5 best K-Dramas starring Hwang In-youp that are a must-watch

Hwang In-youp debuted in 2018 with a Naver web series W.H.Y and continues to exhibit his acting skills with many K-dramas. Before introducing himself in the acting industry, he used to do modeling and was a popular face of YG Entertainment.

Apart from acting and modeling, he has established himself as a popular singer under KeyEast Entertainment. He sings the OST of True Beauty, It Starts with You, and garners appreciation.

However, he proves himself as an actor with range. In some dramas, he plays the role of an introverted and shy guy while in others he's known to portray bullies. He made fans swoon when he portrayed a female disguise in a drama.

Note: The article reflects the author's opinion and is listed in no particular order.

Family By Choice and other K-dramas of Hwang In-youp to watch

Some must watch K-dramas of Hwang In-youp

True Beauty
The Tale of Nokdu
18 again
The Sound of Magic
Family by Choice

1) True Beauty

True Beauty is one of the crucial works in Hwang In-youp's career. The drama was released in 2020 with 16 episodes, which is adapted from a webtoon with the same name. Despite being a rom-com, this K-drama underscores some toxic communal practices like beauty standards or bullying.

Based on a common K-drama theme, a love triangle, the narrative highlights a teenage love story. Lim Ju-gyeong, played by Moon Ga-young, is the female lead character who is bullied due to her physical appearance.

However, she changes her school and learns makeup from YouTube videos. After wearing makeup, she alters how she looks and masks herself as a diva in the school.

Hwang In-youp plays the character of Han Seo-jun, the backbencher in the school. However, fans swoon over his soft side of the character. The complications begin when both Seo-jun and his friend Su-ho develop a deep feeling for Lim Ju-gyeong, which keeps the audience hooked to know who ends up with the girl.

Streaming on: Netflix

2) The Tale of Nokdu

The Tale of Nokdu is another important K-drama in Hwang's career. Although he has not played the lead role in this drama, his appearance helps to develop further storytelling.

Adapted from Hye Jin-yang's webtoon, The Tale of Nokdu was released in 2019. This historical drama concluded in 32 episodes, which is based on the Joseon period.

The drama revolves around Nokdu, played by Jang Dong-yoon, who lives on an isolated island with his father. Due to some reasons, his father does not allow him to step into the outer world but Nokdu manages to reach a village filled with widows. To save himself he disguised himself as a woman.

Hwang In-youp comes as a companion of Nokdu, portraying Cha Yool-moo. Like Nokdu, he also disguises himself as a woman. What makes his character more beautiful is his loyalty towards his master and expertise as a swordman.

Streaming on: Netflix, and Apple TV.

3) 18 Again

Hwang In-youp has a guest appearance in the drama 18 Again, which was released in 2020. The drama is an adaption from Jason Filardi's Hollywood movie 17 Again.

Yoon Sang-hyu plays Hong Dae-young who is a 37-year-old man, married to Jung Da-jung (Kim Ha-neul) and a father of teenage twins. Da-jung finds no sparks in her marriage and files a divorce against her husband.

On the other hand, Dae-young finds himself in an 18-year-old body with a middle-aged man's mentality. Lee Do-hyun plays his teenage role, who is portrayed as a star basketball player.

He goes to school with his teenage son Hong Si-woo (Ryewoon). Hwang In-youp essays the role of a high school student from the same school, named Goo Ja-sung. In this drama, he bullies other students, especially Si-woo but the narrative unfolds the softer version of him.

Streaming on: Netflix, Prime Video

4) The Sound of Magic

The Sound of Magic is a mystery romance drama where Hwang In-youp portrays the male lead. Based on the Naver webtoon Annarasumanara by Ha Il-Kwon, the drama was aired in 2022 with six episodes.

The narrative begins with Yoon A-yi, played by Choi Sung-eun, a high school student. Her parents abandoned her due to the financial crisis and he finds a part-time job to meet all ends.

Hwang In-youp is another student from the same school, named Na Il-Deung. He competes with A-yi in school examinations and eventually falls in love with her. However, the twist comes when A-yi meets a magician in an amusement park.

Streaming on: Netflix

5) Family By Choice

The ongoing K-drama Family By Choice is the latest work of Hwang In-youp and its first episode was aired on October 9, 2024. It will conclude on November 27 with 16 episodes. This is the Korean version of the popular c-drama Go Ahead.

Family By Choice is the narrative of the three kids struggling with their past wounds. Hwang In-youp plays the role of Kim San-ha who is traumatized due to his sister's accident in his childhood. He meets Yoon Juwon (Jung Chaeyeon) in his neighborhood and builds up a bond with her as a sibling.

In the story, Kang Haejun (Bae Hyun Sung) is another neighbor who started living as a family since childhood. However, San-ha and Juwon reunite with their real family and Haejun feels abandoned.

In their adulthood, they meet again and the conflicts begin. San-ha, who treats Juwon as his sister, starts to develop feelings towards her. Hwang In-youp portrays an introverted and traumatized boy with many complicated feelings.

Streaming on: Viki

Apart from these dramas, the accolades of Hwang In-youp can watch W.H.Y, which is available on YouTube. Also, Freshman is another drama fans can watch. He will have a guest appearance in Dear X, which will be released in 2025.

Edited by Abhimanyu Sharma