Cover Before the military hiatus and comeback headlines, Nam Joo-hyuk quietly built one of the most varied K-drama filmographies of his generation. These eight series trace that evolution through campus romances, revenge thrillers, historical fantasy and stories shaped by economic uncertainty, ambition and grief (Photo: East Palace/IMDb)
Before the military hiatus and comeback headlines, Nam Joo-hyuk quietly built one of the most varied K-drama filmographies of his generation. These eight series trace that evolution through campus romances, revenge thrillers, historical fantasy and stories shaped by economic uncertainty, ambition and grief (Photo: East Palace/IMDb)
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These Nam Joo-hyuk K-dramas capture heartbreak, ambition, mystery and fantasy across a decade on screen
Nam Joo-hyuk enters his second decade in K-dramas with a track record that balances youthful energy and mature depth, spanning romance, fantasy, and action across eight key titles. From his 2015 school mystery debut to the supernatural intrigue of his 2026 comeback, these series capture slices of Korean society—economic upheaval, tech rivalries, personal loss—through plots enriched by sharp ensemble chemistry. His characters often shoulder quiet burdens, from family grief to moral dilemmas, offering viewers a lens on resilience that slots neatly into lifestyle routines like post-work unwinds or weekend escapes. Here are Nam Joo-hyuk k-dramas to watch.
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‘East Palace’ (2026 - Upcoming)
Above In 'East Palace', Nam Joo-hyuk steps into darker territory in this supernatural palace thriller filled with ghosts, secrets and royal intrigue
This Netflix dark fantasy series follows individuals who sense or slay ghosts as they probe secrets in a cursed palace. Nam Joo-hyuk leads alongside Roh Yoon-seo and Cho Seung-woo, with filming wrapped in mid-2025 for a Q3 2026 release. The narrative centres on supernatural confrontations and palace intrigue, blending horror elements with historical undertones. Directed by Choi Jung-kyu, it marks Nam Joo-hyuk’s return post-military service.
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‘Vigilante’ (2023)
Above Nam Joo-hyuk trades romance for ruthless justice as a police student leading a dangerous double life after dark
Nam Joo-hyuk plays Kim Ji-yong, a police university student who moonlights as the Vigilante, delivering brutal justice to criminals evading the law. Yoo Ji-tae portrays Jo Heon, the tenacious police team leader tracking him, while Lee Joon-hyuk is Jo Gang-ok, a corporate vice-chairman who idolises the vigilante. Kim So-jin adds depth as a key investigator. The eight-episode Disney+ series explores legal limits and moral grey areas through intense action sequences.
‘Twenty Five Twenty One’ (2022)
Above Nam Joo-hyuk brings quiet heartbreak and warmth to this nostalgic coming-of-age romance set during Korea's IMF crisis
Set during South Korea’s 1998 IMF crisis, the drama tracks fencer Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) and her bond with Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), a young man rebuilding after his family's chaebol collapse. The supporting cast includes Kim Ji-yeon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Bona. Nam Joo-hyuk’s Yi-jin juggles jobs while navigating romance and ambition across 16 episodes on tvN. It frames youth against economic turmoil.
‘Start-Up’ (2020)
Above Nam Joo-hyuk navigates ambition, impostor syndrome and first love in one of K-drama's most talked-about startup stories
Aspiring entrepreneur Seo Dal-mi (Bae Suzy) pursues tech dreams at Samsan Tech, reconnecting with childhood friend Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk), who fakes success via an app algorithm. Kim Seon-ho plays the rival investor Han Ji-pyeong. The 16-episode tvN series details startup struggles, mentorship rivalries, and love triangles in Pangyo’s tech scene. Nam Joo-hyuk's Do-san evolves from impostor to genuine innovator.
‘The Light In Your Eyes’ (2019)
Above Nam Joo-hyuk delivers one of his most emotionally grounded performances in this poignant drama about time and loss
Kim Hye-ja (Han Ji-min) discovers a watch that ages her rapidly, landing her as a 78-year-old caretaker to grandson Lee Joon-ha (Nam Joo-hyuk), a clock repairman grieving his father's death. It unravels time's cost through family secrets and regrets over 12 episodes on JTBC. Nam Joo-hyuk anchors the emotional core as Joon-ha confronts life’s fleeting nature.
‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo’ (2016)
Above Nam Joo-hyuk shines as the charming swimmer whose playful chemistry helped turn this campus romance into a fan favourite
College weightlifter Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-kyung) crushes on swimmer Jung Joon-hyung (Nam Joo-hyuk), who mistakes her for his first love. Their romance blooms amid sports pressures and self-discovery in this 16-episode MBC rom-com. Kyun Soo-jin and Jo Hye-jung co-star as teammates. Nam Joo-hyuk’s Joon-hyung brings playful energy to Bok-joo’s growth.
‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ (2016)
Above Nam Joo-hyuk adds tenderness to the palace chaos as a gentle prince caught in Goryeo's brutal power struggles
Time-traveller Go Ha-jin (IU) inhabits Hae Soo’s body in Goryeo, entangled with princes including Wang So (Lee Joon-gi) and Wang Jung (Nam Joo-hyuk). Kang Ha-neul plays another rival brother. The 20-episode SBS fantasy spans palace politics, betrayals, and doomed love. Nam Joo-hyuk’s Wang Jung offers a tender contrast to the throne's ruthlessness.
‘Who Are You: School 2015’ (2015)
Above Nam Joo-hyuk's breakout role balances humour and sincerity in this school mystery packed with identity twists and teen drama
Orphan Lee Eun-bi (Kim So-hyun) swaps identities with lookalike Kang So-yeon after a fall, uncovering school bullying and family mysteries. Nam Joo-hyuk is swimmer Gong Tae-kwang, who aids her quest. Co-stars include Song Yoo-jung and Lee David. The 16-episode KBS drama dissects high school hierarchies and resilience. Nam Joo-hyuk's Tae-kwang provides comic relief amid suspense.
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.
