Favorite Ahjussis in K-dramas That Captured Our Hearts
Die-hard K-drama fans know that ahjussis and ahjummas are a must in any drama. If you’re unaware of the term, this basically refers to middle-aged men and women, those who are likely married and have a wealth of experience behind them.
Our love and hate relationship with them depend on their character in each drama. Sometimes we cheer for them, while other times we want them dead – pronto! Here are our favorite ahjussis; let us know which of their characters charmed you!
Jo Han Chul
You probably remember the suck-up CEO of the Woosang Law Firm in the 2021 hit series, Vincenzo. The role is played by Jo Han Chul, who has been an actor since the early 2000’s. He is most likely to play a decent guy who is good but seems to get in his way most of the time. He will probably appear to be the tortured guy who likes to give long speeches about why and how his life sucks. His most recent roles include the series The Law Café (2022), Jirisan (2021), and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021).
Yoo Jae Myung
He is a highly talented veteran capable of playing diverse roles. He won the best supporting actor award for his role in the 2018 television series Life. He appeared as the lead actress’s father in Vincenzo (2021).
His other notable parts include Itaewon class (2020), Confession (2019), Hometown (2021), Prison Playbook (2017), and The Good Wife (2016).
Chun Ho Jin
Chun Ho Jin is the household bad guy in K-dramas. He is skillful in bringing to life wealth, power, and arrogance. He is often cast as the villain antagonist, a headache to the protagonists and tough to get rid of. It is an extra treat for the audience when he plays a good guy. He is best known for his role in Once again (2020), My Golden Life (2017), The Road: The Tragedy of One (2021), and Beyond Evil (2021).
Kim Kwang-Gyu
Kim Kwang-Gyu is a versatile actor often cast as the goofy and fun character that appears dumb. He often sides with the protagonists and is the best at panicky scenes. His presence in a film spells comedic scenes. Among others, he’s appeared in A Business Proposal (2022), Keu Keu Island’s Secret (2008), Lovers of the Red Sky (2021), and Pinocchio (2014).
Choi Won Young
Choi Won Young has played both supporting and lead roles since his debut in the early 2000s. He is seen in series including Under the Queens Umbrella (2022), The Golden Spoon (2022), My Dangerous wife (2020), Mystic Pop-Up Bar (2020), and Doctor Prisoner (2019), among others.
Sung Dong Il
Whether playing an “appa” or a villain, Dong Il makes an impact with every role he takes up. His easily irritable and loud father character will make you sob when he tries not to cry. You may have come across him in Hwarang (2016), Prison Playbook (2017), Miss Hammurabi (2018), The Cursed (2020), Jirisan (2021), and the Reply Series (2012-2016).
Kim Won-Hae
He has been in the industry for more than two decades and has the most prolific and versatile role listed under his name. He has a natural comedic talent and a flamboyance around him, enabling him to take up the most unconventional roles and excel in bringing them to life. His versatility allows him to excel in both humorous and serious roles.
His other iconic roles are boasted in various series and movies, including Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017), While You Were Sleeping (2017), The Ghost Detective (2018), Are You Human (2018), On the Woman (2021), Confidential Assignment 2: International (2022), and Forbidden Dream (2019), to name a few.
Jo Hee-bong
Hee-bong has been in the industry since 1997 and has a long list of films and television shows to his name. He has played various roles, from a prison inmate, company executive, state councilor, detective, brother-in-law, office worker, manager, restaurant owner, and father.
He appeared in The Good Detective (2022), Insider (2022), The Red Sleeve (2021), Unasked Family (2019), Your House helper (2018), and My Sassy Girl (2017), among others.
Ahn Kil-Kang
He is excellent at any role, whether the good, the vulnerable, the bad, the respected, the misfortunate, or the wealthy character. He has had an impressive industry portfolio since his debut in the 1997 Movie Trio. He can be humorous, cracking the viewers up, and serious, making viewers dread his next actions dubbing him the villain specialist.
He also plays the role of the caring and loving father like in the 2020 series Into The Ring, and sometimes he is the warm grandfather and husband like in Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020).
He has starred in various roles, including Sell Your Haunted House (2021), Queen of Seondeok (2009), Bad Thief, Good Thief (2017), Children of a Lesser God, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016).
Im Won-hee
After his debut in the 1998 film The Happenings, Im Won-hee has gone on to appear in various roles highlighting his adaptability and flexibility as an actor. Among his most iconic roles lead actor in the 2000 and 2008 films Dachimawa Lee, Le Grand Chef (2007), and Three… Extremes (2004).
He has also been cast in dramas including Moonshine (2021), Move to Heaven (2021), Dr Romantic (2016), Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017), Melting Me Softly (2019), and Dark Hole (2021), among others.
So there we have it! Our spotlight shining on our favourite Ahjussis in K-dramas. Which ones are your favourites? Let us know in the comments below.