Im Si Wan: From “Squid Game” Villain to Your New K-Drama Obsession! Here Are 5 of His Top Works!
- lewishooper1
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
Forget Squid Game S3's villain, Im Si Wan's true charm shines in these must-watch K-dramas! We share five of his best dramas that should be on your watchlist!
From intense psychological thrillers to touching romance, you will remember Im Si Wan for breaking the hearts of many in "Squid Game Season 3", however his talent has captivated audiences long before this series.
This versatile star began in the K-pop group ZE:A before transitioning to acting, where he's tackled everything from a historical king to an office underdog and even a character trapped in a dystopia. Here are his top five dramas, all highly rated on IMDb, each one a testament to his incredible range in Korean television.
1. Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
Portraying an underdog intern, Im Si Wan shines as Jang Geu Rae in "Misaeng: Incomplete Life". Here, he plays a former baduk player who has no college degree, trying to navigate this cutthroat Korean corporate world from the ground up.
Im Si Wan's portrayal is remarkably honest and earnest, a performance that deeply resonated with audiences and helped make Misaeng a cultural phenomenon with impressive viewership. His ability to convey Geu Rae's struggles and growth without uttering a single false note is a testament to his skill. This is the reason why this drama has come in at Dojeon's number one pick!
2. The King in Love (2017)
If Im Si Wan in Squid Game Season 3 left a bad taste, "The King in Love" might just reinforce it. Here, he's Crown Prince Wang Won, caught in a complicated love triangle with his own best friend. His character's constant conflict between duty and desire can be incredibly frustrating, especially as the political intrigue intensifies. You might find yourself actively disliking his choices alongside co-stars Im Yoon Ah and Hong Jong Hyun. This period drama will for sure leave you with a sense of anger towards Im Si Wan as the plot thickens as the show progresses, though this is what makes his acting so great!
3. Triangle (2014)
Another throwback from the K-drama year of 2014 is Triangle. This might scratch that itch of hate even further. Here, he plays the youngest of three brothers separated at birth, adopted into a wealthy chaebol family, which transforms him into a cold, cynical individual. As the long-lost brothers, including Lee Beom Soo and Kim Jae Joong, reunite two decades later, Im Si Wan's detached and seemingly unfeeling portrayal could easily make him the character you love to despise in this popular crime melodrama.
4. Strangers from Hell (2019)
If Im Si Wan's unsettling turn in Squid Game Season 3 had you hating him, Strangers from Hell delivers an even more intense experience. As Yoon Jong Woo, a young man trapped in a truly nightmarish apartment, his portrayal of a mind unravelling is so raw and convincing that it might make you want to scream at your screen. Fans have loved to hate the sheer helplessness and paranoia he embodies, as he's relentlessly tormented by bizarre neighbors, especially with Lee Dong Wook's character pushing him to his breaking point. You'll feel every bit of his character's descent, making it easy to despise the torment he endures and the twisted path he's forced down. This drama has made it into the list for the psychological torment that captured thousands of K-drama fans worldwide, including the Dojeon team.
5. Run On (2020)
Last up on our list has to be Run On, which, after seeing Im Si Wan's darker roles, offers a complete 180 that might actually make you miss hating him. Here, he transforms into Ki Seon Gyeom, a former sprinter turned sports agent whose gentle, almost naïve charm might be disarming after the intensity of Squid Game Season 3.
His slow-burn romance with movie subtitle translator Oh Mi Joo is incredibly sweet and tender, and honestly, we found ourselves completely charmed by his portrayal of a man learning to navigate love and life with quiet sincerity. While some might find his character's slow pace frustrating after his more explosive roles, this drama was genuinely one of 2020's most beloved, showcasing a softer, incredibly endearing side of Im Si Wan that you simply can't help but fall for.
Which moment do you hate the most? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
Comments