I wondered whether it was the character of Captain Ri or Hyun Bin the Hallyu superstar that I admired the most. In the end, without a shadow of a doubt, it is indeed the versatile actor that I found fascinating after watching most of his K-drama and movies. Mainly because he was not limited to a particular genre or role. He could do stunts on his own. Furthermore, he doesn't need to always be in a rom com to shine. Here's my take on his major series and roles in the order that I have watched them:
K-Drama:
1. Crash Landing on You
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Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok's character was flawless. He will make you swoon and fall head over heels in love. Witness his character transition from an uptight military man, to a smitten loverboy to the playful and adorable "little" Hyeoky. He was musically inclined yet had to give up his dreams of becoming a world renowned pianist. You could feel his desperation in his relentless ways of protecting the love of his life at all costs. Having Son Ye Jin, who magnificently portrayed Yoon Seri, alongside him on this project is a match made in heaven. Their chemistry is powerful enough to generate electricity worldwide! You have to watch this to fully grasp that alternating heart fluttering and exhilarating experience.
2. Memories of the Alhambra
Yoo Jin Woo was a stark contrast from Captain Ri. Fresh from CLOY, I was surprised to see Hyun Bin take on the role of a cocky, manipulative, impatient yet stunning CEO of a tech company. He was also a bit of a player here. This is not your usual rom com. Don't look for romance here as this story revolves around the world of augmented reality. Stories like these are not my cup of tea but mind you, the plot intrigued me so much that I just wanted to find out how things will turn out. Be prepared for some bloody action scenes (some were a bit disturbing to me) and to be left hanging in the end. If you're looking for something new, watch this. Besides, Jin Woo's wardrobe and looks were simply wonderful to look at.
3. Hyde Jekyll, Me
Next to CLOY, I like this story the most contrary to what most reviews said. Hyun Bin played the role of a chaebol suffering from Dissociative Personality Disorder. He displayed exceptional acting skills switching from the cold-hearted Seo Jin to the warm, fun loving Robin in a split second. I guess the more challenging part was when he had to merge the two very distinct personalities into one.
4. Secret Garden
I had reservations prior to watching this series because of Joo Won's hairstyle, frail physique and the fact that I don't like the idea of switching souls/bodies plus the typical story of a prince falling for another cinderella, much to his mother's chagrin. The series turned out quite entertaining. There were some parts that I found dragging but the story ended very much to my liking. You will see a feminine side of Hyun Bin when Joo Won's body became a vessel of Gil Ra Im's soul.
5. Worlds Within
All the characters in this series were seriously flawed including the attractive Ji Oh played by Hyun Bin. There were just too many things going on at one time and too many characters. I can't keep up! The story revolves around the lives of people in the entertainment industry and how everything goes behind the scenes of film making. Ji Oh is a film director who hails from a family of farmers. However, this drama managed to make my eyes sweat several times because Ji Oh could express so much pain without being overacting and at the same time inflict pain on the one he loves through his reticent attitude.
6. My Lovely Samsoon
7. The Snow Queen
A gorgeous, younger Hyun Bin casted as the brooding, math genius turned boxer Tae Woong. This is the most poignant role I've seen HB in from beginning to end. A beautiful yet tragic love story that will haunt you with a dull ache for days on end. It was heartbreaking to watch the reserved Tae Woong witness his beloved vibrant Kim Bo Ra gradually losing her battle over an incurable disease. As HB's tear jerking masterpiece, I'd say this one is next to CLOY and comes close to Hyde Jekyll, Me on my list.
8. Ireland
Hyun Bin was supposedly a secondary lead here yet the story evolved and eventually revolved around him and his relationships with the lead stars. For a budding star, HB displayed his exceptional talent and stunning looks through his character Kang Gook. The only husband role he portrayed in all the Kdramas he did to date. Kang Gook's innocent, vulnerable and endearing personality will make your hearts melt. The plot wasn't spotless. I did not warm up to the characters because those three leads were utterly annoying. However, this is worth watching. If only to gaze upon the youthful visage of HB and see the humble beginnings of his very promising career.
9. Friend, Our Legend
This was the most difficult and painful to watch among his Kdramas. The first episode will give you a graphic glimpse of the brutal fate that awaits Han Dong Soo. I felt like the writer was drunk while writing the first six episodes. You will be left on your own trying to figure out what the heck was going on. I was so confused and the episodes didn't seem to be connected at all. It made me feel like I missed something and had to go back and forth. Towards the middle part, the writer finally came to his or her senses and the plot becomes more exciting with some scenes I found quite humorous. A respite from the gloomy, sometimes dragging and bloody scenes revolving around the world of gangsters I had to endure. HB gave his all in this drama. This is the angriest that I have seen him. However, Han Dong Soo isn't difficult to love. In fact, next to Captain Ri and Kang Gook, I like Dong Soo best. The entire drama spans from his youth, to his coming of age to early adulthood. Watch in awe as you see him transform from an innocent child, to a good hearted reserved young man who had a promising future yet fell into despair because he chose the wrong friends. He harbored so much angst from a broken home. Toughened from a life of imprisonment which he did not deserve. Betrayed by his best friend and the woman he loved, the hardened Dong Soo literally went through hell and never came back.
If you are a true blooded Hyun Bin fan, you will muster up the courage to endure all 20 episodes just to see his brilliant acting skills mainly evident through his facial expressions and stunts. Oh, just so you know what you're getting yourself into, the writer totally forgot that Han Dong Soo is one of the main characters. He was obliterated from the last episode. A few flashback scenes would have sufficed but no. This writer was truly peculiar in the real sense of the word. This is not your typical Kdrama.
Movies: These are the ones I've watched. Will write a review once I'm done with all of his movies. I have a few more to go.
1. A Millionaire's First Love
2. Late Autumn
3. Confidential Assignment
4. The Fatal Encounter
5. The Swindlers
6. Rampant
7. The Negotiation
8. Come Rain, Come Shine
9. I Am Happy
10. Confidential Assignment 2
11. The Point Men
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