Although it might sound strange but Korean movies and dramas rarely have sequels. However, in some cases, the popularity of a particular show or k-drama can motivate the creators to produce new seasons with the same or a different cast. Thus actors often get a chance to reprise their roles in a new sequel packed with more significant challenges.
Here's a list of 10 Korean Celebrities Who Have Worked in Sequels of a K-drama:
1. Lee Ha-Na
In 2017, Lee played the leading role in a thriller procedural show titled "Voice," where a team handling 911 calls deals with a distressing situation. Every new episode brought to life a more heinous crime committed by a psychopathic criminal, threatening to topple the balance in society. The show itself is very intriguing and memorable because of which the creators produced a second season, where Lee was cast in her original role.
2. Song Kang
Song Kang is a highly talented actor who rose to fame after performing in "Love Alarm," a Netflix series based on a popular webtoon. Here Song Kang played the main protagonist who goes through a roller coaster of emotions, love triangles, and heartbreaks to be with the person he loves the most. Since the first installment had an open ending for the main leads, the second season developed their romantic journey, with twists and turns, without letting down fan expectations.
3. Yeon Jung-Hoon
Yeon Jung-hoon became quite a well-known face in the entertainment industry after the success of "Vampire Prosecutor. However, instead of a flesh-devouring and bloodthirsty beast who lurks at night for prey, Jung-hoon portrayed an enigmatic prosecutor. He drank the blood of his deceased victims to find their past. The original show came out in 2011, followed by an eleven-episode-long sequel in 2012 where Yeon Jung-hoon reprised his role as the justice-seeking vampire.
4. Lee Jung-Jae
Lee Jung-Jae became an international sensation after his portrayal of Seong Gi-Hun in the popular Netflix drama "Squid Game." However, in 2019, he was a part of a political drama titled "Chief of Staff," a political drama with two seasons.
5. Han Suk-Kyu
Korean series "Dr. Romantic" was one of the biggest commercial hits of 2016, which helped Han Suk-Kyu garner widespread popularity. In the series, he portrays Boo Yong-Joo, an extremely qualified doctor. He leaves his high-profile job to become a doctor at a local hospital in Gangwon—the first season aired in 2016 and the second one in 2020, with Han Suk-Kyu retaining his role in both seasons.
6. Kim So Yeon
Kim So Yeon gained immense popularity after playing her character Cheon Seo Jin in the three seasons of "The Penthouse." Her character went through massive changes over the three seasons, from an easygoing woman to a true villain. Indeed, So Yeon's acting prowess and emotional acting brought this character to life.
7. Cho Seung-Woo
Cho Seung-Woo reprised his role as Hwang Si-Mok in the 2020 sequel to the 2017 crime thriller series "Stranger". His character, a prosecutor, joins forces with a police lieutenant to solve a gruesome murder. Stranger" was a domestic hit in South Korea and also loved by viewers all over the globe. It also became a nominee for the 'New York Times' Best TV Shows' of 2017.
8. Bae Doona
Bae Doona was an incredibly skilled photographer before becoming a famous actor in the Korean film industry. She played the role of Han Yeo-jin in the 2017 crime thriller "Stranger" and also worked in the sequel that came out in 2020. Her impeccable acting added great depth and insight to her on-screen character, making this show an international hit.
9. Ju Ji-Hoon
39-year old actor and model Ju Ji-hoon brought the period-fantasy genre to life through his role in the Netflix horror-thriller series titled "The Kingdom." The historical setting and political turmoil depicted in the show intrigued domestic and international audiences, forcing producers to develop a new season in 2020. Ju Ji-hoon played the crown prince in both the installments of the show.
10. Lee Kwang Soo
Lee Kwang Soo is well known for playing comedic roles. In "The Sound of Your Heart," he plays Jo Seok, who lives with his parents and has a beautiful girlfriend. Based on a webtoon, this series deals with the everyday life of Jo Seok in a comic style. This show's light-hearted tone and humorous nature enabled creators to go for a second season where the original cast retained their roles.
