world to him. There, he meets Jeong Tae Eul. The King: Eternal Monarch has been through lots of controversies in South Korea but was able to gain a great number of positive reviews in Western countries.
In The King: Eternal Monarch, Kim Go Eun's acting is flawless!! She can convey any kind of emotion to viewers. This actress was able to deliver hilarious one-liners, yet ensure the viewers could feel her pain in emotional scenes. She is an underrated actress, but simply perfect in this K-drama!
The King: Eternal Monarch
Not Rated
Drama
Fantasy
Romance
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
- Release Date
- April 17, 2020
- Finale Year
- November 30, 2019
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Seasons
- 1
9 Ahn Jae-hyun
E.g. 'Blood' (2015)
Blood is one of the most underrated K-dramas ever. It was very well done, and it deserves more appreciation and attention from K-drama fanatics. This supernatural yet medical K-drama shows how vampires can settle in between humans, yet the deadly virus (created by a vampire) spreads through the hospital's patients. So two doctors, vampire Park Jisang (Ahn Jae-Hyun) and determined yet comedic Yoo Ri-ta (Koo Hye-Sun) have to prevent the virus from spreading to the entire world and figure out who is the creator of it.
Ahn Jae Hyun's performance in this K-drama is simply underrated yet perfect!! Viewers can understand the difference between his character's introverted personality and his damaged vampire-like self, who cannot control his bloodthirst, because of his talent. Furthermore, the love story between the two doctors also gives the possibility for his character to develop into someone softer, and less guarded. This is always shown by Ahn Jae Hyun's excellent performance!
Blood
TV-MA
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
- Release Date
- February 16, 2015
- Cast
- Ahn Jae-Hyun, Ji Jin-hee, Koo Hye-sun, Sohn Su-hyun, Jin Kyung, Jung Hae-in, Jo Jae-yun, Jung Hye-sung, Baek Seung-hwan, Lee Ji-hoon, Park Joo-mi, Hong Hwa-ri
- Character(s)
- Park Ji-sang, Lee Jae-wook, Yoo Ri-ta / Yoo Chae-eun, Min Ga-yeon, Choi Kyung-in, Joo Hyun-woo, Woo Il-nam, Choi Soo-eun, Young Park Ji-sang, J, Han Sun-young, Lee Na-jeong
- Creator(s)
- Park Jae-beom
- Writers
- Park Jae-beom
- Network
- KBS2
- Directors
- Lee Jae-hoon
8 Ahn Hyo Seop
E.g. 'Business Proposal' (2022)
Business Proposal is one of the most famous romantic K-dramas out there. Released on Netflix in 2022, it has captured viewers' attention for the relatable characters, the main interests' love story, and the subtle yet grand dramatic scenes present. Furthermore, this K-drama was fantastic because of the acting performance by Ahn Hyo Seop, who portrays the male lead, CEO Kang Tae-Moo.
Ahn Hyo Seop is simply exhilarating in this K-drama. He can give viewers comedic one-liners, yet moments in which he makes everyone swoon. His good looks add up to giving this performance a taste of what an office romance can be like in the adult world. However, his acting performance was also fantastic because it was complimented by being next to the wonderful female lead, Kim Sejeong.
Business Proposal
TV-14
K-Drama
Comedy
Romance
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
- Release Date
- March 1, 2022
- Cast
- Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Sejeong, Kim Min-kyu, Seol In-ah
- Main Genre
- K-Drama
- Seasons
- 1
7 Kim Taehyung (BTS)
E.g. 'Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth' (2016)
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth was a K-drama that pulled viewers' heartstrings and let them shed a few tears or two. It showcased the friendship and drama between a group of elite men in the Silla, an ancient kingdom of Korea, who were determined and courageous, simply fantastic warriors. One of those who fascinated viewers the most was Kim Taehyung. Being one of the main vocalists of the most famous Korean pop boy group BTS since 2013, this was his first ever acting role.
Kim Taehyung simply exceeded every Korean netizen's expectations, delivering a fantastic performance. His character was one of the most emotional ones in the series, because of his kindness and endless determination to protect the group's friendship. Furthermore, he was able to deliver comedic one-liners, especially with co-star Moo Myung (character: Park Seo-Joon), which made their friendship become one of viewers' favorites.
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
Drama
Comedy
Action & Adventure
Romance
History
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
- Release Date
- December 19, 2016
- Cast
- Go Ara, Kim Won-hae, Park Seo-jun, Park Hyung-sik, Minho, Do Ji-han, Jo Yoon-woo, V, Sung Dong-il, Choi Won-young, Kim Ji-soo, Seo Yea-ji, Kim Chang-wan, Kim Kwang-kyu, Ko In-beom, Lee Da-in, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Byung-joon, Kim Jong-goo, Song Young-gyu, Kim Hyun-joon, Song Min-hyung, Lee Kwang-soo
- Producers
- Jung Hae-Ryong
- Writers
- Park Eun-young
- Network
- KBS2
- Directors
- Kim Young-jo
6 Ji Chang Wook
E.g. 'Suspicious Partner' (2017)
Suspicious Partner is a thrilling yet emotional K-drama, which tells the story of a prosecutor (Ji Chang Wook) whose new intern (Nam Ji-Hyun) has been classified as a murder suspect on her first day of internship. This K-drama was able to balance the themes of love, friendship, crime, law, and emotion in every single scene of the series. It was very well-written and has garnered the attention of Western viewers pretty well, as seen from the wonderful reviews it still receives today.
Ji Chang Wook's portrayal of a badass prosecutor yet the most introverted person alive, ensures that viewers pay attention to his effortless acting talent. The most memorable scenes of his character are especially the ones where he is silent, in which he can convey a strong whirlwind of emotions to viewers all at once, in just one look. Furthermore, the moments of him being a prosecutor in court could make anyone swoon. And when he protects the female lead from harm? Simply breathtaking.
Suspicious Partner
TV-14
K-Drama
Comedy
Crime
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
- Release Date
- May 10, 2017
- Cast
- Ji Chang-Wook, Nam Ji-hyun, Choi Tae-Joon, Nara, Jang Hyuk-jin, Kim Ye-won, Lee Deok-hwa, Jin Ju-hyeong
- Finale Year
- November 30, 2016
- Main Genre
- K-Drama
- Seasons
- 1
5 Nam Joo-Hyuk
E.g. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
The quirky yet emotional Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo had all the cards on deck to become one of the best romance K-dramas out there. And it did! To this day, people praise its well-written storyline and relatable characters. This sports K-drama tells the story of a weightlifting athlete, Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung-Jung), and a swimming athlete, Jung Joo-Hyung (Nam Joo-Hyuk), who navigate through the ups and downs of what the industry expects of them, yet the themes of love and friendship, as their feelings for each other grow deeper.
Nam Joo-Hyuk's performance is quite memorable. Specifically, fans praise his remarkable talent in portraying two sides of his character: a selfless, loving, hilarious swimming athlete who still struggles with panic attacks while swimming, because of his tumultuous past. And who heals this wound? Simply his newfound childhood best friend Kim Bok Joo. And it's so refreshing to see how the two fall in love with a chemistry that is so fantastic.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
TV-14
Romance
Comedy
Sporta
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
- Release Date
- November 16, 2016
- Cast
- Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk, Lee Jae-yoon, Kyung Soo-jin
- Main Genre
- Romance
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator(s)
- Yang Hee-seung
- Writers
- Yang Hee-seung
- Directors
- Oh Hyun-jong
4 Lee Min-Ho
E.g. 'The Heirs' (2013)
The award-winning romantic K-drama The Heirs follows the story of a group of elite teenagers whose fate is sealed: they have to take over their family's companies. Kim Tan (Lee Min-ho) is the main lead of this K-drama and the future heir of the Jeguk Group company. He is engaged to Yoo Rachel (Kim Ji-won) and was sent to study in L.A. by his half-brother because he is trying to take over the family business. While in the States, he meets and falls at first sight with Cha Eun-sang (Park Shin-hye), a poor Korean girl who came to the States to meet her sister. Furthermore, they both meet again when they return to Korea, getting tangled between a love triangle with Kim Tan's enemy, Choi Yeong-Do, and the fight between power and family.
Lee Min-Ho's performance in this drama is truly amazing and is considered by viewers to be one of his best roles. This actor can showcase his ability to deliver both charming and emotional scenes with wonderful versatility. Furthermore, his chemistry with Park Shin-Hye is out of this world. He deserves every recognition that came after this drama, especially the "Star of Korean Tourism" award in 2015 received at the Korean Tourism Awards for his impeccable portrayal in this series. This drama is a must-watch if you want to see Lee Min-Ho's shining performance!
The Heirs
TV-14
Comedy
Drama
- Release Date
- October 9, 2013
- Cast
- Park Shin-Hye, Lee Min-ho, Kim Woo-bin, Kim Ji-won, Kang Min-hyuk, Choi Jin-hyuk, Krystal Jung, Kang Ha-neul, Park Hyung-sik, Choi Tae-hwan, Jeon Soo-jin, Hwang Bo-Mi, Jo Yoon-woo, Yang Seung-Pil, Jeong Dong-hwan, Kim Mi-kyeong, Choi Jin-ho, Choi Won-young, Im Joo-eun, Kim Sung-ryung, Park Joon-geum, Seo Yi-sook, Lee Yeon-kyung, Jung Won-joong, Ra Mi-ran, Choi Eun-kyeong, Baek Seung-hyeon, Kim Seung-wook, Yoon Son-ha, Moon Ah-ram, Jung Ga-ram, Chanwoo
- Main Genre
- Comedy
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator(s)
- Kim Eun-sook
- Writers
- Kim Eun-sook
- Streaming Service(s)
- Amazon Freevee, Netflix
- Directors
- Kang Shin-hyo, Boo Sung-chul
3 IU
E.g.: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
IU is one of the most famous Korean female solo singers since her rise to stardom after debuting as an actress and singer in the 2012 K-drama Dream High. An honorable mention of IU's incredible acting range is the underrated yet phenomenal K-drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. This K-drama is historical, as it shows the story of Ha-Jin (IU), who mistakenly travels in time back to the Goryeo Dynasty, becoming the young princess Hae-Soo. There, she meets two princes, who she begins having a love triangle with: the 8th Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha-Neul), who is gentle and courageous, and the 4th Prince Wang So (Lee Joon-Gi), who is an intense yet introverted troublemaker.
IU's acting performance in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Ryeo is flawless. Balancing a life between acting and singing, IU is simply breathtaking in every role she portrays. And this one is no exception. She can give viewers emotions in every expression she shows on screen. Viewers can see her immense talent, especially in the emotional scenes of the series. This K-drama is highly recommended if you want to start exploring IU's acting career.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
TV-14
Drama
Fantasy
Action
Romance
- Release Date
- August 29, 2016
- Cast
- Lee Joon-Gi, IU, Kang Ha-neul, Nam Joo-hyuk, Ji Soo, Yoon Sun-woo
- Main Genre
- Fantasy
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator(s)
- Hua Tong
- Writers
- Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran
- Directors
- Boo Sung-chul
2 Kim Bum
E.g. 'Tale of the Nine-Tailed' (2020)
Ah, Kim Bum. Such a talented yet effortlessly attractive actor, who has captured viewers' hearts with his acting performances in K-dramas such as Boys Over Flowers and Mrs. Cop 2. For anyone who is getting to know his roles, every fan agrees that the most memorable ones are when he plays a villain or is simply an antagonist of some sort. With that being said, one of those phenomenal roles is the one in the K-drama The Tale of the Nine-Tailed, in which he portrays the cunning fox Lee Rang, the brother of the series' male lead Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-Wook).
Kim Bum is widely praised by viewers for his acting in this series, and there is a reason for that. His breathtaking performance shows how complex his character truly is! Kim Bum's facial expressions express every emotion he is trying to convey to the series' viewers. That is seen in his cunning smirk, his cocky eyebrows, the slightly psychopathic gaze. This actor truly delivers his best acting skills every time he portrays a villain, and this series is no exception.
Tale Of The Nine Tailed (2020)
TV-14
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Drama
Comedy
Mystery
Thriller
Supernatural
- Release Date
- October 7, 2020
- Cast
- Lee Dong-wook, Lee Tae-ri, Jo Bo-ah, Kim Yong-ji, Kim Bum, Hwang Hee, Kim Jung-nan, Ahn Kil-kang, Kim Hee-jung, Jang Won-hyung, Kim Kang-min, Jung Yi-seo, Kim Gwi-seon
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator(s)
- Han Woo-ri
1 Lee Dong Wook
E.g. 'Strangers From Hell' (2019)
One of the best Korean dramas ever released, Strangers From Hell is a psychological thriller and tells the story of a young crime fiction writer, Yoon Jong Woo (Im Si Wan), who lands an internship in Seoul. Because he comes from a poor family, he has only enough money to rent a cheap apartment in which he shares the kitchen and bathroom with some abnormal residents. Viewers praise the K-drama's chilling cinematography and eerie effects, as well as the acting performance of each character, especially Lee Dong Wook's, who portrays Seo Moon Jo, a charming dentist who has sinister secrets (he is a literal psychopath).
As a long-time viewer of Lee Dong Wook's previous romantic roles, seeing this type of versatility in his acting is simply breathtaking yet terrifying. In this drama, he has a powerful screen presence. He is dashing and charming, yet when his smile becomes sinister and his gaze gets darker, you can't help but get chills. Simply fantastic! Nevertheless, this is the best ever-seen K-drama performance from start to finish.
Strangers From Hell
TV-MA
Mystery
Drama
- Release Date
- August 31, 2019
- Cast
- Yim Si-wan, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jong-hwan, Lee Jung-eun, Kim Ji-eun, Ahn Eun-jin, Kim Han-jong, Lee Jung-ok, Choi Chan-ho, Ro Jong-hyun, Lee Hyun-wook, Anupam Tripathi, Song Wook-kyung, Kim Yannie
- Main Genre
- Drama
Keep Reading: 10 Best K-Dramas of the 2010s, Ranked
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