Seo Kang Joon is a South Korean actor, singer, and model known for his striking visuals and nuanced performances. Since his acting debut, Seo has steadily built a diverse filmography that includes romance, sci-fi, and coming-of-age dramas. With each project, he has demonstrated remarkable range, earning him a dedicated fanbase both in Korea and internationally.
TLDR: Seo Kang Joon has starred in a wide range of K-dramas since his debut, earning praise for his roles in both mainstream hits and unique, genre-defying series. Popular works include Cheese in the Trap, Are You Human Too?, and When the Weather Is Fine. He balances emotional acting with compelling visuals, making him a favorite among drama enthusiasts. With more projects likely in the future, Seo Kang Joon remains a star to watch.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Seo Kang Joon first gained public attention as a member of the actor group 5urprise, which was one of the first K-pop style agencies to debut actors instead of traditional idol singers. He began his acting career with small supporting roles but quickly made an impression with his emotive acting and unique charm.
Cheese in the Trap (2016)
One of Seo Kang Joon’s breakout roles came with the adaptation of the beloved webtoon Cheese in the Trap. He played Baek In-ho, a rebellious yet warm-hearted pianist with a troubled past. His performance added emotional depth to the love triangle at the heart of the story and established him as a leading man in K-dramas.
Main Works in Television
Are You Human Too? (2018)
This sci-fi romantic drama showcased Seo’s versatility as he played dual roles: a chaebol heir and the artificially intelligent robot impersonating him. In Are You Human Too?, he exercised a wide acting range, switching seamlessly between the cold, emotionally shut-off human and the robot who gradually learns what it means to be ‘human.’
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Thriller
- Co-stars: Gong Seung Yeon, Kim Sung Ryoung
The Third Charm (2018)
This romantic series was well-received for its realistic portrayal of love, growth, and the passage of time. Seo starred as On Joon-Young, a straight-laced college student whose on-again, off-again relationship with the more free-spirited Young-Jae unfolds over several years. His natural acting style allowed viewers to connect deeply with his character’s emotional journey.
Watcher (2019)
In this high-stakes thriller, Seo played Kim Young-Goon, a police officer who joins an internal affairs team investigating corruption within the force. The role required intense emotional control and razor-sharp delivery, proving that Seo Kang Joon could thrive in darker, more serious material.
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery
- Critics praised: Strong plot development and Seo’s mature performance
When the Weather Is Fine (2020)
Departing from thrillers, Seo took on a more contemplative and warm role in this rural romance drama. Acting alongside Park Min Young, he portrayed Im Eun Seob, a quiet bookstore owner hiding emotional scars. This role deepened his image as a reliable actor for romantic dramas with emotional complexity.
Recent Projects and Enlistment
Grid (2022)
In this genre-bending sci-fi thriller, Seo Kang Joon starred in a complex narrative involving governmental secrets, futuristic technology, and cosmic mysteries. While the story demanded intellectual engagement from viewers, Seo’s performance stood as a constant highlight, anchoring the complex plotline with his unwavering screen presence.
Note: Following Grid, Seo Kang Joon enlisted for his mandatory military service in November 2021, temporarily pausing his acting activities. He was officially discharged in May 2023 and is now anticipated to return with new projects.
Full Drama List
Here is a chronological list of Seo Kang Joon’s drama appearances:
- To the Beautiful You (2012) – Cameo
- The Suspicious Housekeeper (2013)
- Cunning Single Lady (2014)
- What’s With This Family (2014)
- Splendid Politics (Hwajung) (2015)
- Cheese in the Trap (2016)
- Entourage (2016)
- Are You Human Too? (2018)
- The Third Charm (2018)
- Watcher (2019)
- When the Weather Is Fine (2020)
- Grid (2022)
Performance Highlights
- Dual Role Expertise: Are You Human Too? stood out for Seo’s excellent portrayal of two entirely different characters.
- Emotional Depth: In dramas like Watcher and When the Weather Is Fine, he proved his talent for subtle, emotional nuances.
- On-Screen Chemistry: He often garners praise for his believable and heartfelt interactions with female leads.
Impact and Legacy
Seo Kang Joon has carved out a unique place in the South Korean entertainment industry. Known for his model-like visuals and underrated acting prowess, he has the rare ability to tackle romantic, thriller, and science fiction roles convincingly. His portfolio reflects not only talent but also a willingness to experiment with new genres and character types, making him one of the more versatile actors of his generation.
Fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the screen following his military service, and expectations are high for his next project. Whether in a heartfelt romance or an intellectually charged mystery, Seo Kang Joon continues to demonstrate that he is more than just a pretty face — he is a serious actor with a growing body of respected work.
FAQ: Seo Kang Joon Drama List
- Q: What was Seo Kang Joon’s first major drama role?
A: His first major role was in The Suspicious Housekeeper (2013), but he really gained prominence with Cheese in the Trap in 2016. - Q: What’s Seo Kang Joon’s most famous role?
A: Many fans consider his dual roles in Are You Human Too? to be his most iconic performance due to the challenging nature of playing both a robot and a human. - Q: Has Seo Kang Joon completed his military service?
A: Yes, he enlisted in November 2021 and was discharged in May 2023. - Q: What genres does Seo Kang Joon typically act in?
A: He acts in a variety of genres including romance, thriller, sci-fi, and drama. This flexibility is one of his greatest strengths as an actor. - Q: Are there any upcoming dramas featuring Seo Kang Joon?
A: As of now, no official new drama projects have been confirmed post-military service, but announcements are expected soon.