Jeon Ji-hyun, also known as Gianna Jun, is a beloved South Korean actress who has captivated audiences worldwide with her charm, talent, and versatility. With a career spanning over two decades, she has starred in numerous hit dramas and movies that have left a lasting impact on Korean entertainment. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best Korean dramas and movies featuring Jeon Ji-hyun, showcasing her incredible range as an actress and the memorable characters she has brought to life.
1. My Sassy Girl (2001)
Let’s start our journey with the movie that skyrocketed Jeon Ji-hyun to stardom – “My Sassy Girl.” This romantic comedy tells the story of a college student who meets a quirky and unpredictable girl on a subway. Jeon Ji-hyun plays the titular “sassy girl,” whose antics keep the male lead on his toes throughout the film.
“My Sassy Girl” became a massive hit not just in South Korea but across Asia. It’s a perfect blend of humor and heart, with Jeon Ji-hyun’s performance being the standout element. Her portrayal of the eccentric yet lovable character resonated with audiences and established her as a rom-com queen.
The movie’s success led to remakes in several countries, proving its universal appeal. If you’re new to Korean cinema, “My Sassy Girl” is an excellent place to start, especially to witness Jeon Ji-hyun’s charm in full force.
2. The Thieves (2012)
Moving on to a completely different genre, we have “The Thieves,” an action-packed heist film that showcases Jeon Ji-hyun’s versatility as an actress. In this movie, she plays Yenicall, a skilled thief who is part of a team planning to steal a valuable diamond from a casino in Macau.
“The Thieves” is known for its star-studded cast and thrilling plot twists. Jeon Ji-hyun’s character is smart, agile, and not afraid to use her charms to get what she wants. Her performance in this film proves that she can hold her own in action-packed roles just as well as in romantic comedies.
The movie was a massive box office success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Korean cinema history. It’s a must-watch for fans of heist movies and those who want to see Jeon Ji-hyun in a more action-oriented role.
3. My Love from the Star (2013-2014)
Switching gears to television dramas, “My Love from the Star” is a fantasy romantic comedy that took Asia by storm. Jeon Ji-hyun plays Cheon Song-yi, a famous actress who falls in love with her neighbor, who happens to be an alien who has lived on Earth for 400 years.
This drama perfectly blends romance, comedy, and fantasy elements. Jeon Ji-hyun’s portrayal of the confident yet endearing Cheon Song-yi earned her widespread praise and numerous awards. Her chemistry with co-star Kim Soo-hyun is one of the highlights of the series.
“My Love from the Star” became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion trends and even food preferences across Asia. It’s a perfect example of Jeon Ji-hyun’s ability to bring depth and humor to her characters in a long-format series.
4. Assassination (2015)
For those who enjoy historical dramas with a touch of action, “Assassination” is a must-watch. Set in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Korea, this film follows a group of resistance fighters planning to assassinate a Japanese commander and a Korean collaborator.
Jeon Ji-hyun plays Ahn Ok-yun, a skilled sniper recruited for the mission. Her performance in this film is powerful and nuanced, showing her ability to portray strong, complex characters in a historical setting.
“Assassination” was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its performances, direction, and depiction of a crucial period in Korean history. It’s an excellent choice for viewers who want to see Jeon Ji-hyun in a more serious, dramatic role.
5. The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-2017)
Returning to the world of fantasy romance, “The Legend of the Blue Sea” is a television drama that tells the story of a mermaid who falls in love with a human con artist. Jeon Ji-hyun plays the mermaid Shim Cheong, who travels to Seoul to find the reincarnation of her past love.
This drama is known for its beautiful cinematography, engaging storyline, and the chemistry between Jeon Ji-hyun and her co-star Lee Min-ho. Jeon Ji-hyun’s portrayal of the innocent yet determined Shim Cheong is both heartwarming and humorous.
“The Legend of the Blue Sea” combines elements of romance, comedy, and fantasy, making it an entertaining watch for a wide range of viewers. It’s another testament to Jeon Ji-hyun’s ability to bring charm and depth to fantastical characters.
6. Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021)
In a departure from her usual genres, Jeon Ji-hyun takes on a darker role in “Kingdom: Ashin of the North,” a special episode of the popular zombie horror series “Kingdom.” She plays Ashin, a mysterious character whose tragic past is tied to the origins of the zombie plague.
This special episode showcases Jeon Ji-hyun’s ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters. Her performance is intense and emotional, adding depth to the “Kingdom” universe.
While it’s different from her typical roles, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is a must-watch for fans of the actress and the “Kingdom” series. It demonstrates Jeon Ji-hyun’s range as an actress and her willingness to take on challenging, unconventional roles.
7. Windstruck (2004)
Going back in time a bit, “Windstruck” is a romantic comedy-drama that came after the success of “My Sassy Girl.” In this film, Jeon Ji-hyun plays Kyung-jin, a police officer who falls in love with a high school teacher. The story takes unexpected turns as it explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural.
While not as widely known as some of her other works, “Windstruck” showcases Jeon Ji-hyun’s ability to balance comedy and drama. Her performance carries the film through its various tonal shifts, from lighthearted romance to more serious, emotional moments.
This movie is worth watching for fans who want to see Jeon Ji-hyun’s early work and her growth as an actress following her breakout role in “My Sassy Girl.”
8. Daisy (2006)
“Daisy” is a romantic drama that tells the story of a young artist caught in a love triangle between a hitman and a detective. Jeon Ji-hyun plays Hye-young, the artist at the center of this complex relationship.
This film stands out for its beautiful cinematography and Jeon Ji-hyun’s subtle, emotional performance. It’s a more serious role compared to her earlier works, showing her ability to portray vulnerable, conflicted characters.
While “Daisy” may not be as well-known as some of Jeon Ji-hyun’s blockbuster hits, it’s an important film in her career that showcases her growth as a dramatic actress.
9. Blood: The Last Vampire (2009)
In an interesting departure from her usual Korean productions, Jeon Ji-hyun starred in the international action-horror film “Blood: The Last Vampire.” Based on a Japanese anime, the movie features Jeon Ji-hyun as Saya, a half-human, half-vampire samurai hunting down vampires.
This role required Jeon Ji-hyun to perform complex action sequences and speak English throughout the film. While the movie received mixed reviews, Jeon Ji-hyun’s performance was praised for its intensity and physicality.
“Blood: The Last Vampire” is worth watching to see Jeon Ji-hyun in a completely different type of role and production. It demonstrates her willingness to take on challenging projects and expand her range as an actress.
10. Jirisan (2021)
Our list concludes with “Jirisan,” a mystery thriller drama set in Jirisan National Park. Jeon Ji-hyun plays Seo Yi-kang, an experienced national park ranger who becomes involved in a series of mysterious incidents on the mountain.
This drama marks Jeon Ji-hyun’s return to television after a few years’ break. Her portrayal of the skilled and dedicated ranger showcases her ability to lead a series with a more mature, complex character.
“Jirisan” combines elements of mystery, action, and drama, with beautiful scenery as its backdrop. It’s a great choice for viewers who enjoy suspenseful storylines and want to see Jeon Ji-hyun in a role that differs from her romantic comedy roots.
