7 Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows that prove his range was unmatched

Song Young-kyu in The Winning Try | Image via YouTube/Netflix
Song Young-kyu in The Winning Try | Image via YouTube/Netflix

On the morning of August 4, 2025, Korean actor Song Young-kyu was found dead in his vehicle. The 55-year-old actor was one of the popular names in the industry due to his appearances in numerous acclaimed K-dramas and movies.

The list of Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows is long and extensive since the actor has been in the industry since the early 1990s. From appearing in the star-studded drama Hwarang to the new Netflix release, The Winning Try, Song Young-kyu has constantly delivered exceptional performances that set him apart.

Here’s a list of 7 Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows that depict the talent and versatility of the Korean actor.

Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.


7 Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows that prove his range was unmatched

7) Hwarang

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Hwarang is one of those K-dramas that are remembered for its star power, as it starred not only a BTS member, V (Kim Taehyung), but also popular actors such as Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik in leading roles, and even Choi Min-ho from Shinee in a supporting role. It is one of Young-kyu’s popular roles as he appeared as Queen Jiso’s elder brother, who was supposed to be the ruler of Silla, but due to polio, his name was left out.

The drama focuses on Queen Jiso’s attempt at protecting her son from the political coups of the nobles who wanted to take the throne from her, and creates an elite group called Hwarang. The K-drama narrates a powerful story depicting the political scenario of the Queen and also has numerous moments that would make you laugh out loud; therefore, from the long list of Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows, you should definitely watch Hwarang.


6) Oh My Ghost Clients

Scene from Oh My Ghost Clients | Image via Netflix
Scene from Oh My Ghost Clients | Image via Netflix

The list of Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows consists of several recent popular K-dramas depicting the actor's steady career in the industry. Another of the recent dramas that would be worth watching is Oh My Ghost Clients, starring Jung Kyung-ho, recently known for Hospital Playlist.

He appears in Episode 3 as a priest whom the trio approaches to get rid of the ghosts that Kyung-ho’s Mu-jin keeps seeing. This is one of Young-kyu’s entertaining performances, where, after being inquired about performing an exorcism on Mu-jin, they are dismissed by him from the church. This role showcases the actor’s talent, where he might appear as a character who does not help solve a problem, but is also a hilarious supporting addition in the scene. If you're binge-watching Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows, this is worth considering.


5) The Penthouse Season 3: War in Life

Song Young-kyu in The Penthouse Season 3: War in Life | Image via Chorokbaem Media
Song Young-kyu in The Penthouse Season 3: War in Life | Image via Chorokbaem Media

The next drama in the list of Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows is the massively domestically popular The Penthouse. He appears in Season 3 of the superhit K-drama as Kang Sin-mo, the education minister whom Um Ki-joon’s Joo Dan-tae buys off.

Initially appearing as a naive Education Minister, Young-kyu’s character does not shy away from giving in and taking the money from Dan-tae, and becoming one of the corrupt politicians. This role shows the range of the actor's talent, as this proves he can fit into any type of character and impress us with his performance.


4) Reply 1988

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Song Young-kyu's range as a performer is testified through his addition in the classic Reply Anthology Series: Reply 1988. The acclaimed K-drama focuses on the lives of a group of childhood friends who grow up in the same neighborhood and go on to live separate lives, while cherishing the heartwarming memories of the time spent in the place.

Young-kyu appears as one of the scene-stealing and hilarious characters. He played Kim Tae-Yong, Sun-Woo’s maternal uncle, who is called in one of the episodes by his mother to take him to the bathhouse. Just like Sun-woo’s mother, Young-kyu’s Tae-young is also funny and mildly aggressive when it comes to expressing love for their family, making him another of the comedic characters that cannot be avoided, even with his limited presence in the show.

This K-drama is undoubtedly worth your watch in lthe ong list of Song Young-kyu's movies and TV shows.


3) Big Bet Season 2

Song Young-kyu in Big Bet | Image via YouTube/Hulu
Song Young-kyu in Big Bet | Image via YouTube/Hulu

The next in the list of Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows is another acclaimed K-drama called Big Bet. The series narrates the story of the rise and fall of casino kingpin Cha Mu-sik, played by veteran Korean actor Choi Min-sik.

Young-kyu appears as Choi Chil-Gu, the CEO of Mindong Construction, and is part of an ensemble cast that includes Nine Puzzles’ Son Suk-ku, Heo Sung-tae, and Lee Je-hoon, among others, who give exceptional performances in the gritty K-drama that will keep you hooked.


2) The Winning Try

Song Young-kyu in The Winning Try | Image via YouTube/Netflix
Song Young-kyu in The Winning Try | Image via YouTube/Netflix

Other than appearing in the aforementioned popular K-dramas, Young-kyu can also be seen appearing in the latest Netflix K-drama, The Winning Try, where he appears as Kim Min-jung. His character used to be the Hanyang High’s rugby coach, but he gave up his role to become the coach of Daesang High’s rugby team. He states that Hanyang’s team is one of the worst and cites that as a reason for his departure.

Young-kyu’s portrayal of the character will make you loathe him, dislike him for his behavior towards the students, depicting the versatility of the actor and how seriously he takes his characters. He becomes a part of the Vice Principal’s tricks to bring Ga-ram’s efforts to improve the team’s performance.

This role will give you another look at Young-kyu’s acting as he portrays the cunning rugby coach, and the K-drama deserves a mention in the list of Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows.


1) Extreme Job

Cast of Extreme Job | Image via CJ Entertainment
Cast of Extreme Job | Image via CJ Entertainment

The list of Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows would be incomplete without the mention of his best work in this 2019 K-movie directed by Lee Byeong-heon. The film is a masterpiece in genre subversion and narrates the hilarious story of a group of undercover detectives.

These detectives, after failing their missions, buy the chicken restaurant that is supposed to be their stakeout for their next case about a drug ring. However, while they try to solve their case, they become famous not for their detective skills but for a chicken dish that they sell in the restaurant that they now run.

Young-kyu plays the character of Detective Squad Chief Choi, and is part of an exceptionally talented cast including Ryu Seung-ryong, known for Disney+’s Moving, Jin Seon-kyu, and Lee Hanee, among others, who shine through their performances, making this film a must-watch. Within the long list of Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows, Extreme Job should definitely be at the top of your watchlist!


Other than the mentioned works, the list of Song Young-kyu movies and TV shows also includes the Disney+ K-drama, The Defects, Misaeng: Incomplete Life starring Squid Games’ Yim Si-wan, and movies like Hope and Toxic.

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Edited by IRMA