Every star has dreams before they reach stardom, and that was what happened to then-young Kim Tae Ho. Dreaming of being an actor, he ambitiously entered the KBS reality talent show Survival Star Audition in 2006. He eventually bagged the grand prize, which would pave the way to his very own acting journey, and began using the name Choi Jin Hyuk.

Choi Jin Hyuk eventually became a household name in the K-Drama world, known for his versatile acting skills and charismatic screen presence. With a career spanning years, he has captivated audiences with a range of characters in different dramas. Here are some must-watch Choi Jin Hyuk dramas that will have you glued to your screen.

"Gu Family Book", 2013

In the fantasy historical drama "Gu Family Book," Choi Jin Hyuk plays Gu Wol Ryung, a gumig of Mt. Jiri who falls in love with a human, Seo Hwa (Lee Yeon Hee), whom he married while he kept his identity hidden. When Seo Hwa discovers the truth, she betrays him out of fear, leading to his 'death' and eventual revival as a 1000-year demon driven by hatred and can only be killed by his own son, Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi). His amazing portrayal of the conflicted character earned him critical acclaim, the Best New Actor award at the 2nd APAN Star Awards, and the Outstanding Supporting Actor award from the 2nd Asia Rainbow TV Awards.

"The Heirs", 2013

In this hit drama, Choi Jin Hyuk stars as Kim Won, the ambitious and emotionally complex older half-brother of Kim Tan (Lee Min Ho). He is an accomplished young executive who runs his family's giant conglomerate. Constantly at friction with his family, he fears that Tan will interfere with his control over the company. Despite Tan's attempts to win his brother's heart, Kim Won remains distant and ultimately gives up his relationship with his girlfriend for the sake of the company. With this role, he won the New Star Award during the 2013 SBS Drama Awards.

"Emergency Couple", 2014

In this romantic comedy series, he portrays the role of Oh Chang Min, a medical school student who comes from a wealthy family, falls in love, and marries dietitian Oh Jin Hee (Song Ji Hyo) despite his family's strong opposition. As their marriage has been frowned upon, Chang Min finds himself working a job where he feels miserable while Ji Hee is constantly being belittled, they constantly fight and eventually get a divorce. Years later, they end up as medical interns at the same hospital, where they will have to work in the emergency room together for three months.

"Fated to Love You", 2014

In this hit drama series, Choi Jin Hyuk takes on the role of Daniel Pitt, an internationally famous Korean-American, kind-hearted, and charming designer. He meets Kim Mi Young (Jang Na Ra) by fate and becomes interested due to her kindness, and finds himself coming to her rescue when she needs help. He eventually realizes that his constant protectiveness towards Mi Young is more than friendly feelings. 

"Pride and Prejudice", 2014-2015
Choi Jin Hyuk stars as Gu Dong Chi, a brilliant prosecutor who passed the bar exam right after high school has sharp deduction skills, and enjoys the perks of the bureaucratic system. He finds himself teaming up with Han Yeol Moo (Baek Jin Hee), a public prosecutor who trained under his wing, and their other colleagues to fight for innocent, poor, and powerless citizens, battle against corruption and seek justice. His intense and charismatic performance won him the Excellence Award for an Actor in a Special Project Drama during the 2014 MBC Drama Awards.

"Tunnel", 2017
Choi Jin Hyuk came back with a bang after his military enlistment in this crime thriller, where he plays the role of Park Gwang Ho, Hwayang police station's criminal sergeant detective from the 1980s who travels through time to the present day while chasing a serial killer. As he navigates the modern world and works with contemporary detectives, he uncovers shocking truths about the cases. His portrayal of Gwang Ho's relentless pursuit of justice earned critical acclaim.

"Devilish Joy", 2018
Choi Jin Hyuk stars as Gong Ma Sung, the successor of Sunwoo Group who is also a genius doctor and chief of a cranial nerve center. After a car accident when he tries to help a woman he happens to meet, he suffers from a rare condition, Cinderella Memory Disorder, which causes him to lose his memory every day. He eventually finds himself falling in love with a former top actress who falls off from grace due to a false charge, Ju Gi Ppeum (Song Ha Yoon). 

"The Last Empress", 2018-2019
In this modern historical drama, Choi Jin Hyuk portrays Na Wang Sik, a bodyguard seeking revenge against the imperial family for his mother's death. Set in an alternate universe where South Korea is a constitutional monarchy, he changed his identity to Chun Woo Bin, becoming the Emperor's most trusted imperial bodyguard with unrivaled fighting skills. He finds himself teaming up with Oh Sunny (Jang Na Ra), the empress who has been caught up in the palace power struggle. He won the  Top Excellence Award for an Actor in a Wednesday-Thursday Drama during the 2018 SBS Drama Awards.

"Rugal", 2020
Choi Jin Hyuk stars as Kang Ki Beom, an elite police officer attempting to bring down one of South Korea's largest criminal organizations, Argos. In retaliation, the group not only injures his eyes but also kills his wife while framing him for the murder. He is eventually recruited by a secret organization and equipped with advanced biotechnology to seek revenge, bring justice to his wife, and fight against corruption. 

"Zombie Detective", 2020
In this comedy-horror drama, Choi Jin Hyuk plays Kim Moo Young, a zombie who has no memories of his past. As he trains and tries to regain his humanity, he assumes the identity of a private detective while trying to solve the mystery of his past. He finds help through Gong Sun Ji (Park Ju Hyun), a former investigative journalist who gets hired as a part-time assistant at Moo-young's agency. The series blends humor, mystery, and supernatural elements, allowing him to showcase his comedic talent and versatility.

"Mr. Queen", 2020-2021
Choi Jin Hyuk has a notable special appearance as Jang Bong Hwan, a modern-day womanizer head chef of the Blue House whose spirit is transported into the body of a queen from the Joseon era. In shock, he attempts to go back to modern Korea but finds himself entangled in the royal drama. His character's predicament sets the stage for the comedic and dramatic events that will unfold. Although his screen time is limited, his performance is memorable and pivotal to the plot, especially as he lends his voice as the internal thoughts of the Queen.

"Numbers", 2023

In this drama series, he portrays the role of Han Seung Jo, a senior manager at Taeil Accounting Firm, one of the nation's four big accounting firms. He has a good family background and graduated from a prestigious university. He becomes a key figure in guiding and supporting Jang Ho Woo (L), the first and only high school-educated accountant to join their firm. They both find themselves being entangled in the injustices in their firm.

"Miss Night and Day", 2024

In his most recent drama, Choi Jin Hyuk transforms into the workaholic prosecutor, Gye Ji Woong. He recently transferred to the Seohan District Prosecutors' Office and finds himself always caught up with the public intern in her fifties working at the prosecutor's office, without knowing the secret she has.

Here are some of his huge repertoire and a wide variety of dramas and roles under his belt. Which Choi Jin Hyuk drama is your most favorite?