Hollywood & K‑Drama Icons: Do They Really Never Age?
Ever notice how Keanu Reeves and Paul Rudd seem to stay forever young? Same goes for some of our beloved K‑drama leading men. These guys grow old like fine wine – and often look better than ever.
Who’s on the “Age‑Proof” List?
- Lee Jung‑jae – From Hope to Our Blues, he still keeps the look.
- Park Seo‑joon – “What’s Wrong With You?”? More “What’s Awon’t With Him?”
- Ja Myung‑go – School 3 to Chewy’s Love, the charm never fades.
- Hwang Jung‑seo – From Good Doctor to Love Alarm, the confident aura persists.
- Kim Myung‑seok – Even after Jirisan, the look remains.
What Makes Them Look Timeless?
It’s a mix of good genetics, disciplined skincare, and that one secret you can only guess at – a hearty dose of confidence plus an everyday dose of take‑if‑you’ll-be‑our‑next‑K‑drama‑hero smile.
Bottom Line
Whether they’re on Hollywood sets or behind the Korean screen, these stars prove that age isn’t just a number – it’s a style statement.
Hyun Bin, 38
Hyun Bin’s Break‑through: The Cute Porter Turned Romantic Lead
Believe it or not, the star you now know as a suave military captain didn’t start out as a heart‑throb.
It was the charming role of Hyun Jin‑heon—the owner of a swanky French bistro—in the 2005 romantic comedy My Lovely Sam‑Soon that gave him a dose of spotlight.
In that series, he even got the chance to swap romantic rehearsals (and a few awkward silences!) with fellow charismatic Daniel Henney. The only hiccup? A haircut that could have earned a “hair‑do of the month” award—yet his look is now fixed, as you’ll see in his later, edgier roles.
From Bistro Owner to Military Mastermind
Fast forward to 2019, and Hyun Bin is auditioning dashes and smolder for Crash Landing on You as a North Korean army captain. The character’s polished military attire and the captain’s effortless charm have earned him fans worldwide—particularly among those who fell for his tender side behind the stoic exterior.
It’s a testament to the fact that a little aging (he’s about 15 years older now) can’t fail to polish a face. And the fans just love it; from the drama’s heartwarming scenes to those cheek‑tilting moments, Hyun Bin’s voice sounds as captivating as his gaze.
Gong Yoo, 41
Gong Yoo: From Coffee‑Sipping Prince to Sci‑Fi Raccoon
Remember when Gong Yoo was that irresistibly goofy boy‑ish charm in Coffee Prince? 2007 was the year he was basically a latte‑loving heart‑throb for the whole nation.
What was the plot?
Our hero, Choi Han‑kyul, mistakenly thinks a woman named Go Eun‑chan (played by Yoon Eun‑hye) is a dude and hires her as his “lover” to dodge those soul‑crushing blind dates. Chaos, awkward flat‑bushes and heart‑pounding laughs ensue, all while Han‑kyul discovers—no shocker—that Eun‑chan is, in fact, a woman.
Why it’s still iconic
- It was the perfect blend of forbidden romance and comedic timing.
- Gong Yoo’s swagger was as smooth as a fresh cup of coffee.
- Those iconic slumps on the sofa? Best backdrop for any drama.
(2021): The “Oregon Trail” of Sci‑Fi
Fast‑forward a decade, and Gong Yoo turns his attention to the very different world of Seobok—a sci‑fi action flick set in a post‑Apocalyptic South Korea.
What’s this one about?
Our boy now works as an ex‑spion who’s a little haired, a little haggard. It’s a character who walks with a bad vibe; a whole new genre of “the more you look, the more you see” principal.
Why we love it (spoiler: it’s not all “cute”)
- Gone are the latte snapper vibes—now it’s trench‑coat survival!
- Gong Yoo proves victims of a viciously good story path not just a “pretty face” look.
- Stay tuned for the Esquire Korea article to see just why the evolve more.
A final note
Although Seobok may not shout “heart‑throb”, Gong Yoo’s range shows he can slip out of one role for fanm for anyone who may prone to an amateur bulk for surprises.
Ju Ji-hoon, 38
Princess Hours (2006)
Imagine a drama where our beloved Ji‑hoon takes on the role of a crown prince, only to be told it’s “for the love of the crown.” Yes, back in 2006 he was the guy with the cool-as-cool vibe, a touch aloof, and a hairstyle that could make a stranger question their own style choices.
He played Crown Prince Lee Shin, who treats his newlywed, Shin Chae‑kyeong, like the awkward sibling of an arranged marriage. Their grandfathers decided their fate, and Ji‑hoon’s prince brought the perfect blend of “I’m not mad, but I’m not mad either.” \n
All in all, he wasn’t exactly the most handsome royal on the set, and that questionable hairdo was the cherry on a somewhat bland cake.
Key Moments
- Jung Ji‑hoon’s cold exterior, cracking a smile only when the plot demanded it.
- Cracking the “royal duty” joke—treated the princess like a decision made years prior.
- Hair disaster: A style so bold it could double as a warning sign.
Kingdom (2019)
Fast forward to 2019, after fulfilling his military duty, Ji‑hoon returns in a Netflix original that spells glow‑up time! He’s no longer the bland prince—this time, he’s Crown Prince Lee Chang, sleek, dashing, and ready to battle a zombie plague. And I say “dashing” because if you’re a K‑drama‑fan at your office, they were like, “Whoa! Is that the same guy from Princess Hours?”
With how “upgraded” his look is, it’s almost as if he had a grooming makeover that knocked his serious crowning performance out of the water.
What Makes Kingdom Stand Out
- Absurdly fun debate between a king and zombies—because why not?
- Political intrigue that feels like a board‑game with a twist.
- Ji‑hoon’s modern, confident swagger—no more dust‑themed hair.
Takeaway
From the square‑shaped prince of a 2006 drama to the swole, hoodie‑wearing crowd‑savior of 2019, Ji‑hoon’s evolution proves that a good haircut and a better sense of ambition can combine to produce an unforgettable, undeniable lead. Now if you’ve ever wanted a prince who beats zombies while looking unstoppable, Kingdom should be your next binge‑watch.
