K-rush of the Week: Ahn Bo-hyun

That stunning physique and chiseled jaw may have gotten him more attention than other actors. Still, Ahn Bo-hyun’s surprising ability to take on a wide range of roles — from wholesome boyfriend vibes to chilling chicken killer — cements this rising star’s reputation in Hallyu. This man has such a lethal combination of intensity and charm that his mere presence onscreen — even before he utters a word of dialogue — makes viewers sit up, notice, and inevitably swoon.

And swoon we did.

But in real life, Ahn Bo-hyun is a proud softie despite his intimidating profile and radiant masculinity. He has appeared as a fun guest in several variety shows, showing his impressive cooking, camping, and fishing skills. When he's not making us swoon in K-dramas, he can be found in his fun vlogs. As a certified YouTube star, he has also received the Silver Play Button for his channel “Bravo Hyun.”

He has since achieved leading man status in last year’s Military Prosecutor Doberman, and currently continues his journey as a Hallyu leading man in Netflix’ See You in My 19th Life.

Descendants of the Sun (2016)

Ahn Bo-hyun’s path to stardom has been long and certainly not been easy. He began acting in 2014 and featured in several small roles, most notably in Descendants of the Sun (2016) where he played First Sergeant Im Kwang-nam (code name: Piccolo). But he still needed part-time jobs, even doing construction work to help pay for his living expenses. However, he did make an impression and kept going to casting calls until the tide turned for him in a significant way… when he would be cast in both as Itaewon Class and the critically acclaimed Kairos.

Kairos (2020)

Four years passed since his small role in Descendants of the Sun, and things were still looking bleak for Ahn. But when it rains, it pours, and suddenly, he landed the second lead role in the time-travel mystery Kairos, where he plays a two-faced secretary with his own nefarious plans.

Itaewon Class (2020)

Ahn Bo-hyun’s profile immediately shot to the stratosphere when he landed the role of saturnine chaebol (conglomerate) heir Jang Geun-won in Itaewon Class (2020). His unforgettable turn as a slick villain who blended the persona of a reprehensible bully with that of the desperate son seeking his father’s acknowledgment earned him a nomination for Baeksang Best New Actor for TV that same year.

My Name (2021)

After playing a besotted but troubled boyfriend in Yumi’s Cells (which he reprised in its second season), Ahn did a 180 and returned to his boxing roots for his role as a narc detective in My Name. He even delicately handled the risqué scene with Ji-woo (Han So-hee). We hear his fans have still not recovered.

Read our review.

Yumi's Cells 1 & 2 (2021 & 2022)

But before anyone could pigeonhole him as "the bad guy from Itaewon Class," Ahn did a complete 180 and even generously flaunted his tanned muscles to woo Yumi (Kim Go-eun) in the semi-animated hit Yumi’s Cells. As the awkward yet adorkable Woong, he was again a premium blend of the lovable and smart boyfriend everyone wished they had (Ji-soo, you lucky girl!)

See our review of Season 1.

Military Prosecutor Doberman (2022)

After several successful roles, Ahn took on the adrenaline-pumping role of a soldier-prosecutor in Military Prosecutor Doberman. The drama took full advantage of his physique and fighting skills. Costumers on set also ensured they were fulfilling fans’ requests of seeing him dressed to the nines in three-piece suits and in military fatigue. TBH, we don’t think there was a bad shot of him in the drama.

Check out our full review.

Which of his K-dramas is your favorite?