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K-Drama Crush: Nam Joo-Hyuk’s On-Screen Evolution

Which of his characters made you fall in love with him?

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Elaine Carag-Calderon

<p>It was 2013 when Nam Joo-hyuk first turned heads as a model—a career that ultimately catapulted him as a heartthrob to watch on TV and film. It didn’t take long for him to successfully walk his way through to the big and small screen, starting with appearances in music videos; and, eventually, transitioning to dramas and movies.</p><div><br/></div><p>Now close to celebrating his 10th year in the entertainment industry, the 28-year-old actor has already given life to some of South Korea’s most memorable characters on-screen. He may be set to enlist for his mandatory military service very soon, but we’re just happy we have a lot of titles to rewatch and watch out for as we await the official announcement of his two-year break. (He still has two upcoming projects lined up after the ongoing Twenty-Five Twenty-One that do not have confirmed release dates yet.)</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/dad8dd4c-d583-4a2d-8b98-2fb5edbdb18f_209014694_507070857214899_8838450406882051640_n.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Nam Joo-hyuk<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> @skawngur  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/beauty/grooming/nam-joo-hyuk-and-kim-seon-ho-then-and-now/28411" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Then and Now: K-Drama Heartthrobs Nam Joo-Hyuk and Kim Seon-Ho</a></div><p>While we’ve somehow traced <a href="https://metro.style/beauty/grooming/nam-joo-hyuk-and-kim-seon-ho-then-and-now/28411" target="_blank">his career’s beginnings alongside his Start-Up co-star Kim Seon-ho in 2020</a>, here’s an update on one Nam Joo-hyuk and his on-screen evolution through the years. Swipe through the gallery below for a trip down memory lane featuring one of K-Drama’s biggest heartthrobs!</p><div><br/></div><div class="article-content" itemProp="articleBody"><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/3260c878-430d-4fbf-bb88-008fd45585cd_gallerynamjoohyuk.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/9ceec2b7-dfde-4300-b0e2-b539aec43cc6_2014_200 percent mv.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/22dcfda5-b876-4a55-8004-df0e591e5c51_2014_give love mv.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/e9d4bee4-7cfe-45d2-8c6e-7e315b244032_2014_the idle mermaid.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/9da25990-ef0b-4ce5-9cb4-0a9ba65830f8_2015_who are you school 2015.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/1fb2a103-5e57-45fc-a425-2021e0ac2f9c_2015_glamorous temptation.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/43061ff6-5434-4642-addb-7d498b366c0a_2016_cheese in the trap.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/bcd9c589-1ff4-4ddb-ac87-407e6ca4e6bb_2016_moon lovers scarlet heart ryeo.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/5d2e9e52-8f2f-400e-a2a2-fb15af35cd07_2016_weightlifting fairy kim bok-joo_2.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d7e816f9-31f0-4fd1-9c2d-79d5ead1a93f_2016_weightlifting fairy kim bok-joo_2.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/15e9f791-73f9-42f3-800f-4ec89eb9bd43_2017_the bride of the water god.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/3099dfb4-fba4-463b-8a73-a5a267e17123_2017_the bride of habaek.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0ceb108e-323c-42bd-9f6d-e11a3572bb1c_2017_the bride of the water god_3._jpeg.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/be8b500d-7969-409c-821c-5d5fe1d3c289_2018_the great battle.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/73f2f2c1-3e5b-49e0-8e74-f51f160fb8b0_2019_the light in your eyes.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0d55c21e-bc7f-4a88-b634-5d2959dfebf0_2020_start-up_1.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/1ec1b7bd-e730-4272-9360-fbc276f4ef64_2020_start-up_2.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/ccd86e1f-0c26-4d00-be4f-0235734ca5fd_2020_the school nurse files.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/cb3c25f2-bea0-40fb-a549-affbac99191d_2020_josee_2.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/81cc6acc-d2f6-4a16-984f-1c161e71aa5c_2020_josee_1.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/c2a98fa8-0ce9-4576-b1c1-9e3d5a31c9ec_2022_twenty five twenty one_1.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0cb6cf46-1ac6-40cc-868f-64a6de28c0ff_2022_twenty five twenty one_2.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>200% and Give Love MVs (2014) - (1/2) Making the leap from the runway to the small screen, Nam Joo-hyuk starred in music videos for two AKMU (Akdong Musician) songs—“200%” and “Give Love” where he played a cute high schooler with his li’l textured two-block cut!<cite>AKMU/YouTube</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>200% and Give Love MVs (2014)<cite>AKMU/YouTube</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Idle Mermaid (2014) - Next, he officially debuted in a drama when he landed a supporting role in ‘The Idle Mermaid.’ As computer genius Park Dae-bak—nicknamed “Big”—he sported a fluffy side-parted, faded undercut to match his youthful character.<cite>K-drama Kisses</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Who Are You: School 2015 (2015) - We see the return of his textured two-block cut in his breakthrough role as Han Yi-an in his next K-Drama. Who wouldn’t have a crush on him with his perfect visuals?<cite>KBIZoom</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Glamorous Temptation (2015) - In his next role, he played the young Jin Hyung-woo—one of the main leads in the drama ‘Glamorous Temptation.’ At 21 years old, he still looks believable as a high schooler with softly parted short hair and fresh skin!<cite>@joohyuk222</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Cheese in the Trap (2016) - Cementing the textured two-block cut as his go-to in the earlier years of his career, Nam Joo-hyuk’s role as Kwon Eun-taek also sported the signature hairstyle.<cite>@fyeah-namjuhyuk</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) - His first appearance in a sageuk drama, ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ saw Nam Joo-hyuk turn into Korean royalty as 13th Prince Baek-ah. We must say, he still looks just as good with this period hairstyle!<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (2016) - (1/2) Trading in his signature cut for a trendier medium-length cut, Nam Joo-hyuk won everyone’s hearts as the male lead in ‘Weightlifting Fairy.’ <cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (2016) - (2/2) A carefree and fun character, Jung Joon-hyung was every bit the campus crush with his middle part, curtain bangs, and copper highlights!<cite>IMDb</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Bride of The Water God (2017) - (1/3) From cool college kid to almighty water god real quick, Nam Joo-hyuk then took on the role of Habaek in the fantasy drama as he began his transition to more mature roles. In his human form, Habaek favored long-ish hair with slightly floppy bangs.<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Bride of The Water God (2017) - (2/3)<cite>Viu</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Bride of The Water God (2017) - (3/3) As the god Habaek, he had long hair dyed in a blue ombré color and dark-lined eyes to achieve a more mythical look. <cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Great Battle (2018) - Nam Joo-hyuk made his debut on the big screen with ‘The Great Battle,’ where he played one of the film’s leads. As Sa-mul, he sported the traditionally long hairstyle of the period. He also had more tanned skin—something we’ve never seen on him before!<cite>Viu</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Light In Your Eyes (2019) - Nam Joo-hyuk plays Lee Joon-ha in this fantasy drama, an aspiring reporter. As the story jumps through time, this is one of his more dated looks with the long-ish hair, middle part, and curtain bangs.<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Start-Up (2020) - (1/2) Who can forget Nam Joo-hyuk as the older Nam Do-san when he was first introduced in Start-Up? The unkempt long hair, pre-Samsan Tech success, is super iconic!<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Start-Up (2020) - (2/2) Of course, we know it didn’t last long as he quickly transformed into the handsome yet shy Do-san who eventually won Seo Dal-mi’s heart. The cleaner cut was just the first step! (He also eventually learned how to style it in the course of the drama.)<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The School Nurse Files (2020) - Nam Joo-hyuk’s Netflix debut in ‘The School Nurse Files’ saw his turn as Hong In-pyo, a Chinese teacher with a unique energy and an effortless two-block hairstyle fitting of the role.<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Josee (2020) - (1/2) In his next film, he brought Lee Yeong-seok to life—a college student who falls in love with the eponymous protagonist in ‘Josée.’ His two-block cut has grown out a bit more, rendering a slightly younger look that fit his role.<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Josee (2020) - (2/2)<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022) - (1/2) Fast forward to 2022, his ongoing drama where he plays Baek Yi-jin tells a story that spans years—starting from the mid-1990s. We first see Nam Joo-hyuk as a young man who favors wearing his two-block cut down…<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Twenty Five Twenty One (2022) - (2/2) …and eventually trades it in for a more styled version as he aged in the story.<cite>Hancinema</cite></p></div></div></div></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/beauty/skincare/kim-tae-ri-beauty-skincare-secrets/32570" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Everything We Know About Kim Tae-Ri&#x27;s Beauty Secrets</a></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/beauty/body/tallest-korean-actors/27988" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">21 Tall Korean Actors And Why Height Is A Big Deal in South Korea</a></div>