Wi Ha-joon has established himself as one of the most compelling actors in the global South Korean entertainment scene. While many international viewers first encountered him as the determined police officer in the Netflix phenomenon Squid Game, his career spans over a decade of diverse roles that range from terrifying serial killers to heart-melting romantic leads. This comprehensive analysis covers the filmography of Wi Ha-joon, detailing the movies and television shows that define his trajectory and explaining why he has become a staple of modern K-content.

The Global Phenomenon: Wi Ha-joon and Squid Game

The most significant turning point in Wi Ha-joon's career is undoubtedly his role in Squid Game (2021). Portraying Hwang Jun-ho, an undercover police officer who infiltrates the mysterious island to find his missing brother, Wi provided the audience with a crucial "outsider's perspective."

In our analysis of the series, Wi's performance was pivotal because it grounded the surreal, high-stakes death games in a grounded, investigative reality. His character's narrative arc involved immense physical acting, as he spent much of his screen time behind masks or in silent tension. The global success of the show catapulted him from a respected domestic actor to a global star. Fans will be pleased to know that his story continues, as he reprised the role for Squid Game Season 2 (2024) and is set to return in Squid Game Season 3 (2025). His return suggests that the mystery of the Hwang brothers remains central to the series' mythology.

Must-Watch Television Series Starring Wi Ha-joon

Wi Ha-joon’s television work is characterized by a refusal to be typecast. He oscillates between high-octane action and subtle, emotional dramas with remarkable ease.

The Midnight Romance in Hagwon (2024)

In this 2024 romantic drama, Wi Ha-joon takes on the role of Lee Joon-ho. The story follows a former student who returns to the private education academy (Hagwon) where he once studied, this time as an instructor. He does so to pursue his former teacher and first love, played by Jung Ryeo-won.

This role is a departure from his gritty action roles. Our review of the performance highlights Wi's ability to convey "melo-sexy" vibes—a term often used by Korean fans to describe his unique blend of mature masculinity and romantic vulnerability. Unlike the stoic characters he played in previous years, Lee Joon-ho is bold and expressive, making this a must-watch for those who want to see his range in the romance genre.

Gyeongseong Creature (2023–2024)

Set in the dark era of 1945 Gyeongseong (the former name of Seoul), this historical thriller features Wi Ha-joon as Kwon Jun-taek. He plays the best friend of the lead character (Park Seo-joon) and an independence activist.

While the show blends horror and historical drama, Wi’s character represents the intellectual and rebellious spirit of the youth during the Japanese occupation. Although he had less screen time than the main leads in the first season, his presence was vital for the emotional stakes of the resistance plotline. In the second season, his role evolved as the timeline shifted, showcasing his adaptability to different historical settings.

The Worst of Evil (2023)

For fans of crime noirs, The Worst of Evil is perhaps Wi Ha-joon’s finest work to date. Playing Jung Gi-cheul, the leader of a massive drug syndicate in the 1990s, Wi delivers a performance that is both terrifying and heartbreaking.

In our viewing experience, the chemistry between Wi Ha-joon and Ji Chang-wook (who plays an undercover cop) was electric. Wi managed to make a "villain" sympathetic, portraying Gi-cheul as a man who is ruthless in business but desperately seeking the love of a woman from his past. The nuance he brought to the final episodes of this series earned him significant critical acclaim, solidifying his status as a leading man capable of carrying intense, character-driven narratives.

Little Women (2022)

In this loose adaptation of the classic novel, Wi Ha-joon plays Choi Do-il, a mysterious money-laundering consultant from London. He becomes entangled with the eldest Oh sister (Kim Go-eun) as they navigate a conspiracy involving 70 billion won.

Choi Do-il became a fan-favorite character due to his ambiguous morality. Throughout the series, viewers were left wondering: is he a protector or a predator? Wi played this ambiguity perfectly, using subtle glances and a calm demeanor to keep the audience guessing until the final episode. The "will-they-won't-they" tension he shared with Kim Go-eun was one of the highlights of the 2022 K-drama season.

Bad and Crazy (2021–2022)

Working alongside veteran actor Lee Dong-wook, Wi Ha-joon played "K," a wild, justice-seeking persona who physically manifests to fight corruption. This role allowed Wi to showcase his comedic timing and his background in martial arts and stunts.

The duality between Lee Dong-wook’s corrupt detective and Wi’s "crazy" justice fighter provided some of the most entertaining action sequences in recent memory. If you enjoy fast-paced buddy-cop dynamics with a supernatural twist, this is an essential entry in his filmography.

18 Again (2020)

Before his global explosion, Wi played Ye Ji-hoon, a famous professional baseball player in 18 Again. This role was classic "second lead" material—charming, supportive, and seemingly perfect. It demonstrated his capability to fit the traditional "K-drama heartthrob" mold, serving as a contrast to the darker roles that would follow.

Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)

As Ji Seo-joon, a talented book designer, Wi Ha-joon held his own against heavyweights Lee Jong-suk and Lee Na-young. His character was warm, artistic, and persistent. This series is often cited by fans as the moment they noticed his potential as a leading man in the romantic comedy genre.

Something in the Rain (2018)

In this hit drama, Wi played Yoon Seung-ho, the younger brother of the female lead (Son Ye-jin). While it was a supporting role, his protective and sometimes stubborn dynamic with his sister and his best friend (Jung Hae-in) made him a standout. This project is widely regarded as his domestic breakout in the television industry.

Notable Movies: From Horror to Psychological Thrillers

Wi Ha-joon’s film career is arguably even more daring than his television career. He often chooses projects that challenge his physical and emotional limits.

Midnight (2021)

In Midnight, Wi Ha-joon delivers what we consider his most chilling performance. He plays Do-shik, a serial killer who hunts a hearing-impaired woman through the streets of Seoul at night.

What makes this performance stand out is the physical transformation. Wi utilized a lean, predatory physicality and a disturbing "mask" of politeness that he sheds when he is alone with his victims. Unlike the calculated detective in Squid Game, Do-shik is pure, chaotic evil. Our observation of his performance noted how he used his smile—usually a charming asset—to create a sense of profound unease.

Shark: The Beginning (2021)

Based on a popular webtoon, this film features Wi as Jeong Do-hyeon, a former MMA champion serving time in a juvenile detention center. He takes a bullied teen under his wing and teaches him how to fight. This role highlighted Wi's real-life athleticism. The fight choreography in this film is visceral, and Wi’s stoic, mentor-like presence proved he could lead a traditional action movie. A sequel/special appearance in Shark: The Storm (2025) continues this legacy.

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

This found-footage horror film was a massive box office hit in South Korea and a cult classic internationally. Wi plays Ha-joon, the leader of a YouTube horror channel crew that investigates the infamous Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital.

As the character who stays in the "control room" while his friends enter the hospital, Wi’s role was to convey escalating dread through a screen. His performance was instrumental in building the film’s tension, and the movie's success proved he could attract a large theatrical audience.

Miss & Mrs. Cops (2019)

In this action-comedy, Wi played the villainous Woo-joon. While a supporting role, it allowed him to experiment with the "arrogant criminal" archetype, a precursor to the more complex antagonists he would later portray.

Coin Locker Girl (2015)

One of his earliest professional film roles was in Coin Locker Girl, where he played the younger version of the character Woo-gon. Even in this brief appearance, he showed a penchant for the gritty, noir-style storytelling that would become a hallmark of his career.

Analysis: The Versatility of Wi Ha-joon

What sets Wi Ha-joon apart from his peers is his "chameleon" quality. Many Korean actors are forced to choose between being a "melo actor" (romance) or an "action actor." Wi refuses this binary.

  1. The Physicality of Acting: Wi is known for doing many of his own stunts. His background in sports is evident in the way he moves in Shark: The Beginning and Bad and Crazy.
  2. The "Two Faces": He has a unique facial structure that can appear incredibly kind and boyish one moment (as in Romance Is a Bonus Book) and sharp, cold, and predatory the next (as in Midnight). Directors often use this to create plot twists or character depth.
  3. Genre-Hopping: He has successfully navigated horror (Gonjiam), historical drama (Gyeongseong Creature), crime noir (The Worst of Evil), and romantic comedy (The Midnight Romance in Hagwon).

Upcoming Projects and Future Outlook

The future remains bright for Wi Ha-joon. Aside from his return to the Squid Game universe, he is set to star in Siren's Kiss (2026). This project is described as a romantic thriller, a genre that perfectly suits his dual strengths. Based on the Japanese series Ice World, it will likely involve insurance fraud, mystery, and a high-stakes romance, allowing him to utilize the "mysterious consultant" energy he perfected in Little Women.

As he moves into 2025 and 2026, the industry expects him to take on more international collaborations, given his high ranking in global popularity polls and his ability to appeal to both Western and Eastern audiences.

Which Wi Ha-joon Project Should You Watch First?

If you are new to his work, the best starting point depends on your preferred genre:

  • For Thrill Seekers: Start with Midnight. It is a masterclass in tension and showcases his ability to play a villain.
  • For Romance Lovers: Start with The Midnight Romance in Hagwon. It shows his most mature romantic performance to date.
  • For Action Fans: The Worst of Evil is the gold standard for his crime-fighting (and crime-leading) capabilities.
  • For Horror Fans: Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum is an absolute necessity.

Conclusion

Wi Ha-joon is far more than just "the handsome cop from Squid Game." His filmography reveals a dedicated artist who is willing to take risks, whether that means playing a terrifying murderer or a sensitive teacher. With a decade of experience and several high-profile projects on the horizon, he is firmly positioned as a leading light of the Hallyu wave. Whether you are watching him for his intense action sequences or his nuanced emotional performances, Wi Ha-joon consistently delivers high-value entertainment.

FAQ

Is Wi Ha-joon in Squid Game Season 2?

Yes, Wi Ha-joon officially reprises his role as Hwang Jun-ho in Squid Game Season 2 (2024) and is expected to appear in Squid Game Season 3 (2025). His character survived the events of the first season and continues his investigation into the games.

What was Wi Ha-joon's debut role?

He made his acting debut in 2012 in a short film titled Peace in Them. His official feature film debut came in 2015 with Coin Locker Girl.

Can Wi Ha-joon do his own stunts?

Wi Ha-joon is well-known for his athletic ability and often performs his own action sequences. His performance in Shark: The Beginning particularly showcased his MMA-style training and physical discipline.

Has Wi Ha-joon won any awards for his acting?

He has received several nominations at prestigious ceremonies, including the Baeksang Arts Awards (for Romance Is a Bonus Book) and the Blue Dragon Film Awards (for Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum). He was also named one of GQ Korea's Men of the Year in 2022.

What is Wi Ha-joon's latest drama?

His most recent major television series is The Midnight Romance in Hagwon (2024), where he plays the lead role of Lee Joon-ho.