Five Kdrama Supporting Actors

First on my list for perfecting the role of "ineffectual ahjussi." There's so much lookism and perfectionism in television! Among all the idealized, beautiful people, Jo Han Chul's characters - well-meaning men whose lives haven't worked out the way they hoped - remind me that we're all just human beings doing the best we can. The roles of his that hit home the most for me are the depressed editor in Romance Is a Bonus Book and the puzzled time traveler in Tomorrow With You.

Sung Dong Il is in my top five because of his talent, charisma, and impressive range. He can play the extremes - from the lovable father of the Reply series to the terrifying villain of The Cursed. Despite being a middle aged character actor, he frequently steals the scene. 

Acting ace Min Sung Wook brings an unique, refreshing vibe. He's a high point in any ensemble. For me, his was the funniest and most colorful character in Pinocchio. And he has the depth of presence and richness of personality needed to humanize Yi Bang Won in Six Flying Dragons.

Kim Won Hae has been excellent, moving, humorous and tragic in so many supporting roles. My favorites of his performances are the thoughtful investigator in While You Were Sleeping and the lonely goose dad / gireogi appa in Good Manager / Chief Kim. And of course I applaud his powerhouse dual role in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

He's heartwarming as a humble, dependable dad in the underrated oddball drama High School King of Savvy. He's rascally, funny, and athletic as a political radical, prison grad, and night messenger in Healer. Oh Gwang Rok's memorable voice and sincere presence go straight to the heart.