Ha Ji-won is a talented and versatile Korean actress who has captivated audiences for decades with her impressive performances in both dramas and films. As we look back on her career in 2025, let’s explore the top 10 Korean dramas and movies starring Ha Ji-won that have left a lasting impact on viewers.
1. Empress Ki (2013-2014)
Empress Ki is a historical drama that showcases Ha Ji-won’s exceptional acting skills. In this series, she plays Ki Seung-nyang, a woman born in Goryeo who rises to become the Empress of the Yuan Dynasty. The drama follows her journey from a young warrior disguised as a man to a powerful empress who influences politics in both Goryeo and Yuan.
The series is known for its stunning costumes, beautiful sets, and engaging storyline. Ha Ji-won’s portrayal of Empress Ki is both powerful and nuanced, showing the character’s growth from a fierce warrior to a cunning politician. Her chemistry with co-stars Ji Chang-wook and Joo Jin-mo adds depth to the romantic elements of the story.
Empress Ki was a huge success both in Korea and internationally, earning Ha Ji-won the Grand Prize at the MBC Drama Awards. It remains one of her most memorable roles and a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.
2. Secret Garden (2010-2011)
Secret Garden is a romantic comedy that became a cultural phenomenon when it aired. Ha Ji-won stars as Gil Ra-im, a skilled stuntwoman who unexpectedly swaps bodies with a wealthy department store CEO, Kim Joo-won (played by Hyun Bin).
This drama is loved for its unique plot, witty dialogue, and the incredible chemistry between Ha Ji-won and Hyun Bin. Ha Ji-won’s portrayal of Gil Ra-im is both tough and vulnerable, making her character relatable and lovable. The body-swap element of the story allows Ha Ji-won to showcase her versatility as an actress, convincingly portraying both her character and Hyun Bin’s character in different bodies.
Secret Garden’s popularity led to a surge in interest in Ha Ji-won’s earlier works and cemented her status as a top actress in Korea.
3. Hwang Jini (2006)
In Hwang Jini, Ha Ji-won takes on the role of the titular character, a famous gisaeng (similar to a geisha) from the Joseon era. This historical drama follows Hwang Jini’s life as she becomes the most renowned gisaeng in Korean history, known for her beauty, intellect, and artistic talents.
Ha Ji-won’s performance in this drama is considered one of her best. She brilliantly portrays Hwang Jini’s journey from a young girl to a celebrated artist, capturing the character’s grace, intelligence, and inner conflicts. Her acting in this series earned her the prestigious Grand Prize at the KBS Drama Awards.
Hwang Jini is not just a love story; it’s a tale of a woman who defies societal norms and pursues her passions in a time when women had limited freedoms. Ha Ji-won brings depth and complexity to this historical figure, making the drama a must-watch for those interested in Korean history and culture.
4. Hospital Ship (2017)
In Hospital Ship, Ha Ji-won plays Song Eun-jae, a talented surgeon who joins a medical team on a ship that provides healthcare to residents of remote islands. This medical drama showcases a different side of Ha Ji-won, as she takes on the role of a dedicated and skilled doctor.
The drama explores themes of healing, both physical and emotional, as the characters face various challenges while providing medical care in difficult conditions. Ha Ji-won’s portrayal of Song Eun-jae is both professional and compassionate, showing her character’s growth as she learns to connect with her patients on a deeper level.
While Hospital Ship may not have achieved the same level of popularity as some of Ha Ji-won’s earlier works, it demonstrates her ability to take on diverse roles and deliver convincing performances in different genres.
5. Chocolate (2019-2020)
Chocolate is a heartwarming melodrama that stars Ha Ji-won as Moon Cha-young, a talented chef whose life becomes intertwined with that of a cold-hearted neurosurgeon, Lee Kang (played by Yoon Kye-sang). The drama explores themes of healing, love, and the power of food to connect people and evoke memories.
Ha Ji-won’s performance as Moon Cha-young is both charming and emotional. She perfectly captures her character’s passion for cooking and her ability to heal others through food. The drama’s beautiful cinematography, especially in the cooking scenes, complements Ha Ji-won’s delicate portrayal of her character.
Chocolate may be a slower-paced drama compared to some of Ha Ji-won’s action-packed roles, but it showcases her ability to convey deep emotions and create a connection with the audience through subtle expressions and gestures.
6. The King 2 Hearts (2012)
In this alternative history drama, Ha Ji-won plays Kim Hang-ah, a North Korean special forces officer who ends up in an arranged marriage with the South Korean crown prince (played by Lee Seung-gi). The drama combines elements of romance, comedy, and political thriller, creating a unique and engaging story.
Ha Ji-won’s portrayal of Kim Hang-ah is both tough and endearing. She brilliantly captures the character’s struggle to adapt to life in the South Korean royal family while maintaining her strength and identity. Her chemistry with Lee Seung-gi adds charm and humor to the series.
The King 2 Hearts allows Ha Ji-won to showcase her action skills as well as her comedic timing, making it a well-rounded performance that highlights her versatility as an actress.
7. Duelist (2005)
Duelist is a period action film that features Ha Ji-won as Namsoon, a female detective in the Joseon era. The movie is known for its unique visual style, blending martial arts action with a dreamlike atmosphere.
In this film, Ha Ji-won demonstrates her physical prowess in elaborate sword-fighting scenes. Her character is both fierce and graceful, moving through the beautifully choreographed fight sequences with ease. Beyond the action, Ha Ji-won also conveys her character’s inner conflict and growing feelings for her mysterious opponent.
While Duelist may not have been a commercial success, it has gained a cult following over the years and is considered one of Ha Ji-won’s most visually striking and unique projects.
8. As One (2012)
As One is a sports drama based on a true story. Ha Ji-won plays South Korean table tennis player Hyun Jung-hwa, who teams up with North Korean player Lee Bun-hui (played by Bae Doona) to compete in the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships as a unified Korean team.
This film allows Ha Ji-won to showcase her ability to portray real-life characters. Her performance as Hyun Jung-hwa is both intense and emotional, capturing the pressure of representing a unified Korea and the personal growth that comes from this unique experience.
As One is not just a sports movie; it’s a story about breaking down barriers and finding common ground. Ha Ji-won’s sincere performance contributes greatly to the film’s emotional impact.
9. Tidal Wave (2009)
Tidal Wave, also known as Haeundae, is a disaster film in which Ha Ji-won plays Kang Yeon-hee, a coast guard officer. The movie depicts the impact of a mega-tsunami hitting Busan’s Haeundae district.
In this film, Ha Ji-won shows off her action skills once again, performing many of her own stunts. Her character is brave and selfless, risking her life to save others during the disaster. Ha Ji-won’s performance adds emotional depth to the spectacular visual effects, making the audience care about the characters amidst the chaos.
Tidal Wave was a box office success and demonstrated Ha Ji-won’s ability to hold her own in large-scale blockbuster productions.
10. Closer to Heaven (2009)
Closer to Heaven is a touching melodrama where Ha Ji-won plays Lee Ji-soo, a funeral director who falls in love with a man suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease. This film showcases a more subdued and emotional side of Ha Ji-won’s acting.
Her portrayal of Lee Ji-soo is heartbreakingly beautiful, as she conveys the complex emotions of falling in love with someone she knows she will lose. Ha Ji-won’s performance is nuanced and sincere, making the audience feel every moment of joy and pain alongside her character.
While this film might not be as well-known as some of Ha Ji-won’s other works, it demonstrates her ability to carry a deeply emotional story and leave a lasting impact on viewers.
