Then and Now: K-Drama Heartthrobs Nam Joo-Hyuk and Kim Seon-Ho
Which of these handsome Korean actors made you fall harder?
In one of the biggest debates of 2020, South Korean actors Nam Joo-hyuk and Kim Seon-ho find themselves up against each other on- and off-screen. Throughout Start-Up’s run, fans of the Netflix series couldn’t help choosing their side as early as the first few episodes of the show.
With both vying for the heart of Bae Suzy’s Seo Dal-mi, the headstrong yet determined aspiring CEO, who was deserving of the happy ending with her?
With an intensity reminiscent of the discussion on “The Dress,” one of this year’s most heated discussions is: Who deserved the happy ending with Dal-mi? Was it Nam Joo-hyuk’s Nam Do-san, the awkward yet brilliant AI developer, or Han Ji-pyeong, Kim Seon-ho’s harsh yet soft-hearted investment manager?
It’s been a crazy few weeks between #TeamDoSan and #TeamJiPyeong, but—not-so-spoiler alert!—we’ve always known who’ll get the girl in the end. (Yes, he’s the one on the poster sitting side-by-side with Suzy.) That doesn’t mean we don’t have love for them both, though! Whether you’re a solid Do-san or Ji-pyeong stan (or flip-flopped between the two like me), you’ve got to admit that these two gave you so many feels without fail.
If you’re just as hungover as we are from Sunday’s heart-rending finale, we took a trip down memory lane (a.k.a. stalked) both Nam Joo-hyuk and Kim Seon-ho to fill the Start-Up void we’re feeling. Regardless of the team you’re on, there’s no denying these two made the series such a rollercoaster to watch. Browse our gallery for a look back on the different looks they’ve sported on- and off-camera!
Then and Now: Nam Joo-hyuk & Kim Seon-ho
Then and Now: Nam Joo-hyuk & Kim Seon-ho
Baby Nam Joo-hyuk
Nam Joo-hyuk was born February 24, 1994 in Busan, South Korea. His name literally translates to “shiny pillar,” a name given to him by his grandfather. He spent most of his growing-up years in Gyeonggi Province where he dreamed of becoming a pro basketball player. How cute was Nam Joo-hyuk as a baby? Aww!
Photo Credit: @skawngur
Baby Kim Seon-ho
Kim Seon-ho was born an only child on May 8, 1986 in Seoul, South Korea. When he was in elementary school, he developed a heartbreaking trauma from a harrowing experience involving a robber breaking into their home and harming his mother. Thankfully, acting helped him slowly overcome it. Despite his troubles, here’s Seon-ho being the future heartbreaker he’s going to be!
Photo Credit: @seonho__kim
Modeling Debut
At 19, Nam Joo-hyuk left his hometown to pursue a modeling career in Seoul where he won ‘Top Model’ and debuted on the runway for the SONGZIO S/S ’13 collection. The rolled-out-of-bed look fits the lazy summer vibe completely!
Photo Credit: A Daily Dose of K-Screen
Theater Debut
After graduating from the Seoul Institute of the Arts in 2009, Kim Seon-ho’s first theater play was ‘New Boing Boing’ where he portrayed a playboy named Seong-ki. In 2013, he reprised this same role in the comedic play where he looked every bit a preppy ladies’ man with his layered and styled bowl cut.
Photo Credit: @seonho_daily
First Instagram Post
Nam Joo-hyuk’s first post on Instagram was from November 2013 with musicians Ken!44 and Choix2, presumably a little bit after winning ‘Top Model’ and debuting as a model. The grown-out crew cut is such an off-duty look!
Photo Credit: @skawngur
First Instagram Post
Meanwhile, Kim Seon-ho’s debut on the social media platform came in 2016 with a post thanking his fans for all the birthday greetings on his 30th (31st in Korea) birthday, which also falls on Parent’s Day in his home country. Spot the messy shag of hair in the photo behind him!
Photo Credit: @seonho__kim
2014
After debuting as a model, Nam Joo-hyuk starred in MVs for “200%” and “Give Love” of fellow YG Entertainment artists AKMU where he sported a bowl cut over an undercut—he pulls off the innocent look so well!
Photo Credit: NAMJOOHYUK 남주혁 PHILIPPINES
2014
He also appeared in his first drama with a role in ‘The Idle Mermaid’ as Park Dae-bak a.k.a. Big where he stole everyone’s hearts with an effortless disheveled quiff.
Photo Credit: Asian Wiki
2014
At the same time, Kim Seon-ho portrayed the role of In-ho in the theater play “Things I Haven’t Said in 7 Years” with the cutest bowl cut you ever did see.
Photo Credit: @seonho_daily
2015
Nam Joo-hyuk then landed his first lead role in a drama in ‘Who Are You: School 2015’ as Han Yi-an opposite Kim So-hyun. How flawless is this cross between a bowl cut and undercut on him? Such a cutie!
Photo Credit: Asian Wiki
2015
In theater, Kim Seon-ho was starring as Choi Ji-sung in ‘Purpose of Love’ shamelessly flaunting that dimple we love and a bowl cut to boot.
Photo Credit: @seonho_daily
2015
The same year, he also played Austin in ‘True West’ still sporting his go-to bowl cut.
Photo Credit: @seonho_daily
2016
It was a big year for Nam Joo-hyuk as he starred in a string of successful dramas, starting with his supporting role as Kwon Eun-tak in ‘Cheese in the Trap.’ Here, he looked quite the campus heartthrob with tinted hair and that crush-worthy smile!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
2016
He then turned on some old world charm in ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ as the 13th prince with his traditional Goryeo hairstyle.
Photo Credit: K-pop.asianchan.com
2016
Jung Joon-hyung needs no introduction to rom-com K-Drama fans as the hunky ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo’ male lead. The floppy parted hair reminds us of our ’90s teen crushes and we’re still here for it four years later.
Photo Credit: Koreaboo
2016
We can’t not mention Nam Joo-hyuk’s physique in ‘Weightlifting’ where he blessed fans every episode or so with a preview of his lean, sculpted body.
Photo Credit: Channel Korea
2016
Meanwhile, Seon-ho reprised his role as Austin in ‘True West Returns’ where he’s also growing out of the bowl cut and slowly transitioning into a more manly parted shag. The dimple, of course, ever-present—can’t be ignored.
Photo Credit: @seonho_daily
2016
The same year saw Seon-ho play the role of Dan in the stage adaptation of ‘Closer’ in Korea where he showed off a serious, more mature side to him. He looked every bit the part with the messy shag, too!
Photo Credit: @seonho_daily
2016
In yet another play that same year, Seon-ho took the stage as Hyung-seok in ‘Voice of the Millenium’ where he portrayed a young freshman in high school. Aside from the shaggy hair, it’s really the dimple that did it.
Photo Credit: @seonho_daily
2017
The following year, Nam Joo-hyuk transformed into a literal god in ‘The Bride of Habaek’ and turned up the otherworldly charm with long side-swept bangs and the half-nape hair length.
Photo Credit: Koreaboo
2017
Let’s also not forget how well he pulled off smoky eye shadow as water god Habaek. Makeup goals, anyone?
Photo Credit: Soompi
2017
Nam Joo-hyuk was also introduced as a global ambassador for local clothing brand Penshoppe, which saw him flex his model roots for Filipino fans! Do we love the innocent boy-next-door look or do we love it?
Photo Credit: Penshoppe
2017
This year was Seon-ho’s debut on TV, as he played the minor role of Sung Sang-tae in ‘Good Manager.’ The shaggy bowl cut makes a comeback with wire-rimmed glasses for that extra cute geeky appeal!
Photo Credit: KBS 2
2017
He then appeared in ‘Strongest Deliveryman’ as second lead Oh Jin-kyu who charmed our pants off with his messy, slicked-back parted hair and those dimples!
Photo Credit: Apple TV
2017
A younger-looking Kim Seon-ho then continued to wow audiences as Gong Su-chang in ‘Two Cops’ with a colored and styled bowl cut.
Photo Credit: Naver
2018
Kim Seon-ho kicked off 2018 with the drama special ‘You Drive Me Crazy’ as Kim Rae-wan. Here, he flaunts his boyish charm once again with the classic bowl cut we’ve come to love!
Photo Credit: MBC
2018
Meanwhile, Nam Joo-hyuk made his debut on the big screen with a supporting role in the epic film ‘The Great Battle.’ He plays Sa-mul, a Goryeo warrior in full battle regalia.
Photo Credit: IMDb
2018
This year, it was Kim Seon-ho’s turn to star in a period drama '100 Days My Prince' where he took on the role of Jong Jae-yoon. It’s not much of a change from his usual look, and it’s only proof that his dimples still steal the show even in traditional Korean garb.
Photo Credit: ILoveKStar
2019
‘The Light in Your Eyes’ continued Nam Joo-hyuk’s transition beyond romantic comedies as Lee Joon-ha. Praised for his acting in the show, he showed off a grittier look and persona in the series.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
2019
‘Catch the Ghost’ saw Kim Seon-ho take on another lead role where he appeared opposite Moon Geun-young as a veteran of the subway police force. Out of his uniform, Kim Seon-ho’s Go Ji-seok is a cutie with floppy parted hair and a beautiful smile!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
2019
Meanwhile, Kim Seon-ho played Cha Woo-sik in ‘Welcome to Waikiki 2’ — an aspiring musician who invests in the series’ eponymous guesthouse. We must say, this shaggy bowl cut is becoming our favorite!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
2020
We now arrive at the present year where Nam Joo-hyuk first appeared in fantasy drama ‘The School Nurse Files’ as Hong In-pyo, a Chinese language teacher we’d definitely have a crush on if we were his students.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
2020
The year is now about to end, but not before Nam Joo-hyuk’s Nam Do-san made us root for him with all our hearts in ‘Start-Up.’ While he sported quite the shaggy bowl cut in the first few episodes, Do-san cleaned up well throughout the series—transforming from a boy to a man through the 16 episodes. We love how the character’s shy confidence showed in his transformations, too!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Photo Credit: Hancinema
2020
Meanwhile, Kim Seon-ho gave everyone the severest Second Lead Syndrome to ever be recorded in 2020 with his portrayal of Han Ji-pyeong. Strong and straightforward, he had a killer wardrobe and even killer looks. He looked clean and sophisticated every single time he was on-screen, fitting of the investment manager he portrayed in the show.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Lead photo credits in gallery. Artwork by Raff Colmenar
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