Bae Doona is a talented South Korean actress who has made a name for herself both in Korea and internationally. With her versatile acting skills and captivating screen presence, she has starred in numerous critically acclaimed dramas and movies. As of 2025, here are the top 10 Korean dramas and movies featuring Bae Doona that you shouldn’t miss.
1. The Silent Sea (2021)
This science fiction thriller series takes place in a future where Earth is suffering from extreme water shortages. Bae Doona plays Song Ji-an, a talented astrobiologist who joins a dangerous mission to the moon to retrieve a mysterious sample from an abandoned research station.
Key statistics:
- 8 episodes
- Viewership rating: 8.1/10 on MyDramaList
- Genre: Sci-fi, Thriller
- Also stars Gong Yoo and Lee Joon
The Silent Sea showcases Bae Doona’s ability to portray complex characters in high-stakes situations. Her performance as the determined scientist trying to uncover the truth about her sister’s death is both emotional and intense. The show’s stunning visuals and gripping plot make it a must-watch for sci-fi fans.
2. Kingdom (2019-2020)
Set in Korea’s Joseon period, Kingdom is a zombie thriller that combines historical drama with horror elements. Bae Doona plays Seo-bi, a clever physician who works to find a cure for the mysterious plague turning people into flesh-eating monsters.
Key statistics:
- 2 seasons, 12 episodes total
- Viewership rating: 8.8/10 on MyDramaList
- Genre: Historical, Zombie, Thriller
- Also stars Ju Ji-hoon and Ryu Seung-ryong
Bae Doona’s portrayal of Seo-bi is a highlight of the series. Her character’s intelligence and bravery shine through as she faces terrifying situations. Kingdom’s unique blend of traditional Korean culture and zombie horror creates a thrilling viewing experience.
3. Stranger (2017-2020)
In this gripping crime thriller, Bae Doona plays Han Yeo-jin, a passionate police detective who teams up with a prosecutor to investigate corruption cases. Her character’s determination and strong sense of justice make her a formidable force in the fight against wrongdoing.
Key statistics:
- 2 seasons, 32 episodes total
- Viewership rating: 8.8/10 on MyDramaList
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery
- Also stars Cho Seung-woo
Stranger showcases Bae Doona’s ability to hold her own in a complex, dialogue-heavy drama. Her chemistry with co-star Cho Seung-woo is excellent, and the show’s intricate plot keeps viewers guessing until the end.
4. Cloud Atlas (2012)
While not a Korean production, Cloud Atlas is an important film in Bae Doona’s career. This ambitious sci-fi epic tells six interconnected stories across different time periods. Bae Doona plays multiple roles, most notably Sonmi-451, a clone in a dystopian future Korea.
Key statistics:
- Runtime: 172 minutes
- Box office: $130.5 million worldwide
- Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
- Also stars Tom Hanks and Halle Berry
Bae Doona’s performance in Cloud Atlas brought her international recognition. Her portrayal of Sonmi-451 is both touching and powerful, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotions even in a futuristic setting.
5. The Host (2006)
This monster movie was a massive hit in South Korea and helped establish Bae Doona as a versatile actress. She plays Park Nam-joo, an expert archer who helps her family fight against a terrifying creature emerging from Seoul’s Han River.
Key statistics:
- Runtime: 119 minutes
- Box office: $89.4 million worldwide
- Genre: Monster, Drama, Comedy
- Directed by Bong Joon-ho
The Host blends horror, comedy, and family drama in a unique way. Bae Doona’s character adds both humor and heart to the story, and her archery skills come in handy during the film’s thrilling action scenes.
6. Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002)
In this dark thriller, Bae Doona plays Cha Yeong-mi, the girlfriend of a deaf man who becomes involved in a kidnapping plot. The film explores themes of revenge and the consequences of desperate actions.
Key statistics:
- Runtime: 129 minutes
- Genre: Thriller, Drama
- Directed by Park Chan-wook
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance showcases Bae Doona’s ability to take on challenging, morally complex roles. Her performance is raw and emotional, contributing to the film’s intense atmosphere.
7. A Girl at My Door (2014)
Bae Doona stars as Lee Young-nam, a police officer who becomes involved in the life of a young girl being abused by her stepfather. This drama tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity and nuance.
Key statistics:
- Runtime: 119 minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival
A Girl at My Door allows Bae Doona to showcase her range as an actress. Her portrayal of the conflicted police officer is subtle and powerful, earning her critical acclaim.
8. Next Sohee (2022)
In this drama, Bae Doona plays Oh Yu-jin, a detective investigating the death of a high school student named Sohee. The film explores issues of labor exploitation and the pressures faced by young people in Korean society.
Key statistics:
- Runtime: 135 minutes
- Genre: Drama, Mystery
- Won multiple awards at international film festivals
Next Sohee is a powerful showcase for Bae Doona’s talents. Her performance as the determined detective is both empathetic and intense, driving the film’s emotional core.
9. Air Doll (2009)
This unique Japanese film stars Bae Doona as an inflatable doll that comes to life and explores the world around her. It’s a poetic meditation on loneliness and human connection.
Key statistics:
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy
- Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda
Air Doll demonstrates Bae Doona’s ability to take on unconventional roles. Her portrayal of the innocent, curious air doll is both charming and heartbreaking.
10. Family Matters (2024)
This recent drama stars Bae Doona as Han Young-soo, a woman dealing with complex family relationships and personal challenges. The series explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the bonds that tie families together.
Key statistics:
- 16 episodes
- Genre: Family, Drama
- Viewership rating: 8.6/10 on MyDramaList (as of 2025)
Family Matters showcases a more mature side of Bae Doona’s acting. Her nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating difficult family dynamics resonates with viewers and demonstrates her growth as an actress.