응원합니다~
My thoughts and personal appreciations on Ji Chang Wook's filmography.
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1. The Queen 'Woo'
Korean Drama - 2024, 8 episodes
I waited impatiently for « Queen Woo ». This drama has two of my favourite things: it’s a sageuk, and Chang Wook plays in it. Moreover, he plays in a sageuk after 10 years since the last one, the phenomenal « Empress Ki ». So I was very excited for it, unfortunately, the expectations I had for the drama were not fulfilled, it isn’t the masterpiece I hoped for it to be.
The plot is very interesting. That historical event has all the elements for a great and epic story. But the production wasn’t satisfying. The screenwriter changed or ignored some historical facts, which is a given for a fictional adaptation of historical events and characters, but I don’t like what they did. They added characters that are unnecessary, and made them appealing to some modern days audience, something I strongly dislike in historical productions. They also added a mature, violent and raw aspect to the drama that, if it can be interesting, also feels pushed too much here for some sex scenes that are totally unnecessary. The overall cinematography is good, with beautiful costumes, set ups and sceneries. But the production, the editing, isn't to my liking. The CGIs are really not that good, which was disappointing too. On the contrary, the cast is quite good overall, and a lot of characters are interesting, but many lack depth or development. So I have mixed feelings about the drama, with good points, but also others I really disliked.
And then there is Chang Wook playing one of the great kings of Goguryeo, King Gogukcheon. Brilliant. The performance is flawless. He plays the king perfectly and that’s definitely one of the most interesting and well played character of the drama. However, I don’t like the character that much, and that’s because the screenwriter choose a way to portray him I dislike a bit, with a dark side that doesn’t fit, for me, the historical portrait we have of King Gogukcheon.
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2. Revolver
Korean Movie - 2024
Surprisingly a very good movie for me. I didn't really know what to expect of it, the plot looked intriguing but that was it, so I was pleasantly surprised by the story development and the characters. There is little action, it's more like a psychological thriller movie. The story is quite simple, but there is also many unknown things from the start that are slowly revealed through the movie, which I liked. That, and also the fact that not everything has a closure when the movie ends, some parts are left unknown or kind of unfinished, in a way. The production is very good with scenes very well filmed, and I particularly liked the music in the movie. The characters are also well written. They are all very distinctive, but they all shared kind of a loser vibe for me. The acting, of course with this cast, and in particular Jeon Do Yeon, is brilliant.
Chang wook doesn't have that much of screen time in the whole movie, despite his character being at the center of the story. It's more like "Hard Hit" than "Fabricated City", which was a little bit disappointment for me. But he plays his character, Andy, perfectly. It's not possible to really like him. But hating him neither. He made me laugh and I kind of pitied him at some point, because he is just a pathetic rich thug that cannot take responsibility for his own actions and only relies on others. Still, because it's Chang Wook, there is kind of a cute side to this character, some part of him that still make me indulge to him. And we get to see Chang Wook in underwears, which is never a bad thing of course. -
3. Welcome to Samdalri
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
As a rom-com, production-wise, this drama has everything I kind of dislike in this genre (lots of unnecessary flashbacks from previous scenes, the ending and start of episodes who are overly dramatised, too much Korean tropes and clichés, secondary characters and story overly stereotypical and previsible). But it's a given for this genre unfortunately.
On the contrary, I liked the Jeju set-up and the story overall. Because it was a nice and heartwarming story, with truly emotional scenes and relatable characters. It’s always nice to see simple lives people too, and their struggles. All the cast is truly brilliant, so the acting was very good (I just love Kim Mi Kyung, special mention to her).
For Chang Wook's character, Cho Yong Pil, it’s hard, nor even impossible, to dislike him. He is simply too adorable, a desperate and cheerful romantic. A bright and lovable character, which is always a good way to shine for Chang Wook, and he has a very good chemistry with Shin Hye Song, so Yong Pil and Sam Dal make a very cute couple.
I also loved the covers of the real Cho Yong Pil's songs. -
4. O Pior do Mal
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
Not my favourite genre, although I like action and can enjoy some crime/thriller TV series or movies (but more when it's the psychological type). This drama was still interesting, as it is set up in an older time than now and shows the Korean mafia world and its connections with Japanese et Chinese mafias. But for some story developments, like the fake love interests, I thought it was totally unnecessary or far-fetched.
The production overall was very good and the acting of the whole cast flawless. A little reserve with Wi Ha Jun though, he wasn't totally fit for the role in my opinion. I do like him a lot and his acting was as good as the others, but his image don't really fit the mafia boss for me.
Of course, the biggest praises goes to Chang Wook for this drama, who did an amazing job portraying the undercover police officer Park Joon Mo. The way he shows how he is torn between so many emotions and moral conflicts during the drama is incredible. A master class of acting. The character itself isn’t my favourite but he is very interesting on a moral and psychological aspect. -
5. Diga-me o Teu Desejo
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
Considering the initial plot and the promotion, I didn't expected a drama with so much comedy. Thus the story development and the production were a little bit disappointing for me. In fact too many genres were mixed, the development of the story was a little bit all over the place sometimes, many side stories not very well connected to the main plot, and too much Korean tropes for me. Especially in the second part of the drama unfortunately.
The core message of the drama is grea,t and many scenes and characters are heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The acting of the whole cast was brilliant. The OST is also very good and fits very well with the theme. I still listen a lot of the songs of the drama.
Yoon Gyeo Re is a character that I both like and dislike. ^^ At first he is charming, but in the same time very annoying. With the development of the story he becomes more appealing. But I expected more from this character. I felt like the potential of the character, with Chang Wook's acting ability, wasn't used to his fullest. Nonetheless he did a great job portraying the complexity and vulnerability of this character (he brought me tears once again). So not my favourite character, but still a very endearing one. -
6. O Som da Magia
Korean Drama - 2022, 6 episodes
With its musical side, this drama is a unique one amongst all the dramas I’ve watched so far, and Ri Eul a very unique character among all Chang Wook’s filmography too. The production of the drama is flawless I think. With only six episodes the pace is quick but not rushed, the story well developed. The OST very good, truly, the acting from the whole cast is impeccable and it's a very good musical drama, with a good balance between the singing scenes and the rest of the story.
Ri Eul is so unique. I like very much the duality of the character, and his childish side. Chang Wook is dazzling in this role and looks very good as a magician. The relantioship with his parrot 미녀 (Beauty) is quite cute too. It's a short drama and the character he plays is really interesting so I wish the story was centred a little bit more on him, because I wanted to see more of this side of him, but still it was a perfect role for him. He is, once again, very good at portraying any emotion and make you feel it very well too.
Ri Eul is one of my favourite characters played by Chang Wook (with Ta Hwan, Kwon Yoo and Park Jae Won). -
7. Punição
Korean Movie - 2021
I like this movie a lot. That's the kind of action and psychological thriller I enjoy watching. Great production and very good acting. Jo Woo Jin is a great actor and I think he was especially good playing this character, Jin Kyung too. The development of the story is well thought.
Chang Wook playes a very interesting role in this movie. Once again a complicated character. The bad guy of the story, but that you want to understand and can't totally dislike, because of his difficult past and having reasons for acting like that, in a way. Still, morally doing bad things, but a kind villain. Jin Woo has actually a short physical presence on screen, but such an impressive one. Chang Wook facial expressions and emotions are perfect. And we are blessed with his beautiful voice (even when he curses ^^) throughout the movie. I actually liked this movie and this character much more than I expected. -
8. Apaixonados na Cidade
Korean Drama - 2020, 17 episodes
A 10 stars rating for me. I like the concept and the story of this drama very much, especially with the interviews and flashbacks. I though it was a clever and very interesting way to tell the story of these characters. I'm usually not a big fan of romances stories, especially when it's rom-com, but that one was different and touched me. It remains my ultimate romance drama so far.
Chang Wook and Kim Ji Won have a really good chemistry in it. The characters and relationships are also very realistic in way, and relatable, which makes it quite special for me. Everything feels actually natural, because they are not perfect people in an unperfect world. Of course there are clichés (it’s a rom-com after all ^^), but the drama lives on its plot to me and there was nothing I disliked in the end. I really wanted to see the next episode after each one ended, which is the best feeling I can have when watching a drama I think.
Our Chang Wook really shines in it. The character of Park Jae Won is one of my favourites from his filmography. He shows how good an actor he is, portrayring the character feelings with so much different emotions in this drama. I really was happy and sad with him while watching it. Park Jae Won has kind of an annoying side, but in a good way, the kind that makes you like him even more and find him adorable. -
9. Backstreet Rookie
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I liked this rom-com much more than I expected. Usually not a fan of the genre so I didn't expected much, even though Chang Wook usually makes me enjoy romance stories. Behind the comic side, this drama shows realistic and profound struggles of everyday life for simple people and I really liked that. The casting was great and the acting very good, especially for Dae Hyun's parents (special mention for Kim Sun Young and Lee Byung Joon). The story itself isn't that special but its execution was well done and the relationship betwen Chang Wook and Kim You Jung's characters interesting.
Chang Wook showed once again how great an actor he is through this character, he portrayed so many different emotions so well in this drama. The story is simple, because it tells simple people lifes struggles, without much exciting development to be honest, but it’s one of the best characters played by Chang Wook in way. I think Choi Dae Hyun is one of his most lovable characters. -
10. Me Derretendo Pouco a Pouco
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
As a rom-com I wasn't expecting much of this one, even though the sci-fi side was interesting at first. The initial plot is nice and it started really well. Unfortunately, the development of the story was not that great and became boring in the second part of the drama. Also the romance between Ma Dong Chan and Go Mi Ran felt off for me. I didn't find them very suitable for each others. Both actors did great portraying their characters I think, but the love story between them seems a little bit forced and I actually shipped each of them with other characters. However the acting was good and I liked the dynamics between the characters.
One of my least favourites dramas of Chang Wook, but not a bad one, and he did a great job. His acting is very good and I especially liked the interactions between Ma Dong Chan and his family. But it's true that nothing in particular stood out in this character, and so in his acting for this drama. -
11. The Bros
Korean Movie - 2017
Not the best movie, but still a funny one to watch, with a unique plot that actually develops far more deep reflexions about serious subjects than just the funny surface that we can expect and see at first sight. A nice casting with good acting too.
Guest role for Chang Wook here, as the young Lee Choon Bae, appearing only in one scene as a flashback, around the end of the movie. He is a charming and in love young man, which is always a nice side to see him play. And a real pleasure to see him wearing an hanbok. He is really handsome.
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12. Suspicious Partner
Korean Drama - 2017, 40 episodes
I'm not a fan of "hard" romance drama, but the serious side of the story around the justice them was good, and made it really enjoyable. The story is interesting and well developed, even though you can find some annoying Korean tropes or clichés. There is a good mix between serious matters and light comedy and romance. Noh Ji Wook and Eun Bong Hee are a really nice couple and the chemistry between Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun was on point for this romance.
I liked Chang Wook's acting very much in this one too. He kinds of give the feelings that his character is the perfect boyfriend. But the charismatic prosecutor and lawyer side was very cool. A nice mix, shwocasing how versatile he can be. -
13. Cidade Fabricada
Korean Movie - 2017
I just love this movie. 10 stars rating. And it makes me wish that Chang Wook would be in much more movies as he ages, because I'm sure he can bbecome a world recognised actor through this kind of roles. The specificity of a movie role gives, in my opinion, much more prestance and power to a character, and Kwon Yoo is exactly that for me. A charismatic and powerful character, despite his flaws.
The opening scene of this movie is splendid and is one of my favourite all-tim action scenes. The story is really interesting with a lot of plot twists, until the end, the development is really good and surprising. I don't want to write more about it as I think it's better to discover it by watching the movie. I don't think anyone liking action and thriller movies can dislike this one.
Kwon Yoo is a character that gave Chang Wook the chance to show everything he is good at. One of my favourites amongst all the characters he has played. I really wish he could/would play in more movies as he is a very great versatile actor as this role shows it perfectly. He is simply so great in this movie. -
14. 7 Primeiros Beijos
Korean Special - 2016, 8 episodes
The drama as a whole is a nice and funny story. I didn't expected much of it honestly, as I was mostly interested by Chang Wook's part. Episodes are really short, with a different main character for each one, and connected between them by the main character, a woman looking for her first kiss. And she will be lucky. ^^ Not a grand story but a fun one to watch.
Reminiscing his admired character of "The K2", Chang Wook offers a great action scene, as well as an intimate and romantically one in the short episode he appears in. It's enjoyable and a good appearance of him, and some other actors I like too. -
15. O K2
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
One of my 10 stars rated dramas, but not only because of Chang Wook actually. Action, politic, romance, with an outcast character that becomes mixed up in power, family and love schemes. This drama has a lot of themes I like and everything is well balanced. The development of the story is really good until the last episode. One of the rare Korean dramas where I wanted another season honestly, or just that the story keeps going on for more episodes. The production is perfect and the whole cast too, superb acting.
I love the character of Kim Je Ha. That man is so cool, charismatic, sexy, trustworthy. Chang Wook acting in this drama is a perfect exemple of what he can do the best when it comes to a strong character. His acting is flawless for this role. And the fight scene in the showers will be forever legendary. ^^ -
16. A Garota Tornado 2
Chinese Drama - 2016, 36 episodes
A Chinese drama, which was new for me when I watched it. I like the theme of this drama and even if the story is not that fascinating it's a nice one. A simple everyday life drama kind of but well executed with a good cast.
As much as I love Chang Wook capacity of acting and portray a lot of different characters, I must admit he really stands out when he plays manly characters like fighters. Chang An is definitely this type of character and he is really charming too. Hard not to fall from him. Everybody wants a master like him. ^^ -
17. O longo caminho para casa
Korean Movie - 2015
Overall a nice and funny movie about one of the most interesting and deep period of Korea's history. The production is very good, the cast and the acting too. A nice one to watch.
One brief scene only in this movie (a special appearance), probably the shortest one he had in his filmography, where Ji Chang Wook plays a soldier from the military police who only say few words, informing one of the main characters of his draft for the conscription. Still nice to see him wearing a uniform. -
18. Curador
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
An action drama with some romance and political/power schemes. All I like. The story is really good and it's typically the kind of drama that can be watched in one time, each ending of an episode gives you the urge to keep watching. All the characters and actors are really good in it too. I'm a big fan of Park Min Young and Yoo Ji Tae so it was impossible to not like it. It's not a surprise it's also a 10 stars rated drama for me.
The character of Seo Jung Hoo/Park Bong Soo has a vulnerability and a very charming side that I really like. The chemistry between this two marvelous actors that are Chang Wook and Min Young is perfect and the romance between Healer and Chae Yeong Shin/Oh Ji An one of the sweetest for me. Definitely one of the best roles of Chang Wook. -
19. Amor Secreto
Korean Drama - 2014, 10 episodes
This is a light and funny romance drama where Chang Wook plays a part only in two episodes. The overall drama is okay, it's nice to watch even though it's not the besy.
However Chang Wook got me hooked during these two episodes he appears in. Guardian Angel No. 2013 is really funny and one of the most charming characters played by Chang Wook. The way he changes through the two episodes is interesting and shows his acting skills very well. And when he expresses his feelings it's really sweet. A short but really lovely role. -
20. Imperatriz Ki
Korean Drama - 2013, 51 episodes
I could write an essay about this one. ^^ Probably forever my favourite sageuk, and one of my favourite Korean dramas of all-time. It was actually one of the firsts I watched. To be honest it's a long dramas where the story is a little bit too much dragged on sometimes, repetitive, and predictable also, especially towards the end. But despite this, it's also a really addictive story because it's based on real historical figures, romanced in a nice way, with great plot twists. The reconstitution (costumes, sets) is stunning and is still very impressive to this day.
I really like this unexpected character of the puppet Yuan Emperor Hui Zhong, that shows how Chang Wook can play so well a character this versatile and complexe. Ta Hwan is definitely one of my favourite Chang Wook's character. But I actually loved all the characters in this drama. The cast is fantastic and the acting flawless. I also discovered Kim Seo Hyung with this drama and she is one of my favourite actresses.
As the very first drama with Chang Wook I watched, of course, it will be forever unforgettable for me. He stood out immediately amongst all the actors for me. Ta Hwan is probably one of the most annoying yet lovable character played by Chang Wook. A must watch. -
21. Cinco dedos
Korean Drama - 2012, 30 episodes
I didn't really enjoyed this drama. That's not a genre I like or find really interesting, but still watched it for Chang Wook.The overall acting was too much, kind of outdated to me when I watched it, but not bad, and the story and its development was not really interesting to me as well. Not a very bad one, I still gave it a good rating, but it's one of the dramas of Chang Wook I will probably never rewatch.
However, Chang Wook did a really great job at portraying this unlikeable character of Yoo In Ha, his first antagonist role in a drama. It shows how good he is, as he can play any character and emotions so well and realistically. -
22. A Quitanda do Bacharel
Korean Drama - 2011, 24 episodes
Despite being one of the oldest dramas of Chang Wook, and his second one as a main character, it's still really good to watch. Although the plot is not that interesting honestly, the development of the story is quite good, especially the fact that the big revelations of the story don't arrived all in the last episodes as usual, but several times during the drama, adding nice plot twists. The development and the relationships between the characters and the acting are also really great in this drama.
Han Tae Yang is one of the most bright, charming and joyful characters played by Chang Wook. If the romance was not that great to me, and the chemistry with Wang Ji Hye not very special, his interactions with others characters, especially the "bachelor boys", were really nice. Chang Wook's smile really makes you smile in this drama. And it revealed actor Kim Young Kwang to me, who is now one of my favourite actors too. -
23. Guerreiro Baek Dong Soo
Korean Drama - 2011, 29 episodes
This drama is a really good action sageuk with a great friendship at the center of the story and a nice development throughout the episodes. I usually prefer historic dramas that stick more to the real History, but thanks to the ties and friendship between Baek Dong Soo and Yeo Woon the story was really interesting. Like most sageuk the production is quite good and the whole cast did a great job too.
Chang Wook did an amazing job portraying a traditional fighter, especially as a martial master. The friendship between Baek Dong Soo and Yeo Woon is one of the key points of this drama (I actually didn't care about the romance in it ^^) and both Chang Wook and Yoo Seung Ho, despite having an age gap, did very well playing these best friends turned ennemies. -
24. Smile, Dong Hae
Korean Drama - 2010, 159 episodes
A very long drama. With a really dragged on story over the many episodes. And with some of the most despicable and annoying characters I have ever seen in a drama honestly. But in the same time a really addictive one. ^^ Every end of an episode is really exciting, even if we can easily guess what's coming after. All characters in this drama are very interesting, and the evolution and changes of many characters throughout the episodes are quite nice. Time and patience are needed to watch this, but as a fan of Chang Wook it's really worth it.
Dong Hae/Carl Laker is not one of my favourites Chang Wook's characters. As his first main role in a drama the acting is not the best honestly, even if we can see the changes and real improvements between the first episode and the end of the drama. But it's actually because of the script that this character can't really be a favourite of me, and also because of the way he interacts with some characters. The evolution of Dong Hae is interesting though, even if the romance feels more like a nice friendship than true love. -
25. Confession
Korean Movie - 2010
A young Chang Wook playing in a dark short film. Like most indie short films, this one doesn't explain anything about what's going on and just jum directly in the action, so watchers must only focus on the acting and what's happening, not thinking too much about the context of what's going on or what will happen after.
Just like his other early works, he plays an unconventional character in this few minutes production. The name of his character, in Korean, means "Someone who does something against the basic principles of morality that a person should have.". So, in short, an immoral, or depraved person. Definitely a weird character, but perfectly portrayed by Chang Wook. We don't know his motives for his crime, but the emotions of the character are very well conveyed. -
26. Sino da Morte 2: Acampamento Sangrento
Korean Movie - 2010
A good horror movie that is a nice watch for people liking this genre. Not the best, but it's okay, and it actually has quite a good cast with good acting overall.
First "villain" role of Chang Wook in a movie. He plays the student Soo Il, one of the bad guys of this story, who has a sad ending. But it's an horror movie so it's expected. ^^ As one of the first roles of Chang Wook he did a good job and I think he stands out amongst all the actors, even if he doesn't have a big presence on screen. -
27. Herói
Korean Drama - 2009, 16 episodes
Overall a nice and funny drama with an interesting plot. The cast is good and even though it's a very cliché drama, with lots of plot twists that something are really nonsense, it's fun to watch.
Chang Wook plays a secondary role in it but I really liked his character Park Jung Hyung, who is a fine, classy and funny young journalist. He wasn't yet at his "A" game, as an actor, in this one, but he is quite cute. -
28. My Too Perfect Sons
Korean Drama - 2009, 54 episodes
It's a long daily drama, with a nice story. I enjoyed watching the whole 54 episodes and it has a great cast. Of course, as a family and daily drama, a lot is going on with crazy situations, but it was fun. Even if Chang Wook doesn't play a main character in it, as one of the brothers of the Song family, Song Mi Pung, he is at the center of the story.
First "big" role of Chang Wook in an drama, he did a good job playing the youngest brother, with his personal issues. Taking care of his friend's daughter is one of the key points of the story of the drama, even when Chang Wook doesn't appear on screen as Mi Pung. He is actually beaten a lot in it (poor thing ㅠㅠ), cries a lot too, but it's a fresh and good "first role" that was nice to watch. -
29. Jeong Seung Pil Mystery
Korean Movie - 2009
I honestly wasn't really interested by the movie, which is a comedy that I didn't find that much fun to watch.
One of the first roles of Chang Wook though. He plays a bit part, as a lightning staff. Despite a very short screen time, he shows quite a cute side of him and good acting for this small part. -
30. You Stole My Heart
Korean Drama - 2008, 156 episodes
This is a long drama, over 150 episodes, so there is a lot of things going on, but the main story isn't that very interesting for me.
Chang Wook has a bit part in it, a short presence over few episodes only, but a good one actually for his first drama. He plays the Korean-American Lee Philipp, a carefree young man, stuck to his unrequited love like a mollusk clinging to its rock. ^^ I think he did very well with this role, actually even better than the first episodes of "Smile, Dong Hae" in a way. This role is also memorable because Chang Wook already looked very cool riding a motorcycle.
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31. A Bela Adormecida
Korean Movie - 2008
It's a strange movie. An indie film that is divided in three different stories that aren't related to each others, although they share common themes. Chang Wook plays the main character of the third one, "Sleeping Beauty". It's definitely not an easy short film to watch, as it has a lot of depth, with heavy subjects touched. But nothing is explicitly told in it, there are only a few dialogues, and I kind of like it. The production isn't the best, but it still works. The acting is quite good, especially Chang Wook, who was only a college student at the time, and barely debuted his actor career after appearing in some musical and a short film in 2006.
It's considered the official first role of Chang Wook in a movie, playing a student facing bullying at school and domestic violences. Chang Wook, as Jin Seo, did a really good job for this role. With a strong screen presence and a subtle portrayal of emotions. A star was born with this movie and I particularly like this character, Jin Seo is quite endearing.