AlthoughIm Si-wanhad his start first with theKoreanpop group ZE:A, he would later rise to become one of the top actors in the nation’s film world. Several of his film appearances have gained big nods from the industry in South Korea, and, after starring in the action and crime movieThe Merciless, Im also had major recognition upon its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Ever since then, it’s been a steady rise to the top for the actor, who’s really just getting started with his career overall.
Despite being more known for his film work, Im Si-wan has many television hits as well. FromMisaengtoRun On, he has had several big leading roles in recent years, showing how versatile an actor he is. His shows range from historical dramas tosome fluffy K-drama romances, demonstrating he truly has what it takes to get into character, no matter the genre and medium. These are his 10 best TV shows so far.
10Tracer (2022)
Im Si-wan starred in the 2022 dramaTracer, which flew under many Korean drama fans’ radars when it was released that year. In it, he portrays Hwang Dong-joo, who works for the Korean tax collection services in the government, specifically in the National Tax Service. His job is simple: he needs to find the people who hide their money from the system, and throughout the course of the series, there are some big problems coming up at his job.
Held Together by the Actors' Performances
One could imagine a show about collecting taxes can only go so far, and while the right writing could make it interesting,Tracerbecomes somewhat tedious after so long. That said, the great acting holds the show, with Im, in particular, turning in a solid performance.Stream on Viki
9Hell Is Other People (AKA Stranger From Hell) (2019)
Released in 2019, Im Si-wan is a man with a major problem inHell Is Other People(also calledStranger From Hell). Desperate for a room in Seoul that won’t break the bank, he decides to live in a specific apartment complex. But when his neighbor (Lee Dong-wook) starts getting really weird with him, he starts noticing that something major is up. As strange occurrences begin happening, he realizes there’s definitely something wrong with this place.
A Unique Twist on Something Relatable
Some might relate to feeling allergic to other people, but this creepy and, at times,spooky K-drama seriestakes it to the next level. As the main character becomes increasingly cautious because of everything happening around him, the stakes continue to rise throughout each episode.Stream on Roku
8Boyhood (2023)
Boyhoodis set in South Korea during the ’80s, and, here, Im Si-wan plays a role much younger than what he typically portrays in dramas and movies. He’s Jang Byeong-tae, who lives in the more rural part of Korea, and, after transferring schools, he becomes increasingly isolated by his new classmates. His coming-of-age story is a complicated one, but endearing in how relatable some aspects are.
Much-Needed Comedic Relief
Sometimes, a good show is something we unwind with, not one that we have to think hard about after a long day at work.Boyhoodis one of those shows that’s a fun throwback, not taking itself too seriously while still staying relevant for many throughout each episode.
Related:12 Great Korean Dramas That Don’t Have Love-Focused Stories
7My Catman (2017)
2017’sMy Catmanstars Im Si-wan along with Chae Soo-bin and Kim Myung-soo, and although it has faded into relative obscurity in recent years, it’s worth rediscovering every so often. The three main characters couldn’t come from any different backgrounds, but somehow in the series, they end ina love triangle. That’ll lead to a plethora of problems throughout the course of the series.
Fun, But Difficult to Find
My Catmanis often hard to find online, but is a lot of fun. With all the Korean drama tropes, it’s best viewed through the lens of lighthearted comedy, not with much seriousness.Not Currently Available to Stream or Purchase
6The King in Love (2017)
Another 2017 release,The King in Lovefeatures Im Si-wan as Wang Won, who would later become one of the final rulers of the Goryeo Dynasty during its historical period. In the show, Wang Won has a lot of dreams for his time as the leader of the kingdom, but one of the biggest inspirations in his life has been his two best friends. But when he falls in love with a young woman, it might change everything for them in the long run.
History with a Side of Drama
While history books might tell this story in a much drier way,The King in Lovecan be chaotic in some of the best ways possible. With a lovable cast and story, it’ll be hard to press pause while watching this show.Stream on Viki
5Triangle (2014)
WhenTrianglefirst came out in 2014, it caused a ripple effect across Asia, making it one of the most successful K-dramas of that year and the decade overall. It was also one of Im’s early drama roles. The series is about three brothers who didn’t grow up together because of an unfortunate series of circumstances. As the years have passed, thesiblings are reunited, but are unaware they are brothers.
Turn on the Heat
With the three brothers in the show raised under completely different circumstances, this is a K-drama that relies largely on friction to keep it going. With plenty of conflict and a mix of genres, it is a series that will make many happy throughout its runtime.Not Currently Available to Stream or Purchase
4Summer Strike (2022)
Kim Seol-hyun and Im Si-wan shine in the dramaSummer Strike, which is based on a webtoon of the same name. Kim portrays Lee Yeo-reum, who is going to change her life for the better. She quits her job and makes the executive decision to move to the Korean seaside, which is where she meets someone special: Ahn Dae-beom. As the two get to know each other, maybe they’ll find a refuge in each other’s minds.
A Sweet Romance
Many dream of quitting their jobs and moving somewhere else, and in this drama, the best-case scenario happens. It’s sweet and hits all the right emotional notes, making it the perfect kind of show to watch when in the mood.Stream on Netflix
Related:The 20 Most Rewatchable Korean Dramas
3Run On (2020)
InRun On, Im is a former competitive runnerfinding a new lifeoutside the sport he has dedicated his life to. Having had a harsher upbringing because of his sport, when he meets the film translator, Oh Mi-joo (Shin Se-kyung), she adds more depth to his life due to the conversations they have. As they keep meeting, they find themselves enjoying each other’s company even more.
Discovering More About Yourself
WhileRun Onleaves more to be desired sometimes in terms of plot, it passes the vibe check pretty consistently. The two main characters have some important conversations that might feel too real for many people, reflecting reality on the screen.Stream on Netflix
2Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
WhenMisaeng: Incomplete Lifecame out in South Korea, it was a smash hit, making it one of the most popular Korean dramas of the decade, domestically. In it, Im plays Jang Geu-rae, who has been obsessed with the Asian board gameGo. But when he fails to become a professional player, he has to work in corporate instead, which forces him to interact with a wide variety of people.
A Top-Tier Korean Drama
Misaengmight not be for everyone, but it’s a show with a lot of heart involved in every single episode. With incredible performances from each actor, it’s hard not to become emotionally invested in what’s happening on-screen with the characters.Stream on Netflix
1The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
TheMoon Embracing the Sunis one of the best-known historical dramas in Korean drama history, and also one of themost addictive K-dramasof the 2010s for fans and critics alike. When an event in the past leads to a child being smuggled out of the palace, she’s raised under a different identity. However, in the present day, she returns, falling in love with the Crown Prince and enacting fate in the strangest ways.
One of the Best Korean Dramas Ever
Im Si-wan makes a brief appearance in this drama as the younger version of one of the supporting characters, but the show overall is iconic for a reason. Emotional, well-paced, and featuring extensive chemistry between its leads, everyone who loves television like this should watchTheMoon Embracing the Sunat least once.Stream on Viki
