Not Only Nam Joo-hyuk in 'The Tale of Nokdu' is Handsome! The #1 Most Handsome Historical K-Drama Actor is Him – His Demon-Like, Intense Beauty is Legendary

Historical K-drama heartthrobs have always had their loyal fans—some command imperial presence in royal robes, others exude noble elegance in flowing hanboks, and a few have become unforgettable classics with vampire-inspired looks. This article compiles the 'Top 10 Most Handsome Historical K-Drama Actors' by analyzing online discussions, audience reviews, and representative roles across multiple platforms. From Lee Min-ho in 'Faith' and Park Hyung-sik in 'Hwarang,' to Lee Joon-gi and Lee Joon-hyuk in 'The Scholar Who Walks the Night,' this list covers the most iconic performances, characters, and real fan reactions.

10th Place: Lee Min-ho in 'Faith'

'Faith' is a historical romance drama blending time travel, medicine, and history. Lee Min-ho plays Choi Young, captain of the Goryeo royal guard. Ordered to travel to the modern era to find a doctor who can save the queen, he accidentally brings plastic surgeon Yoo Eun-soo back to Goryeo. Amid political struggles and war, the two gradually fall in love. Lee Min-ho’s tall stature and general’s armor create a stoic, reserved, yet deeply responsible warrior image.

Lee Min-ho’s historical look received widespread praise. Fans exclaimed, 'Lee Min-ho is so handsome!' Many highlighted his expressive eyes, noting he 'always had great screen presence.' Choi Young is calm and decisive against enemies, yet shows restrained, deep affection with Yoo Eun-soo—this contrast of toughness and tenderness is what makes the character so compelling.

10th Place: Lee Min-ho in 'Faith' (Image: IMDb)

9th Place: Park Seo-joon in 'Hwarang'

Set in the Silla Dynasty, 'Hwarang' follows a group of youths from diverse backgrounds who join the Hwarang warrior group, growing through friendship, love, and political intrigue. Park Seo-joon plays Seol Won, who lived anonymously until entering Hwarang to uncover the truth behind his friend’s death. With messy long hair and a rugged look, he contrasts sharply with the noble-born Hwarang members.

Among the ensemble cast, Park Seo-joon stood out with a distinct masculinity. Viewers said he had 'the most manly aura,' and his Hwarang outfit made him even more striking. Fans praised his natural acting, especially his nuanced expressions and eyes, which effectively conveyed Seol Won’s stubbornness, passion, and inner softness.

9th Place: Park Seo-joon in 'Hwarang' (Image: IMDb)

8th Place: Park Hyung-sik in 'Hwarang'

Park Hyung-sik plays King Jinheung (Maek Jong), a young monarch who hides his true identity due to palace turmoil, later joining Hwarang as an ordinary youth. Park portrayed the character’s early loneliness and insecurity, evolving into royal authority. His elegant costumes and refined features enhanced his regal presence.

Park Hyung-sik’s historical look became a major highlight of 'Hwarang.' Many viewers said, 'Park Hyung-sik is unbelievably handsome,' with some calling his appearance a key reason for watching. Fans praised his blend of youthful charm and kingly aura, noting how his costume, gaze, and posture evolved to reflect his royal transformation.

8th Place: Park Hyung-sik in 'Hwarang' (Image: IMDb)

7th Place: Yoo Seung-ho in 'The King in Love'

'The King in Love' follows Crown Prince Lee Hwon as he fights a secret organization monopolizing water and controlling the court. Yoo Seung-ho plays Lee Hwon, who wears a mask for years to protect his identity, then leaves the palace to understand the people’s struggles, gradually becoming a responsible ruler. With delicate features and deep eyes, Yoo Seung-ho balances youthful charm and maturity in royal attire.

Yoo Seung-ho has starred in multiple historical dramas, cementing his image in period roles. Fans described his character as 'handsome and well-read,' praising his refined features and slightly melancholic eyes, ideal for a prince burdened by fate. His gentle looks contrast powerfully with his tragic destiny.

7th Place: Yoo Seung-ho in 'The King in Love' (Image: IMDb)

6th Place: Ji Chang-wook in 'Empress Ki'

'Empress Ki' tells the legendary rise of a Goryeo woman, Ki Seung-nyang, from palace maid to empress in the Yuan Dynasty. Ji Chang-wook plays Emperor Toghon, who starts timid and dependent but grows increasingly possessive and ambitious amid palace power struggles. In lavish dragon robes, Ji portrayed innocence, fragility, and dark suspicion with depth.

Ji Chang-wook’s historical performance left a strong impression. Some fans admitted they weren’t familiar with him before but praised, 'He’s incredibly handsome in historical drama.' Others called this his 'defining role for both acting and visuals,' noting he maintained charisma even during emotional shifts from vulnerability to rage and villainy.

6th Place: Ji Chang-wook in 'Empress Ki' (Image: IMDb)

5th Place: Park Bo-gum in 'Love in the Moonlight'

'Love in the Moonlight' follows Hong Ra-on, a woman disguised as a man who becomes a palace page and falls in love with Crown Prince Lee Yeon. Park Bo-gum plays Lee Yeon, who appears carefree but is actually sharp and aware of court politics. In bright royal attire, his smile radiates youth, while his serious demeanor commands royal authority.

Park Bo-gum’s subtle expressions earned acclaim. Fans said, 'His micro-expressions are mesmerizing,' noting he conveys emotions through just his eyes and mouth. Whether smiling, jealous, or solemn, he embodies the quintessential historical K-drama prince.

5th Place: Park Bo-gum in 'Love in the Moonlight' (Image: IMDb)

4th Place: Lee Jun-ho in 'The Red Sleeve'

'The Red Sleeve' centers on King Jeongjo (Lee San) and court lady Sung Deok-im, exploring the conflict between royal duty and personal love. Lee Jun-ho plays Lee San, who grows from a royal grandson to king—disciplined, proud, and emotionally intense. His upright posture in royal robes and sharp facial features project an imposing royal presence.

Historical costumes often shorten men’s proportions, but many viewers felt Lee Jun-ho 'mastered the look,' appearing even taller in royal attire. Fans called his appearance 'love at first sight,' with his sharp features and restrained gaze perfectly capturing the young king’s authority and loneliness.

4th Place: Lee Jun-ho in 'The Red Sleeve' (Image: IMDb)

3rd Place: Kim Soo-hyun in 'Moon Embracing the Sun'

'Moon Embracing the Sun' tells of King Lee Hwon and his first love, Heo Yeon-woo, separated by palace conspiracy and reunited years later. Kim Soo-hyun plays the adult Lee Hwon—confident and commanding with officials, yet emotionally haunted by lost love. His thick brows, sharp eyes, and dark robes create a passionate yet scheming young king.

Kim Soo-hyun’s Lee Hwon remains a classic. Fans call him 'the god-tier face of historical K-dramas' and praise his 'explosive handsomeness.' His intense gaze, dark robes, and calculating smile blend passion, authority, and mystery.

3rd Place: Kim Soo-hyun in 'Moon Embracing the Sun' (Image: IMDb)

2nd Place: Lee Joon-gi in 'The Scholar Who Walks the Night'

Set in an alternate Joseon era, Lee Joon-gi plays Kim Sung-yeol, a vampire scholar. Once a royal official, he becomes immortal after a vampire bite and dedicates himself to defeating the evil vampire king. With delicate features, sharp eyes, and flowing robes, Lee Joon-gi embodies an ethereal, mystical scholar, showcasing agility and cold intensity in action scenes.

Lee Joon-gi’s vampire scholar look sparked massive discussion. Fans said, 'Lee Joon-gi and Lee Joon-hyuk are unbelievably handsome in historical roles,' with some saying their visuals outshine the plot. Others dubbed him the 'fox scholar,' praising his delicate features and sharp eyes for capturing the character’s supernatural sorrow and fate.

2nd Place: Lee Joon-gi in 'The Scholar Who Walks the Night' (Image: IMDb)

1st Place: Lee Joon-hyuk in 'The Scholar Who Walks the Night'

Lee Joon-hyuk plays 'Gui,' the vampire king hiding beneath the palace. Possessing immense power and immortality, he controls the royal family to maintain dominance—the series’ most intimidating antagonist. With a deep voice, chiseled features, and pale makeup, 'Gui' exudes danger, elegance, and mystery, commanding attention in every scene.

Lee Joon-hyuk’s 'Gui' became one of the most talked-about characters. Fans described his face as 'sculpted perfection,' with sharp features called 'beautiful like a demon.' Pale makeup, a low voice, and a cold gaze combine to create a villain who is both terrifying and mesmerizing, leaving a powerful impression with every appearance.