South Korean actor Chae Jong-hyeop. Photo from Jong-hyeop's Instagram accountWith an infectious smile that radiates positivity, Chae Jong-hyeop has been winning over K-drama audiences since gaining widespread popularity through the 2021 romance series “Nevertheless.”

However, the 31-year-old actor’s journey to stardom began much earlier. He made his acting debut in 2016 with a minor role in “Webtoon Hero - Tundra Show,” steadily building his portfolio over the years. These experiences have molded him into a versatile actor capable of delivering compelling performances across various genres.

If you’re among those captivated by Jong-hyeop’s youthful charm, here are eight must-watch shows to add to your list.

Hot Stove League (2019)

Also Starring: Nam-koong Min, Park Eun-bin, Oh Jung-se, Jo Byeong-kyu

The acclaimed sports drama “Hot Stove League” centers on the Dreams, a struggling Korean baseball team striving to rise from the bottom of the league to the top, under the leadership of their determined managers (played by Namkoong Min and Park Eun-bin). In this series, he portrays the talented pitcher Yoo Min-ho.

Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)

Also Starring: Cho Seung-woo, Park Shin-hye, Kim Byung-chul

In this fantasy-mystery drama, a genius engineer (Cho Seung-woo) uncovers the “dangerous secrets of the world” and encounters a woman (Park Shin-hye) from a future devastated by war. Here, Jong-hyeop portrays Choi Jae-sun, a character who forms a close bond with Shin-hye's character.

Nevertheless (2021)

Also Starring: Han So-hee, Song Kang

“Nevertheless” follows the budding romance between two college students who are disillusioned by love due to their past relationships. In a role that captured the hearts of many viewers, Jong-hyeop plays Yang Do-hyeok, a popular YouTuber and childhood friend of Yu Na-bi (Han So-hee), whom he considers his first love.

The Witch’s Diner (2021)

Also Starring: Song Ji-hyo, Nam Ji-hyun

This dark fantasy drama revolves around a restaurant run by a witch, offering food that grants wishes in exchange for customers’ souls. In this series, Jong-hyeop portrays Gil-yong, a part-time employee at the mysterious establishment.

Love All Play/ Going to You at a Speed of 493km (2021)

Also Starring: Park Ju-hyun

Marking his return to sports dramas, “Love All Play” sees Jong-hyeop as Park Tae-joon, a badminton player who views the sport merely as a job and feels weighed down by it. Romance sparks when he is paired in mixed doubles with the well-known Park Tae-yang (Park Ju-hyun).

Unlock My Boss (2022)

Also Starring: Seo Eun-soo, Park Sung-woong

The comedic webtoon-based “Unlock My Boss” tells the story of a tech company CEO whose spirit becomes trapped inside a smartphone, leading him to team up with a young stranger to run his company and investigate his own murder.

Castaway Diva (2023)

Also Starring: Park Eun-bin, Cha Hak-yeon

Exploring themes of determination and domestic violence, “Castaway Diva” centers on Seo Mok-ha, who remains resolute in her dream of becoming a famous singer despite being stranded on a remote island for 15 years. Here, Jong-hyeop plays Kang Bo-geol, a variety show producer who finds Mok-ha on the island.

Serendipity’s Embrace (2024)

Also Starring: Kim So-hyun, Yoon Ji-on, Kim Da-som, Lee Won-jung

The recently concluded romantic comedy “Serendipity’s Embrace” features Jong-hyeop as Hoo-young, who returns to South Korea from the United States after a decade and reunites with his first love, Hong-joo (Kim So-hyun).

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