Gong started his show business career with small parts in dramas and films. He landed his first lead role in Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy in 2005. His acting talent caught the attention of casting directors and audiences and he became an actor to watch. Gong’s role as Choi Han-Kyul in the MBC romantic comedy The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince solidified his status as a leading man. The popularity of the drama made it one of Korea’s most watched dramas of 2007, and made Gong Yoo a hallyu star.