top of page

Best Hwang In-Yeop Dramas To Watch if You Loved Him in “Dear X”

Hwang In-yeop as Heo In-gang in Dear X (Credits: TVING)
Hwang In-yeop as Heo In-gang in Dear X (Credits: TVING)

Hwang In-yeop has quietly become one of the most dependable and charming actors in the K-drama world. His roles always feel warm, emotional, and sincere, and he has a way of making every character feel relatable.


With his latest series, Dear X, gaining huge buzz, many viewers are going back to revisit his older shows. If you are planning a binge session, here is a simple guide to his most talked-about K-dramas, along with what he brings to each role.


Hwang In-hyeop in Dear X


Hwang In-yeop as Heo In-gang in Dear X (Credits: TVING)
Hwang In-yeop as Heo In-gang in Dear X (Credits: TVING)

Dear X follows Baek A-jin (Kim Yoo-jung), a woman who has been manipulating people since childhood. She chooses specific “targets” she calls her X, people she can use to climb higher in life. A-jin studies their weaknesses, charms them, and then uses their emotions, status, or power to her advantage.


On the outside, her world looks flashy and successful, but behind it lies a pattern of broken trust and people she discards once they’re no longer useful.


Heo In-gang (Hwang In-yeop) becomes her newest X. A-jin sees him as the perfect tool for her next big step in the entertainment industry. He’s popular, admired, and emotionally vulnerable in ways she can exploit.


Hwang In-yeop as Heo In-gang in Dear X (Credits: TVING)
Hwang In-yeop as Heo In-gang in Dear X (Credits: TVING)

She wins him over by carefully tapping into his insecurities and presenting exactly what he wants to see.


To the public, they look like the ideal couple, but A-jin only sees him as a stepping stone. Once she gets the recognition and boost she needs from his fame, she plans to move on to her next target. In-gang is left caught in the middle, believing in a relationship that was never real for her.


1. True Beauty (2020 to 2021)


True Beauty (Credits: tvN)
True Beauty (Credits: tvN)

A beloved rom-com about a high school girl who becomes famous for her makeup skills while hiding her insecurities. Between friendship, romance, and self-acceptance, the show delivers all the feel-good moments you’d expect.


Hwang In-yeop as Han Seo-jun, this is one of the roles that skyrocketed him to fame. He plays the tough but soft-hearted second male lead who hides his pain behind a rebellious image. Fans still talk about his chemistry, charm, and heartbreaking moments.


2. The Sound of Magic (2022)


The Sound of Magic (Credits: Netflix)
The Sound of Magic (Credits: Netflix)

Magical, dreamy musical-style drama about a mysterious magician who appears out of nowhere and changes the lives of two struggling high schoolers. The story explores hardship, growing up too fast, and the childlike wonder adults often lose.


Hwang In-yeop as Na Il-deung, an academically gifted but emotionally lonely student. His character’s growth, from rigid and anxious to open-hearted and brave



3. Why Her (2022)


Why Her (Credits: SBS)
Why Her (Credits: SBS)

A powerful legal drama about Oh Soo-jae, a top lawyer whose life collapses after a scandal. While rebuilding her career, she becomes wrapped up in dangerous secrets involving her law firm and a chain of past crimes. The show blends mystery, romance, and a lot of courtroom tension.


Hwang In-yeop as Gong Chan, who is a warm, sincere law student with a painful past. His loyalty to Soo Jae becomes one of the emotional pillars of the show, and his character brings softness to the otherwise intense storyline.




Family By Choice (Credits: Viu)
Family By Choice (Credits: Viu)

This heartwarming slice-of-life drama follows a group of young adults who come together after facing loneliness, loss, and broken relationships. They slowly build a chosen family, learning to care for each other in quiet, meaningful ways.


Hwang In-yeop plays Kang Hyo-jin, a gentle, emotionally guarded man who carries old wounds but gradually lets others in.


5. 18 Again (2020)


18 Again (Credits: JTBC)
18 Again (Credits: JTBC)

A touching fantasy drama where a middle-aged man gets a second chance at life after magically turning back into his 18-year-old self. The show blends family warmth, regrets, and youth all in one.


Hwang In-yeop as Goo Ja-sung plays a school bully who slowly reveals a softer and surprisingly funny side. Even as a supporting character, he stood out for his on-screen presence and character growth.



Conclusion


Hwang In-yeop has built a strong list of dramas that show his range, from soft and emotional characters to complex roles filled with conflict. With Dear X boosting his popularity even more, this is the perfect time to explore the rest of his work and discover why fans love him so much.


Which Hwang In-yeop drama is your personal favorite, and why?


Comments


bottom of page