K-rush of the Week: Jo Jung-suk

“Charismatics,” Robert Greene once wrote in The Art of Seduction, "do not explain where their confidence or contentment comes from, but it can be felt by everyone; it radiates outward, without the appearance of conscious effort.” When Jo Jung-suk donned his white coat and entered Yulje Hospital as the popular doctor Lee Ik-joon in both seasons of Hospital Playlist, one instantly understood what Greene was writing about.

Read more about him here.

Let's check out a few of his most notable works:

Oh My Ghost / Oh My Ghostess (2015)

In this hilarious k-drama, naive and reserved Na Bong-sun (Park Bo-young) struggles with self-doubt and social anxiety. She works as a quiet sous chef and nurses a hidden crush on her boss, the charismatic star chef Kang Sun-woo (Jo Jung-suk). But little does anyone know that Bong-sun possesses a remarkable ability to communicate with the spirit world, including the mischievous virgin seductress ghost Shin Soon-ae (Kim Seul-gi).

As Soon-ae takes possession of Bong-sun, her once shy demeanor transforms into a bold and confident alter ego. Suddenly, she begins to interest “Shep” Sun-woo. But can he see past Soon-ae's mischief and finally recognize Bong-sun for who she is?

Jealousy Incarnate / Don't Dare to Dream (2016)

As its title suggests, this hilarious 2016 rom-com is about the many incarnations that jealousy takes. Gong Hyo-jin stars as Pyo Na-ri, a hardworking weather forecaster caught in a love triangle with Lee Hwa-sin (Jo Jung-suk), a cocky and ambitious reporter, and his impossibly dreamy chaebol heir best friend (Go Kyung-pyo). As she works her way toward becoming a news announcer, she finds herself secretly helping Hwa-sin through his breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Set in the chaotic work environment of the fictional Seoul Broadcasting Corporation and the equally chaotic Rak Villa where our heroine lives, Jealousy Incarnate is populated with colorful characters and multiple love triangles (not all romantic).

If you aren't already in love with Jo Jung-suk when you start watching this k-drama, he’s sure to win you over with his portrayal of a man struggling with a breast cancer diagnosis, and gets bonus points for getting an actual mammogram for this drama! The singing and dancing are just icing on the cake.

Two Cops (2017)

Jo Jung-suk is the upright Cha Dong-tak, a violent crimes detective who is determined to find his partner’s murderer. After accidentally falling into the Han River with con-man Gong Su-chang (Kim Seon-ho), he loses possession of his body to the spirit of the swindler whose body is in a coma. Now sharing just one body, the two spirits team up to solve crimes while falling in love with a young reporter (Lee Hye-ri). This buddy comedy / murder mystery / rom-com is best known for the bromance between Dong-tak and Su-chang.

The Nokdu Flower (2019)

Jo Jung-suk stars as Baek Yi-kang, the illegitimate son of a wealthy but corrupt official in Japanese-occupied Korea. He joins the Donghak Peasant Revolution (1894-1895), a movement for human equality, positioning himself against his half-brother Baek Yi-hyun (Yoon Shi-yoon). He falls in love with Song Ja-in (Han Ye-ri), a smart and charismatic merchant who runs a shop and an inn.

Hospital Playlist Seasons 1 and 2 (2020 and 2022)

In this heartwarming slice-of-life medical drama, Jo Jung-suk plays talented liver specialist Lee Ik-jun who seamlessly blends dedication, humor, and compassion. He’s not only skilled in the operating room, but he’s also a social butterfly who easily draws everyone to him. And when the sun sets, Ik-jun transforms into everyone’s favorite party boy. Whether it’s karaoke night or a spontaneous band jam, Ik-jun is sure to bring his A-game. As a single dad, he also embraces fatherhood with open arms. His interactions with his adorable son, Uju, melt hearts and reveal a tender side beneath his playful exterior.

Over two seasons, we see Ik-jun live and work with his close friends at Yulje. In fact, their incredible camaraderie is the heartbeat of the show. We also see him try to hide his growing affection for his fellow doctor and close friend Chae Song-hwa (played by Jeon Mi-do). Their friendship seems to always dance on the edge of something more, leaving us viewers rooting for their love story with each episode.

Captivating the King (2024)

Jo Jung-suk and Shin Se-kyung (Run On) star in this historical romance drama about a miserable king seeking solace, and the spy who sets out to overthrow him. Their paths cross in a tale of forbidden love amidst palace intrigue. From the writer of The Crowned Clown, this Netflix drama released its first two episodes last Jan. 21.