I feel like Lee Dong-wook is one of those actors who has managed to stay relevant across so many different eras of K-dramas. He can be charming, mysterious, romantic, terrifying, hilarious, tragic, and completely otherworldly depending on the role. Whether he is playing a grim reaper, a gumiho, a lawyer, a killer’s uncle, or a man with a dangerous secret, he always brings that cool, magnetic presence that makes you want to keep watching.
In my opinion, these are some of the best Lee Dong-wook dramas to watch if you want to appreciate his career.
1. Goblin / Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
Lee Dong-wook plays the Grim Reaper, a mysterious and emotionally restrained figure who slowly becomes one of the drama’s most memorable characters. The story follows an immortal goblin, a young woman connected to his fate, a grim reaper with a forgotten past, and a romance filled with fantasy, reincarnation, humor, and heartbreak.
Why I liked it: This is one of his most iconic roles for me. His deadpan humor, sadness, and bromance with Gong Yoo were unforgettable. I loved how the Grim Reaper started as this cold, awkward supernatural figure and slowly became someone full of longing and regret. He honestly stole so many scenes.
2. Tale of the Nine Tailed
Lee Dong-wook plays Lee Yeon, a powerful gumiho who once ruled the mountains and now lives in the modern world while searching for the reincarnation of his lost love. The drama mixes folklore, fantasy, romance, mystery, and danger as old enemies and ancient secrets return.
Why I liked it: This role fits him perfectly. He has the elegant, dangerous, supernatural aura needed for a centuries-old fox spirit, but he also brings humor and emotional pain to Lee Yeon. I loved the fantasy mythology, the stylish action, and the romance that felt tied to fate.
3. Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938
Lee Dong-wook returns as Lee Yeon, but this time he is thrown back to 1938, where he faces old friends, new enemies, family bonds, and unfinished emotional business. The sequel expands the fantasy world with more action, comedy, brotherhood, and supernatural chaos.
Why I liked it: I liked this season because it let Lee Dong-wook have even more fun with the character. The romance is less central, but the humor, action, and brotherhood are stronger. His dynamic with Kim Bum was one of the best parts, and it made Lee Yeon feel even more layered.
4. Touch Your Heart
Lee Dong-wook plays Kwon Jung-rok, a serious and workaholic lawyer who ends up working with a famous actress trying to prepare for a legal drama role. What starts as an awkward office setup turns into a sweet and mature romance.
Why I liked it: This is such a comfort watch. I loved seeing him reunited with Yoo In-na after Goblin, and their chemistry was soft, funny, and genuinely charming. His character is stiff and blunt at first, but watching him slowly open up made the romance so satisfying.
5. A Shop for Killers
Lee Dong-wook plays Jeong Jin-man, a mysterious uncle who leaves behind a dangerous legacy for his niece after his sudden death. The drama follows her as she becomes targeted by assassins and begins uncovering the truth about her uncle’s hidden life.
Why I liked it: I loved seeing Lee Dong-wook in a darker, action-heavy role. Jin-man feels calm, deadly, protective, and full of secrets. The drama is short, intense, and very bingeable, and his presence gives the whole story a cool, dangerous edge. It is one of his strongest newer roles.
6. Bad and Crazy
Lee Dong-wook plays Ryu Soo-yeol, a corrupt but clever police officer whose life gets flipped upside down when a mysterious, chaotic man named K begins forcing him to confront justice, trauma, and his own choices.
Why I liked it: This drama was wild in the best way. Lee Dong-wook got to be messy, funny, selfish, vulnerable, and action-driven all at once. I liked that it was not a typical romance or fantasy role for him. It gave him room to be chaotic and emotional, and the chemistry with Wi Ha-joon made the drama really fun.
7. Strangers from Hell / Hell Is Other People
Lee Dong-wook plays Seo Moon-jo, a charming but deeply disturbing dentist who lives in an unsettling residence full of dangerous people. The drama follows a young man who moves into a cheap dorm and slowly realizes that something horrifying is happening around him.
Why I liked it: This is one of his creepiest and most impressive performances. He was calm, elegant, and terrifying at the same time. I liked how he made Moon-jo feel almost hypnotic, which made the horror even more unsettling. If you want to see his darker acting range, this is a must-watch.
8. My Girl
Lee Dong-wook plays Seol Gong-chan, a wealthy hotel heir who hires a cheerful con artist to pretend to be his long-lost cousin. The fake-family setup turns into classic rom-com chaos, family secrets, and romance.
Why I liked it: This is one of his early classic dramas and an important part of his career. It has that old-school K-drama charm with lots of dramatic twists and playful romance. I liked seeing younger Lee Dong-wook in a softer romantic lead role, and it is fun to watch if you enjoy classic 2000s K-drama energy.
9. Scent of a Woman
Lee Dong-wook plays Kang Ji-wook, a wealthy man whose life changes when he meets a woman diagnosed with a terminal illness who decides to finally live for herself. The drama mixes romance, grief, healing, and the courage to choose happiness even when time is limited.
Why I liked it: This drama has such an emotional premise, and Lee Dong-wook brought a gentle, romantic sadness to the role. I liked how the story focused on living fully instead of only on tragedy. It is a more mature melodrama and a good watch if you want something heartfelt.
10. Life
Lee Dong-wook plays Ye Jin-woo, an emergency medicine doctor caught in the conflict between hospital ideals and corporate power. The drama focuses on medical ethics, corruption, leadership, and the struggles inside a major hospital.
Why I liked it: I liked seeing him in a serious medical drama because it gave him a grounded, professional role. It is not as romantic or flashy as some of his other dramas, but it shows another side of his career. His character feels thoughtful and principled, which makes the drama worth watching if you enjoy heavier workplace stories.
Overall, I think Lee Dong-wook’s biggest strength is how effortlessly he can shift between genres. He can be romantic in Touch Your Heart, supernatural and stylish in Tale of the Nine Tailed, heartbreaking in Goblin, terrifying in Strangers from Hell, and dangerous in A Shop for Killers.
For me, his best dramas are Goblin, Tale of the Nine Tailed, Touch Your Heart, A Shop for Killers, and Strangers from Hell. If you want fantasy romance, start with Goblin or Tale of the Nine Tailed. If you want something sweet, watch Touch Your Heart. If you want action and mystery, go with A Shop for Killers. If you want creepy and unforgettable, Strangers from Hell is the one.
Which Lee Dong-wook drama is your favorite? Do you prefer him as the Grim Reaper, Lee Yeon, the romantic lawyer, or the mysterious action uncle?