If you’re someone who likes to binge-watch shows in one go, this one’s for you. We’ve ranked Park Hyung-sik’s best dramas for you to enjoy while waiting for his upcoming new Netflix drama Doctor Slump. And we want to know if these made your top five too.
He’s got us in a chokehold. (Photo from: @phs1116)
Park Hyung-sik: age, K-pop career, and more
But first, a quick background on the 32-year-old K-star. Before going into acting, Park Hyung-sik debuted in 2010 as a former vocalist of the now-disbanded K-pop group ZE:A (with popular K-celebs like Kwanghee and Im Si-wan).
He guest-starred and landed supporting roles in various K-dramas like My Husband Got A Family and The Heirs and his career seemed to take off since then. We’ve rounded up his dramas from the least binge-worthy to ones that allowed him to stretch his abilities and shine.
Park Hyung-sik’s best K-dramas, ranked
5. Soundtrack #1
Short and sweet. That’s how we’d describe Soundtrack #1. It’s about a lyricist named Lee Eun-soo (Han So-hee) who wants to write about unrequited love but claims that she hasn’t experienced it. Meanwhile, her best friend, a photographer named Han Sun-woo (Park Hyung-sik) is currently going through it. Circumstances lead them to live together and their relationship takes a more romantic turn.
Park Hyung-sik knows how to effortlessly play the role of someone with a one-sided crush. Compared to his other dramas, he portrays a more quiet and easygoing character in this one, and it simply warmed our hearts to see a new side of him through this mini-series.
However, with only four episodes, nothing much happens in the drama, and it has a predictable storyline which puts it at the bottom of our list. The two stars have also worked on more binge-worthy projects which showcase their wide acting range.
But if you’re on the lookout for a lighthearted and relaxing show, then this one will be a sweet addition to your watchlist.
Stream it on Disney+.
4. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
Before Park Hyung-sik was winning all the girls, he portrayed the role of a second lead character in Hwarang. It tells the story of an elite group of young warriors who find love and friendship in Silla during Korea’s ancient period.
If you aren’t a fan of dark and heavy historical dramas, this one might be the one for you. While it has the usual politics and swordfights, it’s packed with comedy and a memorable bromance. It also boasts a star-studded cast, and you might find yourself falling for other cast members apart from Hyung-sik. You’ll find his fellow Wooga squad members Park Seo-joon and BTS’ V on this show as well as SHINee’s Minho.
If you’ve only watched Park Hyung-sik in more youthful roles, then you should see him rise to the occasion as he takes on the role of a vulnerable king in this drama.
3. What Happens to My Family
This drama gave Park Hyung-sik his first main role. It might feel daunting with 50 episodes, but once you start watching it, you’ll be pulled in by its perfect balance of comedy, romance, and of course, family drama.
What Happens to My Family is about a softhearted father and widower named Cha Soon-bong who devoted his life to his kids. When his children grew up, it was as if he was invisible. He decides to sue them — which shows just how far they’ve drifted apart from each other.
Among his children, his youngest son Cha Dal-bong (Hyung-sik) was the one who cared the most about his father. Being the youngest in the family, he can be immature, but he redeemed himself with his other shining moments in the show.
He won the Best New Actor as well as the Best Couple Award with Nam Ji-hyun in the 2014 KBS Drama Awards.
Stream it on Apple TV.
2. Strong Woman Do Bong-soon
It’s like Park Hyung-sik mastered the art of K-drama chemistry with his role in Strong Woman Do Bong-soon. Sparks were flying behind the scenes and fans were waiting for him and Park Bo Young's dating news even after the show ended. While nothing official came to light, we were treated to their cute little cameo in the 2023 remake Strong Girl Nam-soon.
This drama has all your favourite elements in a rom com such as a love triangle, quirky characters, and humorous situations that will remind you of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo. Aside from these, the drama takes it up a notch with its action and superhero vibes. The titular character played by Bo-young possesses superhuman strength. Hyung-sik’s character Ahn Min-hyuk witnesses her in action and hires her to be his bodyguard.
Hyung-sik killed it as he portrayed a fun-loving and flirty CEO of a gaming company. His interactions with Bo-young will also make you giggle and at times, tug at your heartstrings.
The series became JTBC’s top viewed drama in 2017 and Hyung-sik bagged the Popularity Award in the 2017 Seoul Awards.
1. Happiness
Though this K-drama isn’t as widely known compared to Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, we were captivated by the way Park Hyung-sik shone in Happiness. Contrary to its title, it’s a gloomy, apocalyptic zombie thriller in which a COVID variant turns a person into a mad zombie. It’ll keep you thinking about its themes of human greed and the beauty of love and hope even after the drama ends.
Hyung-sik flexed his acting skills as he played a high school student, a tough cop, and an infected person in one drama which puts this at the top of our list.
This was his first acting comeback after finishing his mandatory military enlistment. He might have learned a thing or two in the army because his fight scenes were no joke.
His chemistry with Moving actress Han Hyo-joo is also one for the books. He was nothing but a green flag towards her throughout the show and you’d be amazed by how far he would go to save her and other troublesome characters in the show.
With Park Hyung-sik’s portfolio of versatile roles, we can’t wait to see him shine in Doctor Slump. We have a feeling that we might be adding it soon to this list.
Which of his dramas are you watching or rewatching?
(Cover photo from: @phs1116)
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