Koo Hye Sun is a talented South Korean actress, director, and artist who has captivated audiences with her versatile performances over the years. As we look back on her career up to 2025, let’s explore the 10 best Korean dramas and movies featuring this multifaceted star.
1. Boys Over Flowers (2009)
This iconic drama launched Koo Hye Sun to stardom and remains a fan favorite even in 2025. In “Boys Over Flowers,” Koo plays Geum Jan-di, a ordinary girl who gets involved with a group of wealthy young men at an elite high school. The story is full of romance, friendship, and personal growth.
Koo’s portrayal of the strong-willed Jan-di won hearts across Asia. Her chemistry with co-star Lee Min-ho helped make this drama a cultural phenomenon. Even years later, “Boys Over Flowers” is still considered a classic in Korean television.
2. Angel Eyes (2014)
In this touching drama, Koo Hye Sun takes on the role of Yoon Soo-wan, a woman who was once blind but regains her sight through surgery. She becomes an emergency rescue worker, embracing life with newfound passion.
The story explores themes of first love, family, and second chances. Koo’s emotional performance as Soo-wan showcases her ability to bring depth to her characters. “Angel Eyes” is a heartwarming series that continues to resonate with viewers.
3. Blood (2015)
Stepping into the medical drama genre, Koo stars as Yoo Ri-ta in “Blood.” Her character is a brilliant but arrogant doctor who becomes entangled with a vampire doctor, played by Ahn Jae-hyun.
This unique blend of medical drama and fantasy allowed Koo to display a different side of her acting skills. While the show received mixed reviews, Koo’s performance as the complex Dr. Yoo was praised by many fans.
4. The King and I (2007)
In this historical drama, Koo plays Queen Je-heon, also known as Yoon So-hwa. The series tells the story of a young king’s growth and the political intrigues of the royal court.
Although this was an earlier role in Koo’s career, it demonstrated her ability to take on period dramas. Her portrayal of the queen showed her range as an actress and helped establish her as a versatile performer.
5. Take Care of Us, Captain (2012)
Koo takes to the skies in this drama, playing Han Da-jin, an aspiring pilot. The story follows Da-jin’s journey to become a successful captain while dealing with personal challenges and workplace dynamics.
This role allowed Koo to portray a strong, career-driven woman. Her performance captured the determination and struggles of her character, making “Take Care of Us, Captain” a memorable entry in her filmography.
6. Daughter (2014)
Moving behind the camera, Koo directed and starred in this powerful film about the relationship between a mother and daughter. The movie tackles the difficult subject of child abuse and its lasting effects.
As both director and lead actress, Koo showed her artistic vision and ability to handle sensitive topics. “Daughter” received critical acclaim and was invited to the Busan International Film Festival, highlighting Koo’s talents beyond acting.
7. The Musical (2011)
In this drama, Koo plays Go Eun-bi, an aspiring musical actress. The series explores the competitive world of musical theater and the personal journeys of those trying to make it big.
Koo’s performance showcased her singing abilities alongside her acting skills. While the drama had a limited run, it remains a favorite among fans who appreciate its unique focus on the musical theater world.
8. You’re Too Much (2017)
Although Koo only appeared in the first few episodes of this drama due to health reasons, her brief performance as Jung Hae-dang left a lasting impression. The story revolves around the relationship between two singers from different generations.
Even in her short time on the show, Koo brought depth to her character, demonstrating her ability to make an impact in limited screen time.
9. Dark Yellow (2021)
This short film, directed by Koo herself, tells the story of a woman working in a flower shop and her encounters with a mysterious man. The film explores themes of female empowerment and societal attitudes towards women.
As both director and actress, Koo once again proved her multifaceted talents. “Dark Yellow” received special attention at film festivals, further establishing Koo as a respected filmmaker.
10. Newtopia (2025)
In this exciting new drama, Koo takes on the role of Young-joo, an office worker caught in the middle of a zombie outbreak in Seoul. The series combines thrilling action with emotional depth as Young-joo struggles to reunite with her soldier boyfriend amid chaos.
“Newtopia” marks Koo’s return to television after a brief hiatus, showcasing her ability to adapt to new genres and challenges. Her performance in this apocalyptic setting demonstrates her continued growth as an actress.
