It's been more than four years since Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth aired on TV. Set amidst the political strife of the Shilla Kingdom, the Korean drama centers on a select group of hwarang (flowering knights or warriors with looks that rival the beauty of flowers) and their adventures. This historical romantic-drama charmed its way into fan hearts and became a must-watch throughout the years.
Wondering what the cast of Hwarang is doing now? Here's an update on your faves:
Park Seo Joon
It's been a busy career for our ultimate oppa Park Seo Joon, who played heroic warrior Sun Woo. After starring alongside Park Min Young in the 2018 K-drama What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? (their onscreen chemistry ignited intense dating rumors—which both stars clearly denied!), Seo Joon sharpened his acting chops with the action horror film The Divine Fury. In this movie, he plays an MMA fighter who gains divine power and partners with a priest to battle evil forces. Come 2020, PSJ headlined the webtoon-adapted K-drama Itaewon Class as the determined Park Saeroyi, and was paired with Kim Da Mi.
A string of global endorsements for brands like Tirtir, Bibigo, Mont Blanc, and Bench have also been on this leading man's radar. In 2020, he became the brand ambassador for BYS Philippines and Smart Communications, which made Pinoy fans overjoyed. Currently, PSJ is filming his movie with IU titled Dream.
Park Hyung Sik
Triple threat Park Hyung Sik played hidden king, Sammaekjong, who was forced to go in hiding and secretly become a hwarang. After his stint in the KBS drama, the 29-year-old led two K-dramas, namely Strong Woman Do Bong Soon and the Korean remake of the American TV show, Suits.
In June 2019, Hyung Sik enlisted in the military police department of the Capital Defense Command and he was discharged in January 2021—which means we can anticipate his upcoming projects already. Yay! Here's his latest selfie for you to admire:
Choi Min Ho
Hwarang's aristocrat playboy, Kim Soo Ho, was played by K-pop idol Choi Min Ho, who debuted as a member of the boy group, SHINee. He entered the military in April 2019, and left in November 2020.
As of present, Min Ho is one buuuusy Hallyu star! Let me list down what he's been doing: He made an appearance in the Ji Chang Wook and Kim Ji Won-led drama Lovestruck In The City; is preparing for SHINee's comeback, and is set to appear in the variety show Amazing Saturday. And did we mention he became a special guest in The Return Of Superman? Get ready to squeal, ladies:
BTS' V
V, also known by his real name Kim Taehyung, made his acting debut through Hwarang as Suk Han Sung, the youngest among the hwarang warriors. The warmth and innocence he brought to his character added a breath of fresh air to the drama, and his acting skills proved that he's an actor we have to look forward to!
As a vocalist for the record-breaking group BTS, V's influence on the world has increased tenfold throughout the years. They won various awards, made it to the number one spot in the Billboard Hot 100, was nominated in the Grammys, gave an inspiring speech at the 75th UN General Assembly—really, these boys are something else! In more recent news, BTS will make a comeback this February with a new version of their bestselling album, BE.
Do Ji Han
Known for his role as cold-blooded aristocrat Park Ban Ryu, Do Ji Han starred in the dramas Lovers In Bloom and 100 Days My Prince after Hwarang aired. Fans were surprised when they found out he enlisted as an active duty soldier in December 2018. Want more updates about him? Follow him on Instagram where he posts his travels with his friends!
Go Ara
After her leading role in Hwarang, Go Ara top-billed a handful of K-dramas, including Black and Ms. Hammurabi. She also made a special cameo in the 2020 hit Netflix drama Hospital Playlist as...herself!
In the same year, the actress was cast in the rom-com Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol , where she portrayed the character of an optimistic pianist named Goo Ra Ra. See what they did there with her name? Ang cute!
