The ongoing drama between former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE executives concerning NewJeans  is also

Ji Chang-wook in his most powerful K-drama roles over the years (Credits: Spring Company) Ji Chang-wook has built one of the strongest careers in K-dramas, moving effortlessly between action thrillers, emotional romances, crime stories, and darker, morally complex roles. In 2025, his return with The Manipulated  once again proved why he remains one of the most versatile actors in the industry. From iconic action heroes to deeply flawed characters, these seven dramas showcase the best of Ji Chang-wook! 1. The Manipulated (2025) The Manipulated (Credits: Disney+) Jang Tae-ho ( Ji Chang-wook ) is an ordinary man whose life collapses overnight after being falsely accused of a violent crime. As he struggles to survive inside a brutal system, he slowly uncovers a larger scheme that turned him into a scapegoat. The story follows his transformation from a powerless victim into someone determined to expose the truth and take revenge on those who destroyed his life. Aired:   Nov 5, 2025 - Dec 3, 2025 No. of Episodes:  12 Cast:  Ji Chang-wook, Do Kyung-soo Streaming Platform:  Disney+ 2. Healer (2014–2015) Healer (Credits: KBS2) Known only by his codename, Seo Jung-hoo ( Ji Chang-wook ) works as a night courier who handles dangerous missions for the right price. While investigating a decades-old conspiracy, he crosses paths with passionate reporter Chae Young-shin ( Park Min-young ). As secrets from the past resurface, Jung-hoo is forced to confront his own identity and hidden trauma. Aired:   Dec 8, 2014 - Feb 10, 2015 No. of Episodes:  20 Cast:  Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young , Yoo Ji-tae Streaming Platform:  Viki 3. The Worst of Evil (2023) The Worst of Evil (Credits: Disney+) In 1990s Seoul, undercover detective Park Jun-mo ( Ji Chang-wook ) infiltrates a powerful drug syndicate led by Jung Gi-cheol ( Wi Ha-joon ). As Jun-mo climbs higher within the criminal organization, his personal life and moral boundaries begin to crumble. The drama explores how far someone can go before losing themselves completely. Aired:   Sep 27, 2023 - Oct 25, 2023 No. of Episodes:  16 Cast:  Ji Chang-wook, Wi Ha-joon , Im Se-mi Streaming Platform:  Disney+ 4. Empress Ki (2013–2014) Empres Ki (Credits: MBC) Set during the Goryeo and Yuan Dynasty era, the story follows Ta Hwan ( Ji Chang-wook ), a weak and insecure emperor who slowly grows into a ruler shaped by power and loss. His complicated relationship with Ki Seung-nyang ( Ha Ji-won ) drives much of the emotional tension, as love, ambition, and survival collide within the royal court. Aired:   Oct 28, 2013 - Apr 29, 2014 No. of Episodes:  51 Cast:  Ji Chang-wook, Ha Ji-won , Joo Jin-mo Streaming Platform:  Viki 5. Suspicious Partner (2017) Suspicious Partner (Credits: SBS) Sharp prosecutor No Ji-wook ( Ji Chang-wook ) finds his career derailed after meeting trainee lawyer Eun Bong-hee ( Nam Ji-hyun ), who becomes entangled in a murder case. As they work together to uncover the truth behind a serial killer, their professional partnership slowly turns into a complicated romance filled with tension and trust issues. Aired:   May 10, 2017 - Jul 13, 2017 No. of Episodes:  40 Cast:  Ji Chang-wook, Nam Ji-hyun , Choi Tae-joon Streaming Platform:  Viki, Netflix 6. Backstreet Rookie (2020) Backstreet Rookie (Credits: SBS) Choi Dae-hyun ( Ji Chang-wook ) runs a small convenience store and lives a quiet, uneventful life until bold and outspoken Jung Saet-byul ( Kim Yoo-jung ) starts working there. As they navigate misunderstandings, social judgment, and personal growth, the drama balances light romance with themes of independence and self-worth. Aired:   Jun 19, 2020 - Aug 8, 2020 No. of Episodes:  16 Cast:  Ji Chang-wook, Kim Yoo-jung Streaming Platform:  Netflix 7. Lovestruck in the City (2020–2021) Lovestruck in the City (Credits: Kakao TV) Architect Park Jae-won ( Ji Chang-wook ) cannot forget a woman he met during a summer vacation, unaware that she has reinvented herself to escape her own emotional scars. Told through interview-style storytelling, the drama explores modern relationships, heartbreak, and how people cope with love in different ways. Aired:   Dec 22, 2020 - Feb 16, 2021 No. of Episodes:  17 Cast:  Ji Chang-wook, Kim Ji-won Streaming Platform:  Netflix Final Thoughts Ji Chang-wook’s filmography reflects an actor unafraid to evolve. From iconic action roles like Healer  to the raw intensity of The Manipulated , he continues to push boundaries with each project. Whether you enjoy romance, thrillers, or dark revenge stories, his dramas offer something for every kind of viewer. Which Ji Chang-wook drama is your all-time favorite, or did The Manipulated  top your list? Let us know in the comments! #JiChangWook #bestworks #koreanedramaactor #kdramalist

sees the SEVENTEEN group, who returns with their 10th mini-album embracing elements familiar to other HYBE

"JYP and HYBE both apologized, but SM refuses to budge.

BTS kicks off their European leg of the ARIRANG World Tour in Spain (HYBE/BigHit Music) From sold-out

STRAY KIDS Official Merch Sale Draws Hundreds of K-Pop Fans in the US. Here is what the Dojeon team knows! Image: K-pop band STRAYKIDS - Photo: nolae.nl The Big Three So why is STRAY KIDS becoming so popular in the US? The US has previously, up until very recently, focused on the "big three": BLACKPINK , BTS , and PSY . Making a stand Stray Kids have cemented their position as a main player in the K-pop market in the US, and they are backed by impressive sales figures and chart victories. The recent album release from STRAY KIDS went viral on social media for the extreme waiting lines and ranking second in album sales the band should be proud. Their consistent success firmly places them as the second-most-accomplished K-pop act in the U.S., trailing only BTS. Adding to their expanding list of accolades, one of their beloved singles recently earned the group another notable win, so what makes them stand out in the US to other K-pop groups? Stray Kids Solidifies U.S. Dominance with Latest RIAA Honor The US audience, of course prefers English music, however with the rise in K-culture bands like Stray Kids are helping to put K-pop on the Western map. It is very rare for a South Korean group to snag a US Single certification, which makes it a massive milestone in the K-pop world. Let's face it, the US is one of, if not the biggest stage in the world, and only a handful of acts in the past have managed this impressive feat, and Stray Kids are definitely making their mark, and that can be seen with their recent RIAA honors . They're definitely making their mark, even if BTS  still holds the top spot with their extensive collection of certified hits—including many that have soared past gold status. Stray Kids: Connecting with America Through Honest Lyrics and Genuine Personalities Stray Kids often tackle themes of struggle, self-discovery, identity, and mental health in their lyrics. This resonates deeply with a younger audience, offering comfort and relatability beyond typical love songs, and it also rings true for so many Americans today. Beyond their stage personas, the members are known for their chaotic yet endearing personalities, often showcased in their abundant online content (reality shows, behind-the-scenes videos, social media). This helps fans feel a genuine connection to them as individuals and as a "family. With WOKE culture  in the US having hit an all time high, all of these traits that Stray Kids seem to be showcasing certainly help! Want to read more about how Stray Kids are changing the face of K-pop? Then check out our other article; https://www.dojeonmedia.com/post/here-s-why-stray-kids-is-changing-the-face-of-k-pop What are your thoughts on the STRAY KIDS merch frenzy? Share your comments below! #STRAYKIDS #STRAYKIDS_Merch #KpopFans #USKpop #STRAYKIDSUS

Also in previous years, South Korean multinational entertainment company HYBE hosted auditions for potential

a standout track from Katseye's debut EP SIS (Soft Is Strong) , released on July 26, 2024, through Hybe

why-can-t-this-k-pop-trainee-get-signed-guinn-myah-from-girls-planet-999 https://www.dojeonmedia.com/post/hybe-reveals-its-training-development-of-global-k-pop-artists-jimin-almost-didn-t-make-it

BTS Group Concept Photo from Arirang Album (HYBE) BTS surprised fans around the world after announcing

have gone viral of the party organized by Hobi, as he is affectionately known, on the top floor of the HYBE

it's Jimin bursting into laughter mid-performance, Jin turning a speech into a comedy segment, J-Hope hyping BTS (Credits: respawn, @HYBE, @Google @GettyImages) Whether it's Jin encouraging fans not to pressure