Top 10 Coolest Things About Gong Yoo

Gong Yoo has had a remarkably successful career in both movies and television, starring in everything from realistic thrillers to ambitious science fiction. Here are ten of his most notable projects – films and dramas that achieved record viewership, influenced real-world change, or captivated audiences worldwide – along with specific details about their release, his role, where they were shown, and how they were made.

‘Train to Busan’ (2016) – He fronted Korea’s first zombie blockbuster to massive box office

‘Train to Busan’ stars Gong Yoo as a father desperately trying to keep his daughter safe during a sudden zombie outbreak on a high-speed train. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and became a massive box office hit in South Korea, attracting over 11 million viewers. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, it played a key role in bringing Korean genre films to international attention. It was released in theaters worldwide, including in Asia, Europe, and North America.

‘Goblin’ (2016–2017) – He led one of cable TV’s highest-rated fantasy dramas

I recently watched ‘Goblin’ – or ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ as it’s also known – and was completely captivated. Gong Yoo plays Kim Shin, an immortal general desperate to break a centuries-old curse, and he’s fantastic. This tvN series was a huge hit in Korea, consistently drawing massive ratings – we’re talking double-digit Nielsen numbers for the finale! It’s a beautifully crafted story, written by the talented Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, that blends mythology with a really compelling romance between Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, and Lee Dong-wook. Honestly, the soundtrack was everywhere, and it even gave a boost to tourism around where they filmed. Definitely worth checking out!

‘Coffee Prince’ (2007) – His breakout modern-romance lead reshaped his career

I remember when ‘Coffee Prince’ first hit screens – it was a total game-changer! Gong Yoo really broke through playing Choi Han-kyul, the cafe owner who falls for a barista who everyone thinks is a guy. The show was a massive hit, not just in Korea but all over Asia, and it definitely helped spread the Korean Wave. It was based on a novel by Lee Sun-mi, and the whole team racked up a bunch of awards at the end of the year. Even years later, it kept popping up with remakes and re-airings, proving just how popular it was – and still is!

‘Silenced’ (2011) – His film spurred legal reforms protecting children

The film ‘Silenced’ (also known as ‘The Crucible’), starring Gong Yoo, tells the true story of a teacher who uncovers abuse at a school for students with hearing impairments. The movie sparked significant public outcry and led to the creation of the “Dogani Law,” which increased penalties and changed legal time limits for sexual offenses involving children and people with disabilities. ‘Silenced,’ directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk and produced by Samgeori Pictures, was a box office success in South Korea, attracting over several million viewers and remaining in cinemas with ongoing media coverage.

‘The Age of Shadows’ (2016) – He portrayed a resistance leader in an awards-winning spy thriller

In Warner Bros. Korea’s ‘The Age of Shadows,’ Gong Yoo stars as Kim Woo-jin, an important leader in the fight for Korean independence. The film was a critical success in South Korea, winning several major awards and being selected as the country’s entry for the Oscars. Featuring strong performances from Song Kang-ho and directed by Kim Jee-woon, the movie vividly recreates the Japanese occupation period with impressive sets and attention to historical detail. It was also a box office hit in Korea, despite being released during a busy time for films.

‘Squid Game’ (2021) – His cameo as the recruiter bookends the series and drives the premise

In ‘Squid Game’, Gong Yoo makes a brief appearance as the man who initially recruits players. He’s seen in a subway station, challenging people to a game of ddakji. This scene kicks off the series and he later reappears to bring the story full circle. The show quickly became Netflix’s most popular release ever, breaking viewing records. While already a well-known actor, especially in film, ‘Squid Game’ directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, greatly increased Gong Yoo’s global recognition.

‘The Silent Sea’ (2021) – He headlined Netflix’s lunar-mission thriller

In the Netflix series ‘The Silent Sea,’ Gong Yoo plays Han Yoon-jae, the leader of a team sent to investigate a disaster at a research base on the Moon. The series, based on director Choi Hang-yong’s short film ‘The Sea of Tranquility,’ is set in a future where Earth is facing a critical water shortage. Produced by Artist Company, with Jung Woo-sung as an executive producer, the eight-episode show stands out for its realistic sets and focus on a science-based mystery.

‘Kim Ji-young, Born 1982’ (2019) – He supported a best-selling-novel adaptation that topped the box office

The movie ‘Kim Ji-young, Born 1982’ stars Gong Yoo as the husband of the main character, played by Jung Yu-mi. Based on the popular novel by Cho Nam-joo, the film was a box office hit in Korea, quickly becoming the most-watched movie and attracting over a million viewers. Positive reviews and recommendations helped it maintain a strong audience even on weekdays. Gong Yoo and Jung Yu-mi had previously worked together on several TV shows and films, making this a welcome reunion for fans.

‘The Suspect’ (2013) – He executed an action-heavy turn as a defector operative

In ‘The Suspect,’ Gong Yoo plays Ji Dong-chul, a highly trained former soldier from North Korea who is wrongly accused of murder. The film is known for its realistic action sequences, including exciting chases on foot and in vehicles. It was a major success in Korea, attracting a large audience. Director Won Shin-yeon helped establish Gong Yoo as an actor capable of handling intense physical roles.

‘Seobok’ (2021) – He co-starred in Korea’s first human-clone feature with a hybrid release

The movie ‘Seobok’ stars Gong Yoo as Ki-heon, a former secret agent who must protect the world’s first human clone, played by Park Bo-gum. As South Korea’s first major film about human cloning, it was released in theaters and on the TVING streaming service at the same time because of the pandemic. The film performed well both in cinemas and online. Directed by Lee Yong-joo, it combines action with thought-provoking science fiction themes exploring bioethics.

Share your favorite Gong Yoo screen moment—or another cool fact we should add—in the comments!

2025-11-16 23:45