Jung Eun-chae has become one of South Korea’s most versatile and talented actresses. With her ability to portray complex characters and her stunning on-screen presence, she has captivated audiences in both television dramas and films. As of 2025, Jung Eun-chae has an impressive body of work spanning various genres. Let’s take a look at 10 of her best Korean dramas and movies that showcase her acting prowess.
1. Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born (2024)
Set in the 1950s, this historical drama tells the story of Jeong Nyeon, a young vocal prodigy aspiring to become a top traditional theater actor. Jung Eun-chae plays Moon Ok-gyeong, a top star of the women’s theater company known for her mysterious demeanor and commanding performances in male lead roles. The drama explores themes of competition, teamwork, and personal growth against the backdrop of post-Korean War South Korea.
Jung Eun-chae’s portrayal of Moon Ok-gyeong is both captivating and nuanced. She brings depth to the character, showcasing Ok-gyeong’s inner struggles and ambitions. Her performance helps to highlight the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry during that era.
2. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
This fantasy romance drama features Jung Eun-chae in one of her most memorable roles to date. She plays Goo Seo-ryung, the youngest and first female Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Corea in an alternate universe. The story follows Emperor Lee Gon as he crosses between parallel worlds, falling in love with a detective from modern-day South Korea.
As Goo Seo-ryung, Jung Eun-chae delivers a powerful performance, portraying a ambitious and cunning politician. Her character adds intrigue and complexity to the plot, often keeping viewers guessing about her true motives. Jung Eun-chae’s ability to convey both strength and vulnerability in this role earned her critical acclaim.
3. Pachinko (2022-2024)
Based on the best-selling novel by Min Jin Lee, “Pachinko” is an epic saga that follows a Korean family across four generations. Jung Eun-chae plays Kyung Hee, a character who appears in both seasons of the show. Her performance adds emotional depth to the series, as she portrays Kyung Hee’s journey through the tumultuous events of the 20th century.
Jung Eun-chae’s nuanced acting in “Pachinko” showcases her ability to bring historical characters to life. Her portrayal helps viewers connect with the struggles and triumphs of Korean immigrants in Japan, making the series both educational and deeply moving.
4. Anna (2022)
In this psychological drama, Jung Eun-chae takes on the role of Lee Hyun-joo, a wealthy and somewhat bratty employer. The story revolves around a woman named Yu-mi who steals Hyun-joo’s identity to escape her difficult life. Jung Eun-chae’s portrayal of Hyun-joo adds an interesting dynamic to the series, as her character’s life becomes intertwined with the protagonist’s deception.
This role allowed Jung Eun-chae to explore a different type of character, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her performance helps to drive the narrative and raises questions about identity, privilege, and the lengths people will go to for a better life.
5. The Guest (2018)
Stepping into the thriller genre, Jung Eun-chae stars as detective Kang Gil-young in this supernatural horror drama. The story follows a psychic, a priest, and a detective as they work together to fight against evil spirits. Jung Eun-chae’s character initially doesn’t believe in the supernatural but gradually comes to accept the reality of evil spirits as the series progresses.
Her performance in “The Guest” demonstrates Jung Eun-chae’s ability to handle intense and suspenseful material. She brings a grounded presence to the show, balancing out the more fantastical elements with her portrayal of a skeptical detective forced to confront the unexplainable.
6. Someone You Loved (2023)
In this romantic drama, Jung Eun-chae plays Ah-young, showcasing her ability to portray complex emotions in intimate storytelling. The film explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth, allowing Jung Eun-chae to demonstrate her range as an actress.
Her performance in “Someone You Loved” is both touching and authentic, drawing viewers into the emotional journey of her character. Jung Eun-chae’s ability to convey deep emotions through subtle expressions and gestures shines in this film.
7. The Great Battle (2018)
This historical action film sees Jung Eun-chae in the role of Shi-mi, set against the backdrop of an epic siege in 645 AD. The movie depicts the Goguryeo army’s defense of Ansi Fortress against invading Tang forces. Although not the lead role, Jung Eun-chae’s performance adds depth to the ensemble cast.
Her portrayal in “The Great Battle” showcases Jung Eun-chae’s ability to hold her own in large-scale productions. She brings a sense of strength and resilience to her character, contributing to the film’s depiction of courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
8. The Table (2017)
In this unique drama film, Jung Eun-chae plays Kyung-jin, one of four characters whose stories unfold around a single table in a cafe. The movie explores themes of relationships, missed connections, and the passage of time. Jung Eun-chae’s performance is central to the film’s intimate and introspective atmosphere.
Her nuanced acting in “The Table” demonstrates Jung Eun-chae’s ability to carry a film with minimal setting and dialogue. She conveys a wide range of emotions through subtle changes in expression and body language, drawing viewers into her character’s inner world.
9. Nobody’s Daughter Haewon (2013)
This art-house film marked a significant breakthrough in Jung Eun-chae’s career. She plays the titular role of Haewon, a young woman navigating complex relationships and personal struggles. The movie, directed by renowned filmmaker Hong Sang-soo, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Jung Eun-chae’s performance in “Nobody’s Daughter Haewon” earned her multiple awards and nominations. Her portrayal of Haewon is both vulnerable and resilient, showcasing her ability to bring depth to characters in more experimental, artistic films.
10. Haunters (2010)
While this supernatural thriller was one of Jung Eun-chae’s earlier film roles, it’s worth mentioning as it shows the beginning of her diverse career. In “Haunters,” she plays Young-sook, demonstrating her ability to perform in the thriller genre from early in her career.
Although not a leading role, Jung Eun-chae’s performance in “Haunters” hinted at her potential and versatility as an actress. It serves as an interesting point of comparison to see how far she has come in her career since this early appearance.
