From rom-com king to warrior: Park Seo-joon’s 5 best K-drama roles, ranked. Stream them now on Viu!
Park Seo-joon (朴敘俊/ 박서준) has solidified his place as a leading man in the Korean entertainment landscape, captivating audiences with his charm, versatility, and undeniable talent. While his film roles are noteworthy, it’s his work in television dramas that has truly cemented his status as a global heartthrob. From swoon-worthy romantic leads to determined and gritty characters, Park Seo-joon has proven his range time and again. Today, we delve into his impressive television portfolio to present our definitive ranking of his 5 best Korean shows, examining what makes each of these shows so special and why they deserve a spot on every K-drama fan’s must-watch list. [1]
5. Young Actors’ Retreat
- Genre: Korean Variety Shows, Korean Reality Shows
- Main Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Bo-gum, Ji Chang-wook, and other various actors
- Synopsis: The cast members of popular dramas gather for a retreat, engaging in various games, bonding activities, and showcasing their genuine personalities.
Rounding out our top 5 is “Young Actors’ Retreat,” a unique variety show where Park Seo-joon reunites with the casts of Love in the Moonlight, Itaewon Class, and The Sound of Magic. This might seem like an odd choice for a drama ranking, but it gives us a unique insight into the real personality of Park Seo-joon and his chemistry with his peers. His genuine and fun-loving personality shines through as the actors go through various games and activities, showcasing a more relaxed version of the actor compared to the drama series we have discussed above. Though not a traditional drama, “Young Actors’ Retreat” demonstrates his camaraderie and light-hearted side which solidifies its place at number five. It serves as a reminder of the fun he has with his peers.
4. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
- Genre: Historical, Coming-of-Age, Action, Romance, Kdrama, Sageuk, Comedy
- Main Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-shik, Go Ah-ra
- Synopsis: A group of young men in the Silla kingdom become elite warriors called Hwarang, and through camaraderie and personal growth, they navigate love, friendship, and political challenges.
“Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth” takes a different path, placing Park Seo-joon in a historical setting as Moo-myung, a young man who finds himself swept into the ranks of the Hwarang warriors in the Silla kingdom. This drama provides a grand canvas for action and adventure, along with its share of friendship, loyalty, and political intrigue. While the show’s historical setting is different from his typical roles, Park Seo-joon delivers a compelling performance, balancing the physical demands of his character with the emotional depth required to portray a man struggling with identity and purpose. Despite the large ensemble cast, he holds his own, displaying his capacity to immerse himself into varied roles, securing the drama a spot at number four in our ranking. His action sequences, and his chemistry with his cast members added depth to this drama.
3. She Was Pretty
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Main Cast: Park Seo-joon, Hwang Jung-eum
- Synopsis: A woman with a seemingly reversed life finds herself working for her childhood friend who has no idea about her true identity. As their paths cross, they rediscover each other and their old relationship.
In “She Was Pretty,” Park Seo-joon takes on the role of Ji Sung-joon, a magazine editor who has a complex relationship with his childhood friend. The drama is all about embracing inner beauty and seeing past superficiality. What begins as a seemingly stereotypical romance slowly unravels to be an emotional rollercoaster, as Sung-joon and his childhood friend Kim Hye-jin (Hwang Jung-eum) rediscover each other. Initially stoic and demanding, Park Seo-joon subtly displays the layers of Sung-joon’s personality, from a cold exterior to a genuine care for the people around him. His growing affection for Hye-jin and his realization of his past mistakes is a compelling narrative arc, showcasing Park Seo-joon’s ability to handle complex characters. This series successfully balances humor, drama, and romance, making it a memorable and well-deserving entry at number three.
2. Fight For My Way
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Coming-of-Age
- Main Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Ji-won, Ahn Jae Hong, Song Ha Yoon
- Synopsis: A group of childhood friends navigate their twenties, chasing their dreams and navigating love and life’s challenges. A former Taekwondo athlete and his friend are determined to break through life’s difficulties and find their place in the world.
Following closely is the underdog story, “Fight For My Way,” where Park Seo-joon showcases his versatility as Ko Dong-man, a former Taekwondo star chasing his dreams. Unlike the polished image of a corporate executive, Park Seo-joon portrays a character who is relatable, flawed, and endearingly ordinary. This drama dives into the realities of young adults striving for success, confronting financial hardship, and navigating the complexities of friendship and love. Park Seo-joon’s portrayal is full of heart, portraying a character who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and yet remains determined. His interactions with his long-time friend and love interest, Choi Ae-ra (Kim Ji-won), are both sweet and fiery, making them one of the most beloved couples in K-drama history. The raw and unfiltered emotional beats of “Fight For My Way” resonate powerfully, securing its position as the second-best drama in our ranking.
1. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Mystery
- Main Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young
- Synopsis: A narcissistic vice chairman of a major corporation is thrown into disarray when his highly competent secretary decides to resign. As he tries to convince her to stay, their relationship evolves into a hilarious and heartwarming romance.
Securing the top spot on our list is the undeniable rom-com juggernaut, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.” Park Seo-joon completely embodied the role of Lee Young-joon, the self-absorbed but irresistibly charming vice chairman of a major corporation. From his perfectly tailored suits to his impossibly confident smirk, Park Seo-joon captivated audiences with every scene. His comedic timing was impeccable, seamlessly shifting from haughty arrogance to moments of genuine vulnerability and sincerity. The chemistry with co-star Park Min-young was palpable, creating a romance that was both hilarious and deeply heartwarming. The series became a global sensation not just for the performances but also for its lighthearted approach to familiar tropes of the genre, making it a must-watch for any rom-com enthusiast and earning it the coveted number one position. The way he portrayed his character’s hidden anxieties, particularly about his childhood trauma, added significant depth to the performance and made audiences root for his personal growth alongside his romantic pursuit.
Conclusion
Park Seo-joon’s journey through these five Korean TV shows showcases a remarkably versatile actor who can captivate audiences in a variety of roles. From the charismatic boss in “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” to the determined fighter in “Fight For My Way,” and even the charmingly relatable Ji Sung-joon, his performances are memorable for all the right reasons. We hope this ranking provides a starting point for those looking to delve deeper into the impressive Online TV work of this South Korean icon, and for returning fans, a trip down memory lane. We look forward to seeing what Park Seo-joon graces our screens with next.
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1. ^ This ranking is based on the Google Keyword Planner monthly search volume, recorded on January 13, 2025. The search volume represents the average number of times people search for a keyword and similar terms within a month range, based on location (Australia & New Zealand) and Search Network settings (Google), averaged over a 12-month period. This list only includes the 5 Park Seo-joon shows currently available on Viu Australia.
