by Lee Dong-Wook has established himself as one of South Korea’s most versatile and beloved actors.
From his early days in teen dramas to his recent thriller masterpieces, he has consistently delivered memorable performances. Here’s a comprehensive look at his best Korean dramas where he played main roles.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Dokkaebi) – 2016-2017
Perhaps Lee Dong-Wook’s most iconic role to date, his portrayal of the Grim Reaper in this fantasy romance drama became a cultural phenomenon. Playing opposite Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-Wook brought both comedic timing and emotional depth to the centuries-old soul collector who falls in love with a chicken shop owner.
His chemistry with Yoo In-na and his bromance with Gong Yoo made this tvN drama a global hit, cementing his status as a Hallyu star.
A Shop for Killers – 2024
Lee Dong-Wook’s most recent triumph showcases his action prowess as Jeong Jin-Man, a mysterious uncle who runs what appears to be an ordinary online shopping mall but is actually a front for supplying assassins with weapons and equipment.
This Disney+ thriller series has been praised as one of 2024’s highest-rated K-dramas, with Lee Dong-Wook delivering a gripping performance that blends action, suspense, and emotional depth as he protects his niece from dangerous enemies.
Tale of the Nine Tailed (Gumihodyeon) – 2020
Returning to the fantasy genre, Lee Dong-Wook captivated audiences as Lee Yeon, a nine-tailed fox who gave up his supernatural powers for love. This tvN drama showcased his ability to portray both the mystical and human aspects of his character, as he navigates modern life while confronting his past. His performance was so compelling that it spawned a sequel series.
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 – 2023
Lee Dong-Wook reprised his role as Lee Yeon in this prequel series, this time set in 1938 during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The tvN drama allowed him to explore a different era while maintaining the character’s essence, demonstrating his range as an actor and his ability to adapt beloved characters to new contexts.
Strangers From Hell (Taineun Jiokida) – 2019
In this psychological thriller, Lee Dong-Wook delivered one of his most chilling performances as Seo Moon-Jo, a sinister dentist living in a decrepit boarding house. This OCN drama marked a significant departure from his romantic roles, showcasing his ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters. His unsettling yet captivating performance earned critical acclaim and proved his versatility as an actor.
Bad and Crazy – 2021-2022
Lee Dong-Wook took on dual roles in this tvN-iQIYI action thriller, playing Ryu Soo-Yeol, a corrupt police officer, and his alter ego “K,” a righteous vigilante personality. This unique premise allowed him to showcase his range within a single series, balancing comedy, action, and psychological drama while exploring themes of justice and corruption.
Touch Your Heart (Jinsimi Dadda) – 2019
Reuniting with his “Goblin” co-star Yoo In-na, Lee Dong-Wook played Kwon Jung-Rok, a perfectionist lawyer who becomes involved with a fallen actress working as his secretary. This tvN romantic comedy allowed him to display his romantic comedy chops while creating one of K-drama’s most beloved second-chance love stories.
Scent of a Woman (Yeoinui Hyanggi) – 2011
In this SBS melodrama, Lee Dong-Wook portrayed Kang Ji-Wook, a travel writer who becomes romantically involved with a woman living on borrowed time. This series, which dealt with themes of mortality and living life to the fullest, showcased his ability to handle emotionally heavy material and established him as a leading man capable of carrying dramatic narratives.
My Girl – 2005-2006
One of Lee Dong-Wook’s breakthrough roles came in this SBS romantic comedy where he played Seol Gong-Chan, a hotel heir who enters into a contract relationship with a con artist. This drama helped establish his romantic comedy credentials and demonstrated his natural chemistry with co-stars, setting the foundation for his future success in the genre.
Hotel King – 2014
In this MBC drama, Lee Dong-Wook played Cha Jae-Wan, the general manager of a luxury hotel caught in a web of corporate intrigue and family secrets. The series allowed him to showcase his dramatic acting skills while navigating complex relationships and power struggles in the hospitality industry.
Life – 2018
Lee Dong-Wook portrayed Ye Jin-Woo, an emergency medicine doctor, in this JTBC medical drama that tackled issues of healthcare commercialization and medical ethics. His performance as a principled physician fighting against a profit-driven hospital system demonstrated his ability to handle socially conscious material while maintaining emotional authenticity.
Bubble Gum (Poongsungeom) – 2015
This tvN romantic drama featured Lee Dong-Wook as Park Ri-Hwan, a radiologist who has been in love with his childhood friend for years. The series explored themes of unrequited love and friendship, allowing him to portray the complexity of long-term relationships and the pain of loving someone who sees you only as a friend.
Final thoughts on Lee Dong-Wook K-Dramas
Lee Dong-Wook’s career trajectory from teen heartthrob to versatile leading man demonstrates his commitment to challenging himself with diverse roles. Whether he’s playing a supernatural being, a psychological thriller villain, or a romantic lead, he brings depth, charisma, and authenticity to every character.
With upcoming projects like “The Nice Guy” (2025) and “A Shop for Killers Season 2” (2026), Lee Dong-Wook continues to evolve as an actor, promising more memorable performances for years to come.
His ability to seamlessly transition between genres while maintaining his distinctive screen presence has made him one of South Korea’s most reliable and beloved actors, with each role adding another layer to his impressive acting legacy.
