Reporting for duty: K-drama actors who made military uniforms look effortlessly cool

Whether they’re proposing to the future queen, saving an heiress, hunting down deserters or fighting for justice, these K-drama actors know exactly how to command attention in military uniform. Over the years, K-dramas have transformed military fashion into a major onscreen spectacle, with stars like Hyun Bin, Song Joong-ki, Lee Min-ho and Byeon Woo-seok turning camouflage fatigues, naval attire and ceremonial dress uniforms into unforgettable style statements.

From fantasy monarchies and sweeping period epics to gritty military thrillers, these actors blend charisma, authority and fashion-forward styling—proving that few television looks are as timeless, striking or instantly iconic as a perfectly tailored military uniform.

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Byeon Woo-seok in ‘Perfect Crown’ (2026)

In the proposal scene in ‘Perfect Crown’, Byeon Woo-seok proves he is one of the most regal-looking K-drama actors in military uniform (Photo: MBC)

In Perfect Crown—the most-watched K-drama on Disney+ globally—Byeon Woo-seok’s Grand Prince I-an cuts an immaculate figure in every scene, from his hanbok-inspired bespoke suits to his impeccably tailored pyjamas. The actor worked closely with the drama’s costume department to come up with a wardrobe that perfectly captured not only a 21st-century monarchy at the crossroads of tradition and modern sensibilities but also a character caught between duty and defiance.

Within the first two episodes alone, audiences were treated to 28 outfits—carefully crafted to serve the narrative. But one that stands out most was what Prince I-an wore to the royal banquet. Pulling out all the stops, he got down on one knee wearing a black ceremonial military dress uniform with gold embellishments, metallic buttons and insignia to propose to Seong Hui-ju (IU).

Coupled with a romantic waltz, spectacular fireworks and a dazzling engagement ring, the fan-favourite scene secured Byeon Woo-seok’s place in the ranks of iconic K-drama actors in military uniform and delivered his ultimate Disney prince moment.

See more: Essential Gong Seung-yeon K-dramas, from ‘Perfect Crown’ to ‘The First Responders’

Hyun Bin in ‘Crash Landing on You’ (2019)

Hyun Bin’s Ri Jeong-hyeok looks action-ready in his combat uniform… (Photo tvN)

…and dapper in his military dress uniform (Photo tvN)

In the K-drama Crash Landing on You—the tvN cross-border romance that became a huge global hit on Netflix—Hyun Bin stars as Ri Jeong-hyeok. The handsome North Korean officer won the heart of Yoon Se-ri (played by now-wife Son Ye-jin) and captivated viewers worldwide. With his commanding screen presence and polished military styling, he has become one of the most iconic K-drama actors in military uniform.

When Se-ri—and the audience—first meet him, he’s patrolling the area near the DMZ in his North Korean combat uniform, looking rugged and action-ready in camouflage fatigues and tactical boots. Later in the series, he switches to a sharp olive-brown military dress uniform, complete with shoulder insignia, brass buttons and a peaked cap.

While his South Korean luxury makeover montage (courtesy of Se-ri’s black card) is undeniably impressive, it is Hyun Bin’s military uniform looks that remain unforgettable. Whether leading his squad or escorting Se-ri to Pyongyang, the actor makes every military ensemble look timeless.

See more: 5 best Hyun Bin K-dramas and movies to binge-watch this week

Song Joong-ki in ‘Descendants of the Sun’ (2016)

Song Joong-ki is a commanding presence in the hit K-drama ‘Descendants of the Sun’

Ask any K-drama fan to name a K-drama actor in military uniform, and Song Joong-ki will probably be among the top answers. As special forces captain Yoo Shi-jin in the blockbuster KBS drama Descendants of the Sun, Song Joong-ki captivated audiences with his charismatic performance. His romantic chemistry with co-star Song Hye-kyo, who played Kang Mo-yeon, and endearing bromance with Jin Goo, who portrayed fellow soldier Seo Dae-young, also made the drama an instant classic.

Beyond charm and chemistry, a major highlight is Song Joong-ki’s powerful visuals in his special forces uniform. Looking rugged and ready for combat in desert camouflage and tactical gear, he looks every inch the action hero. In a standout moment from episode three, Song Joong-ki turns heads as he walks the tarmac wearing Ray-Bans and a military beret—a scene so iconic, it has become synonymous with the drama itself.

Lee Min-ho in ‘The King: Eternal Monarch’ (2020)

In ‘The King: Eternal Monarch’, Lee Min-ho looks dashing in his naval attire (Photo: SBS)

Before Byeon Woo-seok’s Grand Prince I-an, there was Lee Min-ho’s King Lee Gon, ruler of the Kingdom of Corea—an alternate-universe Korea governed by a constitutional monarchy—in the fantasy romance K-drama The King: Eternal Monarch. The first time the king crosses the portal into the modern Republic of Korea, he leaves an unforgettable impression on both Jeong Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun) and the viewers, arriving on horseback in military-inspired imperial attire that looks regal and dashing.

Tall and handsome, Lee Min-ho embodies the modern royal in ensembles fit for a king throughout the series. But aside from his royal regalia, the much-talked-about crisp white naval uniform—adorned with medals, gold-trimmed shoulder boards and a peaked cap—he dons in episode six places him among the top K-drama actors in military uniform and is one of the drama’s most enduring sartorial statements.

Lee Byung-hun in ‘Mr Sunshine’ (2018)

Lee Byung-hun’s US Marine Corps uniform serves to distinguish him at the beginning of the drama (Photo: tvN)

The tvN period K-drama Mr Sunshine saw Hallyu superstar Lee Byung-hun play Korean-born American officer Eugene Choi alongside Kim Tae-ri as Lady Go Ae-shin. Set in the early 1900s, the series unfolds during a turbulent period when growing American and Japanese influence began reshaping Joseon.

In the sweeping epic, the escalating external influence could be seen in shifts in culture, customs and fashion. As a US Marine Corps captain, Lee Byung-hun is often seen wearing an American military officer uniform—complete with high collars, leather belts and holsters, brass buttons and rank insignia—distinguishing him as an outsider in the Joseon landscape.

His military uniform, which also served to narratively distance him from his own people, later gives way to sharp, three-piece suits and finally to civilian clothes—mirroring the shift in his character’s priorities and allegiance.

Jung Hae-in in ‘D.P.’ (2021) and ‘D.P. 2’ (2023)

In Netflix’s ‘D.P.’, Jung Hae-in is a different breed of K-drama actor in military uniform

If the category is K-drama actors in military uniform, Jung Hae-in’s Private Ahn Jun-ho in the Netflix original series D.P. is an obvious inclusion. In this gritty drama about the dark side of military service, Ahn Jun-ho joins the D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) team, which is tasked with going after soldiers who have gone AWOL. In the course of the mission, he and his partner, Corporal Han Ho-yeol (Koo Kyo-hwan), learn the stories of why these soldiers flee.

Unlike the other actors on this list, who look sharp, dapper and sometimes even regal in their military attire, Jung Hae-in’s Jun-ho looks tired and worn out in his standard-issue combat fatigues—which makes sense in the context of the K-drama’s unflinching, often harrowing look at the human cost of military conscription.

Ahn Bo-hyun in ‘Military Prosecutor Doberman’ (2022)

As Do Bae-man in ‘Military Prosecutor Doberman’, Ahn Bo-hyun looks formidable in his camouflage fatigues (Photo: tvN)

Ahn Bo-hyun plays Do Bae-man (hence “Doberman”), a military prosecutor who initially takes on the job solely for profit. But when he undergoes a dramatic transformation, he becomes a soldier determined to fight for justice alongside court partner Cha Woo-in (Jo Bo-ah).

Impossibly tall and broad-shouldered, Ahn Bo-hyun easily earns a spot among the top K-drama actors in military uniform. Wearing camouflage combat fatigues paired with a black beret, the actor perfectly embodies Do Bae-man’s sharp, disciplined and tenacious persona. From his standard military haircut to his polished field uniform and commanding posture, every detail of his styling reinforces the character’s intimidating presence and action-hero appeal.

Park Ji-hoon in ‘The Legend of the Kitchen Soldier’ (2026)

Park Ji-hoon stars as an endearing military cook in ‘The Legend of the Kitchen Soldier’

The latest K-drama actor to make his mark in military uniform is Park Ji-hoon in The Legend of the Kitchen Soldier, adapted from J Robin’s webtoon Kitchen Soldier. In the comedy fantasy drama, he plays Private Kang Sung-jae, a young soldier unexpectedly assigned to the military kitchen. With the help of a mysterious RPG-style quest system, he clears cooking missions that gradually help him level up into a legendary army cook.

While many actors on this list look sharp, commanding or intimidating in military uniform, Park Ji-hoon brings something refreshingly different to the genre. Dressed in standard camouflage combat fatigues and military-issued gear, his youthful visuals and boyish charm emphasise Sung-jae’s inexperience as both a soldier and a cook. Rather than looking battle-hardened, he appears earnest, overwhelmed and determined.

From regal imperial uniforms and polished naval attire to rugged camouflage fatigues and tactical combat gear, these K-drama actors have transformed military fashion into some of television’s most memorable style moments.

Whether portraying soldiers, prosecutors, emperors or crown princes, stars like Byeon Woo-seok, Hyun Bin, Song Joong-ki and Lee Min-ho continue to prove why K-drama actors in military uniform remain iconic to fans around the world.

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Reporting for duty: K-drama actors who made military uniforms look effortlessly cool