7 Gong Yoo movies and TV shows that are a must-watch for fans: Train to Busan, Goblin, and more

From Train to Busan to Squid Game and The Silent Sea, Gong Yoo's iconic roles define his stellar career in K-movies and TV shows. Here are some of of the actor's movies and TV shows to watch!

Updated on Apr 23, 2024  |  03:48 PM IST |  604.9K
Train To Busan, Goblin: The Lonely and Great God; Image Courtesy: Next Entertainment World, tvN
Train To Busan, Goblin: The Lonely and Great God; Image Courtesy: Next Entertainment World, tvN

Looking to add some 'kaptivating kontent' to your watchlist? Look no further than these seven must-watch Gong Yoo movies and TV shows. Yes, Gong Yoo, the renowned South Korean actor, has graced both the big and small screens with his compelling performances.

From his breakout role in Coffee Prince to his thrilling performance in Train to Busan and his captivating portrayal in Goblin: The Lonely and Great God, Gong Yoo's versatile talent shines through in each of these compelling productions. Dive into a world of romance, suspense, and fantasy with Gong Yoo as your guide.

Here are top 7 must-watch K-movies and TV starring Gong Yoo

1. Coffee Prince

  • Cast: Gong Yoo, Yoon Eun Hye, Lee Sun Kyun, Chase Jung An
  • Director: Lee Yoon Jung
  • Runtime: July 2-August 28, 2007
  • Seasons: 1
  • Release Date: July 2, 2007


In Coffee Prince, Gong Yoo shines as Choi Han Gyeol, a charismatic yet commitment-phobic young man entangled in a complex web of family expectations and unrequited love. As the heir to a thriving coffee business, he grapples with his own identity and desires, particularly when he unwittingly hires Go Eun Chan, played by Yoon Eun Hye, to pose as his gay lover. 

Gong Yoo infuses Han Gyeol with depth and vulnerability, navigating themes of gender identity and sexual orientation with sensitivity and charm. Through his captivating performance, Gong Yoo elevates Coffee Prince into a timeless tale of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.

2. Silenced

  • Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu Mi
  • Director: Hwang Dong Hyuk
  • Runtime: 125 minutes
  • Release Date: 22 September, 2011
Advertisement


In Silenced, the 2011 crime-drama film, Gong Yoo immerses audiences into the harrowing journey of Kang In Ho, a teacher confronting the dark realities plaguing a school for deaf children. With a delicate balance of sensitivity and strength, Gong Yoo's portrayal transcends the screen, evoking empathy and urgency in viewers' hearts. 

Despite the controversy surrounding the film's graphic portrayal, Gong Yoo's performance remains a beacon of compassion, amplifying the voices of the silenced and igniting conversations on justice and accountability. Through his nuanced portrayal, Gong Yoo transforms Silenced into more than a film—it becomes a poignant call to action against systemic injustices.

3. Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

  • Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo In Na, Yook Sung Jae
  • Director: Lee Eung Bok, Kwon Hyuk Chan, Yoon Jong Ho
  • Runtime: December 2, 2016 - January 21, 2017
  • Seasons: 1
  • Release Date: December 2, 2016


In Goblin: The Lonely and Great God, Gong Yoo embodies the timeless allure of Kim Shin, a 939-year-old immortal goblin navigating the complexities of love and redemption. With a profound sense of duty and longing, he seeks solace in his fateful encounter with his destined bride, Ji Eun Tak played by Kim Go Eun

Advertisement

Gong Yoo's portrayal infuses the character with depth and vulnerability, capturing the essence of a centuries-old soul yearning for salvation. As Kim Shin's journey unfolds, Gong Yoo masterfully guides viewers through a captivating narrative woven with themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love, making Goblin a transcendent tale of timeless resonance. 

4. Train to Busan

  • Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu Mi, Ma Dong Seok, Kim Su An, Choi Woo Shik, Ahn So Hee, Kim Eui Seung
  • Director: Yeon Sang Ho
  • Runtime: 118 minutes
  • Release Date: July 20, 2016


In Train to Busan, Gong Yoo delivers a gripping portrayal of Seok Woo, a conflicted father navigating a zombie apocalypse while grappling with guilt and redemption. As chaos erupts on the KTX train bound for Busan, Seok Woo's journey becomes a harrowing struggle to protect his daughter and confront his own shortcomings. 

Gong Yoo's performance captures the essence of resilience and sacrifice amidst the relentless onslaught of the undead, infusing the film with raw emotion and intensity. Through Seok Woo's transformative arc, Gong Yoo elevates Train to Busan into a heart-pounding tale of survival and humanity in the face of unimaginable horror.

Advertisement

5. The Silent Sea

  • Cast: Bae Doona, Gong Yoo, Lee Joon, Kim Sun Young, Lee Moo Saeng
  • Director: Choi Hang Young
  • Runtime: 39-51 minutes
  • Seasons: 1
  • Release Date: December 24, 2021


In the riveting sci-fi series The Silent Sea, Gong Yoo steps into the role of Han Yoon Jae, a fearless leader navigating the treacherous lunar landscape. As the captain of an elite team on a mission to unravel secrets buried beneath the moon's surface, Gong Yoo's portrayal captures the essence of determination and sacrifice. 

Amidst the backdrop of mystery and intrigue, his character's unwavering resolve propels the narrative forward, offering viewers a thrilling journey into the unknown. Gong Yoo's commanding presence adds depth to the series, elevating the tension as they confront unforeseen dangers lurking in the silent expanse of space.

6. Squid Game

  • Cast: Lee Jung Ae, Park Hae Soo, Wi Ha Joon, Jung Ho Yeon, O Yeong Su, Anupam Tripathi, more
  • Director: Hwang Dong Hyuk
  • Runtime: 32-63 minutes
  • Seasons: 2
  • Release Date: September 17, 2021


In Squid Game, Gong Yoo's enigmatic cameo adds an electrifying layer to the gripping narrative. As the shadowy recruiter, he weaves an aura of mystery and danger, drawing viewers into the sinister world of deadly games. Gong Yoo's presence is magnetic, infusing each scene with a subtle sense of foreboding.

Advertisement

Despite his limited screen time, he leaves a lasting impression, setting the stage for the harrowing trials that await the contestants. With his seamless blend of charm and menace, Gong Yoo masterfully sets the tone for the high-stakes drama that unfolds, ensuring that Squid Game captivates audiences from start to finish.

7. The Suspect

  • Cast: Gong Yoo, Park Hee Soon, Jo Sing Ah and Yoo Da In
  • Director: Won Shin Yun
  • Runtime: 137 minutes
  • Seasons: 1
  • Release Date: December 4, 2013


In The Suspect, Gong Yoo delivers a gripping portrayal of Ji Dong Cheol, a former North Korean spy turned relentless avenger. With a haunting past driving his every move, Dong Cheol navigates a treacherous landscape of betrayal and deceit as he seeks vengeance for the murder of his family. 

Gong Yoo masterfully captures Dong Cheol's complex emotions, from seething rage to heartbreaking sorrow, lending depth and authenticity to the character's quest for justice. As the film unfolds, Gong Yoo's commanding presence keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, ensuring an unforgettable cinematic experience filled with thrilling action and intense drama.

From heartwarming romance to pulse-pounding action, Gong Yoo's filmography is a testament to his versatile talent and captivating presence on screen. Whether he's charming audiences in Coffee Prince or delivering intense performances in Train to Busan and The Suspect, Gong Yoo continues to leave an indelible mark in each of his must-watch movies and TV shows. With his nuanced portrayals and magnetic charisma, Gong Yoo elevates every story he touches, ensuring an unforgettable viewing experience for fans of K-drama and cinema alike.

Advertisement

Stay updated with the latest Hallyu news on: Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat

ALSO READ: 5 K-dramas like Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Joon's Midnight Romance in Hagwon: Something In The Rain, Encounter, more

Credits: tvN, Next Entertainment World
Pinkvilla Pulse
Subscribe to our newsletter for entertainment exclusives, star interviews, and the latest lifestyle trends. Look No Further!
Subscribe
About The Author

Saumya is a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, with a knack for digital storytelling and over a

...

Advertisement

Latest Articles