Ju Ji-hoon. Photo from actor's Instagram accountMost K-drama fans were likely introduced to South Korean actor Ju Ji-hoon through his role in “Princess Hours.” The 2006 romance series, which aired on ABS-CBN, is set in an alternate modern-day Korea where the country remains under a monarchy. In the show, Ji-hoon stars as Lee Shin (known as Gian in the local dub), the crown prince who becomes engaged to a commoner from his school.

Since then, Ji-hoon’s career has experienced both highs and lows. He has steadily secured lead roles in dramas and starred in blockbuster films like the “Along with the Gods” series. However, a drug controversy in the late 2000s posed a significant challenge to his career.

Ji-hoon has since recovered from the scandal and, in recent years, has experienced a resurgence in popularity, becoming busier than ever with roles in both original shows produced by global streaming platforms and Korean network-based dramas that have become available for streaming for foreign audiences. In 2024 alone, the 42-year-old actor starred in three dramas, in addition to appearing in the thriller film “Project Silence,” a testament to his packed schedule.

If you are among those charmed by Ji-hoon, whether he’s fighting zombies or working as a bodyguard with an ulterior motive or running an enigmatic light shop, we list down below some of the actor’s series (mostly the newer ones) that are available for streaming online.

Princess Hours (2006)

Also starring: Yoon Eun-hye, Kim Jeong-hoon, Song Ji-hyo

Stream on: Viu

The drama that catapulted Ji-hoon to popularity. Set in a fictionalized Korea where a monarchy still exists, "Princess Hours" features Ji-hoon as Lee Shin, the crown prince who is unexpectedly thrust into an arranged marriage with commoner Shin Chae-kyung (played by Yoon Eun-hye). Initially cold and distant towards his wife, Shin gradually finds himself drawn to Chae-kyung as they navigate the challenges of their royal life together.

Kingdom (2019)

Also starring: Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong  

Stream on: Netflix

Ji-hoon landed the lead role in Netflix’s first-ever original Korean production “Kingdom.” In this zombie horror series, which has spawned two seasons, the actor returns to playing royalty as Lee Chang, a crown prince who investigates a mysterious illness affecting his father. However, he soon finds himself caught in both a zombie outbreak and political conflict.

READ: Netflix unveils own K-drama with zombie series 'Kingdom'

Hyena (2020)

Also starring: Kim Hye-soo

Stream on: Netflix

This comedic legal drama follows two rival lawyers who work for the wealthy. Here, Ji-hoon plays elite lawyer Yoon Hee-jae, who finds himself constantly butting heads with the money-hungry Jung Geum-ja (Kim Hye-soo).

Jirisan (2021)

Also starring: Jun Ji-hyun, Sung Dong-il, Oh Jung-se, Jo Han-chul, Go Min-si

Stream on: iQiyi

Set against the backdrop of South Korea’s second-tallest mountain, Mount Jiri, “Jirisan” centers on the lives of park rangers who rescue people on the titular mountain. Ji-hoon takes on the role of Kang Hyun-jo, a rookie ranger with a secret, who teams up with Seo Yi-gang (played by fellow “Kingdom” star Jun Ji-hyun) to save people on the mountain and unravel its mysteries.

READ: Enigmatic mountain inspires Korean series ‘Jirisan’

Blood Free (2024)

Also starring: Han Hyo-joo, Lee Hee-joon, Lee Moo-saeng

Stream on: Disney+

In “Blood Free,” which touches on debates about lab-grown meat, Ji-hoon portrays Woo Chae-woon, a former elite soldier whose investigation into a terror attack he once experienced leads him to become the bodyguard of CEO Yoon Ja-yun (Han Hyo-joo). Over time, he forms a connection with Ja-yun, who faces numerous threats while running a company that produces cultured meat.

READ: ‘Blood Free’ tackles lab-grown meat in ‘near future’ setting

Love Your Enemy (2024)

Also starring: Jung Yu-mi, Lee Si-woo, Kim Ye-won

Stream on: Disney+

Following the familiar enemies-to-lovers trope, “Love Your Enemy” tells the story of rivals Seok Ji-won (Ji-hoon) and Yoon Ji-won (Jung Yu-mi). After being separated for 18 years, their paths cross again when Seok Ji-won becomes the chairman of the school where Yoon Ji-won works as a teacher, reigniting old tensions and feelings. In this series, Ji-hoon takes on another comedic role, including a viral, self-referential scene where he performs a song from “Princess Hours.”

Lightshop Keeper (2024)

Also starring: Park Bo-young, Bae Seong-woo, Kim Seol-hyun, Uhm Tae-goo, Lee Jung-eun

Stream on: Disney+

Adapted from the work of webtoon artist Kang Full (also known for “Moving”), “Lightshop Keeper” tells the story of a group of people who find themselves mysteriously drawn to a light shop at the end of a dark alleyway. Ji-hoon brings to life the character of Jung Won-young, who runs the light shop. Initially coming off as a horror piece, the story unravels into something more as the show progresses.

READ: Star-studded K-drama ‘Lightshop Keeper’ to ‘move people’s hearts’

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025)

Also starring: Choo Young-woo, Ha Young

Stream on: Netflix

Netflix’s first original medical series, “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,” sees Ji-hoon donning scrubs for the role of Baek Kang-hyuk, a genius surgeon whose skills are honed by his years of experience in conflict zones. He joins a struggling trauma team at a hospital and transforms it into a trauma center.