Whether managing a convenience store, forecasting the weather on Jeju island, or chasing down a serial killer — characters played by Kdrama dreamboat Ji Chang Wook exude green-flag energy. We take a look at a few from across popular shows that are absolute boyfriend goals.
Good looks and grand gestures have truly turned Korean drama characters into the stuff of all romantic daydreams. These male leads are thoughtful, funny, emotionally available, and almost too good to be true — naturally being dubbed ‘boyfriend material’. Of these, a few of the most popular are played by Kdrama star Ji Chang Wook. Although best known for helming several action titles — the actor has dabbled in romance as well, portraying a lovelorn architect, dedicated childhood sweetheart, protective prosecutor and even a thoughtful store manager. Whether you’re keen on exploring said characters or are looking for your next binge — we’re looking at a few of his characters that are worth manifesting for all our romantic relationships.
Date-worthy Kdrama characters played by actor Ji Chang Wook
Cho Yong-pil, Welcome To Samdal-ri
In this breezy seaside romantic comedy, two childhood friends and longtime lovers go their separate ways. One decides to pursue a career as a photographer in Seoul. The other returns to their hometown to be a weather forecaster and protect the elders. However, after a scandal has the former moving back, old feelings are stirred up. As Cho Young-pil, Ji Chang Wook is warm, generous, witty, and loyal. Despite years apart, his feelings for his childhood sweetheart Cho Sam-dal (played by Shin Hye-Sun) remain steady. He supports her ambitions — ensuring she eats, creatively dissuading her from quitting when she’s in the dumps, and paying to see her cancelled show. He understands her well — knowing just when and where to show up when she needs him, even if she doesn’t ask for help. He also trusts her simplicity and understands her moods — being the only one in her life to consistently ask her how she’s doing even if she pretends to be well. Green flag energy all around.
Noh Ji Wook, Suspicious Partner
In this legal romance, a prosecutor and his trainee lock horns often. However, when the latter is falsely accused of murder, the two work together to unravel a rather dangerous plot — tackling constant threats to their lives and the seedy side of their profession. As Noh Ji Wook, Ji Chang Wook is intelligent, capable, hardworking, and loyal to a fault. He might seem prickly on the outside, but he softens up around Eun Bong-hee (played by Nam Ji-hyun) — ensuring she’s safe and well from the get-go. He’s always around to back her — whether it’s by pretending to be her partner around her cheating ex-boyfriend or putting his career and life on the line to protect her from a serial killer. Slow to open up, he stays by her side throughout and cooks for her often. Besides, he’s also quite successful and independent. If that doesn’t make him desirable, we don’t know what will. The actor himself was quoted saying by Soompi, “When I watched ‘Suspicious Partner,’ I felt, ‘I want to experience love. I want to date.’”
Park Jae-Won, Lovestruck In The City
In this romantic Kdrama, a passionate architect falls in love with a woman who is pretending to be someone else. Unable to get her out of his mind, he heads to Seoul to reunite with her. As Park Jae-won, Ji Chang Wook is a hopeless romantic. He’s free-spirited, forthright, and unafraid to move quickly. He’s gentle with Lee Eun-o (played by Kim Ji-won) — looking after her, going along with all her whims and desires, singing for her, and paying attention to her. He stays loyal to her despite their separation and her deception. A consistent theme in the show is how he only has eyes for her — gazing at her lovingly even when things are rough. Dreamy if we do say so ourselves.
Dae-hyun, Backstreet Rookie
In this popular Korean drama, a popular girl with several suitors can’t get a man out of her mind. He happens to be managing a convenience store — picking up multiple shifts and struggling with sleep deprivation to help make ends meet. When he puts out an ad for a part-timer, she applies to get closer to him. As Dae-hyun, Ji Chang-wook is hardworking, honest, and resilient. As he falls in love with Jung Saet-byul (played by Kim You-jung), his thoughtful and sensitive traits come through. He pays attention to her dreams and works to help her achieve them — setting up a study spot so she can graduate high school and work to be a manager herself. He’s also protective — showing up for her when she’s in trouble and ensuring she’s safe. He’s also loyal to a fault. Boyfriend material all around.
Seo Jung-hoo, Healer
A wild card of a pick for this list, Healer sees a night courier who transports high-value items illegally falling in love with an entertainment reporter whom he’s tasked to monitor. As Seo Jung-Hoo (or Healer), Ji Chang Wook is athletic, brave, and loyal. Although he’s not the archetype of the typical boyfriend — his life being rather dangerous — he’s incredibly dedicated to Chae Young-Shin (played by Park Min Young). As he falls in love, he finds himself going above and beyond the call of duty to keep her safe, often at the risk of his own life and career. He pays attention to her interests and needs — going out of his way to set up fun dates with her (read, booking out a theatre to watch a movie) as the Healer. He consistently makes her feel loved and seen, believes in her intelligence and capabilities, and deeply admires her. He also makes a considerable effort to win over her father and keep her family safe as well. Heartwarming through and through.
Swoon!
Hero Image: Courtesy Welcome To Samdal-ri; Featured Image: Courtesy Netflix
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the most popular drama of Ji Chang-Wook?
Welcome to Samdal-ri, Healer, Backstreet Rookie, and Empress Ki are amongst Ji Chang Wook’s most popular Kdramas.
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Written by
Eshita Srinivas
Senior Digital Writer - Entertainment and Food & Drinks
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
