Hwang Jung-eum is a talented South Korean actress who has captivated audiences with her versatile performances in numerous dramas and movies. As of 2025, she has established herself as one of the most sought-after actresses in the Korean entertainment industry. Let’s take a look at the 10 best Korean dramas and movies starring Hwang Jung-eum that have left a lasting impression on viewers.
1. Secret Love (2013)
“Secret Love” is a gripping melodrama that showcases Hwang Jung-eum’s exceptional acting skills. She plays the role of Kang Yoo-jung, a woman who sacrifices her future by going to prison in place of her boyfriend after he commits a hit-and-run. The drama explores themes of love, revenge, and redemption.
Key statistics:
- Aired on KBS2 from September 25 to November 14, 2013
- 16 episodes
- Highest viewership rating: 18.9% nationwide (final episode)
- Hwang Jung-eum won the Top Excellence Award for an Actress at the 2013 KBS Drama Awards
2. Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)
In this popular psychological thriller, Hwang Jung-eum portrays Oh Ri-jin, a psychiatrist who helps a man with dissociative identity disorder. Her character’s journey intertwines with the lead’s multiple personalities, creating a complex and engaging storyline.
Key statistics:
- Aired on MBC from January 7 to March 12, 2015
- 20 episodes
- Highest viewership rating: 11.5% nationwide
- Hwang Jung-eum won the Top Excellence Award for an Actress in a Miniseries at the 2015 MBC Drama Awards
3. She Was Pretty (2015)
This romantic comedy showcases Hwang Jung-eum’s versatility as an actress. She plays Kim Hye-jin, a woman who was once beautiful but now struggles with her appearance. The drama follows her journey of self-discovery and love.
Key statistics:
- Aired on MBC from September 16 to November 11, 2015
- 16 episodes
- Highest viewership rating: 18.4% nationwide
- Hwang Jung-eum won the Best Actress Award at the 43rd Korea Broadcasting Awards
4. Mystic Pop-up Bar (2020)
In this fantasy drama, Hwang Jung-eum takes on the role of Weol-ju, a mysterious woman who runs a magical outdoor bar. Her character helps resolve the grudges of 100,000 souls by entering their dreams.
Key statistics:
- Aired on JTBC from May 20 to June 25, 2020
- 12 episodes
- Based on a popular webtoon called “Twin Tops Bar”
- First drama to air on JTBC’s Wednesday-Thursday time slot in eight years
5. The Undateables (2018)
Hwang Jung-eum stars as Yoo Jung-eum, a matchmaker who doesn’t believe in love, in this romantic comedy. Her character’s interactions with a love expert lead to a heartwarming story of finding unexpected connections.
Key statistics:
- Aired on SBS from May 23 to July 19, 2018
- 32 episodes
- Highest viewership rating: 6.9% nationwide
- Hwang Jung-eum was nominated for the Top Excellence Award at the 2018 SBS Drama Awards
6. The Escape of the Seven (2023-2024)
This mystery thriller showcases Hwang Jung-eum in a more intense role. The drama revolves around seven characters involved in the case of a missing girl, with lies and desires intertwining in a complex plot.
Key statistics:
- Aired on SBS in two seasons: September 15 to November 17, 2023, and March 29 to May 18, 2024
- 33 episodes in total (17 in season 1, 16 in season 2)
- Average viewership for season 1: 1.133 million viewers
7. Endless Love (2014)
In this period drama, Hwang Jung-eum plays Seo In-ae, a woman determined to avenge her murdered mother. The story spans from the 1970s to the 1990s, showcasing her character’s growth amidst political and economic changes in South Korea.
Key statistics:
- Aired on SBS from June 21 to October 26, 2014
- 37 episodes
- Hwang Jung-eum was nominated for the Top Excellence Award at the 7th Korea Drama Awards
8. High Kick Through the Roof (2009)
Although not a leading role, this sitcom marked Hwang Jung-eum’s breakthrough in the television industry. Her portrayal of a cheerful and confident college student earned her recognition and paved the way for future leading roles.
Key statistics:
- Aired on MBC from September 7, 2009, to March 19, 2010
- 126 episodes
- Hwang Jung-eum won the Best New Actress award at the 46th Baeksang Arts Awards
9. Giant (2010)
This historical drama allowed Hwang Jung-eum to showcase her acting range in a more serious role. Set against the backdrop of Korea’s economic development in the 1970s, the drama follows the lives of three siblings seeking revenge and success.
Key statistics:
- Aired on SBS from May 10 to December 7, 2010
- 60 episodes
- Hwang Jung-eum won Best Actress at the 23rd Grimae Awards
10. My Sister, the Pig Lady (2015)
In her first leading film role, Hwang Jung-eum stars in this romantic comedy about a woman from Seoul who moves to the countryside. The movie showcases her charm and comedic timing in a different format from her usual television dramas.
Key statistics:
- Released in theaters on November 12, 2015
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- The film won the Grand Prize at the 2016 Osaka Asian Film Festival