Yoo Yeon Seok has carved out a space as one of Korea’s most versatile actors, captivating audiences with his ability to bring depth and charm to a wide range of characters.
Whether he's portraying a compassionate doctor, a charming chef, or a historical figure with a complex story, Yeon Seok's performances never fail to leave a lasting impression.
With a career spanning numerous dramas, he has solidified his position as a leading man in the Korean entertainment industry. If you're looking to dive into his best works, scroll through the curated list below and discover the roles that have made Yoo Yeon Seok a fan favorite.
Korean Dramas Starring Yoo Yeon Seok
1. Gu Family Book (2013)
Longing for a life as a normal human being, Choi Kang-chi (Lee Seung Gi) struggles to keep his identity as a half-gumiho under wraps. One of the only people who knows of his mystical capabilities is his close friend Park Tae-soo (Yeon Seok), a scholar who helps run his father's inn.
On one occassion, Kang-chi encounters martial arts specialist Dam Yeo-wool (Bae Suzy) and ends up falling for her. Though, their bliss is disturbed by an ensuing chaos in the kingdom, and it's up to the couple to put things back in order.
Also starring: Sung Joon, Lee Yu Bi
2. Reply 1994 (2013)
Watch on: Disney+, iQiyi, weTV
Hailing from different provinces across the country, six students all dorm at the same boarding house during their time at a Seoul university. Among them is rookie baseball star Chilbong (Yeon Seok), who grows very fond of Sung Na-jung (Go Ara), the daughter of his and his roommates' landlords.
Also starring: Jung Woo, Kim Sung Kyun, Son Ho Jun, Baro, Min Do Hee
3. Warm and Cozy (2015)
Watch on: Netflix
After losing her job, boyfriend, and apartment in one fell swoop, Lee Jung-jo (Kang So Ra) retreats to Jeju Island for some peace and quiet. She dines at the "Warm and Cozy" restaurant, owned by the lazy but skilled chef Baek Gun-woo (Yeon Seok). The two are polar opposites, but their time on the island leads them to some sweet possibilities.
Also starring: Jinyoung, Kim Sung Oh, Lee Sung Jae
4. Dr. Romantic - Season 1 and 3 (2016)
Watch on: Disney+, Netflix, iQiyi, Viu
After a traumatic incident, veteran surgeon Boo Yong-joo (Han Suk Kyu) changes his identity and decides to continue his practice at a small hospital in the Gangwon Province. There, he takes Kang Dong-joo (Yeon Seok) and Yoon Seo-jong (Seo Hyun Jin) under his wing, teaching him his ways and letting them in on some cruel realities.
Also starring: Jin Kyung, Im Won Hee
5. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Watch on: Netflix
After earning his post as a Marine Corps officer, Eugene Choi (Lee Byung Hun) returns home to Joseon era Korea and takes on an important mission. While there, an unexpected romance with Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae Ri), an aristocrat's daughter, simultaneously unfolds with his efforts to protect their country's sovereignity.
One of the foes he goes up against is Ishida Sho (Yeon Seok), a samurai who relinquished his Korean identity with the intent of exposing his original country's unjust social hierarchy.
Also starring: Kim Min Jung, Byun Yo Han
6. Hospital Playlist (2020)
Watch on: Netflix, Viki
Five doctors who each just entered their 40s go about their business at the Yulje Medical Centre. Having been close friends since their med-school days, they navigate their professional lives, busting out some tunes along the way. The hospital founder's son, Ahn Jeong-won (Yeon Seok), is the pediatric surgeon among them, who actually has aspirations to become a priest.
Also starring: Jo Jung Suk, Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Dae Myung, Jeon Mi Do
7. The Interest of Love (2022)
Watch on: Netflix
Ha Sang-soo (Yeon Seok) has no problem living a regular 9-5 life as the manager of the KCU Bank in Yeongpo. Things go upside down however when head teller Ahn Soo-young (Moon Ga Young) catches his eye. They make an attempt at a possible romance, but not without facing personal hurdles first.
Also starring: Keum Sae Rok, Jung Ga Ram
8. A Bloody Lucky Day (2023)
Taxi driver Oh Taek (Lee Sung Min) accepts a high-paying job to drive Geum Hyuk-Soo (Yeon Seok) to Mokpo, unaware his passenger is a murderer planning to flee. The journey, sparked by a dream of good fortune, takes a sinister turn as Hwang Soon-Kyu (Lee Jung Eun), the victim’s mother, pursues them in a desperate bid for justice.
Also starring: Lee Sung Min, Lee Jung Eun
9. When the Phone Rings (2024)
Watch on: Netflix
Paik Sa-Eon (Yeon Seok), a former war correspondent and Korea’s youngest presidential spokesman, is married to sign language interpreter Hong Hee-Joo (Chae Soo Bin). Despite their three-year marriage, the couple, bound by convenience, live as strangers while maintaining appearances. Hee-Joo, who lost her voice due to a childhood accident, is kidnapped one day, shattering their facade and forcing them to confront their strained relationship.
Also starring: Chae Soo Bin, Heo Nam Joon, Jang Gyu Ri
Movies Starring Yoo Yeon Seok
10. A Werewolf Boy (2012)
Watch on: iQiyi
A family moves to the countryside for the health of their eldest daughter, Soon-Yi (Park Bo Young), where they discover a feral boy (Song Joong Ki) living in their barn. As they take him in, he bonds with Soon-Yi, but their peaceful life is disrupted by Ji-Tae (Yeon Seok), who has his own plans for her. Soon, the boy’s mysterious nature leads to startling revelations.
Also starring: Song Joong Ki, Park Bo Young, Jang Young Nam, Kim Hyang Gi
11. New Year Blues (2021)
Watch on: iQiyi
Jae-Hun (Yeon Seok), burnt out from life, escapes to Argentina where he works as a wine deliveryman. There, he meets Jin-A (Lee Yeon Hee), who is recovering from heartbreak, and the two form a bond while navigating new beginnings. This romantic film follows four couples, including a detective helping a divorcee, a struggling travel agent with an international fiancée, and a Paralympian grappling with societal prejudice.
Also starring: Kim Kang Woo, Yoo In Na, Lee Dong Hwi, Lee Yeon Hee
12. My Heart Puppy (2023)
Watch on: Viu
Min-Soo (Yeon Seok) cherishes his puppy, Runni, like a younger brother. As his upcoming marriage creates a dilemma, he must find a new guardian for Runni. Turning to his cousin Jin-Kook (Cha Tae Hyun), a former café owner facing his own struggles, the two embark on a heartfelt journey to secure the perfect home for the beloved dog.
Also starring: Chae Tae Hyun, Jung In Sun, Park Jin Joo
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