Han Ye-seul is a talented and versatile South Korean actress who has captivated audiences with her performances in various Korean dramas and movies. Known for her beauty and acting skills, Han Ye-seul has been a prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry for over two decades. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best Korean dramas and movies starring Han Ye-seul as of 2025, showcasing her impressive career and the diverse roles she has played.
1. Birth of a Beauty (2014)
“Birth of a Beauty” is a romantic comedy drama that showcases Han Ye-seul’s acting range. In this series, she plays two contrasting roles: Sa Geum-ran, an overweight and unattractive woman, and Sara, the beautiful woman she becomes after undergoing a complete makeover.
The story follows Sa Geum-ran as she transforms herself to seek revenge on her cheating husband and his mistress. Along the way, she meets Han Tae-hee, a man who helps her with her transformation and eventually falls in love with her.
This drama is perfect for those who enjoy stories of personal growth, revenge, and unexpected romance. Han Ye-seul’s portrayal of both characters is impressive, demonstrating her ability to bring depth and emotion to her roles.
2. Madame Antoine: The Love Therapist (2016)
In “Madame Antoine: The Love Therapist,” Han Ye-seul plays Go Hye-rim, a fortune teller who claims to be spiritually connected to Marie Antoinette. Despite her claims, Hye-rim is actually skilled at reading people and has a knack for giving accurate advice.
The drama takes an interesting turn when Hye-rim meets Choi Soo-hyun, a psychotherapist who doesn’t believe in true love. Soo-hyun involves Hye-rim in an experiment about love, leading to a series of entertaining and romantic events.
This romantic comedy showcases Han Ye-seul’s charm and wit, making it a must-watch for fans of lighthearted Korean dramas.
3. Big Issue (2019)
“Big Issue” marks a departure from Han Ye-seul’s usual romantic comedy roles. In this drama, she plays Ji Soo-hyun, a tough and ambitious editor-in-chief of a paparazzi magazine.
The story revolves around the world of tabloid journalism and celebrity scandals. Ji Soo-hyun teams up with Han Seok-joo, a talented photographer who has fallen on hard times, to uncover the truth behind various celebrity scandals.
This drama showcases Han Ye-seul’s ability to portray strong, complex characters. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy more serious, plot-driven dramas with a touch of mystery and intrigue.
4. 20th Century Boy and Girl (2017)
“20th Century Boy and Girl” is a heartwarming romantic comedy that stars Han Ye-seul as Sa Jin-jin, a popular actress in her mid-30s. The drama follows Jin-jin and her two best friends as they navigate love, career, and friendship in their 30s.
The story takes a nostalgic turn when Jin-jin reunites with her childhood friend and first love, Gong Ji-won. Their rekindled relationship forms the core of this sweet and relatable drama.
Han Ye-seul’s portrayal of Sa Jin-jin is charming and relatable, making this drama a perfect choice for those who enjoy stories about second chances in love and the enduring power of friendship.
5. Couple or Trouble (2006)
Also known as “Fantasy Couple,” this romantic comedy is a loose adaptation of the Hollywood movie “Overboard.” Han Ye-seul stars as Anna Jo, a rich and spoiled heiress who loses her memory after an accident.
When Anna is found by a poor carpenter named Jang Chul-soo, he decides to take revenge for her previous mistreatment of him by pretending she’s his wife. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming story of love and personal growth.
This early drama in Han Ye-seul’s career showcases her comedic timing and ability to portray character development. It’s a classic Korean drama that’s still enjoyable to watch years later.
6. Tazza (2008)
Based on a popular Korean manhwa (comic), “Tazza” is a drama about the high-stakes world of gambling. Han Ye-seul plays Shin Mi-na, a skilled gambler who becomes involved with the main character, Kim Goni.
This drama is filled with tension, strategy, and unexpected twists. Han Ye-seul’s portrayal of the mysterious and alluring Mi-na adds depth to the story and showcases her ability to take on more complex roles.
For those who enjoy dramas with a bit of action and suspense, “Tazza” is an excellent choice that highlights a different side of Han Ye-seul’s acting abilities.
7. Spy Myung-wol (2011)
In “Spy Myung-wol,” Han Ye-seul takes on the role of Han Myung-wol, a North Korean spy sent on a mission to kidnap a popular South Korean actor named Kang Woo. However, things get complicated when Myung-wol starts to fall for her target.
This drama combines elements of action, comedy, and romance, providing a unique and entertaining viewing experience. Han Ye-seul’s portrayal of the conflicted spy Myung-wol showcases her versatility as an actress.
While the drama faced some production issues, it remains an interesting entry in Han Ye-seul’s filmography and is worth watching for its unique premise and Han Ye-seul’s committed performance.
8. Will It Snow for Christmas? (2009)
“Will It Snow for Christmas?” is a melodrama that tells the story of childhood sweethearts who are separated by tragedy and reunite as adults. Han Ye-seul plays Han Ji-wan, a woman who has been carrying the burden of a painful past.
This drama explores themes of lost love, redemption, and healing. Han Ye-seul’s emotional performance as Ji-wan adds depth to the story and showcases her ability to handle more serious, dramatic roles.
For those who enjoy emotional, character-driven dramas, “Will It Snow for Christmas?” is a touching story that highlights Han Ye-seul’s range as an actress.
9. Miss Gold Digger (2007)
“Miss Gold Digger” is a romantic comedy film that stars Han Ye-seul as Shin Mi-soo, a woman determined to marry a rich man to escape poverty. Her plans get complicated when she meets Kim Tae-hyun, a man who seems perfect but turns out to be just as poor as she is.
This movie showcases Han Ye-seul’s charm and comedic skills. Her portrayal of the determined yet lovable Mi-soo earned her a Best New Actress award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
While it may not have been a huge commercial success, “Miss Gold Digger” is a fun and lighthearted movie that’s perfect for fans of romantic comedies.
10. Penny Pinchers (2011)
“Penny Pinchers” is another romantic comedy film starring Han Ye-seul. In this movie, she plays Hong Sil, a frugal woman who makes a deal with her spendthrift neighbor to help him learn how to save money.
The film explores themes of financial responsibility and the true value of money and relationships. Han Ye-seul’s chemistry with her co-star and her portrayal of the practical yet warm-hearted Hong Sil make this movie a delightful watch.
“Penny Pinchers” is a great choice for those who enjoy romantic comedies with a bit of life lessons mixed in.
