Kim So-yeon is a talented South Korean actress who has captivated audiences with her versatile performances over the years. As of 2025, she has starred in numerous popular Korean dramas and movies, showcasing her acting skills across various genres. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best Korean dramas and movies featuring Kim So-yeon, highlighting her impressive career and the memorable characters she has brought to life.
1. The Penthouse: War in Life (2020-2021)
One of Kim So-yeon’s most iconic roles is Cheon Seo-jin in the hit drama series “The Penthouse: War in Life.” This thrilling show tells the story of wealthy families living in a luxurious apartment complex called Hera Palace and their children attending an elite arts school.
Kim So-yeon plays Cheon Seo-jin, a famous soprano and the head of the school’s vocal department. Her character is ambitious, ruthless, and willing to do anything to protect her status and her daughter’s future. The drama is full of twists, revenge plots, and intense confrontations, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
“The Penthouse” became a massive hit, running for three seasons and earning Kim So-yeon critical acclaim for her powerful performance. Her portrayal of the complex and often villainous Cheon Seo-jin showcased her ability to bring depth and nuance to morally ambiguous characters.
2. Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (2023)
In this fantasy drama, Kim So-yeon takes on the role of Ryu Hong-joo, a mysterious and powerful character in a world of mythical creatures. The story follows a nine-tailed fox, or gumiho, as he navigates love, revenge, and supernatural conflicts.
Kim So-yeon’s character adds an intriguing element to the plot, demonstrating her versatility as an actress in the fantasy genre. Her performance helps bring the magical world of the drama to life, captivating audiences with her screen presence and chemistry with her co-stars.
3. Mother of Mine (2019)
“Mother of Mine” is a heartwarming family drama that explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. Kim So-yeon plays Kang Mi-ri, one of three sisters dealing with various life challenges and family dynamics.
In this drama, Kim So-yeon showcases her ability to portray more down-to-earth, relatable characters. Her performance as Mi-ri, a woman navigating career ambitions, love, and family obligations, resonates with viewers and adds depth to the emotional core of the story.
4. Prosecutor Princess (2010)
Although released earlier in her career, “Prosecutor Princess” remains one of Kim So-yeon’s most beloved dramas. She stars as Ma Hye-ri, a newly appointed prosecutor who is more interested in fashion and shopping than her job at first.
The drama follows Hye-ri’s growth as she learns to take her work seriously and becomes a competent prosecutor. Kim So-yeon’s charming performance brings humor and heart to the story, making it a delightful romantic comedy with elements of legal drama.
5. Iris (2009)
“Iris” is an action-packed spy thriller that helped solidify Kim So-yeon’s status as a versatile actress. She plays Kim Seon-hwa, a North Korean agent caught in a complex web of espionage, romance, and political intrigue.
Kim So-yeon’s portrayal of the tough yet vulnerable Seon-hwa earned her praise for her action scenes and emotional depth. The drama’s high-stakes plot and impressive production values, combined with Kim So-yeon’s compelling performance, make “Iris” a standout in her filmography.
6. All About Eve (2000)
Although it’s an older drama, “All About Eve” is worth mentioning as it was one of Kim So-yeon’s breakthrough roles. She plays Heo Young-mi, an ambitious woman who becomes a rival to the main character in both love and career.
This drama showcases Kim So-yeon’s ability to play complex, sometimes unlikable characters with depth and nuance. Her performance as the determined Young-mi helped establish her as a rising star in the Korean entertainment industry.
7. Happy Home (2016)
In “Happy Home,” Kim So-yeon takes on a more lighthearted role as Bong Hae-ryung, a woman dealing with family issues and romantic entanglements. The drama blends elements of family drama and romantic comedy, allowing Kim So-yeon to showcase her range as an actress.
Her portrayal of Hae-ryung’s journey towards finding happiness and resolving family conflicts demonstrates Kim So-yeon’s ability to bring warmth and humor to her characters.
8. Secret Mother (2018)
“Secret Mother” is a mystery thriller that features Kim So-yeon as Kim Lisa, a woman with a hidden past who becomes entangled in a web of secrets and lies. The drama explores themes of motherhood, loss, and the lengths people will go to protect their families.
Kim So-yeon’s performance as the enigmatic Lisa adds to the suspense and emotional depth of the story. Her ability to convey complex emotions and maintain an air of mystery contributes significantly to the drama’s gripping atmosphere.
9. A Virtuous Business (2024)
In this more recent drama, Kim So-yeon plays Han Jung-sook, a former beauty queen trying to make ends meet in a small town. The story follows Jung-sook and her friend as they enter the world of selling adult products at home parties, leading to both comedic situations and personal growth.
Kim So-yeon’s performance brings humor and heart to this unique premise, showcasing her ability to tackle more mature roles with grace and relatability. Her portrayal of Jung-sook’s journey from struggling single mother to empowered businesswoman resonates with viewers and highlights important themes of female friendship and empowerment.
10. I Need Romance 3 (2014)
Rounding out our list is “I Need Romance 3,” a romantic comedy drama where Kim So-yeon plays Shin Joo-yeon, a successful career woman dealing with love and relationships in her 30s.
This drama allows Kim So-yeon to showcase her romantic comedy chops, bringing charm and depth to her character’s journey of self-discovery and love. Her performance captures the complexities of modern relationships and career pressures, making Joo-yeon a relatable and engaging protagonist.
