K-drama stars are celebrated for their incredible range, effortlessly portraying both heartwarming protagonists and chilling antagonists. Many actors known for playing beloved, soft-spoken good boys with gentle smiles and caring demeanours stunned audiences with dark, menacing portrayals of antagonists, showcasing their impressive acting depth.
Let’s take a look at some of the actors with unforgettable villainous roles that left the viewers both horrified and impressed.
PARK BO GUM [Hello Monster]
Known for his green forest portrayals, Park Bo Gum became the nation’s sweetheart through hits like ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ ‘Love in the Moonlight,’ and ‘Reply 1988.’ His role as Gwan-sik sparked a wave of affection, with many wishing for a husband just like him. But Bo Gum as Jung Sun-ho, a soft-spoken genius with psychopathic tendencies in ‘Hello Monster,’ showcases his acting depth.
Gong Yoo [Squid Game]
Gong Yoo’s brief but impactful role as the recruiter in ‘Squid Game’ was enough to send chills down our spines. Though mostly remembered for romantic leads in hit dramas like ‘Goblin’ and ‘Coffee Prince,’ his role as the mysterious man slapping desperate people in train stations was both sinister and enigmatic. His role left a lasting villainous impression even long after the credits rolled.
BYEON WOO SEOK [Strong Girl Nam-soon]
Byeon Woo Seok bloomed into the greenest forest of K-dramas through his portrayal of Ryu Sun-jae in ‘Lovely Runner.’ Before that, he made hearts flutter in ‘20th Century Girl’ with his boy-next-door charm. But ‘Strong Girl Nam-soon’ introduced fans to his dark side. As the cold-blooded villain Ryu Shi-oh, he embodied charm and menace in equal measure.
OK TAECYEON [Vincenzo]
Ok Taecyeon as the villain in ‘Vincenzo’ stunned both K-pop and K-drama fans. Introduced as a bumbling, dumb, and naive intern, his true identity as the chairman of the Babel group was a shocking twist. Taecyeon’s duality made him terrifyingly unpredictable, marking this role as one of the most iconic and fan-favourite K-drama villains.
LEE JUN YOUNG [Weak Hero Class 2]
From playing Geum-myeong’s sweet first love in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ to stunning fans as a menacing bully in ‘Weak Hero Class 2,’ Lee Jun Young showcased a remarkable range. As Geum Seong-je, the charismatic yet violent right-hand man of Baek-jin, he dominated the screen. Even in a negative role, his magnetic performance stole hearts.
CHOI WOO SHIK [A Killer Paradox]
Sweet and awkward in ‘Our Beloved Summer,’ Choi Woo Shik impressed viewers with his morally complex role in ‘A Killer Paradox.’ As a man entangled in a spiralling web of murder and conscience, his transformation from soft-spoken lead man to dark anti-hero was gripping and emotionally layered.
AHN BO HYUN [Itaewon Class]
Ahn Bo Hyun, who stole hearts as the lead in ‘See You in My 19th Life,’ is renowned for his unforgettable performance as one of K-drama’s most hated villains, Jang Geun-won, in ‘Itaewon Class.’ As the privileged and violent bully, his arrogant presence left viewers furious and annoyed. The stark difference between the cruel villain and his softer leading roles proves his versatility.
CHO YOUNG WOO [Mercy For None]
Cho Young Woo, the charismatic rising star known for ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,’ ‘The Tale of Lady Ok,’ and ‘Once Upon a Small Town,’ captured hearts this year both as the loveable lead in ‘Head Over Heels’ and as the chilling antagonist in ‘Mercy For None.’ His role as Lee Geum-son, the mastermind prosecutor and son of Juwoon’s head, showcased his impressive range and depth as an actor.
LEE DONG WOOK [Strangers From Hell]
The beloved grim reaper from ‘Goblin,’ Lee Dong Wook, turned nightmarish in ‘Strangers From Hell.’ As the sadistic dentist Seo Moon-jo, his calm demeanour cloaked a chilling madness. His soft-spoken evil made the horror-thriller series all the more unsettling and cemented his role as one of the top-tier villain performances.
JANG KI YONG [My Mister]
Beloved as the romantic lead of ‘My Girlfriend is a Gumiho,’ Jang Ki Yong showed his darker capabilities in ‘My Mister’ as Lee Kwang-il, the abusive loan shark. His violent tendencies and emotional instability brought palpable tension to the screen, painting him as a character viewers both feared and pitied.
Did a K-drama good boy surprise you with a villain role? Let us know your favourite in the comment section!
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