The powerful CEO, chaebol heir, and corporate executive remain some of the most beloved character archetypes in K-dramas. Whether they’re cold-hearted conglomerate heirs, brilliant company presidents, or devoted boyfriends hiding their soft side beneath a tough exterior, these “CEO leads” continue to dominate viewers’ hearts.
According to ELLE, these are the 10 most memorable and attractive CEO characters in Korean dramas, ranked based on their charisma, popularity, and impact on audiences.
1. Heo Nam Joon – My Royal Nemesis
Heo Nam Joon tops the list with his breakout role as Cha Se Gye in My Royal Nemesis. The fantasy romance follows a notorious Joseon-era woman who travels through time and wakes up in the body of a struggling modern-day actress. There, she crosses paths with Cha Se Gye, the sole heir to a powerful conglomerate.
Cold, unpredictable, and intimidating, Cha Se Gye embodies the modern chaebol archetype. Yet beneath his icy exterior lies unwavering devotion to the woman who challenges him at every turn.
2. Song Kang – My Demon
Song Kang captivated viewers as Jeong Gu Won in My Demon. An immortal demon who makes contracts with humans, Gu Won initially appears arrogant and detached. However, his relationship with heiress Do Do Hee gradually transforms him into one of the most devoted romantic leads in recent K-drama history.
His “cold to everyone, soft only for her” personality made him a fan favorite worldwide.
3. Park Seo Joon – What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
Few CEO characters are as iconic as Lee Young Joon, portrayed by Park Seo Joon in What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.
The narcissistic vice chairman is wealthy, handsome, and exceptionally talented but completely unaware of how overconfident he is. His hilarious attempts to win back his longtime secretary created one of the most beloved romantic comedies in K-drama history. For many fans, Lee Young Joon remains the definitive Korean drama CEO.
4. Lee Jun Ho – Typhoon Company
Lee Jun Ho earned praise for portraying Kang Tae Poong in Typhoon Company. Set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the drama follows a carefree heir forced to take responsibility for his family’s struggling business after a tragedy.
Unlike traditional cold CEOs, Kang Tae Poong stands out through his warmth, perseverance, and personal growth.
5. Ahn Hyo Seop – Business Proposal
Ahn Hyo Seop charmed audiences worldwide as Kang Tae Moo in Business Proposal. As the young CEO of a major corporation, Kang Tae Moo possesses wealth, intelligence, and good looks. However, his unexpectedly sweet and loyal personality ultimately won over viewers.
His combination of confidence and romantic devotion helped make Business Proposal a global hit.
6. Kim Jae Wook – Her Private Life
In Her Private Life, Kim Jae Wook played Ryan Gold, a talented artist and gallery director. With his sophisticated appearance, mysterious aura, and restrained emotional depth, Ryan Gold became one of the most elegant CEO figures in K-drama romance.
His chemistry with co-star Park Min-young remains highly praised by fans.
7. So Ji Sub – Master’s Sun
So Ji Sub delivered one of K-drama’s most legendary CEO performances as Joo Joong Won in Master’s Sun. Initially obsessed with money and business, Joo Joong Won gradually reveals a caring and selfless side as he falls in love.
The character’s emotional evolution helped make him a fan-favorite among second-generation K-drama viewers.
8. Park Hyung Sik – Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
Park Hyung Sik brought a refreshing twist to the CEO trope in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. As gaming company CEO Ahn Min Hyuk, he combines professional success with a playful, affectionate personality rarely seen in traditional chaebol characters.
His lovable behavior and unforgettable romance with Park Bo-young helped redefine what a K-drama CEO could be.
9. Yoo Yeon Seok – When the Phone Rings
Yoo Yeon Seok made a strong impression as Baek Sa Eon in When the Phone Rings. A highly respected presidential spokesperson, Baek Sa Eon exudes authority, intelligence, and calm confidence. As the story unfolds, viewers discover the emotional depth hidden beneath his composed exterior.
His performance quickly elevated him into the ranks of modern K-drama powerhouses.
10. Hyun Bin – Secret Garden
Although ranked tenth, Hyun Bin remains one of the pioneers of the Korean drama CEO archetype. His portrayal of Kim Joo Won in Secret Garden helped establish many of the traits later associated with chaebol leads: confidence, wealth, arrogance, and ultimately unwavering devotion.
More than a decade after the drama’s release, Kim Joo Won continues to be remembered as one of the most iconic CEO characters in Korean television history.
Sources: K14
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