Actor Lee Jun-hyuk is reportedly taking on the role of a Catholic priest, sparking renewed interest in past priest roles that went viral. Even a decade later, the first name that comes to mind for an iconic cassock look is Kang Dong-won from the film The Priests. So which K-drama stars have stunned audiences in priest attire on the small screen?
In the 2018 OCN Wed–Thu drama The Guest, Kim Jae-wook played exorcist priest Choi Yoon and left a lasting impression. From the intricate exorcism rites—which many viewers found unfamiliar—to the flawless fit of his cassock, he made the character entirely his own. It was a bold new challenge for Kim, and after the show aired, netizens raved: “He wears the cassock in almost every episode and it suits him so well,” “That alluring, decadent vibe is everything,” and “Even a cassock can’t hide those visuals.”
Kim Nam-gil’s SBS hit The Fiery Priest, credited with igniting the priest craze, also dominated headlines. The drama follows a hot-tempered Catholic priest who teams up with an officer from Gudam Police Station to investigate a murder case. Season 1 aired in 2019 and Season 2 in 2024, with both seasons generating major buzz and strong ratings.
Kim Nam-gil’s signature charisma, paired with the cassock, delivered a restrained yet striking presence—sharp features and a solid build that viewers couldn’t stop talking about. Reactions poured in: “It’s like the cassock is wearing Kim Nam-gil,” “His personal color is priest black,” and “He was born to wear it.”
We also can’t leave out TVING’s original series Island, which drew attention as Cha Eun-woo’s first genre role. He played John, the Vatican’s youngest exorcist priest, and delivered a passionate performance. On screen, Cha’s visuals shone through even in a dusty, blood-stained cassock, making viewers gasp every episode. After release, comments included: “I wish everyone would watch this drama,” and “From the cassock to the black piercing, the blessings on Cha Eun-woo’s face never end.”
With Lee Jun-hyuk’s exorcist-priest transformation slated for next year, anticipation is soaring. Fans are eager to see whether he’ll write the next chapter in the ever-growing lineage of unforgettable priest characters.