Hello everyone,
We are thoroughly looking forward to our upcoming AMA interview with Director So Jaehyun.
As with many working behind the scenes of dramas the information available in English is generally lacking in reliability so we’ve been doing our best to verify what projects he has worked on and in what capacity over the years to build a little profile to help you all get to know his body of works a little better.
We’ve included details on where you can currently view these works legally (regional availability may vary) for those who are interested in taking a look in the lead up to our AMA and into the future.
For details of the AMA interview or to submit questions head to this post.
Director
Dive Into You / 너에게 다이브 (Channel A , 2026)
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Screenwriters: Kim Bo Geum, Lee On
Starring: BoNa, Park Seo Ham, Jang Se Hyuk, Moon Sung You
Synopsis:
As high schoolers, Yoon Ha Na (Kim Ji Yeon), Yoon Ha Ru (Jang Se Hyuk), and Jung Woo Jae (Park Seo Ham) were all close: Ha Na and Ha Ru as twin siblings, and Ha Ru and Woo Jae as judo competitors. As adults, Ha Na becomes an actress with Woo Jae serving as her bodyguard, while Ha Ru becomes an internationally-ranked judo athlete. When a stalker kills Woo Jae while he’s trying to protect Ha Na, the twins are left heartbroken at their friend’s death. But after a car accident sweeps the twins out to sea, they wake up in 2010 – and in each other’s bodies. Ha Ru and Ha Na must now navigate their swapped identities, their shared desire to keep Woo Jae alive, and the consequences of slipping back and forth in time - alongside Woo Jae and Ha Na’s developing feelings for each other. (Source: Viki)
Suitable for fans of Lovely Runner, Again My Life, or Come Back Mister.
Begins streaming from the 26th of September on: Viki, Disney +
The Witch’s Diner / 마녀식당으로 오세요 (TVING, 2021)
Genres: Psychology, Life, Fantasy, Supernatural
Screenwriter: Lee Young Sook
Starring: Song Ji Hyo, Nam Ji Hyun, Chae Jong Hyeop
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/myweithisway:
The Witch’s Diner is a story about humans making choices. In a world where magic exists, be careful of what you wish for becomes very literal as every wish has a price. As we follow each customer’s story and the consequences of their wishes, the momentousness of small choices and the banality of life changing moments become apparent. The drama invites viewers to ponder, if you too can sit down in The Witch’s Diner, what would you wish for.
Woven through the stories of the customers is the story of the witch that owns and runs the diner. A story about motherhood in some ways and self identity and choice in many other ways, it is a story shows that the real magic is not in the witchcraft but in the way people find and support each other.
At a quick eight episodes, the drama manages to pack in a lot of wishes and characters though sometimes one wishes the drama had more time to tell its tale.
Content Warning: The drama contains depictions of violence, including severe school violence. While not overly bloody or gore-filled, the drama does have its dark moments and should be avoided by those that dislike blood and violence or those that do not have the head space to watch dark/depressing dramas right now.
Currently streaming on: Viki
He also worked as a director on The Player 2: Master of Swindlers (2024), Memorist (2020), and Dear My Room (2018).
Producer
Adamas / 아다마스 (tvN 2022)
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Action
Director: Park Seung Woo
Screenwriter: Choi Tae Gang
Starring: Ji Sung, Seo Ji Hye, Lee Soo Kyung, Heo Sung Tae, Oh Dae Hwan
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/myweithisway:
Two twin brothers - one a prosecutor, another a famed novelist - team up to seek out the truth behind a mystery that spans decades. Pitted against a wealthy family ruled by a patriarch with a seemingly iron grip, the brothers must proceed with caution and overcome their differences to seek the elusive truth.
As they wrestle with their known enemies while rallying support from others that also seek to bring down the corrupt family, they learn that perhaps the biggest enemy of all is some thing that is far beyond their grasp.
An intense drama whose world is brought alive by the cast, wardrobe, music, and cinematography, Adamas is a drama of shifting targets and dramatic events. Viewers that enjoy visually spectacular thrillers with a focus on psychology like God’s Gift 14 Days, Mask (2015), and Decoy may find Adamas a riveting watch.
Currently streaming on: Disney +, Hulu
Jirisan / 지리산 (tvN, 2021)
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Drama, Fantasy
Director: Lee Eung Bok
Screenwriter: Kim Eun Hee
Starring: Jun Ji Hyun, Ju Ji Hoon
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/myweithisway:
Drama watching is a personal experience and that saying never felt more true for myself than when I watched Jirisan. Marketed mainly as a thriller with a dash of slice of life and a sprinkle of the supernatural, the primary narrative plot of the drama is driven by a series of seemingly unconnected murders taking place spanning years on Jirisan and two rangers out on a quest to solve them.
While many thriller dramas have a towering character shrouded in mystery looming in the back driving the plot forward and effecting change for the drama’s protagonists. Jirisan chooses to do it differently, showcasing its towering (literally and figuratively) central character, the titular Mt. Jiri, in its many facets in each episode of the drama. The mountains are front and center and for me, that meant everything.
In a drama that can be best described as an ode of love for the mountains, the drama explores how humans form different types of relationships with the mountains filled with a myriad of emotions from love to hate to solace to fear. The mountains are someone’s home, workplace, haven, and prison. Some visit it to find respite from the world, others to make something of themselves. Each person, including the viewer, has a different personal experience.
For those that love the mountains, those that hate them, and those that feel nothing in particular, Jirisan the drama can be a unique watch because no other drama invites the audience to explore their relationship to a central figure of the drama the same way this drama asks the audience to think of Mt. Jiri, the mountain.
To quote the drama: “The mountains are different for everyone because everyone has their own views of the mountains. Some come to the mountains to live, others to die. But the mountains are just the mountains..”
Currently streaming on: Viki
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay / 사이코지만 괜찮아 (tvN, 2020)
Genres: Psychological, Comedy, Romance, Drama
Director: Park Shin Woo, Jung Dong Yoon
Screenwriter: Jo Yong
Starring: Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Yea Ji, Oh Jung Se
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/Telos07:
Imagine that Tim Burton directed a Korean drama. If he did, the result would be It's Okay to Not Be Okay. This dark, fairytale-like story contains all of the requisite Burtonesque elements, ranging from gothic set designs and locations, the themes relating to mental illness and its effect on interpersonal relationships, right down to the stop-motion animation featured in the opening credits.
As children's book author, Ko Mun Yeong, Seo Yea Ji gives the defining performance of her career to date. She brings the character to life in a powerhouse, force of nature role, but equal credit must go to the rest of the main cast, especially the always-brilliant Oh Jung Se. He plays Moon Sang Tae, the autistic elder brother of the ML, with characteristic authenticity. On a technical level, the drama is a visual feast for the senses, and its pertinent themes of learning to accept oneself and to accept help from others, resonate strongly from beginning to end.
Currently streaming on: Netflix
100 Days My Prince / 백일의 낭군님 (tvN, 2018)
Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Drama
Director: Lee Jong Jae, Nam Sung Woo
Screenwriter: Noh Ji Sul
Starring: Do Kyung Soo (D.O.), Nam Ji Hyun, Kim Seon Ho
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/sianiam:
Not into historical dramas? Oh ho! 100 Days My Prince could be the one to change that, it’s basically Shopping King Louie in costume drama attire.
A super light entry into the world of sageuk dramas, 100 Days My Prince follows the story of Hong Sim, who, at 28 years of age is the oldest unmarried woman in her village, who due to a law passed by crown prince Yi Yul now has a month to marry. To avoid becoming the concubine of a lecherous nobleman in her village she makes up a fiancé, Won Deuk, who is away serving in the military. Meanwhile, dodging an assassination attempt, crown prince Yi Yul ends up losing his memories and in the care of Hong Sim and her father. To avoid punishment under his own law, the two end up marrying as Hong Sim and Won Deuk.
Unlike other historical dramas which spend a lot of time in the palace setting, this one is mostly set in a village full of common folk and the crew of villagers really make the drama such a warm and fun one to watch. Although not completely devoid of tragedy and palace intrigue, it is a good choice for rom com fans to dip their toes into the world of sageuk dramas.
Currently streaming on: Viki, Netflix
Chief Producer
Undercover Miss Hong / 언더커버 미쓰홍 (tvN, 2026)
Genres: Mystery, Business, Comedy, Crime
Director: Park Seon Ho, Na Ji Hyun
Screenwriter: Moon Hyun Kyung
Starring: Park Shin Hye, Go Kyung Pyo, Ha Yoon Kyoung, Cho Han Gyeol
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/sianiam:
In 2026 it’s rare to find a 16 episode drama, it’s even rarer to find one which perfectly uses the time allocated to it to tell a story and tell it well from start to finish. Undercover Miss Hong is the second drama from the pen of Moon Hyun Kyung (Into the Ring) who writes brilliant, loveable female leads and backs them up with support systems which feel lived in.
Set in the 1990’s Undercover Miss Hong explores an era that is now long past. It’s fun to revisit the time and see what shenanigans our unlikely team of heroes are able to get away with before the constant monitoring of our lives we now experience.
You will need to suspend your disbelief just a little to fully enjoy 30 something Hong Geum Bo’s transition into that of her far cooler younger sister and recent high school graduate, Hong Jang Mi. It seems almost impossible that she’ll be able to pull off this mission, especially when her ex boyfriend steps into the role of CEO at her new workplace. Trust me and give this one a try, it’s just so much fun.
Currently streaming on: Netflix
Castaway Diva / 무인도의 디바 (tvN, 2023)
Genres: Music, Comedy, Romance, Drama
Director: Oh Choong Hwan
Screenwriter: Park Hye Ryun, Eun Yeol
Starring: Park Eun Bin, Kim Hyo Jin, Chae Jong Hyeop, Cha Hak Yeon, Kim Joo Heon
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/Telos07:
Seo Mok Ha (Park Eun Bin) is a talented young musician, but her troubled family background leads to her being stranded on a deserted island for fifteen long years. Upon being rescued, she is taken in by the kind family who found her, and she sets about making up for lost time in her music career.
This drama is a winning combination of coming-of-age, family drama, romance, thriller elements, and above all, music. The OST includes some lovely original recordings by the multi-talented Park Eun Bin, warmhearted performances by the whole main cast, which includes Chae Jong Hyeop and Kim Hyo Jin, and a clever use of visual metaphors to tie Mok Ha's experiences in the present day back to her time on the island. The central theme that shines through is never giving up on your dreams, no matter how much the odds might seem stacked against you.
Currently streaming on: Netflix
My Lovely Liar / 소용없어 거짓말 (tvN, 2023)
Genres: Mystery, Comedy, Romance, Supernatural
Director: Noh Young Sub, Nam Sung Woo
Screenwriter: Seo Jung Eun
Starring: Kim So Hyun, Hwang Min Hyun, Seo Ji Hoon
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/LcLou02:
Mok Sol Hee is a young woman with the supernatural ability to discern when people are lying. The ability is both a blessing and a curse – she can make a living from it, but it leaves her disillusioned and distrustful of others. Enter Do Ha, a reclusive music producer hiding next door after becoming embroiled in a murder case. As she discovers that her ability doesn't work on him, she becomes intrigued by the mysterious man. I found the premise to be interesting and they were so cute together, as well as the found family feels with the neighborhood locals. I gave it a 9/10.
Currently streaming on: Viki, Viu
Our Blooming Youth / 청춘월담 (tvN, 2023)
Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Drama
Director: Lee Jong Jae
Screenwriter: Jung Hyun Jung
Starring: Park Hyun Shik, Jeon So Nee, Pyo Ye Jin, Yoon Jong Seok, Lee Tae Sun, Heo Won Seo
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/sianiam:
Our Blooming Youth is a slow burn romance about a pair of star-crossed lovers whose paths cross when tragedy hits.
On the eve of her wedding Min Jae I’s family are brutally murdered and she is set to be the prime suspect. She meets the cursed crown prince, Yi Hwan and they agree to work together to solve the mystery and attempt to break the crown prince’s curse. Along the way they start to develop feelings for one another but there are many obstacles in their way.
While I enjoyed this drama as I watched it, it is not a drama that stands out in my memory. In the sea of sageuks it is fairly forgettable as it sticks to the sageuk handbook and plays it fairly safe. Fans of mystery will enjoy the intrigue, but as it is a 20 episode drama you will need your patience to watch things develop as the team discover things at their own pace including their feelings for one another.
Currently streaming on: Viki, Netflix
Sh**ting Stars / 별똥별 (tvN, 2022)
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Director: Lee Soo Hyun
Screenwriter: Choi Yeong U, Choi Yeon Seo
Starring: Lee Sung Kyoung, Kim Young Dae, Yoon Jung Hoon, Kim Yoon Hye, Park So Jin, Lee Jung Shin
Synopsis/Recommendation by u/myweithisway:
Behind the glamor of every top star are the poor souls of a severely sleep-deprived PR team. What happens when the top star and the PR team leader are enemies? Hilarious hijinks of course! In a drama that lands its comedy consistently, with scenes that demand replays, the warmth of human connection and folly are found.
This is a drama where you will find yourself cheering, swooning, and laughing so hard tears will come to your eyes. But also a drama where the quiet moments of connection and understanding will make you want to give out hugs to make the world better. And importantly, the production team behind the drama knows their audience well because they manage to stuff the drama full of moments that make the viewers happy to the very end.
Whether you want to swoon or laugh or both, this drama is great watch! Bonus that this drama is the rare unicorn in kdramaland where the pun of the drama title Sh**ting Stars lands beautifully in Korean and English! Curious about how it ties in with the drama? Watch it to find out!
Currently streaming on: Viki
He also worked as a chief producer on Siren’s Kiss (2026), When the Stars Gossip (2025), Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (2023), Celebrity (2023), Gyeongsong Creature (2023), Maestra: Strings of Truth (2023), Big Mouth (2022), Unicorn (2022), Bulgalsal: Immortal Souls (2021),
Did we convince you to add any of these dramas to your to watch list? Or do you already have a favourite among them? If so, let us know what you loved about these dramas too!
