Honestly, it’s been wild watching Baek Sung Chul transition from those high-fashion runways to the gritty, sometimes awkward world of K-dramas. He’s got this specific energy—kinda quiet, definitely tall, and surprisingly expressive for someone who often gets cast as the "silent type." If you’ve only seen him in one thing, you’re basically missing out on how he’s quietly becoming one of the most reliable supporting actors in the industry.
Most people first clocked him as the tech-savvy, mute assistant Santa in Inspector Koo. It was a weird role, right? He didn't speak a single word for most of the show. Yet, he held his own next to a literal legend like Lee Young-ae. That’s not easy. Since then, his filmography has branched out into everything from sweet rural romances to office dramas.
The Must-Watch List of TV Shows With Baek Sung Chul
If you're looking for where to start or what to catch up on, his career trajectory is actually pretty logical. He started with web dramas and moved into heavy-hitter network shows.
Brewing Love (2024)
This is one of his most recent and honestly charming projects. He plays Oh Chan-hwi, a free-spirited character who basically lives out of a toast truck. It’s a total 180 from his usual "stiff" or "serious" roles. He brings this breezy, chaotic energy that pairs perfectly with the lead's more intense vibe. If you want to see him actually smile and talk a lot, this is the one.
🔗 Read more: Drunk on You Lyrics: What Luke Bryan Fans Still Get Wrong
Once Upon a Small Town (2022)
This show is basically the definition of a "healing" drama. He plays Lee Sang-hyeon, the resident "peach boy" and the long-time best friend of the female lead. It’s a classic second-lead setup. He’s dependable, he’s handsome in a farm-boy way, and he deals with the inevitable heartbreak with a lot of grace. It’s a bit cliché, but he makes the character feel human rather than just a plot device.
Inspector Koo (2021)
This remains his breakout for a reason. Playing a character who communicates via an AI voice app on his phone is a massive acting challenge. He had to rely entirely on his eyes and posture. There was a lot of fan theory-crafting back when this aired about whether his character, Santa, was actually a villain. That ambiguity is a testament to how well he played the part.
Tell Me That You Love Me (2023)
In this remake of the classic Japanese drama, he plays the younger version of Cha Jin-woo. Since the show revolves around a deaf painter, the acting is incredibly visual. It fits his "model" background—he knows how to use his body to convey a mood without needing a monologue.
💡 You might also like: Dragon Ball All Series: Why We Are Still Obsessed Forty Years Later
Why He’s More Than Just a "Pretty Face" From the Runway
Let’s be real: K-drama fans can be skeptical of "model-turned-actors." There’s often a fear they’ll be wooden. But Baek Sung Chul seems to have avoided that trap. He’s 6’1”, which gives him a massive screen presence, but he doesn't use it to intimidate. He often plays characters that are a bit softer or more observant.
He’s mentioned in interviews that he actually grew 20 centimeters in a single year during middle school. That kind of sudden growth probably contributed to that slightly lanky, endearingly awkward physical comedy he occasionally leans into.
- How to Be Thirty (2021): He plays a younger guy pursuing an older woman. It’s short, punchy, and shows off his "puppy-dog" side.
- The Witch's Diner (2021): A smaller role, but he’s part of that mystical, moody atmosphere.
- Music Videos: Before the big dramas, he was the "MV guy." You can find him in Standing Egg’s "Friend to Lover" or BIBI’s "Restless." These are basically mini-audition tapes where he learned to emote without dialogue.
What's Next for Baek Sung Chul in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industry buzz is that he’s finally moving toward more "leading man" territory. He’s spent the last few years being the dependable best friend or the mysterious assistant. The natural next step is a solo lead in a rom-com or a thriller.
📖 Related: Down On Me: Why This Janis Joplin Classic Still Hits So Hard
There are rumors about him joining a high-concept Netflix original later this year, though nothing's officially confirmed by his agency yet. What is clear is that he’s moved past the phase of being "that tall guy from the runway." He’s a legitimate actor now.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Vibe Check: If you want "cozy," watch Once Upon a Small Town. If you want "mystery," go for Inspector Koo.
- Deep Dive: Check out his early web drama Social Savvy Class 101 to see his very first steps into acting—it’s a bit raw but very cute.
- Follow the Career: Keep an eye on his agency's (KeyEast) official announcements, as he is currently in talks for a major 2026 cable drama.
If you haven't binged his work yet, start with Brewing Love. It’s the most "modern" version of his acting style and shows he’s finally found his voice—literally and figuratively.