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Gong Yoo is back in the limelight with the Netflix series The Trunk, which has been making waves for his dynamic performance. He has made a career out of his versatile acting, working on a variety of projects. From hard-hitting dramas to intense thrillers, he has become one of Korea's most celebrated stars.
From unforgettable K-dramas like Goblin, which became a global hit, to moving films like Silenced, which tackle social issues, Gong Yoo skilfully brings complex characters to life. For those who enjoyed The Trunk and wish to explore his works further, here are seven shows and movies to check out.
Disclaimer: This article is not ranked and is based on the author's opinion.
Discover Gong Yoo's top performances beyond Netflix's The Trunk
1) Squid Game
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A global phenomenon that is a dystopian survival thriller features Gong Yoo as a mysterious salesman. His cameo in the show was short but significant, as he had to recruit financially struggling individuals to compete for the massive cash prize. However, the competition has a twist; it is a series of children's games where the only choices are to win or die.
Squid Game is a must-watch as it tells an engrossing story but also comments on societal inequality and the desperation of the players. The second season is set to come out on December 26, and with several cast members reprising their roles, fans hope to see Gong Yoo play a bigger role.
2) Train to Busan
A renowned zombie thriller, Train to Busan introduced Gong Yoo to international audiences. The film follows the story of a father trying to protect his daughter in a zombie-infested train racing through different locations.
Blending intense action with emotional storytelling, the fresh take on the zombie genre made it popular. It also features well-known actors like Ma Dong-seok, Jang Yu-mi, Choi Woo-shik, and more. Train to Busan achieved universal acclaim for balancing suspense with heartfelt moments, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
3) Coffee Prince
Coffee Prince is a drama that was well ahead of its time. It broke barriers when it was released by addressing unconventional themes like gender identity and societal norms. Gong Yoo plays a café owner who falls for his tomboyish employee, Go Eun-chan (Yoon Eun-hye), mistaking her for a man at first.
The series strikes a perfect balance of humor, romance, and introspection as it touches upon subjects like personal and societal biases. Coffee Prince turned the actor into a household name and remains a classic in the K-drama lineup.
4) Silenced
This powerful film is based on true incidents that shocked South Korea. It follows the life of an art teacher at a school for deaf children who uncovers the atrocities happening within its walls.
The story sheds light on systemic corruption and the fight for justice. Gong Yoo delivers a heartfelt performance as the art teacher, and Jung Yu-mi joins him as part of the lead cast. Upon release, Silenced sparked public outrage and legal reforms.
5) Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)
Often referred to as simply Goblin, this fantasy romance drama became a cultural sensation upon its release. Gong Yoo plays a cursed goblin who has lived for centuries in search of redemption as he desperately seeks the key to ending his immortality.
Exploring themes of love, loss, and destiny, this drama follows an emotionally charged narrative. It also features a stellar cast, including Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Yook Sungjae. Viewers enjoy Gong Yoo's chemistry with the female lead (Kim Go-eun) and all the other characters. With its striking visuals, Goblin remains one of the highest-rated K-dramas.
6) Kim Ji-young: Born 1982
Based on a bestselling novel by the same name, this thought-provoking film tells the story of a woman in her 30s named Kim Ji-young, struggling due to societal expectations and personal sacrifices often made by women.
Reuniting with actress Jung Yu-mi for the third time, Gong Yoo plays a supportive yet conflicted husband who becomes an anchor in his wife's journey. This movie is a heavy, realistic portrayal of women in society today who suffer greatly living in a patriarchal society. Therefore, it is a touching and realistic film.
7) The Silent Sea
The backdrop of this sci-fi thriller is a dystopian future where water has become a scarce resource and a place where mankind survives in extreme conditions. This movie features Gong Yoo as the leader of an astronaut team on a mission to retrieve samples from a deserted lunar station.
Gong Yoo's portrayal of a fearless captain adds depth to this gripping series. Featuring a talented cast (Bae Doona and Lee Joon, among others), the show is full of suspenseful twists and follows atmospheric storytelling. The Silent Sea pushes the boundaries of Korean dramas into new genres.
Gong Yoo's work is a rich blend of captivating stories and memorable characters. Whether addressing societal issues or delivering intense action, each project highlights his versatility as an actor. Thus, this list offers a deeper understanding of why he is one of the most celebrated actors in Korea.
