Kim Hae-sook is a beloved actress in South Korea, known for her incredible talent and versatility. With a career spanning several decades, she has appeared in numerous popular dramas and movies. As of 2025, Kim Hae-sook continues to captivate audiences with her powerful performances. Let’s take a look at some of her best works from recent years and throughout her career.
1. Our Season (2023)
Our Season is a heartwarming fantasy drama film that showcases Kim Hae-sook’s ability to portray complex emotions. In this movie, she plays the role of Bok-ja, a mother who has passed away but gets a chance to spend three days with her daughter on Earth. The story explores the bond between a mother and daughter, filled with love, regret, and healing.
Kim Hae-sook’s performance as Bok-ja is truly touching. She brings warmth and depth to her character, making viewers feel the love and care of a mother. The movie beautifully captures the bittersweet moments of their reunion, with Kim Hae-sook’s acting at the center of it all.
2. Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023)
In this popular TV series, Kim Hae-sook plays the role of Gil Joong-gan, the grandmother of the main character. Strong Girl Nam-soon is a spin-off of the earlier hit drama Strong Girl Bong-soon, and it brings a fresh and exciting story to the screen.
Kim Hae-sook’s character is a strong and determined woman who helps her granddaughter navigate life in South Korea while searching for her parents. Her portrayal adds humor and wisdom to the show, making it even more enjoyable to watch. The series became a big hit, with many viewers praising Kim Hae-sook’s performance.
3. My Demon (2023-2024)
My Demon is a fantasy romance drama where Kim Hae-sook plays a supporting role. The story revolves around a demon who loses his powers and a wealthy heiress who enter into a contract marriage. While Kim Hae-sook is not the main character, her presence adds depth and intrigue to the plot.
In this drama, she showcases her ability to adapt to different genres, bringing her unique charm to a supernatural storyline. Her character plays an important part in the development of the main story, proving once again why she is such a valued actress in the industry.
4. Tempest (2025)
Tempest is one of the most anticipated dramas of 2025, featuring a star-studded cast including Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won. Kim Hae-sook joins this impressive lineup, adding her talent to what promises to be an exciting series.
While details about her specific role are still under wraps, fans are eagerly waiting to see how Kim Hae-sook will contribute to this high-profile project. Given her track record, it’s safe to say that her performance will be one of the highlights of the show.
5. Mother of Mine (2019)
Although released a few years ago, Mother of Mine remains one of Kim Hae-sook’s most memorable performances. In this family drama, she plays the role of a mother to three daughters, each facing their own life challenges.
Kim Hae-sook’s portrayal of a caring yet sometimes misunderstood mother resonated with many viewers. Her ability to show the complexities of family relationships and the unconditional love of a parent made this drama a huge success. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to see Kim Hae-sook at her best.
6. The Thieves (2012)
Moving away from dramas, The Thieves is an action-packed heist movie that showcases a different side of Kim Hae-sook. In this film, she plays a skilled thief known as “Chewing Gum,” part of a team planning a major diamond heist.
Kim Hae-sook’s performance in this movie proves her versatility as an actress. She brings both humor and intensity to her role, holding her own alongside a cast of top Korean stars. The Thieves was a massive hit at the box office and remains a fan favorite.
7. Thirst (2009)
Thirst is a unique vampire film directed by the renowned Park Chan-wook. Kim Hae-sook plays a supporting role as Mrs. Ra, adding depth to the dark and complex story. Her performance in this critically acclaimed movie shows her ability to adapt to different film genres and work with top directors.
While the movie might not be for everyone due to its intense themes, it’s an important part of Kim Hae-sook’s filmography. It demonstrates her willingness to take on challenging roles and contribute to groundbreaking cinema.
8. I Can Hear Your Voice (2013)
In this popular legal drama with a supernatural twist, Kim Hae-sook plays the mother of the female lead. Her character adds warmth and comic relief to the series, balancing out the more serious elements of the plot.
Kim Hae-sook’s chemistry with the other cast members, especially Lee Bo-young who plays her daughter, is one of the highlights of the drama. Her performance helps ground the fantastical elements of the story, making it more relatable to viewers.
9. Start-Up (2020)
Start-Up was a huge hit both in Korea and internationally, telling the story of young entrepreneurs in Seoul’s high-tech industry. Kim Hae-sook plays the grandmother of the main character, a role that earned her much praise from viewers.
Her character is wise, supportive, and sometimes mischievous, providing both emotional depth and lighthearted moments to the series. Kim Hae-sook’s performance is a perfect example of how a supporting role can greatly enhance a drama’s overall quality.
10. The Handmaiden (2016)
Last but not least, The Handmaiden is a critically acclaimed film directed by Park Chan-wook. While Kim Hae-sook’s role is not large, her performance as Sasaki adds to the film’s rich tapestry of characters.
The movie is known for its intricate plot, beautiful cinematography, and outstanding performances from the entire cast. Kim Hae-sook’s participation in this internationally recognized film further cements her status as one of Korea’s most respected actresses.