Details of Nam Joo Hyuk's Two New Dramas, Heartbeat and Code

After appearing in the Netflix drama "The East Palace," South Korean actor Nam Joo Hyuk is now making a name for himself in the entertainment world. He was recently confirmed to star in two new projects. 

Both were announced on the same day, marking his latest foray into the world of Korean dramas. According to Soompi, on Thursday (July 23, 2026), the first project is a romantic drama literally titled "Heartbeat." 

The news initially surfaced in local South Korean media and was then confirmed by the actor's representative via Ilgan Sports. "He will be playing the lead role in Heartbeat," the actor's representative said. The script for this drama was written by Lee Si Eun, the creator of True Beauty and Lovely Runner. 

Her presence is highlighted because her two previous works received widespread attention among Korean drama audiences. The story outlines an emotional love story about a deceased man whose face bears a striking resemblance to the heroine's deceased first love. 

On the other hand, the female character is depicted as having the ability to see the past, while the male character, Cha Shin Jo, hides his past. Nam Joo Hyuk was chosen to play Cha Shin Jo, the center of a story that intersects personal secrets and persistent memories.

Code on Disney Plus: Crime Mystery-Thriller

In his second project, Nam Joo Hyuk stars in Code for Disney Plus. The drama is a crime mystery-thriller, with Yoo Soo Min—who previously helmed the Weak Hero series —directing. Code tells the story of a materialistic lawyer accustomed to justifying any means to achieve his goals. 

A major change in his life occurs after he receives an invitation to join a mysterious app called "Code." In Code, Nam Joo Hyuk plays Yoon Tae Joo, a former prosecutor's investigator who now works as a lawyer. 

He's willing to do anything to achieve success and aims for a partner position at a major law firm. After receiving an invitation from the mysterious app "Code," he finds himself drawn into a vortex of ambition and greed.

Lineup of Players in Code

It was also announced that three other actors will star in this drama, namely Lee Yi Dam, Kim Eui Sung, and Park Hoon. Lee Yi Dam plays Park Ji Dam, a prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. 

She seeks to uncover the truth behind the "Code" app case while hunting down Yoon Tae Joo, who has a connection to her past, and they are constantly wary of each other's moves. Kim Eui Sung plays Jo Cheol Ho, a hacker who fled North Korea. 

Unexpectedly, Jo Cheol Ho ends up teaming up with Yoon Tae Joo in an attempt to track down "Code." This character's involvement adds a technical layer and information network to the investigation. Finally, Park Hoon plays Im Chang Jae, a detective from the Violent Crimes Unit. 

As a veteran detective with a sibling-like relationship with Yoon Tae Joo, he actively assists the lawyer in investigating the mystery behind the "Code" app. This personal connection fuels their collaboration in the field as they face complex cases.