8 Best Dramas of Han Suk Kyu

Han Suk Kyu is a prominent actor in South Korea. His success in the TV industry is remarkable, as he received the top award, called the Grand Prize or Daesang, for his outstanding performance. He earned this honor for his role as King Sejong in the drama Deep Rooted Tree (2011).

While Han Suk Kyu is more focused on making films, he still occasionally appears in TV dramas. You can witness his presence in eight best dramas listed below.

1. Dr. Romantic

Han Suk Kyu shines as the face of the series Dr. Romantic (2016), and this holds true across all three seasons, where his character takes center stage.

In this drama, the actor portrays Boo Yong Joo, a well-known surgeon who willingly abandons his fame to serve as a doctor in a small town. Boo Yong Joo eventually adopts the name Kim Sa Bu, referring to himself as Romantic Doctor or Teacher Kim. He makes this change due to a traumatic experience.

During the first season, Kim Sa Bu mentors resident doctors Kang Dong Joo and Yoon Seo Jeong, guiding them to become dedicated doctors with a patient-centric focus.

Moving into the second season, Doldam Hospital, under Kim Sa Bu's leadership, requires a general surgeon. To address this need, Kim Sa Bu visits a hospital in Seoul and recruits two doctors, Seo Woo Jin and Cha Eun Jae.

The romantic doctor tirelessly works to establish Doldam as a hub for treating trauma patients. As the third season unfolds, Kim Sa Bu's aspiration of turning Doldam Hospital into a Regional Trauma Center becomes a reality. However, internal issues arise, tarnishing the reputation of Doldam Hospital. Can Kim Sa Bu restore the esteemed reputation of Doldam Hospital Regional Trauma Center?

2. The Moon of Seoul

The Korean drama The Moon of Seoul (1994) aired on MBC for 82 episodes and featured Han Suk Kyu, Chae Shi Ra, and Choi Min Shik as co-stars.

Written by Kim Woon Kyung, who also penned the drama Yoo Na's Street (2014), The Moon of Seoul (1994) served as the original version that inspired the remake.

This drama narrates the tale of a hustler from a disadvantaged background who moves to the city with the sole aim of achieving wealth. Han Suk Kyu takes on the role of Kim Hong Shik, the hustler, while his hometown friend Park Choon Seop is played by actor Choi Min Shik.

Choon Seop endeavors to rescue Hong Shik from his own ambitious pursuits that lead to downfall. Will Choon Seop be able to save his friend from self-destruction?

For his remarkable portrayal in this drama, Han Suk Kyu was recognized with the Top Excellence Award for Acting and the Excellence Award at the MBC Drama Awards. He was also acknowledged as the TV Journal Star of the Year for 1994.

3. Recipe for Farewell

Recipe for Farewell (2022) is a drama featuring Han Suk Kyu and actress Kim Seo Hyung. With a weekly airing schedule spanning 12 episodes, this drama is sure to tug at your heartstrings, as it portrays a tender tale about the affection between a husband and wife who are preparing to part ways.

In the drama, Han Suk Kyu takes on the role of Chang Wook, a translator and humanities instructor. His wife, Jung Da Jung, has been diagnosed with terminal colon cancer, leading to difficulties with eating due to digestive challenges.

In the face of this situation, Da Jung makes a request to Chang Wook: she asks him to cook for her every day, even though she's well aware that his culinary skills are limited to making ramen. Responding to her plea, Chang Wook takes up the task of preparing meals for his beloved wife.

Despite his limited experience, he approaches the cooking process with love and care, ensuring that Da Jung can consume even a little bit of food with each meal.

4. Tree with Deep Roots

Tree With Deep Roots (2011) marks Han Suk Kyu's return to the world of television after a 16-year break during which he focused on movies. This 24-episode series is adapted from a novel of the same name by Lee Jung Myung.

The drama draws its name from a poem, Yongbieocheonga, which emphasizes that a firmly rooted tree remains unshaken. It follows the story of a royal bodyguard who becomes entangled in an investigation centered on the serial murders of scholars from Jiphyeonjeon at Gyeongbok Palace.

Han Suk Kyu takes on the role of King Sejong, who inadvertently leads to the tragic demise of his in-laws and slaves while trying to save them from his cruel father, King Tae Jong. Out of the slaves, Ddol Bok and Dam survive the ordeal and hold King Sejong responsible, vowing to avenge the deaths.

Ddol Bok assumes the identity of Kang Chae Yoon and manages to return to the palace. While his initial aim remains vengeance, he becomes embroiled in unraveling the mysteries behind the scholars' deaths, which are connected to a secretive group called Hidden Root. With these complexities, can Ddol Bok achieve his ultimate objective?

5. Watcher

Watcher (2019) falls under the crime thriller genre and features Han Suk Kyu alongside young talents like Seo Kang Joon and Kim Hyun Joo.

In this series, Han Suk Kyu assumes the role of Do Chi Kwang, an intelligent and wise elite detective with an impressive track record of apprehending criminals. He is subsequently tasked with leading an internal affairs investigation team aimed at rooting out corruption within the police force.

Do Chi Kwang partners with Kim Young Koon (Seo Kang Joon), a police officer known for his reserved demeanor yet warm-hearted nature. Their collaboration becomes entwined with a tragic event involving Young Koon's mother's death, which Chi Kwang was involved in.

Joining forces with them is Han Tae Joo (Kim Hyun Joo), a respected lawyer and former prosecutor. Together, they delve into solving a brutal murder that transpired 15 years ago, involving Young Koon's mother. Will their combined efforts successfully unveil the complex shroud of mystery surrounding this case?

6. Pilot

Pilot (1993) is a significant drama starring Han Suk Kyu and marked the first aviation-themed drama in Korea. This series was broadcasted on the MBC channel from September 13 to November 2, 1993.

The narrative explores the aspirations of three friends: Kang Min Ki (Choi Soo Jong), Park Sang Hyun, and Lee Yun Cheol (Lee Jae Ryeong). Their collective journey unfolds as they strive to realize their dreams. These young men undergo rigorous training at the Korean Aerospace University, with the sole aim of becoming pilots.

In the role of Park Sang Hyeon, Han Suk Kyu portrays a Korean Air pilot who lives with his mother and younger brother, Sang Ho. Following his mother's passing, Sang Hyeon becomes the sole caretaker of Sang Ho. Sang Hyeon is characterized by his humility, lightheartedness, and knack for lightening the mood among the group.

Throughout the series, viewers witness the challenges faced by Sang Hyeon and his two friends as they navigate demanding training regimens in pursuit of their aspirations. The story ultimately culminates in their achievement of joining Korean Air after graduation and fulfilling their dreams of becoming pilots.

7. Secret Door

Secret Door (2014) is a historical drama that stars Han Suk Kyu and Lee Je Hoon. Under the direction of Kim Hyung Shik, the drama explores the complex relationship between King Yeongjo and Crown Prince Sado, which ultimately leads to a tragic conclusion.

Set in a historical period, the drama portrays the internal conflicts between the intelligent King Yeongjo and his passionate, idealistic son, Crown Prince Sado. King Yeongjo seeks to consolidate the kingdom's power, while Crown Prince Sado is driven by a desire for equality and the well-being of the people.

Han Suk Kyu takes on the role of King Yeongjo, who finds himself at odds with Crown Prince Sado, portrayed by Lee Je Hoon. King Yeongjo frequently opposes and challenges Sado, making it difficult for the Crown Prince to assert his authority.

Amid these tensions, the drama poses the question of which of these two individuals will ultimately realize their ambitions and desires.

8. Hotel

Han Suk Kyu's next drama recommendation takes us back to 1995. Hotel (1995) marked his final television project before a 16-year hiatus.

Spanning 16 episodes on MBC, this drama focuses on Im Hyung Bin (Han Suk Kyu), a man who initially lacks interest and qualifications to manage his family's hotel.

However, his status as the eldest son compels him into the role of hotel manager. Coincidentally, Im Kyung Bin, fresh from receiving a doctorate in hotel management from the United States, returns to Korea.

These two half-brothers find themselves in a rivalry for the top position. Nevertheless, due to Kyung Bin's ambitious approach, the hotel faces a crisis. The unfolding drama explores how they navigate this situation to rescue the family-owned hotel.

Those are a few of Han Suk Kyu best dramas we suggest in this article. Even though some of these dramas are older, they still have intriguing stories. If you're curious, why not give them a shot this weekend?