Arguably one of the most prominent stars of this generation, Park Bo Gum has captivated numerous audiences with his heartwarming smile, versatile acting, and undeniable charm. He debuted in 2011, playing a supporting role in the thriller film 'Blind,' and eventually got featured in specials and films. 

In 2013, he landed his first major role in the weekend drama 'Wonderful Mama' as Go Young Joon, the spoiled youngest, playboy son of Yoon Bok Hee (Bae Jong Ok), a self-made woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

These continuous spectacular performances and his ability to capture hearts with his acting all eventually contributed to his then-rising popularity and brought him to his superstar status as a well-loved actor.  He also became the youngest artist to be named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year and the first actor ever to top the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list.

If you're a fan of Bo Gum or just looking for some quality K-dramas to binge-watch, here’s a list of his must-watch dramas that showcase his incredible talent.

'Naeil's Cantabile' (2014)
In this musical romance drama, Park Bo Gum plays Lee Yoon Hoo, a talented cellist who faces the heartbreaking dilemma of being unable to play his most beloved musical instrument. His gentle and melancholic performance made him a standout in this adaptation of 'Nodame Cantabile' and received multiple Best New Actor nominations. 

'Hello Monster' (2015)
This psychological thriller showcases another side of Park Bo Gum as he plays the role of Jung Sun Ho, a seemingly kind lawyer with a chilling secret due to his past, after being separated from his brother after a tragic incident. His portrayal of a layered and mysterious character received high praise and showcased his ability to play complex roles. He also won the Best Supporting Actor Award and Popularity Award for an Actor during the 29th KBS Drama Awards.

'Reply 1988' (2015-2016)
One of the most beloved installments in the Reply series, this drama takes viewers back to the nostalgic '80s, centering on five childhood friends and their families. Park Bo Gum plays Choi Taek, an internationally renowned genius baduk (Go) player who is quiet, sweet, and generous to a fault. But he finds himself weighing love from friendship as he discovers that another friend is in love with his beloved. His portrayal won the heart of fans and viewers, and bagged awards such as Best New Actor from the 5th APAN Star Awards, Best Rising Star from the 4th Annual DramaFever Awards,  and  Asia Star Award from the tvN10 Awards and 1st Asia Artist Awards. 

'Love in the Moonlight' (2016)
This historical romance drama follows his character as Crown Prince Lee Yeong, the only son of the King and heir to the throne, and his unexpected romance with a eunuch who is actually a woman in disguise. His portrayal of the mischievous yet smart and deeply emotional prince earned him immense popularity, making this one of his most iconic roles. The undisputed popularity of this drama was incomparable at the time, even being dubbed by the media as the 'Moonlight Syndrome'. He went on to win the Top Excellence Award and  Netizen Award at the 2016 KBS Drama Awards,  Most Popular Actor for Television Award at the 2017 Baeksang Arts Awards, and the Outstanding Korean Actor Award from the 2017 Seoul International Drama Awards. 

'Encounter'(2018-2019)
Park Bo-gum plays Kim Jin Hyuk, a free-spirited young man who finds joy in the simplest things. He finds his life turned around as he finds himself in a fateful encounter and falls in love with a wealthy but lonely hotel CEO, where he is working as an employee. This drama beautifully explores love, fate, and personal growth, with Bo Gum’s warm and tender portrayal winning hearts worldwide.

'Record of Youth' (2020)
In this slice-of-life drama, Park Bo Gum plays Sa Hye Jun, an aspiring model and actor struggling to achieve his dreams while navigating love, financial struggles, and expectations. The drama resonated with young adults chasing success and dreams, and his heartfelt performance as a dreamer who never gave up despite multiple rejections and hardships made the character even more relatable.

'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (2025) 
Marking Bo Gum's return to the small screen after his enlistment, this ongoing series showcases his portrayal as Gwan Sik, a hardworking and steadfast man who values dedication above all else. Though he is strong-willed in life, he is vulnerable when it comes to love— his lover's smile makes his heart race, and her tears shake him to the core. Despite this, his devotion to her never wavers. From the beginning, he remains by her side, quietly guiding and supporting her through life's challenges with unwavering commitment.

From thrillers and historical romances to rom-coms, Park Bo Gum continues to captivate audiences with his diverse roles and heartfelt performances. With each project, he showcases his versatility, taking on characters that leave a lasting impression. Fans are especially looking forward to his upcoming drama 'Good Boy', where he will portray Yoon Dong Ju, a former boxing gold medalist who becomes a police officer in the Violent Crimes Unit through a special recruitment system.

As Park Bo Gum takes on new challenges, excitement grows for what’s next in his career. Which of his dramas is your favorite?