IN PHOTOS: Kim Soo-hyun's TV roles before 'It's Okay To Not Be Okay'
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is currently making waves online for his dreamy character in the rom-com series 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay.'
However, even before the 2020 hit, Kim Soo-hyun has been making headlines already for his many roles in television dramas like 'Dream High,' 'Moon Embracing the Sun,' 'My Love from the Star,' and 'The Producers.'
Not only that, but he was also nominated as Gallup Korea's Actor of the Year in 2014, was included in Forbes Korea's Power Celebrity List in 2013 and 2015, and was listed in its Forbes Asia's 30 under 30 list in 2016.
His success in television dramas throughout Asia has established him as a Hallyu star.
Let's take a look at his many roles in television that cemented his place in Korea's leading man list in this gallery.
Kim Soo-hyun in 'Kimchi Cheese Smile'
Kim Soo-hyun made his TV debut in the 2007 sitcom 'Kimchi Cheese Smile' which revolves around a family with kimchi-like qualities -- having a popular and conservative thought. In it, he played Kim Soo-hyun (yes, the same name), a college swimmer who liked the most popular girl in school.
Han Jae-ta in 'Jungle Fish'
In 2008, he played the lead role for the drama 'Jungle Fish.' The story depicts the pressures placed on students to achieve and gain admission to prestigious colleges and universities.
A young Cha Kang-jin in 'Will It Snow for Christmas?'
The following year, Kim Soo-hyun had a minor role in the melodrama series 'Will It Snow for Christmas?.' He played a young Cha Kang-jin, later played by K-drama actor Go Soon.
Kang Jae-il in 'Father's House'
He then starred in the drama special 'Father's House' a few months later with acclaimed actors Choi Min-soo and Moon Jung-hee.
A young Lee Sung-mo in 'Giant'
In 2010, Kim Soo-hyun played the young Lee Sung-mo in the period drama series 'Giant.' The series revolves around three siblings who were separated during childhood and reunite to avenge their parents' deaths.
Song Sam-dong in 'Dream High 1 and 2'
Kim Soo-hyun became a household name in Korea when he appeared in the 2011 youth drama, 'Dream High' opposite Bae Suzy, IU, Taec-yeon, and Jan Woo-young. He then reprised his role in the first episode of 'Dream High 2.'
King Lee Hwon in 'Moon Embracing the Sun'
In 2012, he starred as King Lee Hwon in the South Korean drama 'Moon Embracing the Sun.' His character is an intelligent and kind king who falls in love with Yeon Woo (Han Ga-in).
Do Min-joon in 'My Love from the Star'
Kim Soo-hyun's character continued its rise when he starred in the romantic-comedy fantasy 'My Love from the Star.' In it, he played Do Min-joon, an extraterrestrial alien who landed on Earth in the Joseon Dynasty, and 400 years later, falls in love with a top actress in the modern era.
Baek Seung-chan in 'The Producers'
His last K-drama before entering the military is the 2015 hit TV series called 'The Producers.' Kim Soo-hyun played Baek Seung-chan, an aspiring prosecutor who decides to join KBS because of his secret crush on a KBS employee. He becomes a rookie PD (producer-director) with the variety and entertainment division.
Owner of Hotel Blue Moon in 'Hotel del Luna'
After two years, Kim Soo-hyun had a brief role in the 2019 hit K-drama 'Hotel del Luna.' And when we say brief, it was really quite short because he only appeared in the last episode as the new owner of Jang Man-wol (IU)'s hotel.
Moon Gang-tae in 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay'
Finally, after many years, Kim Soo-hyun is back on TV as the caregiver Moon Gang-tae in 'Its Okay to Not Be Okay.'
