Yeo Jin-Goo, nicknamed, “The Nation’s Little Brother,” is one of the up-and-coming actors of his generation. He has recently caught a lot of attention by having three consecutive high-ranking dramas that received a lot of love nationally and internationally. This handsome 25-year-old has been in the industry ever since he was a child actor. He debuted in the 2005 film Sad Movie. Later in 2006, he made his television debut with the drama I Want to Love. He played the sick child of a single parent with the name, Kim Heun-Soon.

From this point onwards, he started making appearances in noticeable roles in dramas, such as Moon Embracing the Sun, A Frozen Flower, and Giant. As he moved up the ladder of fame, his breakthrough performance came from the lead role in the 2013 film Hwayi: A Monster Boy. Yeo Jin-Goo won the award for Best New Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Since then, he has taken on many lead roles in films and TV dramas, becoming a very recognizable face and name in South Korea. Yoe Jin-Goo has made a well reputation for himself as an actor with unparalleled facial expressions, attachment to emotions, and versatility in all his projects. He recently made a comeback with his thriller drama Link: Eat, Love, Kill, starring alongside Mun Ka-Young. To celebrate this comeback, let’s check out Jin-Goo’s best performances.

6 Shoot Me in the Heart (2015)

Directed by Mun Che-Yong, this drama movie is based on a novel of the same name written by Jung Yoo-Jung. Set in a psychiatric hospital, it follows the story of Soo Myung (Jin-Goo) who develops schizophrenia after his mom’s suicide and meets Seung-Min (Lee Min-Ki) in the hospital. Both develop a friendship; however, soon Soo Myung decided to follow all attempts of Seung-Min to break out. This heartfelt movie was one that showed Yeo Jin-Goo’s potential to embody his characters. He depicts Soo Myung as a timid boy with schizophrenia who is always getting picked upon and cannot stand up for himself. However, his brotherly dynamic with Seung-Min is the most heartwarming aspect of the movie. He pulls off the character without any cringe moments and with perfect character development.

5 Beyond Evil (2021)

This psychological thriller drama is directed by Shim Na-Yeon and is said to be one of the most spectacular shows ever made. It follows two extremely capable detectives, Han Joo-Won (Jin-Goo) and Lee Dong-Shik (Shin Ha-Kyun) going to extremes to catch a serial killer in a small city. Han Joo-Won is displayed as a very cold egoistic character by Yeo Jin-Goo. He effortlessly pulls off the resting cold face, which brings about an aura of mystery to his character. The evolution of his character that comes as many mysteries are revealed kept compelling viewers to fall in love with him. On top of that, his Tom and Jerry type bickering bond with Lee Ding-Shik adds a layer of comic relief making the experience very enjoyable.

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4 The Crowned Clown (2019)

This Joseon-era-based drama was directed by Kim Hee-Won. It follows the story of unhinged King Lee Hun (Jin-Goo), who to save himself from assassination attempts, assigns a look alike jester Ha Sun (Jin-Goo) to take his place. This drama was praised for Yeo Jin-Goo’s acting skills of being able to pull off two opposite personalities, completely convincing the viewers that they are indeed different people. He effortlessly pulls off Lee Hun as the egoistic king with no regard for others, and Ha Sun as this bubbly, charismatic, and innocent character. The most mind-blowing scene of the series was Lee Hun and Ha Sun standing face to face. Even though the same person acts both roles, the difference in body language was enough to convince fans of Jin-Goo’s acting skills.

3 The Long Way Home (2015)

Directed by Chun Sung-Il, this war comedy movie is based on the friendship of two soldiers, one from North Korea and one from South Korea. The two men meet alone on the front line and develop a friendship unlike all others. Yeo Jin-Goo plays the North Korean soldier Young-Gwan. His character revolves around his witty sense of humor. He plays the role of a young soldier at the time of the Korean War, who is supposed to be confused and shocked, seeing his fellow soldiers die. Additionally, his dynamic with co-star Sol Kyung-Gu is remarkably interesting to watch as his character is that of a middle-aged soldier.

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2 Hotel Del Luna (2019)

Directed by Oh Choong-Hwan, Hotel Del Luna follows the story of Koo Chang-Sun (Jin-Goo) who starts working for a ghost hotel run by Jang Man-Wol (IU). This romantic-dark fantasy drama received a lot of love and attention internationally because of IU’s iconic character and because of Jin-Goo’s perfect chemistry with her. Yoo Jin-Goo plays the extremely lovable Koo Chang-Sun who was just looking for a normal job. His shock seems extremely valid for someone who gets pulled into a world full of ghosts. Jin-Goo does an exceptional job displaying all these emotions on his face. Especially in the pilot episode, when he sees the blind ghost for the first time, his reaction was priceless.

1 Link: Eat, Love, Kill (2022)

Directed by Hong Jong-Chan, Link: Eat, Love, Kill is the new thriller drama that has got everybody hyped. It follows celebrity chef Eun Gye-Hoon (Jin-Goo) and No Da-Hyun (Mun Ka-Young) having a telepathic connection that later reveals many mysteries. This drama shows Yeo Jin-Goo in the light of a man trying to move on with his past trauma and living life until he must face everything again. Jin-Goo’s emotions reached the viewers through the screen that it became super hard for them not to cry with him. The execution of anger, drama, action, and perfect chemistry is done to perfection. Jin-Goo won everyone's hearts with his scene in the last episode when he apologizes to his dead sister.