5 Ryu Jun-yeol’s K-dramas and movies that showcase the Korean actor’s versatility: Reply 1988, Little Forest, and more

Ryu Jun-yeol, a South Korean actor represented by C-JeS Studios, first rose to prominence with his performances in independent films. His portrayal in the 2015 movie, Socialphobia, caught the eye of both online users and industry experts, ultimately paving the way for his official transition from idol to actor.

Despite having a limited filmography since his debut in 2013, his roles have consistently made a lasting impact on the audience. Whether it be portraying the world’s ultimate romantic heartbreak in Reply 1988 or his comedic character in the Korean film A Taxi Driver, netizens eagerly anticipate his projects due to his exceptional and impactful acting abilities.

This article will explore the diverse acting roles that Ryu Jun-yeol has portrayed in his K-drama and Korean movie projects.

5 Must-Watch K-Dramas and Korean Movies Starring Ryu Jun-yeol That Received Rave Reviews from Netizens

1) The Life of a Taxi Driver

The Korean film A Taxi Driver, released in 2017 and directed by Jang Hoon, featured a diverse cast including Ryu Jun-yeol, Song Kang-Ho, Yu Hae-Jin, and Thomas Kretschmann. The plot is inspired by the real-life events of German journalist Jürgen Hinzpeter and his Korean taxi driver companion, Kim Sa-Bok, who reported on the Gwangju Uprising in May 1980.

The movie follows the story of a German journalist who travels to Korea to document the Gwangju Uprising. In order to reach Gwangju, he strikes a deal with a taxi driver, offering a generous sum to assist the driver with his financial struggles.

As they begin their trip to Gwangju, they are joined by Gu Jae-sik, portrayed by Ryu Jun-yeol, a university student who is inexperienced but assists in bridging the language gap between the taxi driver and the journalist with his proficiency in English. During their journey to Gwangju, the trio encounters a range of new encounters.

2) Crash Landing on You

Reply 1988, a 2015 K-drama show, has become a renowned work of Ryu Jun-yeol that constantly sparks discussion among fans. As a part of a larger series of releases, it centers around the lives of a group of childhood friends who grew up together in the same neighborhood. In the role of Kim Jung-hwan, one of the friends, the actor finds himself developing feelings for the group’s only female member, Sung Deok-sun.

As the story unfolds, the protagonist realizes that he is not the only one vying for the girl’s affection among their group of friends. The girl’s emotions towards her potential suitors become increasingly complicated and unpredictable. Along with the excitement of a love triangle, the audience is also reminded of the enduring bonds of friendship and family as the plot delves into themes of unwavering loyalty and nostalgia.

3) Descendants of the Sun

The 2016 K-drama series, Lucky Romance, features a cast including Ryu Jun-yeol, Hwang Jung-eum, Lee Soo-hyuk, and Lee Chung-ah. The plot follows a superstitious woman who is told by a shaman that sleeping with a man born in the Year of the Tiger will cure her sister’s illness. This prompts her to embark on a journey to find such a man.

Ryu Jun-yeol plays Je Soo-ho, the CEO of a game company who was born in the same year as the superstitious woman, Shim Bo-nui. Despite his strong beliefs in science and logic, the 31-year-old man consistently crosses paths with Shim Bo-nui and they enter into a peculiar relationship.

4) Exploring the Little Forest

Little Forest, a Korean film that has been overlooked by many netizens, is actually a heartwarming gem. Starring Ryu Jun-yeol, Kim Tae-ri, and Jin Ki-joo, the movie follows the journey of a young woman who decides to leave her bustling city life and return to her peaceful countryside hometown.

During her visit, she witnesses the life her mother has left behind for her. Additionally, she finds herself reconnecting with a childhood friend who never left the town, rekindling their special bond. Jun-yeol portrays one of the rural characters that Song Hye-won connects with upon her return to her hometown.

5) Solo Journey

One Way Trip is a Korean coming-of-age thriller film featuring a talented cast that includes Ryu Jun-yeol, Suho from the popular group EXO, Ji Soo, and Kim Hee-chan. The movie tells the story of a group of close friends who take a trip together before enlisting in the mandatory military service. However, the journey takes a unexpected turn that alters their lives permanently.

As he continues his journey as an actor, starring in various Korean films and K-dramas, fans eagerly anticipate what Ryu Jun-yeol has in store for them in the upcoming future.