Gong Yoo is the South Korean actor who captivated audiences with his brief yet impactful appearance as the mysterious Salesman in the popular Korean Netflix series Squid Game starring Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, and Lee Byung-hun. His character, who lured desperate individuals seeking money into the deadly and life-threatening game, not only played a pivotal role in the narrative but also left viewers wanting more.
After debuting in the fourth season of the Korean drama School in 2001, the 45-year-old actor has delivered numerous remarkable performances across genres. He recently appeared in Netflix’s The Trunk, a limited thriller series which aired on November 29. Gong Yoo is now awaiting the release of the second season of Squid Game, where he will reprise his role as the mysterious Salesman (hopefully with more screen time).
So, if you’ve already binged on The Trunk and are waiting for Squid Game Season 2 to premier on December 26, here’s a list of some iconic performances by Gong Yoo (in no particular order) that you can stream to keep you entertained.
Kim Shin in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)
One of Gong Yoo’s standout performances is as the titular Kim Shin or Goblin from the acclaimed K-drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. Widely regarded as one of the most popular fantasy romance shows in the history of Korean television, it is widely known, even internationally, for its profound scenarios, picturesque locations, and amazing soundtrack. The narrative features Gong Yoo as an immortal goblin, alive for 939 years due to a centuries-old curse sealed by a magical sword stabbed through his chest. The only way to break his curse is to find himself a bride (played by Kim Go-eun) who can pull out the sword and make him mortal again.
Where to watch: Netflix
Choi Han Kyul in Coffee Prince (2007)
Gong Yoo's portrayal of Han-kyul in the 2007 TV series Coffee Prince was instrumental in cementing the actor’s spot as a significant figure in South Korean television and films. His acting, which made the moody character lovable, single-handedly brought the show's emotional complexity to life. The story follows Han-kyul as he tries to revive his failing café by hiring men to attract female customers. Chaos ensues when a woman joins the staff disguised as a man. The show explores love and identity as feelings grow, with Gong Yoo's nuanced performance adding depth to the romantic comedy.
Where to watch: Netflix
Seok-woo in Train To Busan (2016)
Gong Yoo's powerful performance in the 2016 Korean action-horror film Train to Busan earned him international stardom. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim for its intense storytelling and emotional depth. Gong Yoo’s Seok-woo is a single father struggling to connect with his young daughter, Soo-an. They board a high-speed train travelling from Seoul to Busan to visit Soo-an’s mother. However, their journey takes a horrifying turn when a sudden zombie apocalypse breaks out, turning much of the population into flesh-eating creatures. As the train journeys toward Busan, the passengers must fight not only for their survival but also for their loved ones, battling both the menacing zombies and their internal conflicts.
Where to watch: JioCinema, Prime Video
Han Yun-jae in The Silent Sea (2021)
The Silent Sea is a 2021 Netflix series about a team of space explorers who travel to the moon to retrieve a mysterious sample from an abandoned research facility. Gong Yoo's portrayal of Han Yun-jae, the captain of the space mission, received widespread acclaim. He was commended for his striking appearance, militaristic yet humane body language, and his ability to embody a calm and dutiful demeanour characteristic of his role.
Where to watch: Netflix
Sung-joon in Wonderland (2024)
Wonderland is a 2024 South Korean sci-fi romance film set in a near-future world where a tech called Wonderland enables people to interact with AI-generated versions of their deceased loved ones. In a special appearance, Gong Yoo portrays Seong Jun, an AI administrator within Wonderland who oversees the system and serves as a friend to its users. His character is depicted as warmhearted and thoughtful, and adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Where to watch: Netflix
