Cover Some viewers discovered him through ‘Coffee Prince’, others through ‘Goblin’ or Netflix. Either way, there’s a Gong Yoo drama for every kind of K-drama fan. In photo: Gong Yoo as Han Jeong-won in ‘The Trunk’ (Photo: Kim Seung-wan/Netflix © 2024)
Some viewers discovered him through ‘Coffee Prince’, others through ‘Goblin’ or Netflix. Either way, there’s a Gong Yoo drama for every kind of K-drama fan. In photo: Gong Yoo as Han Jeong-won in ‘The Trunk’ (Photo: Kim Seung-wan/Netflix © 2024)
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Discover the best Gong Yoo K-dramas, from beloved classics to recent hits and fan favourites
South Korean actor Gong Yoo has built one of the most recognisable careers in Korean entertainment, moving between romantic comedies, fantasy dramas, thrillers and science fiction projects over more than two decades. While many actors become associated with a single breakout role, Gong Yoo has maintained a broad filmography that continues to attract new viewers across different generations of K-drama fans.
He has played everything from a café manager and a reluctant teacher to an immortal goblin and a mysterious husband at the centre of a psychological mystery. His projects also frequently feature strong ensemble casts, helping create some of the most talked-about Korean dramas of their respective years.
For viewers discovering Korean television for the first time, several of his series remain popular entry points into the genre. Long-time fans, meanwhile, continue revisiting older titles that helped establish his reputation. From early career hits to recent streaming successes, these are the key Gong Yoo dramas worth adding to your watchlist. If you are looking for a guide to the actor’s television career, these Gong Yoo series represent some of his most notable work to date.
‘The Trunk’ (2024)
Above A contract marriage service leads to a tense psychological mystery when a hidden trunk links two strangers in unexpected ways
Based on the novel by Kim Ryeo-ryeong, The Trunk is a mystery melodrama released on Netflix in 2024. The story follows Noh In-ji, played by Seo Hyun-jin, an employee of a company that arranges temporary contract marriages. Gong Yoo stars as Han Jeong-won, a music producer who enters one such arrangement while carrying emotional baggage from his past.
The series begins to unravel after a mysterious trunk is discovered in a lake, linking multiple characters and hidden secrets. Alongside Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin, the supporting cast includes Jung Yun-ha, Jo Yi-geon, Kim Dong-won and Hong Woo-jin. The drama combines relationship drama with psychological suspense and explores themes of loneliness, trust and personal reinvention.
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‘The Silent Sea’ (2021)
Above A mission to an abandoned lunar base uncovers a classified experiment tied to Earth's water crisis
The Silent Sea brought science fiction to the forefront of Korean television. Set in a future where Earth faces severe water shortages, the series follows a team of specialists sent to an abandoned lunar research station on a dangerous mission.
Bae Doona stars as astrobiologist Song Ji-an, while Gong Yoo plays Han Yun-jae, the leader of the expedition. As the crew investigates the station, they uncover secrets tied to a mysterious substance and a failed government project. Lee Joon, Kim Sun-young and Lee Moo-saeng also appear in major roles.
Released globally through Netflix, the series introduced audiences to a rare large-scale Korean science fiction drama and blended space exploration with mystery and survival elements.
‘Squid Game’ (2021-)
Above A mysterious recruiter draws desperate players into a deadly survival game with life-changing stakes
Although not a main cast member, Gong Yoo plays a guest cameo Squid Game as the enigmatic recruiter who approaches financially struggling individuals and invites them to participate in the deadly competition at the centre of the story.
Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series stars Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, alongside Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-jun, Jung Ho-yeon, Lee Byung-hun and several other prominent actors. The show's global success turned it into one of Netflix’s most widely discussed original series.
While his screen time is limited compared to other cast members, Gong Yoo’s appearances help establish the unsettling tone of the series and became some of its most recognisable moments.
‘Guardian: The Lonely and the Great God’ (2016-2017)
Above An immortal goblin searches for a human bride who can end his centuries-long existence
Often referred to simply as Goblin, Guardian: The Lonely and the Great God remains one of the defining fantasy dramas of the 2010s. Written by Kim Eun-sook, the series follows Kim Shin, an immortal goblin who seeks a human bride capable of ending his eternal life.
Gong Yoo stars as Kim Shin opposite Kim Go-eun, who plays Ji Eun-tak. The cast also includes Lee Dong-wook as the Grim Reaper, Yoo In-na as Sunny and Yook Sung-jae as Yoo Deok-hwa.
Combining fantasy, romance and comedy, the drama became a major ratings success in South Korea and gained a substantial international following. Its memorable characters, soundtrack and mythology continue to make it one of the most frequently recommended Korean dramas.
‘Big’ (2012)
Above A body swap between a teenage boy and a doctor disrupts relationships and forces both to rethink identity and responsibility
Big centres on an unusual body-swap premise involving a teenage boy and an adult doctor. Gong Yoo plays Seo Yoon-jae, a successful physician whose life changes after an accident causes the spirit of 18-year-old Kang Kyung-joon to inhabit his body.
Lee Min-jung stars as Gil Da-ran, a teacher engaged to Yoon-jae, while Shin Won-ho portrays Kang Kyung-joon. The drama was written by the Hong Sisters, known for creating fantasy and romantic comedy series.
As the characters navigate the consequences of the switch, the story explores identity, relationships and personal growth through a mix of comedy and romance.
‘Coffee Prince’ (2007)
Above A café owner unknowingly hires a woman disguised as a man, complicating work and personal boundaries
Coffee Prince is widely regarded as one of the landmark romantic comedies of the 2000s. The series follows Choi Han-kyul, played by Gong Yoo, the reluctant heir to a food company who is tasked with managing a struggling coffee shop.
Yoon Eun-hye stars as Go Eun-chan, a hardworking young woman frequently mistaken for a man. Han-kyul hires her believing she is male, setting up a central misunderstanding that drives much of the story.
The supporting cast includes Lee Sun-kyun, Chae Jung-an and Kim Jae-wook. The drama became a major hit during its original broadcast and remains one of the most influential Korean romantic comedies, helping introduce international audiences to K-dramas.
‘One Fine Day’ (2006)
Above A man reunites with a woman he claims is his sister, while buried truths reshape their connection
In One Fine Day, Gong Yoo plays Seo Gun, a charismatic man who reunites with a woman he claims is his long-lost sister despite knowing they are unrelated.
Sung Yu-ri stars as Ha-neul, while Namkoong Min and Lee Yeon-hee round out the principal cast. The story unfolds against a backdrop of family secrets, misunderstandings and romantic complications.
The drama blends melodrama and romance while examining questions of identity, belonging and personal ambition. It remains one of Gong Yoo’s notable early leading roles.
‘Hello My Teacher’ (2005)
Above A rebellious student and a struggling teacher clash at school while navigating growth and responsibility
One of Gong Yoo’s earlier television successes, Hello My Teacher follows Na Bo-ri, an aspiring teacher played by Gong Hyo-jin, who returns to her former school after years of academic struggles.
Gong Yoo stars as Park Tae-in, a wealthy and rebellious student who frequently clashes with authority figures. As Bo-ri attempts to establish herself as a teacher, she becomes increasingly involved in helping Tae-in navigate his personal challenges.
The cast also includes Kim Da-hyun and Choi Yeo-jin. Combining school-life drama, comedy and romance, the series helped raise Gong Yoo’s profile and showcased the screen presence that would later lead to some of his best-known roles.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
