Cover Before he became widely recognised in Pachinko, Noh Sang-hyun was already moving between timelines, genres and identities on screen. This guide traces his K-drama work and where each title sits in his evolving career (Photo: steveshnoh/Instagram)
Before he became widely recognised in Pachinko, Noh Sang-hyun was already moving between timelines, genres and identities on screen. This guide traces his K-drama work and where each title sits in his evolving career (Photo: steveshnoh/Instagram)
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From early web dramas to global hits, Noh Sang-hyun’s K-dramas mapped with cast and streaming info
For many viewers, Noh Sang-hyun first entered the spotlight through Perfect Crown, but his screen career stretches across historical fantasy, romance, family drama and modern royal storytelling. Born and raised in the United States, the actor, also credited as Steve Sanghyun Noh, has steadily built a varied filmography in both Korean and international productions. While some performers become associated with a single breakthrough role, Noh Sang-hyun has moved between genres and formats, appearing in web dramas, prestige streaming series and major television productions.
As interest in Noh Sang-hyun continues to grow, many viewers are looking beyond his most famous roles to discover his earlier projects and latest releases. From time-travelling scholars adapting to modern life to a Korean family saga spanning generations, his work reflects the increasingly global nature of Korean entertainment. The following guide covers every major K-drama featuring Noh Sang-hyun, including plot details, key cast members and where you can watch each series.
‘Perfect Crown’ (2026)
Above A modern royal-set romance where a chaebol heir enters a strategic marriage with a grand prince, setting off political tension and shifting loyalties within a fictional monarchy
Among the newest entries in the actor’s filmography, Perfect Crown is set in a fictional modern constitutional monarchy. The story follows Seong Hui-ju, a wealthy chaebol heir who enters a marriage arrangement with Grand Prince Yi-an in an attempt to overcome social barriers tied to her background. What begins as a practical alliance gradually develops into a more complicated relationship as political rivalries, royal expectations and personal ambitions collide. Noh Sang-hyun plays Min Jung-woo alongside IU, Byeon Woo-seok and Gong Seung-yeon. The series is available on Disney+ in many territories.
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‘Genie, Make a Wish’ (2025)
Above A fantasy romance about a long-imprisoned genie who re-enters the modern world and disrupts the life of a woman whose pragmatic worldview clashes with his magic
The fantasy romantic comedy Genie, Make a Wish brings together an unusual premise and a star-studded cast. The story follows a genie who returns after a thousand years and encounters a woman whose practical outlook on life contrasts sharply with the magical chaos he brings into her world. As wishes are granted and unexpected consequences unfold, the series blends romance, comedy and supernatural elements. Noh Sang-hyun appears alongside Kim Woo-bin, Bae Suzy, Ahn Eun-jin and Ko Kyu-pil. The drama streams on Netflix.
‘Pachinko’ (2022-2024)
Above A multi-generational saga following a Korean family across Korea, Japan and the United States as they navigate migration, identity and survival through shifting historical eras
Pachinko remains the project most closely associated with Noh Sang-hyun’s rise in international recognition. Based on the bestselling novel by Min Jin Lee, the series chronicles four generations of a Korean family across Korea, Japan and the United States. The narrative moves between different time periods, exploring migration, identity, discrimination and survival across decades of history. Noh Sang-hyun portrays Baek Isak, a Christian minister whose marriage to Sunja becomes a pivotal part of the family’s story. The ensemble includes Youn Yuh-jung, Kim Min-ha, Lee Min-ho, Jin Ha and Anna Sawai. The critically acclaimed drama streams exclusively on Apple TV.
‘Curtail Call’ (2022)
Above A hotel empire matriarch's final wish leads to an elaborate impersonation scheme, pulling a struggling actor into a fabricated family reunion shaped by loss and legacy
Curtain Call centres on an elaborate deception created for the sake of an elderly woman whose final wish is to reunite with family members separated during the Korean War. The story follows a struggling theatre actor who is hired to impersonate the missing grandson of Ja Geum-soon, the founder of a powerful hotel empire. As the performance grows more complicated, personal relationships and family conflicts begin to reshape everyone involved. The drama stars Kang Ha-neul, Ha Ji-won and Go Doo-shim, with Noh Sang-hyun appearing in a supporting role. International viewers can stream the series on Viki in many regions.
‘300 Year Old Class of 2020’ (2020)
Above Three Joseon-era students time-travel to modern-day Korea, where they confront contemporary education, culture shock and unintended humour while adapting to a new world
One of the actor’s earliest screen projects, 300 Year Old Class of 2020 is a fantasy-comedy web drama set around Korea’s historic seowon academies. The story follows three students from the Joseon era who accidentally travel 300 years into the future and arrive in modern-day Korea. As they attempt to understand smartphones, contemporary customs and a completely different educational environment, the series combines historical fish-out-of-water humour with cultural heritage themes. Noh Sang-hyun stars as Jeon Kang-woon alongside Choi Ji-su and Lee Se-jin. The six-episode web drama was produced to promote Korea’s Unesco-listed seowon sites. It originally streamed through online platforms including Naver TV and Kakao TV.
From web dramas to internationally acclaimed prestige television, Noh Sang-hyun’s career reflects a steady progression through increasingly high-profile projects. With Perfect Crown and Genie, Make a Wish adding new dimensions to his résumé, his television work now spans historical fantasy, family drama, romance and contemporary comedy.
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.
