#FangirlGuide: 7 Song Joong Ki dramas, films to binge-watch after 'Reborn Rich'
Known for his dandy looks and swoon-worthy acting performances, Korean heartthrob Song Joong Ki has proven his versatility when it comes to iconic character portrayal in high-rated dramas and movies.
According to KoBiz's Korean Actors 200 website, Song Joong Ki is a "special and reliable actor" as he displays his "ability to freely control the intensity and tone of his performance”, as well as showcase his “multi-layered charms” in every character he portrays.
Since his acting debut in the 2008 film A Frozen Flower, Joong Ki has been taking the K-ent industry by storm, with the roles he played such as a handsome playboy, werewolf boy, diligent medical student, captain of a Special Force team, and mafia consigliere, among others.
The 37-year-old actor continues to capture hearts with his charm and talent as seen in his ongoing drama Reborn Rich. In this fantasy series, which you can stream on Viu, Joong Ki plays not one, but two contrasting characters.
First is the role of Yoon Hyun Woo, a loyal secretary to the affluent family who owns Soonyang Conglomerate. After he was wrongly killed by his very own employer, Hyun Woo is reincarnated as Jin Do Jun, the youngest grandson of Soonyang's founder.
If you haven't watched the drama yet, it's not too late to do so. Here, you'll witness Joong Ki showcase his acting prowess yet again, as Hyun Woo seeks revenge against his former employers disguised as the baby-faced and seemingly innocent Do Jun.
As another “Joong Ki craze” has begun with Reborn Rich, we listed some of his iconic dramas and movies that will surely keep your heart fluttering even after watching Viu's hit series.
The Innocent Man (2012)
This series made our “pretty boy” Joong Ki earn the name of “South Korea’s Leonardo Dicaprio” and the “savior of melodrama."
The Innocent Man puts a twist on Joong Ki's usual “boy next door” persona as in this miniseries, he portrays a vengeful guy named Kang Maru as the drama's main character. Kang Maru is a medical student who seeks revenge on his ex-girlfriend who cheated and left him to marry a rich man. He starred in the drama alongside Moon Chae Won and Park Si-Yeon.
Big bonus: Joong Ki himself sang the series' official soundtrack titled "Really." You can stream the melancholic track on Spotify and Apple Music.
A Werewolf Boy (2012)
This Korean fantasy drama garnered Joong Ki the recognition of an actor who, according to KoBiz’s Korean Actors 200 website, "vividly expressed the feelings from a wild beast to a boy with a sad love through few lines, mostly using his eyes and gestures."
He played the role of a feral boy named Chulsoo, who lives in the barn where Soon Yi’s (portrayed by Park Bo Young) family moved in. A relationship starts to flourish between the two as the family takes him in. This movie has surpassed 7 million viewers, setting the record as the No. 1 Korean melodrama film of all time.
In case you didn't know, Joong Ki also created a bond with Bo Young, who he is members with in their group called "Hyung Squad" along with top Korean actors Jo In Sung, Lee Kwang Soo, Bae Sung Woo, Cha Tae Hyun, Kim Ki Bang, Im Joo Hwan, Woo Bin, and EXO’s Do Kyungsoo (D.O.).
Descendants of the Sun (2016)
If you're a true blue K-drama fan, chances are, you know that 2016 is not only the golden age of K-drama, but it is also when the "Song Joong Ki syndrome" began spreading worldwide. And that's thanks to the hit K-drama Descendants of the Sun.
With its above-par casting and production, as well as its engaging plot, the series has become the favorite of many Hallyu fans. Song Joong Ki played the role of Yoo Si-jin a.k.a "Big Boss," a charismatic captain of the South Korean Special Forces Unit.
The story goes begins he meets a beautiful and competent doctor Kang Mo-yeon, played by Joong Ki's ex-wife Song Hye Kyo. The doctor’s principle and personality will capture Big Boss' heart and inspire him to defy all challenges, from dangers to heartbreaks.
The chemistry Joong Ki had with Hye Kyo—both on and off cam—has no doubt made viewers fall in love with the series that combines action, comedy and romance. The show also endowed the actor with recognition from Baeksang Art Awards.
The Battleship Island (2017)
2017's The Battleship Island shows another side of the multi-talented actor. This period action film is based on the historical events that took place during the Japanese occupation of Korea between 1910 and 1945.
During that time, 400 Koreans were forced to work as laborers on a remote island called Hashima. In the film, Joong Ki plays the role of Park Moo Young, a member of the Korean Independence Movement who is sent to the dangerous island to rescue one of their members.
Joong Ki starred in The Battleship Island alongside Korean actors So Ju Sub and Hwang Jungmin, among others. According to a Soompi report, this star-studded film sold over 6 million tickets in Korea alone shortly after its premiere.
Arthdal Chronicle (2018)
One Joong Ki can melt the hearts of his viewers, but two may take away souls!
As the title suggests, Arthdal Chronicle is the first Korean ancient fantasy drama set in the mythical city of Arthdal during the Bronze age. Joong Ki played the twin brothers Eun Seom, who tries to protect the Wahan people, and Sa Ya, who has been raised in secrecy and hidden away. They were separated during childhood after the death of their father.
The story centers on the value of tribe, alliance, nation, and religion during the ancient time. Its intriguing storyline and unique setting, plus the star-studded casts and cameos is something you should look forward to in watching the series!
Space Sweepers (2021)
A literally out-of-this-world film set in the year 2092, Space Sweepers features Joong Ki as Tae Ho, a former commander of the Space Guards who ends up becoming a scavenger of space debris due to unfortunate twists of fate.
He later accidentally discovers a young girl and, along with three other misfit scavengers played by fellow Korean stars Kim Tae Ri, Jin Sun-kyu, and Yu Hae-Jin, learns about her connection to the UTS Space Guards. The gang then decides to demand ransom in her exchange.
This space adventure has a fun, exciting, and touching story that will make anyone think of what the future might be. This film debuted at no. 1 on Netflix in 16 countries and endowed Joong Ki with a Best Actor award at the 26th Chunsa International Film Festival.
Vincenzo (2021)
Joong Ki once again stole the hearts of viewers in his suave and mysterious role as Vincenzo Cassano. The titular character is a South Korean-born mafia lawyer who flees to his homeland to recover the 1.5 tons of gold owned by a deceased Chinese tycoon, which was kept in an old building called the Geumga Plaza.
As he was about to recover it, he gets acquainted with a sly and tactful lawyer who seeks justice for her father’s death, as well as the wacky tenants of the building who gives him the alias of "Mr. Consigliere" and "Corn Salad."
Joong Ki is joined by Jeon Yeo Been, 2PM’s Ok Taecyeon, Kwak Dong Yeon and Kim Yeo Jin. The drama has been a hit global series across Asia and achieved great ratings as it entered the Top 10 highest-rated dramas in the history of cable network tvN.