You probably remember the 2021 headlines. It was a mess. Actor Ji Soo was at the peak of his career, starring in a major historical drama, and then suddenly, he wasn't. For a long time, if you searched for ji soo movies and tv shows, you’d find more articles about "cancellation" than about actual acting. But things look a lot different now in 2026.
Honestly, it’s a weird time for K-drama fans who grew up watching him as the ultimate "second lead syndrome" king. We went from seeing him everywhere to seeing him nowhere, and now he’s popping up in places nobody expected—like the Philippines and YouTube. If you’re trying to catch up on what he’s actually been in or what’s happening with his "comeback," there is a lot of noise to filter through.
The Breakout Years: Before Everything Froze
Before the 2021 hiatus, Ji Soo was basically the go-to guy for "rough around the edges" characters. He had this specific vibe. He played the guy who looks like a delinquent but actually has a heart of gold.
Angry Mom (2015) was the big one. He played Go Bok-dong, and people lost their minds over his chemistry with Kim Hee-sun. It’s funny looking back because he was just a rookie then, but he stole every scene. Shortly after, we got Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Playing the 14th Prince, Wang Jung, cemented him as a global favorite. He wasn't the lead, but he didn't need to be.
Then came Strong Girl Bong-soon.
In Guk-du. That was the character. The straight-laced cop who was always just one step too late to win the girl. It’s arguably his most famous role in terms of international streaming numbers. People still talk about that show today, mostly because the chemistry between the main trio was so chaotic and perfect.
👉 See also: The Real Story Behind I Can Do Bad All by Myself: From Stage to Screen
That 2021 Crisis and the "Erasure"
We have to talk about River Where the Moon Rises. It was the biggest "what if" in recent K-drama history. He was the lead. He’d filmed 90% of the show. Then, the bullying allegations hit.
KBS didn't wait around. They cut him, brought in Na In-woo, and re-shot almost everything. It was a massive financial disaster for the production. Ji Soo went into the military shortly after that, and for about two years, he was just... gone. Most people thought that was the end. Permanent retirement.
The Turning Point: Philippines and the Sparkle Contract
Fast forward to 2024. While the Korean public was still pretty cold, Ji Soo found a second life in the Philippines. It started with guest spots on shows like Black Rider and the medical drama Abot-Kamay na Pangarap. He even signed with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
It was a smart move, honestly. He needed a place where he could work without the immediate crushing weight of the Seoul press. In the Philippines, he was Dr. Kim Young, a character that let him show a softer, more professional side than his old "bad boy" roles. He also did a movie called Mujigae during this period.
Ji Soo Movies and TV Shows: The 2026 Reality
If you’re looking for a definitive list of ji soo movies and tv shows that you can actually stream right now, you have to bridge the gap between his old hits and these newer, international projects.
✨ Don't miss: Love Island UK Who Is Still Together: The Reality of Romance After the Villa
Key Television Roles
- Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017): Still his most accessible hit.
- My First First Love (2019): A Netflix original that feels very "gen-z" and lighthearted.
- When I Was the Most Beautiful (2020): A heavy melodrama that showed he could handle more adult, complex emotions.
- Black Rider (2024): His first major step back into the spotlight, filmed in the Philippines.
- Abot-Kamay na Pangarap (2024): A recurring role as Dr. Kim Young that helped rebuild his image.
Notable Film Work
- One Way Trip (2016): A gritty indie film about friends whose lives fall apart in one night. It's a must-watch if you want to see his actual acting range beyond rom-coms.
- Seoul Mates (2014): An earlier Korean-Filipino co-production that feels almost prophetic now.
- Mujigae (2024): A heartwarming film that marked his official return to the big screen.
What People Get Wrong About the Scandal
There’s a common misconception that Ji Soo was convicted of something or that all the rumors were true. It’s actually way more nuanced.
By late 2024 and throughout 2025, several of the original accusers actually retracted their most serious claims. Specifically, the allegations of sexual violence were proven false, and one of the main posters even apologized, admitting they made it up for attention. Ji Soo himself admitted to "being a bit of a jerk" in middle school and being part of a rough crowd, but he has consistently denied the more extreme physical assault claims. He’s spent the last year or so meeting with former classmates and resolving things one-on-one.
Is he "forgiven" in Korea? Not entirely. The industry there is brutal. But he isn't the pariah he was in 2021.
Is a Korean Comeback Possible?
As of early 2026, there are whispers. He’s been seen back in Seoul more frequently. His YouTube channel, Ji Soo Road, has been his way of talking directly to fans without a script. It’s raw, sometimes a little awkward, but it feels human.
He’s been studying English intensely, too. He’s gone on record saying he wants to do global productions, not just stick to the K-drama format.
🔗 Read more: Gwendoline Butler Dead in a Row: Why This 1957 Mystery Still Packs a Punch
What to Watch for Next
If you want to keep tabs on his career, stop looking at the major Korean networks for a bit. Watch his YouTube vlogs. That’s where he’s announcing his indie projects and short films. He’s also hinted at doing a play or a musical, which would be a return to his roots—he actually started in theater back in 2009.
Don't expect him to jump back into a Big 3 (KBS, SBS, MBC) drama anytime soon. The path forward for him seems to be through international collaborations and streaming platforms that aren't as tied to local Korean sentiment.
To really understand his evolution, you should watch One Way Trip from 2016 and then jump to his 2024 guest appearances in the Philippines. The difference in his energy is wild. He’s older, obviously, but there’s a cautiousness now that actually makes his acting feel more grounded.
Your next step: If you want to see his latest work, check out his guest episodes on Abot-Kamay na Pangarap on YouTube. It’s the best way to see how he’s handling his "second act" without the polish of a massive Netflix budget.