Lee Ji-ah has become one of South Korea’s most versatile and talented actresses. With a career spanning over two decades, she has impressed audiences with her powerful performances in both television dramas and films. As of 2025, Lee Ji-ah has built an impressive portfolio of work across various genres. Let’s take a look at 10 of her best Korean dramas and movies that showcase her acting range and skills.
1. The Penthouse: War in Life (2020-2021)
One of Lee Ji-ah’s most iconic roles to date is in the hit makjang drama “The Penthouse: War in Life.” In this intense series about the lives of wealthy residents in a luxury penthouse apartment building, Lee Ji-ah plays two characters – Shim Su Ryeon and Na Ae Gyo.
As the elegant and kind-hearted Shim Su Ryeon, Lee Ji-ah portrays a woman who seems to have it all but harbors deep pain and secrets. Her transformation into the vengeful Na Ae Gyo later in the series showcases Lee Ji-ah’s incredible acting range. She effortlessly switches between the two contrasting characters, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
With its gripping plot twists and Lee Ji-ah’s captivating dual performance, “The Penthouse” became a massive hit. It spanned three seasons and cemented Lee Ji-ah’s status as a top actress in Korea.
2. My Mister (2018)
In this critically acclaimed slice-of-life drama, Lee Ji-ah takes on a supporting but impactful role as Kang Yoon Hee, the wife of the main character Park Dong Hoon. Though not the lead, Lee Ji-ah’s nuanced portrayal of a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage adds depth to the story.
Her character’s complex relationship with her husband and her own personal struggles provide an important subplot that enhances the overall narrative. Lee Ji-ah brings a quiet intensity to Kang Yoon Hee, allowing viewers to empathize with her despite her flaws.
“My Mister” is widely regarded as one of the best Korean dramas ever made, and Lee Ji-ah’s performance contributes significantly to its emotional impact.
3. The Ghost Detective (2018)
Switching gears to the supernatural thriller genre, Lee Ji-ah stars as Sunwoo Hye in “The Ghost Detective.” This drama follows a detective who can see ghosts as he investigates mysterious cases.
Lee Ji-ah’s character Sunwoo Hye is a woman with a tragic past who becomes entangled in the supernatural events. Her portrayal balances vulnerability and strength, adding an emotional core to the suspenseful plot. Lee Ji-ah’s ability to convey complex emotions shines through in this role, keeping viewers invested in her character’s journey.
4. Athena: Goddess of War (2010-2011)
In this action-packed spy thriller, Lee Ji-ah plays Han Jae-Hee, a skilled intelligence agent. This role allowed her to showcase a different side of her acting abilities, taking on intense action scenes and portraying a tough, capable character.
“Athena: Goddess of War” was a big-budget production that gave Lee Ji-ah the opportunity to work alongside some of Korea’s biggest stars. Her performance proved she could hold her own in high-stakes action dramas, further diversifying her acting portfolio.
5. Queen of Divorce (2024)
One of Lee Ji-ah’s more recent works, “Queen of Divorce” sees her in the lead role of Kim Sa-ra, a skilled lawyer specializing in divorce cases. This legal drama allows Lee Ji-ah to portray a strong, professional woman navigating both her career and personal life.
The series explores themes of marriage, relationships, and personal growth, with Lee Ji-ah’s character at the center of it all. Her portrayal of Kim Sa-ra showcases her ability to lead a series, bringing depth and charisma to her role as the “Queen of Divorce.”
6. Forbidden Fairytale (2025)
In this unique blend of fantasy and reality, Lee Ji-ah takes on a supporting role that showcases her versatility as an actress. While not the main character, her performance adds depth and intrigue to the story of a rookie on an illegal pornography crackdown team who dreams of becoming a children’s book writer.
Lee Ji-ah’s ability to adapt to different genres shines through in this film, proving once again that she can excel in both leading and supporting roles across various types of stories.
7. The Handmaiden (2016)
While Lee Ji-ah has a small role in Park Chan-wook’s critically acclaimed psychological thriller “The Handmaiden,” her brief appearance as the owner of a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) leaves a lasting impression.
The film itself is a masterpiece of storytelling and cinematography, and Lee Ji-ah’s participation, however brief, adds to its star-studded cast. Her ability to make an impact even in a minor role speaks to her skill as an actress.
8. Tabloid Truth (2014)
In this thriller about the dark side of celebrity culture and media manipulation, Lee Ji-ah plays the wife of a character named Nam Jung-in. Though not a leading role, her performance contributes to the tense atmosphere of the film.
“Tabloid Truth” explores complex themes, and Lee Ji-ah’s portrayal adds to the movie’s examination of how scandals and rumors can destroy lives. Her ability to convey emotion effectively, even in limited screen time, enhances the overall impact of the film.
9. The Bros (2017)
Switching to a lighter genre, Lee Ji-ah appears in the comedy film “The Bros” as the mother of a character named Dang-sook. This role allows her to showcase her versatility, proving she can handle comedic parts just as well as dramatic ones.
While not the main focus of the film, Lee Ji-ah’s performance adds to the movie’s charm and humor. Her ability to adapt to different types of characters and genres is on full display in this entertaining comedy.
10. Gyeong-ah’s Daughter (2022)
In this drama film, Lee Ji-ah takes on the role of Mi-ja, showcasing her ability to portray complex, multi-dimensional characters. The movie explores themes of family relationships and personal struggles, allowing Lee Ji-ah to demonstrate her emotional range as an actress.
Her performance in “Gyeong-ah’s Daughter” further cements her reputation as an actress who can bring depth and nuance to her roles, regardless of the size of the part or the genre of the film.
