13 Years Of K-Drama Heartthrob Song Joong-Ki's Transformations

From being a fresh-faced boy to a leading man in hit action roles, Song Joong-ki proves that he gets better with age

Kate Paras-Santiago

March 10, 2021, 05:00 PM

Once in a while, there comes an actor who doesn't seem to outgrow his baby-faced charm. Such is the case for Hallyu star and small screen heartthrob Song Joong-ki! The 35-year-old stunner has been in the showbiz industry for about 13 years now, debuting in 2008 in period film 'A Frozen Flower'. Since then, only little can be noticed about his age. Save for adding a bit more muscle to his physique and a couple of hairstyle changes, Song Joong-ki remains to be one of the freshest faces in the K-drama world!

@hi_songjoongki

From his breakout role in 2010 hit 'Sungkyungkwan Scandal', to 2016 classic 'Descendants of the Sun', Song Joong-ki has truly been able to carve out a special place in our K-drama loving hearts. Apart from his modeling and hosting stints, Joong-ki continues to lend his face to endorsements left and right, including those of beauty brands, further cementing his status as one of the most sought-after faces in South Korea.

Swipe through the gallery below to check out 13 years' worth of his transformations:

Song Joong-ki Evolution

By Metro.StyleSeptember 24 2023, 6:39 AM

My Precious You (2008)

In this TV series, Joong-ki's fresh faced charm is apparent, with a long-back haircut and side-swept bangs.

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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Triple (2009)

How adorable is he in Triple, another TV series where he starred as a short track speed skating national athlete? Nothing screams youth more than clear skin and a boy-next-door haircut!

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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Running Man (2010)

Song Joong-ki was part of the original cast of reality TV series Running Man, where he looked every bit the budding heartthrob in a styled 2010 k-pop haircut.

Photo Credit: Popseoul

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Sungkyungkwan Scandal (2010)

Playing a Joseon-era playboy is no easy feat, but Joong-ki did it pretty damn well. He looks the part in traditional garb and his signature smize.

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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Penny Pinchers (2011)

In this film, Joong-ki plays a broke guy living off his mother's resources. Still lacking in muscle, he looks every bit the bright-eyed, hair-styled youngster.

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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A Werewolf Boy (2012)

In this fantasy romance flick, Joong-ki stars as a feral boy who falls in love with a girl who aims to tame his inner beast. He looks adorable as ever with full cheeks and a Korean pop haircut (plus luscious lips if we may add)!

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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Nice Guy (2012)

Now this is a role we don't have a hard time imagining on Joong-ki! He plays a medical student who falls in love with an older woman in this dark romance series, complete with cute nerd glasses and an adorable bowl cut.

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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Military Enlistment (2013)

Off to the military he went in 2013, and got discharged in 2015. As always, he rocks anything he wears, and still looks like the regal star he is in military fatigue.

Photo Credit: Channel Korea

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Descendants of the Sun (2016)

In what seems to be his most popular K-drama to date, Song Joong-ki shines as Yoo Si-jin, a military man who is dashing in and out of uniform.

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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The Battleship Island (2016)

Joong-ki seems to be o a roll with action flicks, and in this one, he plays a member of the Korean independence movement, and gets bruised and wounded along the way—while still looking effortlessly handsome in a clean, military-style haircut.

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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Arthdal Chronicles (2019)

This is perhaps the only time we will see Joong-ki with long, curly hair—in Arthdal Chronicles, an ancient fantasy drama that deals with myths, tribes, and romance.

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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Space Sweepers (2021)

His comeback in 2021 was strong, with Netflix film Space Sweepers, a space fantasy movie set in the year 2092. He still hasn't aged much, showing off flawless porcelain skin in every scene in space.

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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Vincenzo (2021)

In his latest K-drama 'Vincenzo', Joong-ki stars as an Italian lawyer and Mafia consigliere from Korea. He looks dashing in his sharp, tailored suits, with matching sleek, styled haircuts and a chiseled face.

Photo Credit: Hancinema

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