Park Jin Young, also known as Jinyoung of GOT7, has quickly become one of the most versatile idol-turned-actors in K-dramas. From his early days portraying bright-eyed characters to taking on layered, emotionally complex roles, he has shown consistent growth with each project.
Jinyoung doesn’t simply rely on his charm, but also brings nuance, subtlety, and emotional authenticity to every role he takes on. Whether in romance, fantasy, legal thrillers, or heart-wrenching melodramas, he always leaves a memorable impact.
As he further dives into acting, Jinyoung delights more audiences with his mature performances, and his ability to seamlessly embody emotions proves that he’s a true actor in his own right.
Let’s take a look at the K-dramas that highlight his evolution and showcase just how far he’s come in his acting career.
'Dream High 2' (2012)
Jinyoung made his acting debut in this teen musical drama centered around aspiring idols. He played Jung Ui Bong, a student of Kirin High School of Art, where it was taken over by Oz Entertainment, transferring its young trainees to circumvent a law requiring underage entertainers to study for a set amount of time. It was a promising first step in his career as an actor.
'The Legend of the Blue Sea' (2016)
He played a special role as the teenage counterpart of Lee Min Ho’s dual-role character, Heo Joon Jae and Kim Dam Ryeong. Jinyoung gave viewers a glimpse into the character’s emotional struggles in both past and present timelines. His performance brought depth and continuity to the lead role, helping viewers connect more deeply with the story’s emotional arcs. Despite limited appearances, his acting stood out for its expressive intensity. It was another strong step in his growing portfolio of diverse roles.
'He Is Psychometric' (2019)
Jinyoung took on his first lead role as Lee Ahn, a young man who can read a person's or an object's past and memories through touch. Blending fantasy with a mystery-thriller plot, the series allowed him to showcase a wide emotional spectrum. He portrayed Lee Ahn’s grief, guilt, and growth with impressive nuance and sincerity. His chemistry with the cast, especially the female lead, added layers to the show’s themes. This role gave him the Favourite Korean Drama Male Character Award from the 2019 StarHub Night of Stars.
'When My Love Blooms' (2020)
In this romance melodrama, Jinyoung portrayed the idealistic college-era version of the male protagonist, who seeks revenge after a traumatic incident. Through quiet moments and heartfelt dialogue, he conveyed both passion and pain. Viewers praised his natural acting and soft-spoken charisma, especially in flashback scenes. His performance added emotional depth and poignancy to the older version of the character’s story.
'The Devil Judge' (2021)
Jinyoung stepped into a more mature and conflicted role as an associate judge in a dystopian society. As Kim Ga On, he wrestled with questions of justice, morality, and loyalty, as he believes in obtaining justice through constitutional means. His portrayal reflected deep internal struggle, expressed through restrained emotion and powerful confrontations. It was a turning point that highlighted his capability to handle heavy material and philosophical themes. Audiences and critics alike commended his growth in both screen presence and emotional complexity.
'Yumi's Cells' (2021–2022)
In this charming slice-of-life series based on a webtoon, Jinyoung played Yoo Babi, Yumi’s kind and seemingly perfect co-worker-turned-boyfriend. His portrayal was soft, supportive, and sincere, giving the character a comforting presence. Yet as the story progressed, he added subtle tension, portraying emotional flaws and relationship challenges. The performance resonated with viewers because of how real and relatable it felt. His layered take on Babi made him both lovable and human.
'The Witch' (2025)
Jinyoung stars as Lee Dong Jin, a quiet man whose life changes when he meets a woman who has been dubbed "The Witch," as everyone who approaches her dies. His performance as a man who threw away his life to break the law of death has already garnered praise for its emotional weight and vulnerability. He communicates volumes through silence and teary eyes, delivering some of his most heartfelt work to date. The drama tackles loss, healing, and emotional scars, themes Jinyoung handles with graceful subtlety.
'Our Unwritten Seoul' (2025)
Set in the heart of Seoul, this ongoing series features Jinyoung as Lee Ho Soo, a lawyer at a large law firm, navigating life, love, and ambition in a rapidly changing city. His undeniable chemistry and synergy with Park Bo Young, who is playing the dual role of identical twins Yoo Mi Ji and Yoo Mi Rae, have viewers and fans gushing over them.
Jinyoung’s acting journey shows his undeniable talent. He’s taken on roles that demand emotional depth, inner conflict, and heartfelt sincerity, proving that he’s not just passing through the acting world but steadily building a name for himself in it.
As he takes on more leading roles, it’s clear that Jinyoung’s star is only getting brighter. With every performance, he reminds us why he’s one of the most compelling actors of his generation. Which Jinyoung drama is your personal favorite?
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