Queen of Tears to Vincenzo, The Legend of the Blue Sea: Top 7 K-dramas of Kim Soo Hyun, Song Joong Ki, Lee Min Ho and More
K-dramas have taken the world by storm, with complex and intelligent plots that draw viewers in, brought to life by incredibly talented actors. The collection of stars who have helped cement the industry’s everlasting popularity includes Kim Soo Hyun, Song Joong Ki, Lee Min Ho, and countless others whose performances have shaped modern Korean programming. These actors have proven their range across genres—from tear-jerking romances to exciting legal dramas and historical stories of bravery.
Below, we introduce seven K-dramas where they shine brightest.
1. Queen of Tears (2025) – Starring Kim Soo Hyun
Kim Soo Hyun has always been able to portray well-developed characters beautifully, and “Queen of Tears” is no different.
- Plot: The drama tells the haunting true story of Crown Prince Sado, who was forced to commit suicide after being accused of plotting against his father, King Yeongjo, and whose legacy now haunts people in modern times.
- Performance: Kim portrays a conflicted successor struggling between love, duty, and ambition, delivering emotionally deep scenes.
- Reception: The show has been lauded for its acerbic storytelling, rich characters, and lush cinematography.
“Queen of Tears” is a must-watch for viewers who love stories rich in plot and character.
2. Vincenzo (2021) – Starring Song Joong Ki
“Vincenzo” was a turning point in Song Joong Ki’s career, blending black comedy, crime, and legal drama in a unique production.
- Role: Song plays Vincenzo Cassano, a Korean-Italian lawyer and mafia consigliere, displaying his trademark charm and superior comic timing amid morally complex situations.
- Plot: Vincenzo returns to South Korea to claim hidden gold and brings down corrupt conglomerates.
- Reception: Its combination of tension, laughs, and societal commentary captivated global audiences, solidifying Song Joong Ki’s status as a widely popular leading man.
3. The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016) – Starring Lee Min Ho
Lee Min Ho brings romance, fantasy, and thrills to his role as genius scam artist Heo Joon Jae.
- Plot: The story centers on love that defies time, paired with Jun Ji Hyun’s mermaid character.
- Performance: Lee delivers lighthearted charm and sincere emotion, making the romantic fantasy believable.
- Reception: The drama became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its captivating plot, stunning visuals, and undeniable chemistry between the stars.
“The Legend of the Blue Sea” exemplifies how to successfully blend genres without compromising emotional investment.
4. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020) – Starring Kim Soo Hyun
Another standout performance by Kim Soo Hyun, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”, tackles mental health, trauma, and healing through romance metaphors.
- Role: Kim plays Moon Gang Tae, a caretaker at a psychiatric hospital, whose fate becomes entwined with Ko Moon Young, a children’s book author with antisocial personality traits.
- Reception: The drama was well-received for its thoughtful portrayal of mental health issues and visually stunning presentation. Kim’s sensitive, nuanced performance won plaudits for bringing authenticity to the character.
5. Descendants of the Sun (2016) – Starring Song Joong Ki
Prior to “Vincenzo”, Song Joong Ki captured hearts globally in “Descendants of the Sun.”
- Role: Song plays Captain Yoo Si Jin, a special forces officer who balances discipline with compassion.
- Plot: Set in a war-torn country, the romantic-action series showcases his ability to combine heroism and vulnerability.
- Reception: High production values, engaging storytelling, and chemistry with co-star Song Hye Kyo made this series a global sensation, fueling international interest in K-dramas.
6. The Heirs (2013) – Starring Lee Min Ho
Lee Min Ho delivers one of his most iconic performances as Kim Tan, a wealthy heir navigating romance, family conflicts, and corporate intrigue.
- Impact: The series marked a pivotal moment in the Hallyu wave, attracting a new fanbase.
- Performance: Lee blends charm and sentiment, presenting a character both relatable and aspirational.
- Themes: Class disparity, romance, and character development, combined with stylish visuals, make this drama a standout K-drama of the decade.
7. My Love from the Star (2013–2014) – Starring Kim Soo Hyun
Kim Soo Hyun rose to international fame with “My Love from the Star.”
- Plot: The romantic fantasy tells the story of an alien who has lived on Earth for centuries and falls in love with a transcendentally beautiful actress.
- Performance: Kim portrays Do Min Joon, balancing immortality, loneliness, and love with remarkable authenticity.
- Reception: The drama sparked fashion, beauty, and cultural trends, cementing Kim Soo Hyun as a top-tier actor capable of leading high-profile projects.
Honorable Mentions
While the seven dramas above feature performances from Kim Soo Hyun, Song Joong Ki, and Lee Min Ho, several other notable K-dramas also deserve attention:
- Arthdal Chronicles – Song Joong Ki
- Boys Over Flowers – Lee Min Ho
- Dream High – Kim Soo Hyun
These shows showcase the actors’ versatility and enduring appeal, attracting new fans via streaming platforms and demonstrating the timeless allure of K-drama narratives.
Conclusion
The global popularity of K-dramas owes much to the exceptional talent of Kim Soo Hyun, Song Joong Ki, and Lee Min Ho. Their versatility across genres—from historical epics and romantic fantasies to thrillers and daily dramas—has reshaped the perception of Korean television.
The seven dramas highlighted here:
- Showcase each actor’s unique strengths
- Represent the emotional depth and production excellence of K-dramas
- Continue to captivate new and long-time audiences alike
Whether it’s the mystery of “Queen of Tears”, the suspense of “Vincenzo”, or the timeless romance of “The Legend of the Blue Sea”, these shows exemplify the best of Korean television and the talents that make it extraordinary.
