This story was first published in August 2020.
K-drama fans often dread mandatory military enlistment season because it means bidding temporary goodbye to some of our favourite oppas. Thankfully, the Nation’s Crown Prince Park Bo-gum is soon to be back on our screens after his military discharge last 30 April. He enlisted in August 2020.
Bogummy's comeback stint is none other than hosting the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards. It's not the drama/film announcement we're waiting for, but we're sure that it'll only be a matter of time before we see him acting again. While waiting, why not binge these Park Bo-Gum dramas and films?
1. A Hard Day (2014)
Okay, this isn’t exactly a Park Bo-gum drama or film since he doesn’t have a lot of screentime playing Officer Lee Jin-Ho. But given the reputation of A Hard Day as one of the most well-received South Korean action-thriller films to date, it’s hard to give this a miss.
Why you’ll like it: Aside from giving us a glimpse into what Bogummy would look like in a crisp uniform, the plot of the movie will surely keep you and your familiy at the edge of your seats.
2. Naeil’s Cantabile (2014)
The Korean remake of Japan’s Nodame Cantabile, this K-romcom focuses on two opposing personalities both pursuing a degree in music. Bogummy plays a supporting role in the drama as Lee Yoon-Hoo, where he was even nominated as Best New Actor in the 2014 KBS Drama Awards.
Why you’ll like it: Despite the dwindling ratings of this Park Bo-gum drama during its TV run, it still has a lot of fun, exciting and heart-fluttering moments worth watching. We also get to see Park Bo-gum don specs, a side-part, and a sleek-looking suit in the drama, all especially swoon-worthy in one of the notable orchestra scenes in the plot.
3. Coin Locker Girl (2015)
Before we knew them as Crown Prince Lee Young in Moonlight Drawn By The Clouds and the Goblin’s bride Go Eun-Tak in The Great and Lonely God, Park Bo-Gum and Kim Go-Eun were together in this dramatic crime thriller. Despite playing a supporting role, Park Bo-gum showed leading man potential in this movie, with his boyish charms as aspiring Seok-Hyun being able to subtly soften the heart of the rough and rugged Il-Yeong.
Why you’ll like it: The film has superb acting and direction, leaving you wanting more. We won’t spoil anything else, but finding out how Park Bo-gum’s good-natured and starry-eyed character fit into the narrative is one of the main turning points of the movie. Prepare for your jaws to drop.
4. Reply 1988 (2015)
Inarguably one of South Korea’s most beloved dramas, Reply 1988’s charm continues to capture the hearts of viewers both old and new with its themes of young love, family and friendship that resonates with almost everyone. And while it’s exciting to learn about the successful lives the cast are currently leading, nothing beats going back to this beautiful masterpiece to see the residents of Ssangmun-dong once again.
Why you’ll like it: In case you haven’t seen it yet, we won’t spoil who ends up with whom. But unlike your usual K-drama rom-com, each moment of this series gets more and more bittersweet as you learn to care for each character, no matter who you’re rooting for in the endgame. It's also the fourth-highest rated K-drama to date and the only heartwarming family drama to rank alongside more controversial or rom-com genres.
5. Hello Monster (2015)
If you’re looking for a Park Bo-gum drama or film that steers clear from his usual ‘flower boy’ appeal, this is the one to binge. Saying too much about the plot will spoil the experience, but think of it as having a very Death Note or Sherlock Holmes x Moriarty kind of vibe with its psychological back-and-forth between the main characters.
Why you’ll like it: This definitely highlights another side to his acting chops. Good boys with very sweet smiles? There are none of those here. While we love his charming roles, showcasing his range in a very different genre is without a doubt a treat for any fan of his work.
6. Moonlight Drawn By The Clouds (2016)
Why you’ll like it: Aside from looking incredibly dashing in his dragon robe, Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-Jung onscreen may be one of the best duos born out of a historical drama to date. We're sure you'll want to re-watch this saeguk (historical drama) right after you finish it because of its many heart-racing moments.
7. Encounter (2018)
Why you’ll like it: Apart from the stunning cinematography, Encounter explores a lot of themes about dreams, success and love that’s quite grounded. Plus, Park Bo-gum and Song Hye-Kyo in one drama? No reason to skip at all!
(Cover photo from: @blossom_entertainment)
Next, check out our review of Park Bo-Gum and Park So-Dam's drama Record Of Youth here.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
