With only two episodes out, When the Phone Rings (지금 거신 전화는) has visibly captured the world’s imagination. Its tight-fitting storyline, heart-stopping suspense, and electrifying performances have all entered the fray as the most talked-about drama for the year. Fans are buzzing off Yoo Yeon-seok’s portrayal of Baek Sa-eon the youngest presidential spokesperson and a character replete with mystery. The intensity and complexity he imbues the role with is all many viewers can think about as they await each new episode.
If this drama has you under his spell with Yeon-seok’s acting skills, then wait for the real deal! This veteran has yet another treasure trove of dramas where he has given equally jaw-dropping performances. Let’s find out five must-watch dramas that are a showcase of his range, depth, and charisma.
5 Must Watch Kdramas Of Yoo Yeon-seok
Dr. Romantic
When it comes to exploring human emotions, though, Dr. Romantic never really holds back, nor does Yoo Yeon-seok, as he takes the role of ambitious surgeon Kang Dong-joo, who starts off as prickly but slowly learns to find some sense beyond just fame and fortune. Those scenes when Kang Dong-joo confronts his insecurities and makes the final decision that will decide his and others’ lives are seriously hard. In it, Yeon-seok gives a manly yet tender duality that makes you look and gape in awe. While that, medical cases? Keep you crying one second and cheering the next.
Mr. Sunshine
Goo Dong-mae in Mr. Sunshine was a dark character, all brooding and oh so complicated, never ever truly leaving your head after the credits. Done up as a swordsman with a haunting past, Yeon-seok works that mesmerising thing with his performance. Whether he’s cracking swords or softly pining for lost love that will never be returned, Dong-mae is a character who feels much bigger than life but impossibly human. And then those scenes when his stoic facade crumbles? Well, get ready to feel as if someone’s wrung your heart out. This is Yeon-seok at his most intense and unforgettable.
Hospital Playlist
Hospital Playlist is a warm hug of a drama, full of laughter and tears, Lighten the mood with this drama series. Yeon-seok plays pediatric surgeon Ahn Jung-won, so kind and well-meaning you’ll want him as your BFF. Whether he’s comforting tiny patients or goofing around with his fellow doctors, Jung-won is a character that feels like sunshine on a cloudy day. Yeon-seok’s natural charm and understated acting make him an absolute joy to watch. Bonus points if you’re a sucker for a good bromance then this drama has it in spades.
A Bloody Lucky Day
If you’re craving another edge-of-your-seat thriller like When the Phone Rings, look no further than A Bloody Lucky Day. In this drama, Yeon-seok flips the script to play a chilling antagonist—a serial killer with a terrifying calmness about him. His performance as Geum Hyuk-soo is a masterclass in creating tension. Yeon-seok’s ability to make you feel both fear and fascination is a testament to his incredible range. Watching him manipulate situations with cold precision will leave you speechless. If you love high-stakes drama, this one is a must-watch.
Narco-Saints
Based in a world threatened by international dope peddling, Narco-Saints is gritty, intense, and full of powerhouse performances—including Yeon-seok as David Park, a pastor who’s not quite what he seems. David Park’s serene face veils a lot of ambition and moral ambiguity and Yeon-seok plays him with an understatement that keeps you guessing. Every scene you see him in feels like a puzzle piece falling into place. If you loved the high-tension moments in When the Phone Rings, this drama is your next obsession.
Yoo Yeon-seok isn’t just an actor; he is a chameleon. He becomes every character he portrays, making him authentic on the screen, almost raw and real. So while you wait for the next episode of When the Phone Rings (and try to put together the puzzle pieces that shape Baek Sa-eon’s life), let’s dive into one of these dramas or the other. Each reminds me about why he is one of the most versatile and compelling actors in Korean entertainment.
Which is going to be the first one for you? Take it here in the comments below!
Also Read: When The Phone Rings Episode 1 Review: Husband and Wife Battle Begins