by With a remarkable user rating of 95% from over 34,000 votes, Ji Chang-Wook has proven himself to be one of South Korea’s most beloved and versatile actors.
From historical epics to modern thrillers, romantic comedies to action-packed adventures, his filmography showcases an impressive range that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Here’s a deep dive into his most memorable Korean dramas where he played main roles.
Healer – 2014-2015
Arguably Ji Chang-Wook’s most iconic role, “Healer” established him as a leading man capable of carrying complex action-romance narratives. Playing Seo Jung-Hoo, a mysterious night courier with exceptional fighting skills, Ji Chang-Wook delivered a performance that perfectly balanced vulnerability with strength.
This KBS2 drama became a global phenomenon, earning him the Popularity Actor Award and Best Couple Award at the 2014 KBS Drama Awards. The series showcased his ability to perform intense action sequences while maintaining the romantic chemistry that would become his trademark.
Empress Ki (Kihwanghoo) – 2013-2014
Ji Chang-Wook’s breakthrough came through his role as Toghon Temür (Ta Hwan), the 16th emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, in this historical drama that drew solid viewership ratings with an average of 35.12%. His portrayal of the complex emperor who transforms from a weak puppet ruler to a man capable of love and leadership earned him the Excellence Award at the 2013 MBC Drama Awards. This MBC epic demonstrated his ability to handle period pieces and complex character development over a lengthy narrative.
Suspicious Partner (Soosanghan Pateuneo) – 2017
In his final drama before military enlistment, Ji Chang-Wook played prosecutor No Ji-Wook in this SBS romantic thriller. The story begins when he’s mistaken for a molester by prosecutor trainee Eun Bong-hee, but the pair soon work together to catch a psychopathic murderer. This role showcased his comedic timing alongside serious dramatic moments, proving his versatility in the rom-com genre while maintaining the thriller elements that keep audiences engaged.
The K2 – 2016
This tvN political thriller saw Ji Chang-Wook as Kim Je-Ha, a former special forces soldier turned bodyguard caught in a web of political conspiracy. The series allowed him to showcase intense action choreography while exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. His physical transformation and commitment to the action sequences demonstrated his dedication to fully embodying each character.
The Worst of Evil (Choiakui Ak) – 2023
In this Disney+ crime mystery, Ji Chang-Wook plays a crime-solving detective who is married, marking his successful return to television after military service. The series, which premiered in September 2023, showcased his matured acting skills and ability to handle complex crime narratives, proving that his time away from acting had only strengthened his craft.
Welcome to Samdal-ri – 2023-2024
This JTBC series with Shin Hye-sun became one of the shows that captured viewers’ hearts. Playing Cho Yong-Pil, Ji Chang-Wook delivered a heartwarming performance in this romantic drama about healing and second chances. The series demonstrated his ability to portray genuine emotion and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
The Sound of Magic (Annarasumanara) – 2022
In this Netflix fantasy drama, Ji Chang-Wook played Ri-Eul, a mysterious magician who helps a struggling high school student rediscover wonder and dreams. This role allowed him to explore a more whimsical, mystical character while addressing serious themes about growing up and maintaining hope in difficult circumstances.
If You Wish Upon Me (Dangshini Sowoneul Malhamyeon) – 2022
This KBS2 drama featured Ji Chang-Wook as Yoon Gyeo-Rye, a man with a troubled past who finds purpose working at a hospice. The series tackled heavy themes of life, death, and redemption, showcasing his ability to handle emotionally demanding material with sensitivity and depth.
Lovestruck in the City (Doshinamnyeoui Sarangbeob) – 2020-2021
Playing Park Jae-Won in this Kakao TV-Netflix romantic drama, Ji Chang-Wook explored modern dating culture through a unique documentary-style format. The series allowed him to display his natural charisma and romantic appeal while experimenting with unconventional narrative structures.
Backstreet Rookie (Pyeonuijeom Saetbyeoli) – 2020
In this SBS romantic comedy, Ji Chang-Wook played Choi Dae-Hyun, a convenience store manager whose life becomes complicated when his part-time employee turns out to be someone from his past. Despite mixed reception, the series showcased his comedic abilities and willingness to take on lighter material.
Melting Me Softly (Nal Nokyeojuo) – 2019
His first drama after military discharge, this tvN sci-fi romance featured Ji Chang-Wook as Ma Dong-Chan, a man who participates in a cryogenic experiment and wakes up 20 years later. The series marked his successful return to television and demonstrated his commitment to unique, high-concept storylines.
Warrior Baek Dong Soo (Moosa Baek Dong Soo) – 2011
This SBS historical action drama saw Ji Chang-Wook as the titular character, a master swordsman during the Joseon Dynasty. The series established his action credentials early in his career and showed his ability to handle period pieces with authentic martial arts choreography.
Bachelor’s Vegetable Store (Chonggagne Yachaegage) – 2011-2012
Playing Han Tae-Yang in this Channel A drama, Ji Chang-Wook portrayed a young man trying to save his family’s vegetable store. This series demonstrated his ability to find depth in everyday characters and stories, proving that he could make ordinary situations compelling through his performance.
Recent and Upcoming Projects of Ji Chang Wook
Ji Chang-Wook continues to evolve as an actor with recent projects like “Gangnam B-Side” (2024) on Disney+, where he plays Yoon Gil Ho in this highly awaited crime thriller. He also appeared in “Queen Woo” (2024), though the TVING drama received criticism for provocative scenes and historical distortion.
Looking ahead, he has “The Manipulated” (2025) and “Scandals” (2026) in development, showing his continued commitment to diverse and challenging roles.
Final Thoughts
Ji Chang-Wook’s career represents the journey of an actor who has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged himself with diverse roles. From his early days in musical theater to becoming one of K-drama’s most bankable stars, he has maintained a commitment to authenticity and emotional truth in every performance. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres while maintaining his distinctive screen presence has made him a favorite among international audiences and a reliable choice for both traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Whether he’s wielding a sword in a historical epic, solving crimes in a modern thriller, or melting hearts in a romantic comedy, Ji Chang-Wook brings intensity, charisma, and genuine emotion to every role. His impressive 95% user rating reflects not just his popularity, but the consistent quality and dedication he brings to his craft, making him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
