Without a doubt, the Korean film industry is filled to the brim with amazing talent. This list only seems to grow by the year, with rising stars making a name for themselves through standout roles. While it's nice to see new faces, one cannot forget the celebrated veterans that have elevated the scene for years on end.

This year alone has seen the likes of Kim SooHyun, Kim JiWon, Cho JungSeok, and Kim NamJoo, among many others, return to roaring praise across their respective series. These experienced veterans have consistently shown what it means to be a top tier actor. Another name that should be a part of this list is Joo Won who is currently starring in "Night Photo Studio". Just like his previous work, the actor has been an utter joy to watch, bringing laughter and comfort to the start of the week.

He is a man of many faces, being able to tackle every genre imaginable. Joo Won is an individual that millions recognize and anticipate only great things from. Taking part of numerous projects, Joo Won continues to mesmerize audiences with his incredible acting talent.

Joo Won The Actor

Joo Won made his acting debut in 2010 through the KBS series, "Bread, Love, and Dreams". While still gaining his footing, he put on a stunning performance that proved why he was chosen as one of the main characters. Joo Won masterfully took audiences on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, going through the feelings of romance, despair, and so much more. After this point, he set off on an upward trajectory earning countless accolades all throughout his career.

KBS

Some of his most notable works include "Good Doctor", "Naeil's Cantabile", and "Yong Pal". Regardless of genre or storyline, Joo Won covered it all. His versatility as an actor is recognized by everyone, from his colleagues, staff, and the critics analyzing his every move. He has even taken on the challenge of rough action scenes, leaving millions in awe of his outstanding charisma.

A Beloved Variety Presence

While he's incredibly charismatic on screen, Joo Won has a golden personality that everyone loves. He has become a ray of sunshine across various programs, becoming the friendly next door oppa/hyung that you'd love to meet. Being part of iconic variety program, "2 Days 1 Night" surely helped audiences get to know Joo Won more than ever before. He became a surprising source of laughter and joy, synergizing well with the rest of his castmates.

While his handsome visuals might make Joo Won seem like he's from another world, he exudes such an inviting aura. He is naturally a warmhearted individual, making it hard not to fall for the actor. Witnessing his mesmerizing duality, you can't help but look forward to more appearances by Joo Won across multiple variety programs.

Incredible Vocal Prowess

Before making his start in K-Dramas, Joo Won initially debuted as a musical actor. Despite making waves as an acting legend, he never forgot his roots, gracing the musical stage, with his most recent appearance being in 2021. The actor also participated in several OST recordings and even has a scene in SBS K-Drama "Alice" where he shows off his incredible vocal prowess.

His sweet, honey-like vocals will have you swooning at your knees, ready to become his full-fledged fan in an instant. Considering the amazing harmonies he's able to produce, fans cannot wait for the next opportunity to hear Joo Won's singing once more.

A Terrific Showing In "Night Photo Studio"

In "Night Photo Studio", Joo Won plays Seo KiJoo, a photographer with a supernatural ability. He has taken on the mantle of the family-owned photo studio, a shop specially made for ghosts. As he takes these ghostly being's photographs, he also helps them make peace with the earthly life they're leaving behind. While he can be a bit hesitant to take on these jobs, Seo KiJoo has a sincere heart that Joo Won wonderfully portrays.

Ghost Studio

Being surrounded by the paranormal has skewed his relationships with the living, however, Joo Won navigates the character in such a way that makes you want to protect him from any harm and hope that one day, Seo KiJoo will be free from this curse. Then there's Joo Won's chemistry with his castmates that leave you yearning for more. His quirkiness portrayed through the drama is reminiscent of his variety show persona. And his ability to switch between that and a more serious tone is enough to have audiences coming back every week.

Joo Won is an icon in every right, deserving of all the accomplishments and praise.

Have you been watching Joo Won's most recent K-Drama, "Night Photo Studio"? What do you think of the actor?

"Pyramid Game" was easily one of the best K-Dramas of 2024 so far. It impressed viewers from all over the world with its simple yet effective plot and all the rising actresses in the cast delivered stellar performances, etching the K-Drama in our minds.

It hasn't been long since "Pyramid Game" ended, and we're already suffering from "missing Pyramid Game" syndrome. So, if you're looking for some riveting, well-written, thrilling K-Dramas to fill the void of "Pyramid Game", check out these K-Dramas that you may like!

K-Dramas Like "Pyramid Game" To Add To Your Watchlist

1. "All Of Us Are Dead"

Netflix

Cast: Yoon ChanYoung, Park JiHu, Cho YiHyun, Lomon, Yoo InSoo, Lee YouMi & more

"All Of Us Are Dead" is a K-Zombie thriller that explores more complex themes like loss of innocence, human nature, the dangers of mob mentality, survival and sacrifice, actions and their consequences, and the importance of trust, self-discovery, hope, and friendship.

It is more action-packed than "Pyramid Game" (it is a zombie thriller, after all), but it revolves around similar ideas and will definitely engross you. Once again, the cast, full of rising and rookie actors, do a fantastic job of bringing the story to life with conviction, which contributes majorly to the immersion of the story.

The action choreography is top notch and the pacing is also just right. "All Of Us Are Dead" is coming back with a season 2 soon, so now would be the perfect time to binge-watch the first season and get ready for season 2.

Watch "All Of Us Are Dead" here.

2. "Night Has Come"

U+ Mobile tv

Cast: Lee JaeIn, Kim WooSeok, Choi YeBin, Cha WooMin, Ahn JiHo, Jung SoRi

What happens when the Mafia game we all love and enjoy becomes a real game of death and survival? "Night Has Come" is a mystery thriller where students from Yooil High School are forced to play a real-life Mafia game on a school trip, putting their lives on the line.

Yes, the cast in this K-Drama is also full of rising and rookie actors who are proving their mettle as the future of the industry with remarkable performances, enough to keep you at the edge of your seat throughout the show.

The psychological warfare and tension in "Night Has Come" is at par with "Pyramid Game" and can often even exceed it because the stakes are higher. This is also a K-Drama dealing with school violence and the politics and power play among the students appear as a microcosm of society. "Night Has Come" is deeply intriguing and at times, quite disturbing. However, if you enjoy K-Dramas like "Pyramid Game", trust us, you do not want to miss this one.

Watch "Night Has Come" here.

3. "High Cookie"

U+ Mobile tv

Cast: Nam JiHyun, Choi HyunWook, Kim MuYeol, Jung DaBin

Arguably one of the best-written K-Dramas on this list, "High Cookie" is a must-watch. It is a dark thriller about the pressures of modern society and how easily it can push someone over the edge. In a world that is unrelenting and unforgiving, a magical cookie can make all your dreams come true. Is it hope or greed that makes one reach for such magic? "High Cookie" is an addictive meditation on this question that never fails to impress.

As you'd expect from the cast, the acting is outstanding, to say the least. The nuances of how twisted human nature can be and what brings them to that point, is beautifully portrayed by these amazing actors, who truly enrich the viewing experience.

"High Cookie" is set in a high school, much like the other K-Dramas in this article, and dives into themes like academic pressure, classism, bullying and so on. However, the tone of this K-Drama is much darker and bleaker than the rest.

Watch "High Cookie" here.

You know those incredibly handsome K-Drama male leads who look cold and aloof on the outside? In Korea, they call this type of man "naengminam" (냉민남), which is literally - cold (naeng) + handsome man (minam).

Such men have a chic aura, sharp features and are obviously, very handsome.

Just like in K-Dramas, they may appear reserved and unapproachable. However, in reality, they are the sweetest and warmest people around, and their look completely changes when they smile!

Naengminam is not a bad word; it is simply a descriptor, almost always used as a compliment by Koreans.

Some famous actors who are called naengminam include Park HaeJin, Lee SooHyuk, Hwang MinHyun, ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, MONSTA X's HyungWon, Kim JaeUck, Kim JaeYoung, Kim YoungKwang, and Ju JiHoon, among others.

@topgaybox on YouTube

In "Hong SeokCheon's Jewel Box", guest Lee SooHyuk is described as "naengminam but cute when he smiles", which means that he may look cold at first glance but is adorable when he smiles.

Want to learn more fun Korean words? Stay tuned to Your Korea Tutor - Kpopmap!