13 High-Rated Korean Films and Dramas Starring Gong Yoo That You Shouldn't Miss

Kapanlagi.com - Gong Yoo is one of the South Korean actors known for his diverse project choices. Throughout his career, he has starred in dramas and films across various genres, including romance, fantasy, thriller, action, and science fiction.

Not only has he been successful commercially, but many of Gong Yoo's works have also received positive responses from critics and audiences. His ability to portray different characters keeps his name among the top actors in South Korea. Here are recommendations for high-rated Korean films and dramas starring Gong Yoo that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

1. Gong Yoo's High-Rated Korean Drama Selections

1.GOBLIN (2016–2017)

This romantic fantasy drama received an IMDb rating of 8.5/10 with a total of 16 episodes and 3 special episodes. Directed by Lee Eung-bok alongside Kwon Hyuk-chan and Yoon Jong-ho, the script was written by Kim Eun-sook.

Gong Yoo stars alongside Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Yook Sung-jae.

The story follows Kim Shin, a general from the Goryeo era who becomes an immortal goblin after being betrayed. For hundreds of years, he waits for the goblin bride, the only human capable of pulling the magical sword from his body and ending his eternal life.

Kim Shin's encounter with Ji Eun-tak, a high school student who can see spirits, gradually changes both of their lives. The story also features the Grim Reaper, who turns out to be connected to Kim Shin's past.

In addition to the love story, this drama is known for its beautiful cinematography, iconic soundtrack, and the friendship between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper, which has become one of the most memorable elements. It's no wonder that GOBLIN frequently appears on lists of the best Korean dramas of all time.

2.COFFEE PRINCE (2007)

This classic romantic drama received an IMDb rating of 8.1/10 with a total of 17 episodes.

Besides Gong Yoo, this drama directed by Lee Yoon-jung also stars Yoon Eun-hye, Lee Sun-kyun, Chae Jung-an, and Kim Dong-wook. The scenario is written by Jang Hyun-joo.

The story centers around Choi Han-kyul, the heir to a food company who is constantly pressured by his family to marry. To avoid arranged marriage, he hires Go Eun-chan, who has a tomboyish appearance and is often mistaken for a man.

Unbeknownst to him, Han-kyul begins to fall in love with Eun-chan, leading to an internal conflict. Meanwhile, Eun-chan also struggles to reveal the truth for fear of losing her job and the person she loves.

To this day, COFFEE PRINCE is still known as one of the most influential Korean romantic dramas at the beginning of the Hallyu wave.

3.THE SILENT SEA (2021)

This science fiction drama has an IMDb rating of 6.9/10 with 8 episodes.

Directed by Choi Hang-yong and written by Park Eun-kyo, the series brings together Gong Yoo with Bae Doona, Lee Joon, Kim Sun-young, and Lee Moo-saeng.

The story is set in the future when Earth faces a water crisis due to climate change and resource exploitation. A team is sent to the Balhae Research Station on the moon to retrieve a mysterious sample believed to help human survival.

Han Yoon-jae, played by Gong Yoo, leads the mission along with astrobiologist Song Ji-an. Upon arrival, they discover various anomalies and threats that are far greater than anticipated.

The series combines mystery, tension, and scientific exploration with international-scale space visuals.

2. Gong Yoo's No Less Popular Films

4.TRAIN TO BUSAN (2016)

This zombie film directed by Yeon Sang-ho has an IMDb rating of 7.6/10 with a duration of 118 minutes.

The cast includes Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an, Choi Woo-shik, Ahn So-hee, and Kim Eui-sung, with a screenplay by Park Joo-suk.

Gong Yoo plays Seok-woo, an investment manager who is so busy working that he rarely spends time with his daughter. While taking Su-an on the KTX train to Busan, a sudden zombie outbreak occurs, turning their journey into a struggle for survival.

The passengers must move from one car to another to avoid zombie attacks. Threats also come from the panic and selfishness of some individuals who are willing to sacrifice other passengers for their own safety.

Besides delivering thrilling action, TRAIN TO BUSAN also highlights family relationships, sacrifice, and humanity, making it one of the most successful Korean films in the international market.

5.SILENCED (DOGANI) (2011)

This drama film has an IMDb rating of 8.0/10 with a duration of 125 minutes.

In addition to Gong Yoo, this film directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk stars Jung Yu-mi, Kim Hyun-soo, and Baek Seung-hwan. The screenplay is adapted from a novel by Gong Ji-young.

The story follows Kang In-ho, an art teacher who starts teaching at a school for hearing-impaired children. There, he discovers that several students have been victims of violence and abuse that has been ongoing for years.

Together with a human rights activist, In-ho tries to uncover the case despite facing pressure from the school, authorities, and the legal system.

Based on a true story, SILENCED is known as a film that sparked changes in legal regulations in South Korea regarding the protection of persons with disabilities and victims of sexual violence. In addition to the emotional story, this film also conveys a strong social critique.

3. Gong Yoo's Films with Emotional Stories and Packed with Action

6.KIM JI-YOUNG: BORN 1982 (2019)

This family drama film has an IMDb rating of 7.3/10 with a duration of 118 minutes. Directed by Kim Do-young, this film is an adaptation of the novel by Cho Nam-joo, rewritten for the big screen by Yoo Young-ah.

Jung Yu-mi plays Kim Ji-young, while Gong Yoo appears as Jung Dae-hyun. Other cast members include Kim Mi-kyung, Kim Sung-cheol, and Lee Bong-ryun.

The story follows Ji-young, who decides to quit her job after getting married and having a child. Behind her daily life, she begins to experience psychological pressure due to various social demands faced by women from childhood until they become mothers.

Ji-young's behavioral changes are then noticed by her husband. Dae-hyun tries to understand what his wife is actually going through while facing the reality that social pressure can leave deep wounds.

This film highlights issues of family, mental health, and gender equality through a realistic story without relying on major conflicts.

7.A MAN AND A WOMAN (2016)

This romantic film has a duration of 115 minutes and achieved an IMDb rating of 6.7/10. Lee Yoon-ki sits in the director's chair while co-writing the script with Shin Eun-young.

Gong Yoo stars alongside Jeon Do-yeon, Park Byung-eun, and Lee Mi-so.

The story begins when Sang-min goes to Finland to accompany his son in a special education program. There, he meets Ki-hong, a Korean man who also has a child with special needs.

This brief encounter develops into an emotional relationship. After returning to South Korea, both try to lead their own lives, but the bond that has formed continues to bring them together despite both having families.

Through a calm narrative pace and winter-themed cinematography, this film explores themes of love, loneliness, loyalty, and responsibility towards family.

8.FINDING MR.DESTINY (2010)

This romantic comedy film has an IMDb rating of 6.5/10 with a duration of 112 minutes.

Directed and written by Jang Yoo-jung, the film stars Gong Yoo, Im Soo-jung, Chun Ho-jin, and Jeon Soo-kyung.

Gong Yoo plays Han Gi-joon, the owner of a company that offers services to find someone's first love. One day, he meets Seo Ji-woo, who wants to find a man she met while on vacation in India many years ago.

This search leads them to visit various places in search of clues. As the journey progresses, their professional relationship slowly transforms into an emotional closeness.

The blend of light humor, romance, and a warm journey makes FINDING MR. DESTINY is one of the romantic films of Gong Yoo that is still highly recommended.

4. List of Gong Yoo's Action and Science Fiction Films

9.THE SUSPECT (2013)

THE SUSPECT is one of Gong Yoo's action films with a IMDb rating of 6.8/10 and a duration of 137 minutes.

This film directed by Won Shin-yun also features Park Hee-soon, Jo Sung-ha, Kim Sung-kyun, and Yoo Da-in. The screenplay was written by Lim Sang-yoon.

Ji Dong-chul is a former special operations agent from North Korea who was betrayed by his own country. After fleeing to South Korea, he lives as a personal driver while searching for those responsible for the death of his wife and child.

The situation changes when his boss is killed after handing him an important item. Dong-chul is accused of being the murderer, forcing him to flee from security forces as well as intelligence groups.

In the midst of his escape, he attempts to uncover a major conspiracy related to political interests and international secrets. This film is known for its intense action scenes and Gong Yoo's transformation as an action actor.

10.SEOBOK (2021)

This science fiction film has a duration of 114 minutes and received an IMDb rating of 6.1/10. Lee Yong-ju is both the director and the screenwriter.

In addition to Gong Yoo, this film stars Park Bo-gum, Jo Woo-jin, and Jang Young-nam.

Gong Yoo plays Ki Heon, a former intelligence agent suffering from a terminal illness. He receives a final mission to escort Seobok, the first human clone with cell regeneration abilities, considered the key to eternal life.

The mission turns into a chase as various organizations try to take control of Seobok. Along the journey, the relationship between Ki Heon and Seobok develops like that of siblings, while both face threats from various parties.

In addition to presenting action and futuristic technology, SEOBOK also raises themes about the meaning of life, death, human greed, and interpersonal relationships.

5. Other Recommended Dramas and Films by Gong Yoo Worth Watching

11.BIG (2012)

This romantic fantasy drama has an IMDb rating of 7.6/10 with a total of 16 episodes. The series, directed by Ji Byung-hyun and Kim Sung-yoon, was written by Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, also known as the Hong Sisters.

In addition to Gong Yoo, this drama stars Lee Min-jung, Shin Won-ho, Bae Suzy, and Jang Hee-jin.

The story follows Seo Yoon-jae, a successful doctor who experiences a mysterious accident that causes his soul to switch with Kang Kyung-joon, an 18-year-old teenager. Yoon-jae's body remains alive, but it is inhabited by the teenager's soul, leading to various unusual situations.

Yoon-jae's fiancée, Gil Da-ran, must adapt to the changed behavior of the man she is about to marry. Amidst the conflict, this drama blends elements of fantasy, comedy, romance, and light family stories.

Gong Yoo's ability to portray an adult character with a teenage soul is also one of the aspects that received much appreciation.

12.ONE FINE DAY (2006)

ONE FINE DAY is a romantic melodrama with an IMDb rating of 7.5/10 consisting of 16 episodes.

This drama is directed by Shin Hyun-chang and written by Son Eun-hye. Gong Yoo stars alongside Sung Yu-ri, Namkoong Min, and Lee Yeon-hee.

Seo Gun lives as a small-time con artist in Australia before returning to South Korea to find his long-lost half-sister. Their meeting reopened various family issues and unresolved pasts.

In his journey to improve his life, Seo Gun is faced with choices about sacrifice, loyalty, and the meaning of family. This drama also showcases the emotional development of its characters as they confront past wounds.

As one of Gong Yoo's early projects, ONE FINE DAY highlights the development of his acting skills before he became widely known in the international market.

13. SQUID GAME SEASON 2 (2024)

Although appearing as a special cast member, Gong Yoo once again captured attention through SQUID GAME SEASON 2. This series received an IMDb rating of 8.0/10 with a total of 7 episodes.

Hwang Dong-hyuk returns as both director and writer. The main cast includes Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, and Park Sung-hoon, while Gong Yoo reprises his role as The Recruiter.

The story is set three years after Seong Gi-hun's victory in the deadly game. He attempts to trace the mysterious organization behind the competition in order to stop the game that has claimed many lives.

On the other hand, The Recruiter character resumes the task of seeking new participants. Although his screen time is not as much as the main cast, the character played by Gong Yoo leaves a strong impression through the mysterious aura and psychological pressure built throughout the story.

The second season also expands the world of SQUID GAME with new characters, new games, and increasingly complex conflicts.

(kpl/mda)