From ‘Buried Hearts’ to ‘Doctor Slump’: Must-see Park Hyung-sik Korean dramas across genres

In this heartwarming medical romantic comedy, Park Hyung-sik plays Yeo Jeong-woo, a once top-ranking student who becomes a successful plastic surgeon. However, his life takes an unexpected turn due to a mysterious medical accident, leading him into a slump. He reunites with his former high school rival, Nam Ha-neul (played by Korean superstar Park Shin-hye), who is also going through a difficult time as an anesthesiologist suffering from burnout. Their initial animosity gradually transforms into romance as they navigate their personal and professional struggles together, including their respective mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Park Hyung-sik’s portrayal of a charming yet vulnerable doctor resonated well with audiences, making Doctor Slump a comforting and engaging watch.

Doctor Slump is written by Baek Sun-Woo, who is also the screenwriter of the 2021 drama, My Roommate is a Gumiho, which stars Jang Ki-yong and K-pop idol Lee Hye-ri. It is directed by Oh Hyun-jong, who also directed the 2016 blockbuster Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, which features Nam Joo-hyuk and Lee Sung-kyung. Doctor Slump streams on Netflix.

Read also: Hospital Playlist, Grey's Anatomy, Dr Romantic: 8 Intriguing Medical Dramas To Binge Watch

Set in a historical backdrop, it features Park Hyung-sik as Crown Prince Lee Hwan, who is burdened by a mysterious curse and implicated in his brother’s death. He encounters Min Jae-yi (Jeon So-nee), a sharp-witted noblewoman framed for her family’s murder. They form an alliance to uncover the truth behind their respective predicaments. Disguised as a eunuch, Jae-yi assists the Prince in solving the curse, while he helps her clear her name. This drama blends mystery, romance, and political intrigue, with Park Hyung-sik delivering a compelling performance as a lonely prince hiding his vulnerability beneath a prickly exterior.

Our Blooming Youth is written by Jung Hyun-jung, whose works include Lovestruck in the City, which features Korean drama royalties Ji Chang-wook and Kim Ji-won, and Romance is a Bonus Book, which stars Lee Jong-suk. It is directed by Lee Jong-jae, the man behind 100 Days My Prince, another period drama headlined by EXO’s D.O. and Nam Ji-hyun. Our Blooming Youth streams on Amazon Prime Video.

Read also: 5 Historical (Saeguk) K Drama Classics To Watch: Hwarang, Mr Queen

This charming four-episode mini-series explores the delicate line between friendship and love. Park Hyung-sik plays Han Seon-woo, a talented photographer who has been best friends with Lee Eun-soo (Han So-hee), a lyricist, for 20 years. When Eun-soo needs help writing lyrics for a famous composer, they end up living together for two weeks, forcing them to confront the romantic feelings that have been subtly brewing beneath their platonic relationship. Soundtrack #1 is a visually beautiful and emotionally resonant drama, with Park Hyung-sik portraying a sweet and thoughtful character navigating the complexities of a long-standing friendship turning into something more.

This mini-series is directed by Kim Hee-Won,​ whose works include top-rated dramas such as Queen of Tears (Kim Soo-hyun; Kim Ji-won), Vincenzo (Song Joong-ki; Jeon Yeo-bin), and Little Women (Kim Go-eun; Nam Ji-hyun; Park Ji-hu). It streams on Disney+.

Read also: 10 Vincenzo Scenes That Speak Louder Than Words

In a starkly different genre, Happiness is an apocalyptic thriller set in the near future where an infectious disease is spreading. Park Hyung-sik plays Jung Yi-hyun, a smart and honest police detective who reunites with his high school friend Yoon Sae-bom (Han Hyo-joo), a member of a special police squad. They enter into a contract marriage to secure an apartment in a newly constructed building, only to find themselves trapped when the building is sealed off due to the disease outbreak. Yi-hyun is fiercely protective of Sae-bom and the other residents as they fight for survival amidst fear and distrust. 

Happiness is directed by Ahn Gil-Ho, whose works include The Glory (Song Hye-kyo), Memories of Alhambra (Hyun Bin; Park Shin-hye), and Record of Youth (Park Bo-gum; Park So-dam; Byeon Woo-seok). It streams on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Viu.

Read also: 7 memorable roles played by Park Bo-gum in dramas and films

Based on the popular American series, Suits features Park Hyung-sik as Go Yeon-woo, a young man with a photographic memory and exceptional comprehension skills but no law degree. He gets a lucky break when he impresses Choi Kang-seok (Jang Dong-gun), a legendary lawyer at a prestigious law firm, who hires him as a rookie lawyer. Together, they navigate the high-stakes world of corporate law, with Yeon-woo's unique abilities proving invaluable. Park Hyung-sik perfectly captures the charm and intelligence of his character, showcasing his versatility in a legal drama setting.

The Korean rendition of Suits is directed by Kim Jin-Woo (Healer; Good Doctor) and Kwon Young-Il (The Auditors; Doom at Your Service; Search: WWW). 

Read also: Seo In-Guk: 5 Things You Need To Know About The 'Doom At Your Service’ Actor

This delightful romantic comedy gained immense popularity and remains a fan favourite. Park Hyung-sik plays Ahn Min-hyuk, the quirky and charming CEO of a gaming company who hires Do Bong-soon (Park Bo-young), a woman with superhuman strength, as his bodyguard after receiving threats. Despite his playful demeanor, Min-hyuk carries his own emotional scars. As they work together and Bong-soon gets caught up in a series of kidnapping cases, their relationship blossoms. Park Hyung-sik's chemistry with Park Bo-young was a highlight, making Strong Girl Bong-soon a sweet and action-packed watch.

In 2023, a spin-off titled Strong Girl Nam-soon was released on Netflix, where both Park Hyung-sik and Park Bo-young appeared as cameo in episode 3. Strong Girl Bong-soon is directed by Lee Hyung-min, who is also behind phenomenal dramas such as Autumn in My Heart and Winter Sonata. It streams on Netflix, Viu, Max, and IQIYI.

Read also: 10 Seo In-Guk and Park Bo-Young Korean Drama Series And Films To Watch

Set during the Silla Kingdom, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior tells the story of an elite group of young men called Hwarang who are trained in martial arts. Park Hyung-sik plays Sammaekjong, the young and insecure King who goes undercover as a Hwarang warrior named Kim Ji-dwi to gain power and protect himself. He forms close bonds with the other Hwarang members, including Moo-myung (Park Seo-joon), and develops a complicated relationship with Ah-ro (Go Ara). 

Hwarang: The Poet Warrior is directed by Seong-sik Yun, whose works include the high-grossing comedy, Mr. Queen (Shin Hae-Sun; Kim Jung-Hyun).

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