7 Best TV Shows with Choi Hyun-Wook Every K-Drama Fan Must Watch

If you’ve watched Twinkling Watermelon, chances are you still remember Choi Hyun-Wook as the young father of Ha Eun-gyeol 😁. That heartfelt performance turned him into one of the most talked-about rising stars in K-dramas. Since then, he’s impressed viewers with everything from intense school action to emotional romance, proving he can shine in almost any genre.

His latest Netflix drama, Notes from the Last Row, has once again put him in the spotlight and introduced his talent to even more fans around the world. If you’re looking for the best TV shows with Choi Hyun-Wook, this list has you covered. From fan-favorite hits to his newest release, here are seven must-watch dramas that perfectly showcase why he’s one of Korea’s most exciting young actors today.

Why Choi Hyun-Wook Is One of Korea’s Rising Stars

Choi Hyun-Wook has quickly become one of the most exciting young actors in the Korean entertainment industry. Although he impressed viewers with memorable performances in Racket Boys, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, and Twinkling Watermelon, his popularity reached a whole new level when Weak Hero Class 1 began trending worldwide on Netflix. His powerful portrayal of Ahn Su-ho won praise from both critics and K-drama fans, helping him gain a rapidly growing international fanbase.

What makes Choi Hyun-Wook stand out is his ability to bring depth and emotion to every role, whether he’s playing a loyal friend, a charming romantic lead, or a fearless student. Now, with his latest Netflix drama Notes from the Last Row, he’s once again proving why he’s one of Korea’s brightest rising stars. If you’re just discovering his work, these TV shows are the perfect place to start.

1. Twinkling Watermelon 🍉 (2023)

If there’s one drama that truly introduced Choi Hyun-Wook to a global audience, it’s Twinkling Watermelon. Instead of playing the usual perfect hero, he stepped into the role of Ha Yi-chan, a carefree teenager whose life slowly changes through love, friendship, and family. His natural expressions, comic timing, and emotional scenes made the character feel incredibly real, which is why many fans and also i still call this his career-defining performance.

One of the biggest reasons the drama became unforgettable is the father-son connection. Watching Choi Hyun-Wook as the young father of Ha Eun-gyeol 😁 before he actually becomes a parent creates an emotional journey that keeps getting better with every episode. The chemistry between the cast never feels forced, making every happy and heartbreaking moment easy to connect with.

Story Summary

A high school student accidentally travels back to 1995 and meets his young parents before they fall in love. What begins as a time-travel adventure soon turns into a touching story about family, dreams, first love, and second chances.

Choi Hyun-Wook’s Role

Choi Hyun-Wook plays Ha Yi-chan, an energetic and cheerful teenager who dreams big despite life’s challenges. His transformation from a playful student to a mature, caring person is one of the drama’s biggest highlights.

This is the drama I’d recommend to anyone watching Choi Hyun-Wook for the first time. You’ll laugh with Yi-chan, feel emotional during his toughest moments, and by the final episode, it’s hard not to wish the story could continue. It’s the kind of K-drama that stays with you long after the credits roll.

2. Weak Hero (2022-2025)

Before Twinkling Watermelon made him a romance favorite, Weak Hero Class 1 proved that Choi Hyun-Wook could completely dominate an action drama. As Ahn Su-ho, he delivers explosive fight scenes, effortless confidence, and emotional depth that make every episode impossible to pause. His fearless personality and unwavering loyalty quickly turned Su-ho into one of the most beloved characters in modern K-dramas.

Unlike many school dramas, Weak Hero Class 1 treats school bullying with realism instead of exaggeration. Every fight has consequences, every friendship feels genuine, and Choi Hyun-Wook’s performance gives the story its emotional heartbeat. The drama became one of the highest-rated school bullying K-dramas and found an even bigger global audience after streaming on Netflix.

Weak Hero Class 2 (2025)

The story continues in Weak Hero Class 2, released on Netflix in 2025. Although the second season focuses on Yeon Si-eun’s new school and new challenges, Choi Hyun-Wook returns in a special appearance as Ahn Su-ho. His return became one of the season’s biggest emotional moments and reminded fans why Su-ho remains the heart of the Weak Hero universe.

If you want to see why Choi Hyun-Wook became one of Korea’s fastest-rising actors, Weak Hero Class 1 is the perfect place to start. His portrayal of Ahn Su-ho balances strength, humor, and vulnerability so naturally that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Even after Season 2, Su-ho remains one of the franchise’s most memorable characters.

Also Read: Top 10 Best High School Korean Dramas of All Time – Ranked

3. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Before becoming the lead in hit dramas, Choi Hyun-Wook quietly stole the spotlight in Twenty-Five Twenty-One, one of the Top rated romance K-dramas on IMDb. Even with limited screen time, his confident personality, natural charm, and effortless chemistry with the cast made his character stand out. It’s the kind of performance that makes you notice an actor long before he becomes a household name.

Set during the late 1990s, the drama beautifully captures first love, friendship, youth, and the dreams that shape adulthood. While the main romance remains unforgettable, Choi Hyun-Wook adds plenty of fun and energy to the story, making every scene he’s in feel lively and memorable.

Choi Hyun-Wook’s Role

Choi Hyun-Wook plays Moon Ji-woong, a popular high school student known for his confidence and playful personality. Behind his cool image is a caring friend whose sweet romance becomes one of the drama’s most enjoyable side stories.

Why You Should Watch

• Heartwarming coming-of-age story filled with nostalgia.
• A perfect choice if you enjoy romance with meaningful storytelling.
• Memorable second-couple romance.Strong friendships, emotional moments, and outstanding performances.

4. Notes from the Last Row (2026)

After winning fans with romance, youth, and action dramas, Netflix KDrama Notes from the Last Row marks a fresh chapter in Choi Hyun-Wook’s career. This is his first psychological thriller drama, and he steps into a much darker, more mysterious world than audiences have seen before. Instead of relying on action or romance, the story keeps you hooked with suspense, hidden secrets, and constant mind games.

The story follows a literature professor and unsuccessful writer whose life changes after he discovers the extraordinary writing talent of a mysterious student who always sits in the last row of his classroom. As the professor becomes obsessed with helping the gifted student, their relationship slowly spirals into a dangerous psychological game where ambition, manipulation, and hidden truths begin to blur the line between reality and fiction.

Choi Hyun-Wook’s Role

Choi Hyun-Wook plays the mysterious student whose exceptional talent becomes the center of the story. With very few words but powerful expressions, he creates an unpredictable character who keeps both the professor and the audience guessing until the very end.

If you’ve only seen Choi Hyun-Wook in romantic or coming-of-age dramas, Notes from the Last Row will surprise you. He proves that he doesn’t need flashy action or romance to command the screen. His mature performance and the drama’s tense atmosphere make this one of the most interesting projects of his career so far.

5. My Dearest Nemesis (2025)

If you’re looking for a lighthearted romance after Choi Hyun-Wook’s intense roles, My Dearest Nemesis is an easy recommendation. Based on the popular webtoon by Hye Jin-yang, this 2025 office romance brings together two fan-favorite K-drama tropes—enemies-to-lovers and reunited first loves. The result is a charming story packed with witty banter, awkward reunions, workplace chaos, and heart-fluttering romantic moments.

The story follows two former first loves who unexpectedly reunite years later at the same company. Their reunion begins with misunderstandings and endless workplace clashes, but as old memories resurface, their rivalry gradually transforms into an unforgettable romance.

Unlike his school-based dramas, Choi Hyun-Wook shows a more mature and confident side here. His natural chemistry with the female lead and effortless comedic timing make the romance feel fresh and believable. If you enjoy office romances where constant arguments slowly turn into genuine affection, this drama won’t disappoint.

6. High Cookie (2023) 🍪

If you thought Choi Hyun-Wook had already explored every genre, High Cookie proves there’s still more to discover. This dark fantasy thriller combines mystery, suspense, and psychological tension around a dangerous homemade cookie that can make anyone’s deepest dream come true—but at a terrible cost. Unlike typical school dramas, every decision here carries serious consequences, keeping the suspense high from beginning to end.

The story begins after mysterious homemade cookies start circulating among high school students. Anyone who eats one can have their greatest wish fulfilled, but every wish comes with dangerous consequences. As secrets unravel, students become trapped in a deadly game of greed, ambition, and survival.

If you enjoyed Netflix’s If Wishes Were Kill for its high school fantasy thriller vibe, High Cookie should definitely be next on your watchlist. While both dramas explore mysterious events inside a school setting, High Cookie raises the stakes with darker twists, psychological tension, and unpredictable surprises.

Also Read: 5 Best Kim Mu-yeol Dramas to Watch After Teach You a Lesson

7. Racket Boys (2021)

Before becoming a global K-drama star, Choi Hyun-Wook won hearts in Racket Boys, one of the most wholesome coming-of-age sports dramas of 2021. This drama may not have the intense action of Weak Hero or the romance of Twinkling Watermelon, but it perfectly showcases his natural acting, youthful charm, and effortless screen presence. For many fans, this was the drama that first hinted he was destined for bigger roles.

The drama follows a group of teenage badminton players chasing their dreams while balancing school, friendship, family, and the pressure of competition. Along the way, they discover that growing up is about much more than winning trophies.

If you want to see where Choi Hyun-Wook’s journey began, Racket Boys is the perfect place to start. It may not be his biggest drama, but it’s one of the most genuine performances of his early career. By the end of the series, you’ll understand why so many viewers believed he was going to become one of Korea’s brightest young stars.

Choi Hyun-Wook Drama Guide (2026)

Where to Watch These Choi Hyun-Wook Dramas

Most of Choi Hyun-Wook’s popular dramas are available on major streaming platforms, making them easy to watch worldwide. Netflix is the best place to start, offering titles like Weak Hero Class 1, Weak Hero Class 2, and Notes from the Last Row. Depending on your region, dramas such as Twinkling Watermelon, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, High Cookie, My Dearest Nemesis, and Racket Boys may also be available on platforms like Viki, Viu, Amazon Mx Player, or Disney+. Always check your local streaming library, as availability varies by country.

Ready for Your Next K-Drama?

From the heartwarming journey of Twinkling Watermelon to the intense action of Weak Hero Class 1 and the gripping mystery of Notes from the Last Row, Choi Hyun-Wook has already built an impressive lineup of K-dramas in just a few years. Whether you enjoy romance, action, fantasy, or psychological thrillers, there’s a drama on this list worth adding to your watchlist.

Which Choi Hyun-Wook drama is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this list, don’t forget to explore more K-drama recommendations on our website and share this article with fellow K-drama fans.