Kim Ji-won has become one of South Korea’s most beloved actresses, known for her versatility and ability to bring depth to her characters. From her early roles to her recent leading performances, Kim Ji-won has captivated audiences with her talent and charm. Let’s explore 10 of the best Korean dramas and movies featuring this talented actress.
1. Queen of Tears (2024)
Kim Ji-won’s most recent drama, “Queen of Tears,” showcases her incredible acting skills. In this series, she plays Hong Hae-in, a wealthy heiress who faces a difficult time in her marriage. The story takes an unexpected turn when Hae-in is diagnosed with a serious illness, forcing her and her husband to reevaluate their relationship.
This emotional rollercoaster allows Kim Ji-won to display a wide range of emotions, from cold indifference to deep vulnerability. Her performance in “Queen of Tears” proves why she’s considered one of the top actresses of her generation.
2. My Liberation Notes (2022)
In “My Liberation Notes,” Kim Ji-won takes on the role of Yeom Mi-jung, a quiet and introverted woman looking to break free from her mundane life. This character is quite different from some of her previous roles, showing Kim Ji-won’s ability to portray complex and relatable characters.
The drama explores themes of loneliness, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. Kim Ji-won’s subtle yet powerful performance helps bring these deep topics to life, making “My Liberation Notes” a must-watch for fans of thoughtful, character-driven stories.
3. Lovestruck in the City (2020-2021)
“Lovestruck in the City” sees Kim Ji-won in a more lighthearted role as Lee Eun-oh, a freelance marketer who creates a fake identity while on vacation. This romantic comedy allows Kim Ji-won to show off her fun side while still tackling some serious themes about love and self-identity.
The unique format of the drama, which includes documentary-style interviews with the characters, gives Kim Ji-won the chance to showcase her range as an actress. Her chemistry with co-star Ji Chang-wook also makes this drama a joy to watch.
4. Arthdal Chronicles (2019)
In this epic fantasy drama, Kim Ji-won plays Tanya, a young woman from a primitive tribe who discovers she has a greater destiny. “Arthdal Chronicles” is unlike any other drama on this list, set in a mythical land during ancient times.
Kim Ji-won’s portrayal of Tanya’s growth from a naive girl to a strong leader is truly impressive. The role required her to learn a made-up language and portray a character in a completely unfamiliar setting, showcasing her dedication to her craft.
5. Fight for My Way (2017)
“Fight for My Way” is often considered one of Kim Ji-won’s breakout leading roles. She plays Choi Ae-ra, a young woman with dreams of becoming a television anchor. The drama follows Ae-ra and her friends as they struggle to achieve their goals despite facing many obstacles.
Kim Ji-won’s portrayal of Ae-ra is both funny and touching. Her character’s determination and spirit, along with her sweet romance with Park Seo-joon’s character, made this drama a fan favorite. It’s a perfect example of Kim Ji-won’s ability to bring warmth and relatability to her roles.
6. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
While not the lead role, Kim Ji-won’s performance in “Descendants of the Sun” as First Lieutenant Yoon Myeong-ju left a strong impression on viewers. This military romance drama was a massive hit both in Korea and internationally.
Kim Ji-won’s character is a determined and skilled army surgeon who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself. Her chemistry with her on-screen love interest, played by Jin Goo, was a highlight of the series for many fans.
7. The Heirs (2013)
“The Heirs” was one of Kim Ji-won’s earlier roles that helped establish her as a rising star. In this popular high school drama, she plays Rachel Yoo, a wealthy and confident heiress who often clashes with the main characters.
Despite being a supporting character, Kim Ji-won’s portrayal of Rachel was so compelling that she often stole scenes from the lead actors. Her ability to make a potentially unlikeable character sympathetic showed her talent even at this early stage of her career.
8. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
While Kim Ji-won only has a small role in “Mr. Sunshine,” this critically acclaimed historical drama is worth mentioning for its overall quality and the opportunity it gave Kim Ji-won to work with some of Korea’s top actors and filmmakers.
Set in the early 1900s, “Mr. Sunshine” tells a story of love and patriotism during a turbulent time in Korean history. Even in her brief appearance, Kim Ji-won leaves an impression, showing why she’s often chosen for projects of this caliber.
9. Gap-dong (2014)
In this crime thriller drama, Kim Ji-won takes on a more serious role as Ma Ji-wool, a high school student who becomes involved in a serial murder case. This drama allowed Kim Ji-won to show a different side of her acting abilities, dealing with darker and more intense themes than some of her other works.
Her performance in “Gap-dong” proved that Kim Ji-won could handle complex, dramatic roles just as well as lighter romantic ones.
10. Detective K: Secret of the Lost Island (2015)
Rounding out our list is Kim Ji-won’s role in the film “Detective K: Secret of the Lost Island.” This historical comedy movie sees Kim Ji-won playing a mysterious woman who teams up with the titular detective to solve a case.
While not as well-known as some of her drama roles, Kim Ji-won’s performance in this film shows her versatility as an actress and her ability to hold her own in a star-studded cast.