Lee Jong-suk has been everyone’s favourite for some time. His latest release, Big Mouth, has created quite the buzz as people from around the world are swooning over Chang-ho’s character transitions and Yoona being a total badass. However, if you’re in the game though and desperately want some more Lee Jong-suk content, then you’re at the right place.
Jong-suk is an actor and model who made his debut with the short film Sympathy in 2005. After dabbling with being an idol star and training with SM Entertainment, he quit and then dedicated his time working as an actor. In 2013, he appeared in fifth place in Gallup Korea’s ‘Actors Who Lit Up 2013’ and is also known as one of the big four Hallyu stars.
He started his military service in 2019 and was discharged in 2021.
5 Shows of Lee Jong-suk
1. Romance is a Bonus Book (2019)
Netflix describes the series as: “A gifted writer who’s the youngest editor-in-chief ever at his publishing company gets enmeshed in the life of a former copywriter desperate for a job.”
Set in a publishing house, this Korean drama is full of heartwarming moments of friendship, love and giving second chances. And, of course, books. The story, set in a publishing house, would make you privy to the amazing job that everyone behind a book does and how much faith they have in their creations.
The friendships are heartwarming, as are the characters and the chemistry between Lee Jong-suk and Lee Na-young is infectious as it is sweet. This is definitely the one to watch if you want a break from hard-hitting thrillers.
Starring: Lee Jong-suk, Lee Na-young, Jung Eugene, Wi Ha-joon.
The series is streaming on Netflix.
2. Hymn of Death (2018)
Netflix describes the series as: “During the Japanese colonial period, married playwright Kim U-jin falls in love with soprano Yun Sim-deok, one of Korea’s notable New Women.”
A miniseries that you can quickly watch if you need a short burst of the talented Jong-suk! With only 3 episodes, the series is set in the Joseon period and, interestingly, is based on a true story. Although short, it will have a profound effect on the viewer thanks to the powerful storyline that is seeped in truth. In spite of knowing how it ends, the ending will leave you reeling for a miracle to change the past.
Starring: Lee Jong-suk, Shin Hye-sun, Kim Myeong-su
Watch the series on Netflix.
3. While You Were Sleeping (2017)
The series follows Nam Hong-joo, who can see the distressing future even but is usually unable to stop them. She lives across prosecutor Jung Jae-chan, who, surprisingly, can also see the future. When he stops a tragic event happening in her future, both of them come under corrupt lawyer Lee Yoo-beom’s radar. Together, Hong-joo and Jae-chan go against all odds to bring down the evils in society.
The series is wonderfully balanced with the perfect amount of romance, thrill and mystery. It’s definitely a rom-com, but the thrilling and mysterious moments will keep you on the edge of your seat. Plus, there’s so much hope to be found in the series as it promises that despite the darkness in our lives, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. There’s some excellent cinematography as well, and the OST is excellent.
Starring: Lee Jong-suk, Suzy, Jung Hae-in, Lee Sang-yeob.
Watch the series on Viki.
4. I Hear Your Voice (2013)
Netflix describes the series as: “A public defender tries to open the blind eyes of justice with help from a psychic high school boy, whose father’s murder she witnessed long ago.”
The series is a heartwarming watch as we follow Park Soo-ha, Jang Hye-sung and Cha Kwon-woo serving justice on a platter. However, it’s the relationships among these three characters that make this rather sweet. The romance and mystery are both extremely watchable. Of course, this is a 2013 series, so we need to take this with a grain of salt but even at that, I think there’s some merit in the storyline.
Starring: Lee Bo-young, Lee Jong-suk, Yoon Sang-hyun
Watch the series on Netflix or Viki.
5. School 2013 (2012)
Victory High School isn’t known to be a great school in Seoul; in fact, it comes in last among the 178 high schools in Seoul. Inside the walls of the school, there’s a slew of negativity that stops it from achieving the heights that it should. From bullying, politics and a host of other issues, the teachers face the brunt of the hardships. However, that isn’t to say that the students have an easy time in such a difficult scenario. Thus, when Jung In-jae and Kang Sae-chan become homeroom teachers of the same class, they have to keep their differing ideologies aside to make their class the best.
The show is heartwarming and nostalgic and keeps things fresh with its funny moments and showcase of friendship, companionship and reality. The coming-of-age drama has what it takes to take you on a ride to your time in school, wherein you remember having fun with your friends, tasting love for the first time and facing life as you move from teenager to adulthood. All in all, this one will surely give you all the warm and fuzzy feels!
Starring: Lee Jong-suk, Kim Woo-bin, Choi Daniel, Jang Na-ra
Watch the series on Viki.
What are your favourite Lee Jong-suk shows? Tell us in the comments below!