If you’ve been in Kdrama-verse for any length of time, then there’s no way you haven’t heard of Ji Sung. 

He’s a talented veteran whose movies and dramas are popular both at home and abroad and with good reason.

In this post, I’ve written 11 of the best Korean dramas and movies starring Ji Sung that you absolutely need to check out to get the full experience.  

But before we get into things, here’s an abbreviated timeline of his acting career: 

1. Ji Sung, originally born as Kwak Tae Geun, is a South Korean actor represented by Surpass Entertainment.
2. He was expected to follow his parents into the teaching profession, but his interest in acting was sparked when his father bought him a VCR to watch Rain Man, and Dustin Hoffman’s performance left a lasting impression on him.
3. Ji Sung started studying Theatre and Film at Hanyang University in 1999.
4. His first audition for the drama KAIST led to him dropping the surname Choi, and becoming known simply as Ji Sung.
5. He enlisted in the military in June 2005 and was discharged in June 2007.
6. In January 2020, he revealed that he suffers from Spondylosis, which causes constant lower back pain.
7. Ji Sung received the Daesang (the Grand Prize) for his roles in Kill Me Heal Me in 2015 and Defendant in 2017.
8. He was associated with Namoo Actors from 2020 until August 2021, after which he signed with his current agency in January 2022.
9. Ji Sung met actress Lee Bo Young on the set of the 2004 TV series Save the Last Dance for Me, and they confirmed their relationship in 2007.

Ji Sung was one of my first crushes, and I won’t lie, I still get small flutters in my tummy whenever I think about him.

If you watched one of his dramas and you’re thinking of what to watch next, I’ve got you covered. 

These are 11 of the best Korean dramas and movies starring Ji Sung you need to check out ASAP: 

1. Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)

In this drama, you will see Ji Sung play Cha Do Hyun, a wealthy heir who suffers from dissociative identity disorder. 

After a traumatic experience, Cha Do Hyun creates seven distinct personalities for himself. 

Through a funny twist of events, he meets and falls in love with psychiatrist Oh Ri Jin while she helps him get to the root of his diagnosis. 

What they quickly find out, though, is that one of the alter egos is in love with Ri Jin and they soon discover that their connection started many years ago. 

This is the first Ji Sung drama I watched, and you guys, I was immediately hooked – it’s just the right balance of romance, thriller, and psychology.  

2. Defendant (2017)

This time around, Ji Sung plays the role of Prosecutor Park Jung Woo whose life turns upside down when he loses his memory and finds himself accused of murdering his wife and daughter.

Having no memory of the incident, Jung Woo has no clues about the conspiracy that turned him into a murder convict.

The drama continues as he tries to prove his innocence while uncovering the reason for his memory loss.

This thriller Kdrama will keep you on your toes with anticipation, and if you want to see a broken Ji Sung, this is the perfect drama to start with. 

3. Adamas (2022)

In Adamas, Ji Sung plays the characters of twin brothers Ha Woo Shin and Song Soo Hyun. 

Twenty-two years ago, their father was falsely accused of a murder. 

After many years, Song Soo Hyun, who is a prosecutor, learns the truth behind the murder. 

Together, the two brothers fight against all odds to prove their father’s innocence.

4. Devil Judge (2021)

The drama is set in a dystopian version of South Korea. 

Ji Sung plays the role of Kang Yo Han, a chief judge who shows no mercy when it comes to punishing the wrong and dishonest people. 

Due to his unbiased approach to justice, he is being called the hero of the people. 

But, nobody knows his true intentions, motivations, or the mysterious background he is hiding from everyone.

5. Familiar Wife (2018)

In Familiar Wife, Ji Sung takes on the role of an ordinary bank employee named Joo Hyuk. 

He had grown tired of his financial condition, his office life, and the constant fights with his wife, Woo Jin, at home. 

One day, he magically shifts to an alternate reality where he is living an entirely different life. 

But, this incident also changes his relationships, as he is now married to Lee Hye Won, and his original wife, Seo Woo Jin, is gone. 

6. Swallow The Sun (2009)

Ji Sung plays the character of Jung Woo, who grew up as an orphan after being abandoned by his family. 

While working for a rich man, Jang Min Ho, he starts searching for his family and feels devastated after learning that he is the illegitimate child of his boss, Jang Min Ho. 

The drama continues with Jung Woo’s journey of love, betrayal, and revenge.

This is another perfect Ji Sung drama to watch that absolutely shows his wide range, and I know you’ll love it!

7. Entertainer (2016)

Entertainer revolves around a man named Shin Suk Ho, who is played by Ji Sung. 

After being forced to resign from his job at a top entertainment agency, he starts working as a manager for rookies in a small agency. 

The drama follows his journey to form a new band of idols and become a successful manager for entertainers.

8. Protect The Boss (2011)

In this drama, Ji Sung plays the spoiled rich heir of DN Group, Cha Ji Heon. 

He is an immature and self-centred guy who knows nothing about the work he is supposed to do as the director of DN Group. 

He then falls in love with his new secretary, Noh Eun Seol, a woman with a strong sense of right and wrong.

There’s a whole lot to love about this bodyguard romance drama starring Ji Sung, but suffice it to say he was an absolute babe and the romance was top-notch. 

9. The Great Seer (2012)

Ji Sung plays the role of a gifted seer named Mok Ji Sang in this epic saeguk, and he blew it right out of the park. 

He was born with the ability to see the past and future of people, and this gift made him a king-maker with great political influence. 

He supported General Yi and played a key role in the upheaval of Goryeo and the rise of Joseon.

10. Secret Love (2013)

Once again, Ji Sung appears as the wealthy heir Jo Min Hyuk in this drama.

After losing his girlfriend in a hit-and-run case, he is determined to seek revenge on Kang Yoo Jung, the perpetrator of the accident. 

But, he soon finds himself falling in love with Kang Yoo Jung, and the drama unfolds as Jo Min Hyuk slowly discovers the truth behind the accident.

11. Royal Family (2011)

In the Royal Family, Ji Sung plays Han Ji Hoon who, despite his underprivileged childhood, sets out to overcome his traumatic past and become a competent prosecutor.

He then joins JK Group as a lawyer and meets Kim In Sook, the ill-treated daughter-in-law of JK Group. 

Soon enough, he joins hands with In Sook to help her become the head of the conglomerate.

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Any of the Korean dramas and movies starring Ji Sung on this list are a good place to start, and trust me when I say you’ll love them!

The only Ji Sung upcoming Kdrama that has been confirmed is Connection, a crime investigation thriller which will be released in 2024, and his co-star is Jeon Mi Do (from Thirty Nine and Hospital Playlist), and I just know it’s going to be good. 

What do you think? How many of these dramas have you watched? Let me know what you think in the comment section below.

And if you’re looking for even more recommendations, check out the related posts below and I’m sure you’ll find something.