Top 5 K-Dramas by When Life Gives You Tangerines’ Park Bo-Gum

With his charm and brilliant acting prowess, Park Bo-Gum has emerged as one of the more sought-after actors from South Korea. While the actor has been in a number of popular K-dramas and movies, his latest Netflix hit, When Life Gives You Tangerines, has made him a global rising star.

Whether it is showcasing innocence and brainpower as the Baduk player in Reply 1988 or displaying the vulnerabilities of a struggling actor in Record of the Youth, Bo-Gum has successfully established himself as a versatile performer. His characters often carry a more optimistic approach, engaging the audience from the get-go. We take a look at some of his best K-drama roles yet.

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Top 5 K-Dramas by Park Bo-Gum

5) Encounter (2018)

In the romantic drama series, Park Bo-Gum plays the role of Kim Jin-Hyeok, who has a positive outlook on life. Jin-Hyuk and Cha Soo-Hyun (played by Song Hye-kyo) first meet in Cuba during a business trip. Later, fate brings them together in Seoul, where he takes a job at a hotel where she is the CEO. The show is a social commentary on the stigma attached to divorce and class diversity seen in society today. The relationship evolves through the hurdles thrown at them.

The melodrama saw Bo-Gum deliver an excellent, nuanced performance, which showed the audience that he was up for much more mature roles.

4) Record of Youth (2020)

As Sa Hye-Jun, Park Bo-Gum, plays the role of a model who aspires to take on an acting career. He must also face his family’s lack of belief in his unconventional career choice. Meanwhile, his girlfriend Ahn Jeong-ha, played by Parasite fame Park So-dam, finds it hard to keep up with their relationship and career. The show also stars Byeon Woo-Seok as his friend and fellow aspiring actor.

In the K-drama, Bo-Gum beautifully captures the insecurities and struggles of an aspiring actor, who must face the harsh realities of the entertainment industry while he deals with his love and family life. The character is layered and presents a more relatable world.

3) Love in the Moonlight (2016)

Set against the backdrop of the Joseon era, the story follows Park Bo-Gum as Crown Prince Lee Yeong, who is on his path to becoming the monarch. Hong Ra-On, played by Kim Yoo-jung, pretends to be a eunuch to escape a certain fate. What follows is confusion, hilarity, and the political consequences of the era.

Park Bo-Gum’s acting in this period drama series was much revered among critics and fans. As Lee Yeong, he is a playful yet authoritative political figure. His uplifting chemistry with Kim Yoo-jung was one of the key highlights of the show. He went on to win several accolades for his role including the celebrated Baek Sang award.

2) When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)

In the series, Park Bo-Gum portrays the role of Yang Gwan-sik, a fisherman’s son. The show follows two young kids growing up on Jeju island, Gwan-sik and Ae-sun (played by IU), who share a special bond. Gwan-sik is a more submissive character in contrast to a more spirited Ae-sun. As a loving husband and protective father, Bo-Gum shines in his role, making the audience believe that he will do anything for his family.

Even though Bo-Gum has less screen time, he leaves a lasting impression. The unconditional love and devotion displayed by Bo-Gum make the character the poster boy for romantic leads.

1) Reply 1988 (2016)

Set in 1988, the show follows the story of five friends and their families in the chaotic Ssangmun-dong neighborhood of Seoul. Park Bo-Gum plays the role of Choi Taek, a genius and timid Baduk champion. Despite international success as a player, Choi Taek struggles with simple daily chores. His efforts to hide his love for Sung Deok-sun (played by Lee Hye-ri) so as to not hurt the feelings of their friend Kim Jung-hwan (played by Ryu Jun-yeol), who also shares affection for her, added an interesting coming-of-age angle to his character.

His endearing nature, his loyalty to his friends and family, and his intelligence make his character one of the more beloved roles on screen. The show is one of the highest-rated Korean dramas.

The actor will be next seen adorning the role of Olympic athlete in Good Boy. Bo-Gum will star alongside Love Alarm fame Kim So-Hyun and Squid Game fame Heo Seong-Tae.

Watch When Life Gives You Tangerines on Netflix

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