17 Sexiest K-Drama Male Leads Of 2022 So Far
Being sexy can be defined on so many different levels. Confidence, passion, being considerate and kind – it really does take a lot. All of the actors on this list have exuded exactly what it takes to be considered sexy, and it’s only halfway through the year! Here are 17 of them.
Disclaimer: List focuses on main male leads and not secondary actors. Also, list is in no particular order!
1. GOT7’s Jinyoung
GOT7’s Jinyoung in “Yumi’s Cells 2” has stolen the hearts of many, making him quite the heartthrob this year. His role as the sweet and considerate Yoo Babi, who is irrevocably in love with Yumi (Kim Go Eun), basically has no flaws. The director of the series had wanted to show a character who was the world’s kindhearted guy, which Jinyoung is obviously doing a great job of portraying! It’s really no surprise here that the Yoo Babi fanclub continues to grow weekly.
Watch “Yumi’s Cells 2” here:
2. Ahn Bo Hyun
Ahn Bo Hyun has been keeping himself busy these past couple of years as he has taken on multiple roles while making great strides into becoming a very sought-after actor. His large stature and heart-stopping charm have definitely helped him become very popular. His particular role as Do Bae Man in “Military Prosecutor Doberman” is one of the most charismatic roles in a K-drama this year. He plays a prosecutor who at first seems very superficial and cold but later turns into a lovable character. It’s also a given that Ahn Bo Hyun in military uniform is a look we can 100 percent get behind!
Check out the series here:
3. Son Suk Ku
Son Suk Ku is a must on this list, as he played the male lead of “My Liberation Notes” and literally took South Korea and the world by storm. No one could have anticipated the huge impact that an alcoholic man, who falls head over heels in love with a regular girl, would have in K-dramaland. Not only did he have his first-ever starring male lead K-drama role, but his new movie “The Outlaws 2” has garnered over 12 million moviegoers. This is Son Suk Ku’s year, and he is already confirmed for another project that many are over the moon about!
4. Ahn Hyo Seop
“A Business Proposal” is the rom-com series of 2022. Ahn Hyo Seop as chaebol heir Kang Tae Moo was perfectly handsome, charming, and sexy, sweeping everyone off their feet. His reliance, honesty with his feelings, and overall aura while sporting a three piece suit made him a definite hunk. Not to mention, his one-liners while trying to win over Shin Ha Ri’s (Kim Sejeong‘s) heart were very compelling. It was the perfect role for him, and every scene he was in only set off fireworks.
5. Nam Joo Hyuk
Set in the late 1990s, “Twenty Five, Twenty One” is a series starring Nam Joo Hyuk as Baek Yi Jin, a reporter who is trying to get his family back together after being struck by a financial crisis. He falls in love with Na Hee Do (Kim Tae Ri), an aspiring fencer. Baek Yi Jin is a character that many have felt all kinds of sentiments over, as his story was a rocky one. Nam Joo Hyuk was so effectively able to show this sensitive and emotional side of his acting abilities that he is most definitely a candidate for this list.
6. Kim Young Dae
Considered a rookie actor, Kim Young Dae has impressed many with his role this year, starring alongside Lee Sung Kyung in the rom-com series “Sh**ting Stars.” Kim Young Dae was so delightful and convincing in this role as the hotshot actor who is madly in love with the head of PR. Being a character who is also funny, Kim Young Dae was able to play this comedic aspect so effortlessly. He really rose to the occasion, and fans are already looking forward to his next rom-com role!
Watch episode 1 of “Sh**ting Stars”:
7. Park Hyung Sik
Park Hyung Sik in “Soundtrack #1” as Han Sun Woo, a tender and warmhearted photographer who only has eyes for his best friend Lee Eun Soo (Han So Hee), is everything. There was something about seeing Park Hyung Sik utter the words, “I’m going crazy,” while looking at Eun Soo that gave all the butterflies and made him so much more alluring. In very Park Hyung Sik fashion, fans were able to see his soft and sentimental acting through this role.
8. Rowoon
What is a sexiest actors list without the mention of SF9‘s Rowoon? In the fantasy series “Tomorrow,” Rowoon plays Choi Joon Woong, a human who gets into an accident and ends up joining forces with a couple of grim reapers. Seeing him work to try and save the lives of people who are struggling to make it through life is a touching story and one that was beyond emotional. The story brought healing and depth, and with Rowoon in the starring role, there were some obvious bonus factors – one being the fact that he looks breathtaking in a suit!
9. Lee Joon Gi
There is something magnetically charming about Lee Joon Gi whenever he stars in a series. He has the ability to pull his viewers in, making them engaged and emotionally invested in his role and the storyline. His role as Kim Hee Woo in “Again My Life” is no different. Lee Joon Gi always slays in the mystery/action type K-dramas, as the stories and his acting are bound to keep viewers on the edges of their seats. His convincing acting skills and ability to pull off both casual and formal attire are absolutely perfection.
Check him out in the first episode here:
10. Ji Chang Wook
Who would have thought a singing magician would have the ability to make hearts skip a beat? Ji Chang Wook as Rieul in the musical healing drama “The Sound of Magic” managed to do just that. His character was so endearing, unique, and charming that you couldn’t help but long for a fantasy of being able to meet a magician whenever times get tough. We were also blessed to see him singing throughout the series – he’s got the most heart-stopping vocals!
11. Hwang In Yeop
“Why Her?” is the currently airing mystery romance series starring Hwang In Yeop and Seo Hyun Jin. Hwang In Yeop’s role as Gong Chan in the series has been adorably sweet, as he’s open and wears his heart on his sleeve while persisting for love. This has been a busy year so far for Hwang In Yeop as he also starred in “The Sound of Magic” which aired in May. His fans are thrilled about the double header, as Hwang In Yeop’s presence always lights up the small screen. His appeal in taking on such eclectic roles has been enjoyable to watch.
Watch him in “Why Her?” here:
12. Lee Min Ho
Whether you love or hate his characters, Lee Min Ho always manages to look confident and amazing in every role he takes on. In the international hit series “Pachinko,” which is based on the novel written by Min Jin Lee, Lee Min Ho plays Koh Hansu, a Korean man who lives in Japan and ends up falling in love with Sunja (Kim Min Ha). The best part about this series was not only seeing him in a very complex role but also seeing all of the interviews of him and the cast having a great time. A smiling and laughing Lee Min Ho is definitely sexy!
13. Song Kang
Song Kang’s portrayal as Lee Si Woo in “Forecasting Love and Weather,” a romantic comedy series set in a weather administration office, was perfectly pleasant and alluring as always. His character had a puppy dog charm that was adorably contagious. His positive and upbeat personality lit up the screen, making viewers smile and appreciate his acting abilities. Song Kang has been able to show so many different sides of himself, and this particular role was another one to add to the growing list. Fans are definitely looking forward to seeing him reprise his role as Cha Hyun Soo in Seasons 2 and 3 of “Sweet Home”!
14. Yoon Kye Sang
Yoon Kye Sang has come a long way since his very villainous role as Jang Chen in “The Outlaws” movie. He has only shown that he can do it all, as his role in “Kiss Sixth Sense” as Cha Min Hoo is one that is very soft, sweet, and romantic. “Kiss Sixth Sense” is based on the hit webtoon by Gatnyeo, and with all the anticipation leading up to the series, Yoon Kye Sang was able to deliver all the stops to make it a worthwhile watch. Additionally, it was a complete delight seeing Yoon Kye Sang in a romantic lead role. The heart flutters were endless!
15. Lee Joon
Lee Joon’s brooding and versatile acting has earned him a spot on this list. This year, he starred in the series “Bloody Heart,” which is a sageuk about a King who decides to not be with the woman he loves in order to survive. Lee Joon’s emotional acting as Lee Tae touched viewers as he dealt with the political upheaval as King as well as trying to contain his emotions while having Yoo Jung (Kang Han Na) around. He was able to perfectly act out the battle between reason and love.
16. So Ji Sub
So Ji Sub ages like fine wine, and it is ever so apparent in his current role as Han Yi Han in “Doctor Lawyer.” The dual professions that Yi Han takes on are so utterly attractive that it’s hard not to swoon over him. So Ji Sub’s long-term presence in the entertainment business is so evident with his effortless acting, and it makes him that much more appealing to watch. We can always count on the power of his charisma.
17. Sung Hoon
Sung Hoon is definitely not shy when it comes to showing off his sex appeal through his various roles. Even Sung Hoon’s character name Raphael in the series “Woori the Virgin” screams sexy. He has a consistent knack for playing self-assured, wealthy, and powerful characters who are always pretty persistent when it comes to winning the female lead over. His role in this particular series was no different, and fans could not complain. His presence is always able to draw viewers in, making them fall for his charm.
Watch “Woori the Virgin” here:
Hey Soompiers, who do you think is the most sexiest K-drama male lead of 2022? Let me know in the comments below!
binahearts is a Soompi writer whose ultimate biases are Song Joong Ki and BIGBANG but has lately been seen obsessing over Hwang In Yeop. Make sure you follow binahearts on Instagram as she journeys through her latest Korean crazes!
Currently watching: “Why Her?,” “Eve,” and “Yumi’s Cells 2”
All-time favorite drama: “Secret Garden” and “Star In My Heart.”
Looking forward to: Won Bin’s return to the small screen.
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