K-Drama Crush: Nam Joo-Hyuk’s On-Screen Evolution
Which of his characters made you fall in love with him?
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.
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.)
While we’ve somehow traced his career’s beginnings alongside his Start-Up co-star Kim Seon-ho in 2020, 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!
Nam Joo-Hyuk Evolution
Nam Joo-Hyuk Evolution
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!
Photo Credit: AKMU/YouTube
200% and Give Love MVs (2014)
Photo Credit: AKMU/YouTube
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.
Photo Credit: K-drama Kisses
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?
Photo Credit: KBIZoom
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!
Photo Credit: @joohyuk222
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.
Photo Credit: @fyeah-namjuhyuk
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!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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.’
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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!
Photo Credit: IMDb
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.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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!
Photo Credit: Viu
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.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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.)
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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…
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Twenty Five Twenty One (2022)
(2/2) …and eventually trades it in for a more styled version as he aged in the story.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
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