5 K-Drama Actors Who Have Excelled at Playing Similar Roles More Than Once

Some K-drama actors have mastered certain roles so perfectly that it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing them. There are times when an actor ends up portraying a similar type of character more than once—roles that become so iconic they shape the actor’s identity and career. Over time, these performances become a defining part of their filmography, with fans instantly associating them with that particular persona. We spotlight five actors who have consistently excelled at playing a similar role multiple times.

1. Yoo Yeon Seok – Hospital Playlist, Dr. Romantic (Doctor); Warm and Cozy, Tastefully Yours (Chef)

There’s no denying that Yoo Yeon Seok is an immensely talented actor with a career spanning nearly two decades. While he has played a wide range of characters, long-time K-drama fans often associate him with his standout doctor roles in Dr. Romantic and Hospital Playlist. Though both characters are doctors, they couldn't be more different—Dr. Kang Dong Joo in Dr. Romantic is intense, angry, and rebellious, while Dr. Ahn Jeong Won in Hospital Playlist is gentle, warm, and deeply compassionate. Yoo Yeon Seok portrayed both with remarkable nuance and conviction.

He’s also taken on the role of a chef more than once. In Warm and Cozy, he charmed viewers as the sweet and laid-back Baek Gun Woo. More recently, in a cameo for Tastefully Yours, he surprised fans by playing Jeon Min, a cunning, grey-shaded character in a chef’s coat. Whether he’s saving lives or serving food, Yoo Yeon Seok proves time and again that he's a master of his craft.

2. Nam Joo Hyuk – Who Are You: School 2015 and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (Swimmer)

Nam Joo Hyuk might as well qualify for the Olympics at this point! The rising star took on the role of a swimmer in two back-to-back dramas and brought a distinct charm to each character. In Who Are You: School 2015, he played Han Yi An—the cool, composed heartthrob of the school, reserved but emotionally intense. In contrast, his portrayal of Jung Joon Hyung in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo showed off his playful, outgoing side — still a campus heartthrob, but full of energy, mischief, and warmth. Nam Joo Hyuk delivered both roles with charisma and nuance, proving he’s more than just a pretty face—he’s got real acting chops too.

3. Hwang In Youp – 18 Again, True Beauty, Why Her, Family by Choice (Student)

It's hard to believe that Hwang In Youp is 34 years old, given his youthful appearance and frequent portrayal of high school students in his dramas. To his credit, he brings nuance to these roles—whether as a troubled bully, a charming heartthrob pining for his ex-best friend’s girl, a lovestruck teen enamored with an older woman, or a student falling for his close friend. While his performances have been consistently strong, some fans are eager to see him break free from the "handsome schoolboy" mold and take on more diverse and mature roles.

4. Lee Min Ho – Boys Over Flowers and The Heirs (Rich, Arrogant Boy)

Lee Min Ho has often been typecast as the quintessential rich, arrogant boy who falls for a feisty, less privileged girl—a trope he notably portrayed in Boys Over Flowers and The Heirs. Interestingly, these two dramas, despite the repetitive character arc, are among the biggest hits of his career and played a significant role in catapulting him to global stardom. While the "rich, arrogant boy" image may have defined the early phase of his career, Lee Min Ho has since expanded his repertoire, taking on a wider range of roles that highlight his growth and versatility as an actor.

5. Ji Chang Wook – Healer and The K2 (Secret Agent/Action Hero)

If you’re looking for a good-looking action hero with secret agent vibes, Ji Chang Wook is the perfect choice. With strong acting, good looks, and a fit physique, he excels in roles where he undertakes challenging missions and protects the woman he loves. In Healer, he plays a mysterious night courier deliveryman with a hidden identity, involved in secret missions. In The K2, Ji Chang Wook plays a former soldier turned bodyguard, entangled in political intrigue and a quest for personal vengeance, who needs a superhero when you've got him?

It’s worth noting that many contemporary female actors in K-dramas have taken on a wider variety of roles and shown more range in their careers. This may be partly influenced by the fact that a significant number of K-dramas are written by female screenwriters, who often create more complex and diverse roles for women. While this doesn’t mean male actors lack versatility, it does highlight an interesting dynamic in how roles are written and cast in the K-drama industry.

All the K-dramas mentioned above are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Viki. Which K-drama actor do you think nailed their role? Let us know in the comments below!

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