Jung Il Woo’s dramatic looks and ability to play rich jerks makes him someone that deserves to be the topic of our latest Fangirl Stalking. So join me as I discuss his filmography and let you know which of his dramas you should check out, and which should be lost in the vaults of dramaland.
The Rules of Fangirl Stalking:
We will start with the dramas I think are must watch works by the actor. Followed by the shows that could go either way. This means that they are worth watching in my opinion, but I know there are some people who don’t like the genre. Lastly, we will cover the dramas/movies that you really could skip and not miss much (at least in regards of the actor/actress featured). These are the shows that are for die-hard fans who want to watch everything. So let’s jump into obsessing about Jung Il Woo.
Watch ASAP!
Flower Boy Ramen Shop
This is one of my all time favorite romantic comedies and I always watch random episodes when I need to be cheered up. It was the first drama that I watched raw then again when subs were available and sometimes even a third time if Cha Chi Soo (Jung Il Woo) was overly hilarious. Not to mention it was one of my first experiences with steamier kdrama kisses. Be sure to check it out for all the hilarious hijinks and khottie visuals.
High End Crush
Jung Il Woo even makes my least favorite actress palatable. OK, I’ll admit that it wasn’t all him, but I am sure his over the top chaebol antics helped distract me from my Jin Se Yeon crankiness. High End Crush is perfect if you need a quick dose of Jung Il Woo and don’t have the time to watch a full length drama.
Moon Embracing the Sun
This was just such a wonderfully tragic character. He always comes in second place to his brother but his loyalty never wavers. I didn’t have second lead syndrome but my heart strings were sure pulled tight.
49 Days
I have a guilty confession…. I haven’t seen this drama yet. However, it is constantly suggested in my various discussion groups so I am popping it onto the “must watch” list. Maybe I should put it higher on my drama priorities.
Depending On My Mood
Night Watchman’s Journal
Night Watchman’s Journal is in no way a good drama. However, it was very cracktastic and made me want to see what crazy wizardly things might happen next. Jung Il Woo was by far one of the better aspects of the show and as long as you can ignore cheesy CGI, over the top villains, and a vapid leading lady, you are good to go.
Golden Rainbow
I liked parts of Golden Rainbow and felt it was worth watching despite a mediocre final few episodes. Jung Il Woo was yet again my favorite part of the show.
For the Die Hard Fans
The Return of Iljimae
He was so pretty yet this drama was very very bad. This was one of Jung Il Woo’s first dramas and I am thankful this show was not my introduction to him as an actor. Otherwise I would probably not have tried his other shows. It was NOT good.
UPCOMING
Cinderella and the Four Knights:
Cinderella and the Four Knights is about a girl (Park So Dam) who comes to live with four rich bachelors. At which point romance and hijinks ensue. I always love chaebol Jung Il Woo so am excited to check this one out. See the teaser HERE
Til our next stalking adventure,
Kmuse
I am such a fan girl when it comes to Jung Il Woo, when I saw your lead I squealed. I have watched (sometimes unwillingly) all of his dramas and have a folder full of his pictures on my desktop. My poor puppy has had some seriously bad luck with his choice of dramas lately. I am so hoping that he scores with Cinderella. He’s not a bad actor and he deserves a drama that will lift him up some. Fingers crossed.
In my opinion he shines best in romantic comedy so I am crossing my fingers. Although I like his historicals with the more serious tones.
He does romantic comedy so well. I wanted to love Night Watchman but when he wasn’t on screen my mind wandered off. Well to be fair the bad guy was so over the top that I couldn’t stop watching his bits either. I liked the first episode of Cinderella I hope tomorrows episode is even better.
My first Flower Boy!!!!! Flower Boy Ramen Shop was the first KDrama I ever watched & OMG it was so good I had to have more!!!! I’ve seen everything he’s ever done!
What’s wrong w/his Ilijimae, BTW ? I liked it a lot – I watched it & then LJK’s version & loved both since they gave different perspectives.
As for Night Watchmen – well, same as for Scholar LOL I watched for the pretty rather than the story – & there was a lot of that! Plus Jung Il Woo rocked the role, our bad guy was sooo cracktastic & Yunho, er, didn’t suck… & was pretty…
Hated the doppleganger storyline so much. Also I felt they didn’t utilize him at all other than being pretty. Also disliked the pacing of the politics and felt the hidden vigilante part of the story was really weak. Just didn’t like almost everything
Re: Return of Iljimae. In my opinion this is a drama one loves or hates (to death). Because it’s just so not the typical kdrama. Personally, I am on the love side, it’s JIL’s best for me. It’s a slow burn for sure, understated all in all. The cinematography is beyond gorgeous, as is JIL. That beauty was, in itself, one of the main characters. It was supposed to be so. The OST was also great, unusual for a sageuk (i.e. rock) but spot on imo. Also, one of the few sageuks that had realistic bed scenes. For me, it’s a beautiful yet melancholic ode to one’s journey to maturity.
Flower Boy Ramyun Shop is THE thing when it comes to noona romantic comedies. Cha Chi Soo forever!
Thanks for the appreciation post, well deserved 🙂
Is anyone here interested in being an adm on a Chinese/Taiwanese/Korean celebrity fan page on Instagram?
You have to watch 49days, The Scheduler is my most favorite character he has created. Granted you do have to have to have a few boxes of tissues on hand for this drama but it is my favorite drama. (I don’t usually do sad dramas as a rule, this one to me is worth watching). I didn’t really get into the Night Watchman but thanks for this article, Flower Boy Ramen Shop was my first kdrama and still is my all time favorite rom-com too. Jung Il Woo was my first kdrama crush.
I’m with Yeonka. I loved Return of Iljimae. It was really a unique drama for me. so beautifully done and inspiring. Actually this is the drama that made me fall for JIW. One of my all time favourites.
Unfortunately, Golden rainbow and Watchman were big dissapointment for me. I’m currently watching High-end Crush and IMO it’s mediocre at best. Hope that Cinderella would be good. Or fun a least.