Ji Sung has always been my very first favourite Korean Actor in the world of K-drama. He was the first Korean actor who let me know that the Korean entertainment industry withholds actors who are veterans and actors who are extremely talented. My first encounter with Ji Sung was in Kill Me Heal Me (2015). Jaw-dropping performance. I still remember how much I laughed watching it. And that was the beginning of my craze for Ji Sung’s works. Plus he is so handsome and the way his eyes smile… that’s worth watching his shows more than twice.
As an actor, father, husband and person – Ji Sung always gained immense love from his fans. And I am always proud to be one. He has been in the industry since 1999. That’s the year I was 2 years old. Lol. I always find that he is one of the most underrated artists in the K-drama world. And only people who have good eyes for performers could understand his exceptional talent.
From being an antihero in Secret Love, and stunning us with 7 alter egos in Kill Me Heal Me, making us swoon and cry in Entertainer to keeping us on the edge of our seats in Adamas. Ji Sung has pulled out his core acting style in each and every performance to make us entertained.
Now, I am so excited to share 5 K-Dramas starring Ji Sung that is a massive hit and must-watch that should be added to your K-drama binge-watch bucket list.
5 Must Watch K-Dramas Starring Justin Ji Sung
1. Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)
The most exceptional storyline that never disappoints you till the final episode – Kill Me, Heal Me. Many well-written dramas give us the most disappointing ending, but Kill Me Heal Me, is not that kind. It is funny, it is thrilling, it is dramatic and scary whatever you ask for everything is there. It stirs your emotions in every way for the better. It also touches upon, the trauma that child abuse leaves on oneself. The OST and BGM are on point. Tamil Movie – Anniyan was the first ever movie I have watched on Multiple Personality Disorder. There are 2 alter egos that come. Whereas in Ji Sung’s Kill Me, Heal Me – we have 7 alter egos.
Imagine the dynamic performance this man has given. Absolutely Jawdropping Performance. Starting from the most handsome Cha Do Hyun, the Charismatic Shin Se-Gi, the bubbly Yo-Na ( I love her) who literally torture Park Seo Joon who played as Oh Ri-On to Mr X the show is more of a feast. You realise after watching the series that no one could have pulled out of this show like Ji Sung did. I always proudly suggest to someone who wants to start watching K-drama. This… right here… never disappoints. Hwang Jung-Eum’s (Female Lead) performance is cherry on the top.
This show, cast and ost have bagged so many titles and awards including (literally getting goosebumps) – Excellent Korean Drama & Outstanding Korean Actress (10th Seoul International Drama Awards), Best Original Sound Track (8th Korea Drama Awards), Daesang(Grand Prize) + 9 Awards (MBC Drama Awards) and Best Drama Award (WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival).
(Available On Viki & JioCinema)
2. Defendant (2017)
Defendant is a Thriller!.. This legal drama, which aired in 2017, showcases Ji Sung’s incredible range as an actor. And it gives every reason as to why Ji Sung is revered for his intense and captivating performances. Both Ji Sung and Uhm Ki Joon deliver a powerhouse of emotions, whether it’s the gripping tension or the edge-of-your-seat courtroom drama, everything adds up to a riveting experience that makes you cling to every moment of this show.
I’ve found myself on the edge of my seat multiple times, especially during the scene where Ji Sung’s character, with amnesia, tries to piece together his past – a scene I won’t spoil because you should absolutely watch it yourself. And that’s why I am keeping it short.
This show, like any other project involving Ji Sung, garnered numerous awards and nominations including Best Actor (1st The Seoul Awards), Drama of the Year, Grand Prize, Character of the Year (SBS Drama Awards), Best Actor & Best Drama (30th Grimae Awards). It stands out as one of the most intense, thrilling, and rewatchable dramas.
(Available on Viki & MX Player)
3. Entertainer/ Tantara (2016)
Let me tell you about the series Entertainer, starring the ever-so-talented Ji Sung! This show isn’t as complicated as Ji Sung’s previous series. It’s a bit breezy and fun and youthful. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions packed with music, ambition, and heart. And Ji Sung being an orchestra of the gang of young casting was something to look forward. As Shin Suk-ho, he’s not your typical serious-faced lead, but he’s got this charisma that’ll have you rooting for him from episode one. Despite the age difference between him and Hyeri, the chemistry between them was so good.
Tantara is all about the gritty behind-the-scenes of the music industry. It’s got romance, comedy, and a whole lot of tunes that’ll get stuck in your head. OSTs are sooo good. Ji Sung’s character forms this band called ‘Entertainer Band’, and they’re like this underdog group that you can’t help but love.
Unlike his previous shows, this series didn’t bag so many awards but it’s such a feel-good series to watch on a dry day. In short, if you’re looking for a series that’s going to make you laugh, maybe cry a little, and sing along, Tantara is it. It’s not just a drama; it’s a mood booster that’ll leave you feeling like you can take on the world. So, grab your snacks, hit play, and let Ji Sung and the gang turn your day around. Trust me, it’s the therapy session you didn’t know you needed!
(Available on Viki)
4. Doctor John (2019)
Ji Sung’s next terrific performance in his acting career can be seen in Doctor John. The series has an intense and insightful storyline. It is not your regular Romance or Thriller kind of regular medical drama, it’s an extremely thought-provoking journey through the pain and ethics of human life. Experiencing pain and our ability to feel things has always been undermined by us because we are used to it. But after watching this, the way you perceive the sensorial ability of ours will differ.
Ji Sung, as Doctor Cha Yo-han, is a brilliant and perfectly written character who will stay in your heart for so long. He has this mysterious vibe that both intriguing and a tad bit intimidating, but you can’t help but be drawn into his genius. Ji Sung as Yo-han is such a good decision the director has made. It’s such a layered character, and Ji Sung proved his mettle as a master of his craft. His performance was so deep, capturing the intricacies of a man who diagnoses other’s pain by being trapped in his numbness that don’t allow him to rely on others.
I got to know pretty late that the show was actually based on the Japanese novel On Hand of God. This series is a profound journedy into life of a pain management doctor Cha Yo Han, who stands up for his philosopy on life and death. The contraductory thing is that he himself couldn’t feel pain because of a medical condition. Watching this series resonated with me deeply. It taught valuable lessons about empathy.
This series garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. So is the OST that gushs down with emotions. And I always feel like it’s a bummer that the series didn’t bagged many awards despite the terrific storyline and characters that none of the medical series could ever come up with.
For those who are looking for a drama that combines medical intrigue with mysterious yet heartfelt storytelling, this is such a best choice. It will easily take a slot in your heart and of course, will increase your standards.
(Available On Netflix)
5. The Devil Judge (2021)
If you are in for a series that gets on your nerves quite a bit and a series that is as gripping as its thought-provoking about the unfair society we live in, then The Devil Judge should be the next bing-watch in your Ji Sung Series checklist. This is another courtroom drama, in many people’s reviews it will labelled as a dystopian masterpiece, which is a hundred percent true. It is a show that kept me on the edge of the seat from start to end. It’s more of a classic tragedy literature that was modernised. It’s a piece of art. And at times it creates a discomfort that resonates with the world we live in.
Ji Sung’s portrayal of Kan Yo Han is dark. He is the kind of character that blurs the lines between hero and villain. It constantly made me question everything I knew about justice and morality that I had been taught since I was young. The show’s brilliance lies in the way that it makes you love and hate the characters at the same time, and the script is unpredictable and brilliant.
The production quality and cinematography is something I would like to touch upon. It is top-notch. From the grandiose court setting, every detail is crafted to perfection, making the viewing experience nothing less. And the casting was done perfectly. Every single one.
Here there is no traditional love story. Instead, it offers a fresh take on rivalry and camaraderie, with a chemistry between characters that’s so intense. Ji Sung and his on-screen nemesis and offscreen bestie Kim Min Jung redefine the chemistry that every protagonist and antagonist could ever create. Well for men out there, Kim Min Jung as Jun Sun-ah will put you off guard.
The series received immense appreciation and has got 10th place in the Forbes list of 2021st’s Best Korean Dramas.
(Available on Netflix)
More To Go!
There is no end to witness’s exceptional acting skills, after watching these top shows, get yourself involved in watching Ji Sung’s other best works including Familiar Wife an interest in Fantasy Rom Com, Secret Love, and Adamas.
Ji Sung’s new series is also in the pipeline for this year! Yes, I am pretty much excited.
Feels like I have finally confessed my love for the works of Ji Sung. Hope you watch all of them as well!
If you have already watched any of these, let me know in the comment section which is your favourite.
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