Han Hyo-joo is a talented South Korean actress who has captivated audiences with her versatile performances in both dramas and movies. Her ability to bring characters to life has made her a favorite among Korean entertainment fans. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 Korean dramas and movies featuring Han Hyo-joo that showcase her incredible acting skills.
1. W: Two Worlds
This 2016 drama is a must-watch for fans of Han Hyo-joo and romantic comedies. In “W: Two Worlds,” Han plays Oh Yeon-joo, a surgeon who can enter a webtoon world created by her father. There, she meets the main character, Kang Chul, played by Lee Jong-suk.
The story is exciting and unique, mixing reality with a fictional world. Han Hyo-joo’s performance as Yeon-joo is amazing, showing both her strength and vulnerability. Her chemistry with Lee Jong-suk is wonderful, making their love story very believable.
“W: Two Worlds” won Han Hyo-joo several Best Actress awards, proving how great her acting was in this drama. If you love romance with a twist of fantasy, this drama is perfect for you.
2. Happiness
“Happiness” is a thrilling drama set in a world where dangerous diseases are common. Han Hyo-joo plays Yoon Sae-bom, a brave police officer. The story takes place during a pandemic caused by a failed medicine called “Next.”
As Sae-bom, Han Hyo-joo shows us a strong and fearless character. She’s not afraid to act quickly, even if it might be dangerous. This role is different from her usual romantic parts, proving how versatile she is as an actress.
If you enjoy intense, action-packed dramas with a bit of horror, “Happiness” is a great choice. Han Hyo-joo’s performance as a tough cop will keep you on the edge of your seat.
3. Brilliant Legacy
Also known as “Shining Inheritance,” this 2009 drama was a huge hit in Korea. Han Hyo-joo plays Go Eun-sung, a young woman who runs a small dumpling shop and has had a difficult life.
The story gets interesting when a wealthy food industry owner, Jang Sook-ja, decides to make Eun-sung her heir. This surprises Sook-ja’s grandson, Sun Woo-hwan, played by Lee Seung-gi. Sook-ja hopes that bringing Eun-sung into the family will help Woo-hwan become a better person.
Han Hyo-joo’s performance as the kind and hardworking Eun-sung won the hearts of many viewers. The drama was so popular that it often had ratings over 40%. It’s a classic rags-to-riches story with lots of heart and drama.
4. The Beauty Inside
This romantic film from 2015 tells a unique love story. Han Hyo-joo plays Yi-soo, a woman who falls in love with Woo-jin, a man who wakes up in a different body every day.
The movie explores deep themes like love, self-acceptance, and the true meaning of identity. Han Hyo-joo’s performance as Yi-soo is touching and sincere. She perfectly captures the emotions of someone falling in love with a person’s inner self, regardless of their changing appearance.
“The Beauty Inside” is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that showcases Han Hyo-joo’s ability to portray complex emotions. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves unique romance stories.
5. Dong Yi
In this 2010 historical drama, Han Hyo-joo takes on the challenging role of Choi Dong-yi, a real historical figure who rose from being a low-ranking court lady to becoming a powerful concubine during the Joseon Dynasty.
“Dong Yi” allowed Han Hyo-joo to show her range as an actress. She beautifully portrays Dong-yi’s journey from a young, naive girl to a wise and influential woman. The drama is full of political intrigue, romance, and historical events.
This role was quite different from Han Hyo-joo’s previous work, proving her ability to adapt to various genres. If you’re interested in Korean history and enjoy long, detailed stories, “Dong Yi” is an excellent choice.
6. Cold Eyes
This 2013 action thriller shows yet another side of Han Hyo-joo’s acting skills. She plays Ha Yoon-joo, a skilled rookie detective with an extraordinary ability to remember details.
In “Cold Eyes,” Han Hyo-joo’s character joins an elite police surveillance team. The movie is full of exciting chases and clever detective work. Han’s performance is sharp and focused, perfectly capturing the determination of a young officer eager to prove herself.
This movie is great for those who love fast-paced action films with smart plots. Han Hyo-joo’s performance shows she can hold her own in action roles just as well as in romantic ones.
7. Love, Lies
Set in the 1940s, this 2016 period drama tells the story of two young women training to become courtesans. Han Hyo-joo plays So-yul, a talented singer with big dreams.
The movie explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the pursuit of dreams during a difficult time in Korean history. Han Hyo-joo’s portrayal of So-yul is both powerful and emotional. She beautifully expresses the character’s passion for music and her complex feelings about love and friendship.
“Love, Lies” is a visually stunning film that showcases Han Hyo-joo’s ability to bring historical characters to life. It’s perfect for viewers who appreciate historical dramas with strong female leads.
8. Masquerade
While Han Hyo-joo’s role in this 2012 historical film is supporting, her performance is memorable. She plays Queen Consort Jang, the wife of King Gwanghae.
The movie tells the story of a commoner who becomes the king’s body double. Han Hyo-joo’s portrayal of the queen is elegant and nuanced. She perfectly captures the grace and complexity of a royal figure caught in a web of palace intrigue.
“Masquerade” was a huge success in Korea, praised for its story and performances. Even in a supporting role, Han Hyo-joo shines, proving that she can make an impact with any character she plays.
9. The Pirates: Goblin Flag
In this 2022 action-adventure film, Han Hyo-joo takes on an exciting role as a female pirate captain named Hae-rang. This movie is actually a sequel to the original “The Pirates” film, but Han Hyo-joo’s character is new to this installment.
As Hae-rang, Han Hyo-joo shows off her action skills and her talent for comedy. The movie follows a group of pirates on a treasure hunt, facing off against rival crews and overcoming various obstacles.
Han Hyo-joo’s performance as the tough and clever pirate captain is both entertaining and impressive. She brings a great energy to the role, making Hae-rang a standout character in the film. This movie is perfect for those who enjoy lighthearted adventure stories with a mix of action and humor.
10. Moving
“Moving” is a 2023 superhero drama that showcases Han Hyo-joo in yet another exciting role. In this series, she plays Lee Mi-hyun, a former secret agent with superhuman abilities.
The drama tells the story of three teenagers who discover they have superpowers, and the adults around them who try to protect them. Han Hyo-joo’s character is one of these protective adults, using her own powers and past experiences to guide the young superheroes.
In “Moving,” Han Hyo-joo once again proves her versatility as an actress. She brings depth and complexity to her superhero role, balancing action scenes with emotional moments. The drama is a fresh take on the superhero genre, with a uniquely Korean perspective.
