The K-entertainment industry holds a number of celebrities who are loved not only for their remarkable roles, but as well for their real-life personalities. Case in point? Jo Jung Suk.
In a variety show in 2012, Jung Suk was recognized for his calm and easy demeanor. Even with the toughest and sometimes too personal questions, the actor wouldn’t show a hint of annoyance, and would just laugh it off. That's when we realized how truly professional he is. Even behind the limelight, Jong Suk is recognized as a kind soul. Prior to his marriage with his wife, Gummy, in 2018, the singer’s mom even mentioned in a show that he is the perfect son-in-law. And now that he’s a dad, we bet his bb will adore him as much as we do!
Before the 39-year-old actor became a name in the acting industry for his skills and character, he first started his career in musical theater. After years spent as a theater artist, he joined showbusiness and took the spotlight in 2012 when he starred in the film Architecture 101, which earned him a Best New Actor award. Since then, he has starred in a long list of hit K-dramas as well.
Now that know *more* about him, allow us to introduce you to all of Jo Jung Suk’s dramas, that you can watch on Netflix, Viu, Viki, and YouTube:
1. The King 2 Hearts (2012)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu, Viki
If you love Crash Landing On You, you’ll also love this alternate-reality story where a South Korean prince falls in love with a special forces officer from North Korea. Packed with cliffhangers, The King 2 Hearts will have you binge-watching the entire series in just a day or two.
Jo Jung Suk plays the role of the strict and loyal Eun Shi Kyung, a South Korean military officer that may or may not change your emotions once you finish the drama. A quick read on the reviews about his character and you will see how he stole the hearts of many, and started becoming his fans. Joining him here are Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won.
2. You Are The Best, Lee Soon Shin (2013)
Watch on: Youtube
Witness how multitalented Jo Jung Suk is in this K-drama revolving around an underdog’s road to success. He plays Shin Joon Ho, a CEO of a talent agency who discovered the definition of success after he trained the lead character, Lee Soon Shin. Here, Jung Suk recorded an OST for the drama entitled “I Love You So Much.”
K-pop darling and K-drama star IU takes the role of Lee Soon Shin, a girl with a tragic past and is often met with mishaps. She isn’t the prettiest or smartest person in the room but is bursting with so much talent and character that eventually made her a crowd favorite. Also starring in this drama is Yoo In Na, her real-life BFF.
3. Oh My Ghost (2015)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu, Viki
Don’t be fooled by the title: Oh My Ghost is not your typical horror series (although there are some *dark* moments from time to time in the drama). It’s actually a rom-com about Na Bong Sun, a shy assistant chef who has a secret crush on her boss, aka Lee Jung Suk, who is the dreamiest celebrity chef in town. Thanks to a *thirsty* ghost who possesses her, Bong Sun's personality quickly changes, much to the surprise of her colleagues.
Park Bo Young’s energetic persona as a ~transformed~ Na Bong Sun truly stood out in this drama, especially when you observe her body language and facial expressions. Kim Seul Gi was also a scene-stealer as a ghost with so much sass, who will eventually warm your heart.
4. Jealousy Incarnate (2016)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu
The news broadcasting industry is competitive, and so is the course of romance. Jo Jung Suk transforms into a news anchor named Lee Hwa Shin in Jealousy Incarnate (also known as Don’t’ Dare To Dream), who finds himself jealous when the woman who used to like him now likes his BFF!
The star-studded cast of this series includes the award-winning actress and When The Camellia Blooms star Gong Hyo Jin as Pyo Na Ri, who had a crush on Hwa Shin until she met the *perfect* man of her dreams, played by Go Kyung Pyo (yes, it’s Sun Woo of Reply 1988!).
5. Two Cops (2017)
Watch on: Netflix
It’s another fantasy drama for Jo Jung Suk! This time, he’s Cha Dong Tak, a homicide detective who’s under the influence of a swindler spirit named Gong Soo Chang. When he’s in his normal state, Dong Tak is recognized as the “Grim Reaper” by criminals. But when he becomes Soo Chang, a money-stealing phantom, well now that’s a totally different story.
Welcome To Waikiki 2’s Kim Seon Ho becomes the body-inhibiting soul Soo Chang, while another Reply 1988 cast member joins Jong Suk in this drama. This time, it’s Girl’s Day’s Lee Hyeri, an assertive reporter named Song Ji An who plays his love interest.
6. Nokdu Flower (2019)
Watch on: Viu
Nokdu Flower is set in 1894 and will introduce you to Baek Yi Kang, a son born out of wedlock, played by Jo Jung Suk. In a protest against the government’s push for Catholicism, he ended up fighting his half-brother, Baek Yi Hyun (Yoon Shi Yoon), who’s ready to become a government official.
What makes this drama extra realistic aside from the fact that it’s already based on historical events is the class conflict and manipulation that we still get to experience to this day. As it brings the suffering of the common people to the table, Nokdu Flower is one relevant series that will open your eyes to the reality that we are living in.
7. Hospital Playlist (2020)
Watch on: Netflix
This drama needs no introduction, but for those who don’t know, Hospital Playlist tells the story of a group of doctors who went to med school together, end up working in the same hospital, and form a band to relieve their stress. It's relatable but not typical, and realistic but also feel-good.
Jo Jung Suk (who also sang an OST from the show) here is a surgeon and dad by day and a party animal by night, and is a part of the Hospital Playlist barkada which include: Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Dae Myung, and Jeon Mi Do. Being one of our favorite K-drama friendships, we could write an entire novel on why we love this series. But we’ll just leave this trailer here so you can also experience the joy for yourself:
Bonus: The Legend Of The Blue Sea (2016)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu, Viki
Jung Suk had a highly-anticipated cameo in the 2016 drama The Legend Of The Blue Sea. He played a 119 paramedic who *saved* Shim Cheong (Jun Ji Hyun) from an attempt to drown herself, not knowing that she is a mermaid! In this drama, he gave friendly advice to Shim Cheong to make Heo Joon Jae (Lee Min Ho) jealous, and even mentioned that “all men are jealousy incarnates”. Yup, that’s a witty reference from his drama with Gong Hyo Jin!
If you’ve seen a meme of the two where they are *collecting* their tears in garbage bags while watching The Master’s Sun (aka another Hyo Jin moment), this is where it came from!
One last because we know you love him so much: Familiar Wife (2018)
Watch on: Netflix, Viki
Okay, it seems like Jung Suk’s characters have a thing for throwbacks! In a cameo in Familiar Wife, he returns as chef Kang Sun Woo from Oh My Ghost, and joins Kill Me Heal Me’s Ji Sung and Rooftop Prince’s Han Ji Min, who also appeared in Jealousy Incarnate.
Follow Hanna on Instagram.