Lee Da-hae is a talented South Korean actress who has captivated audiences with her versatile performances in various Korean dramas and movies. With her charming personality and impressive acting skills, she has become a beloved figure in the Korean entertainment industry. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best Korean dramas and movies starring Lee Da-hae, showcasing her remarkable career and the diverse roles she has played.
1. My Girl (2005)
My Girl is a romantic comedy that helped propel Lee Da-hae to stardom. In this heartwarming series, she plays Joo Yoo-rin, a clever and resourceful young woman who becomes entangled in a web of lies when she agrees to pretend to be the long-lost cousin of a wealthy hotel heir.
The story begins when Yoo-rin, who is skilled at lying and conning people due to her difficult upbringing, meets Seol Gong-chan, the heir to a luxurious hotel. Gong-chan hires Yoo-rin to pose as his grandfather’s long-lost granddaughter to fulfill the old man’s dying wish. However, things get complicated when the grandfather makes a miraculous recovery, forcing Yoo-rin and Gong-chan to continue their charade.
As Yoo-rin and Gong-chan spend more time together, they begin to develop genuine feelings for each other. But their growing attraction is hindered by the fact that they must pretend to be cousins. The series is filled with hilarious moments, touching scenes, and a sweet romance that will make your heart flutter.
Lee Da-hae’s portrayal of Yoo-rin is both funny and endearing. Her character’s journey from a con artist to a woman in love is beautifully depicted, showcasing Lee Da-hae’s ability to bring depth and charm to her roles.
2. Green Rose (2005)
Green Rose is a thrilling drama that demonstrates Lee Da-hae’s versatility as an actress. In this series, she plays Oh Soo-ah, a woman whose life is turned upside down when her boyfriend is falsely accused of murder and disappears.
The story revolves around Lee Jung-hyun, Soo-ah’s boyfriend, who is framed for the attempted murder of Soo-ah’s father. After being sentenced to life in prison, Jung-hyun escapes and is presumed dead. Three years later, he returns with a new identity, seeking revenge against those who wronged him and hoping to clear his name.
Lee Da-hae’s character, Soo-ah, is torn between her lingering feelings for Jung-hyun and her new life. Her performance captures the internal struggle and emotional turmoil of a woman caught between love, duty, and the search for truth.
Green Rose is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. Lee Da-hae’s portrayal of Soo-ah adds depth to the story, making it a must-watch for fans of romantic thrillers.
3. The Slave Hunters (2010)
The Slave Hunters, also known as Chuno, is a historical action drama that showcases Lee Da-hae in a more serious and dramatic role. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, the series tells the story of a slave hunter searching for his first love, who was sold into slavery.
Lee Da-hae plays Un-nyun, a noble woman who becomes a slave after her family’s downfall. Her character’s journey from a privileged life to one of hardship and survival is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
The Slave Hunters is known for its stunning cinematography, intense action sequences, and powerful performances. Lee Da-hae’s portrayal of Un-nyun is particularly noteworthy, as she brings grace and strength to a character facing immense challenges.
This series allows Lee Da-hae to showcase her range as an actress, proving that she can excel in both light-hearted comedies and intense historical dramas.
4. Miss Ripley (2011)
In Miss Ripley, Lee Da-hae takes on a more complex and morally ambiguous character. She plays Jang Miri, a woman who lies and manipulates her way to the top of society, only to face the consequences of her actions.
The drama explores themes of ambition, deception, and the price of success. Miri’s background as an orphan and her struggles in life lead her to create a false identity and lie about her qualifications to secure a job at a high-end hotel.
As Miri becomes entangled in a love triangle with two successful men, her web of lies grows more complicated. Lee Da-hae’s nuanced performance brings depth to Miri’s character, allowing viewers to sympathize with her despite her morally questionable actions.
Miss Ripley is a thought-provoking drama that challenges viewers to consider the lengths people might go to escape poverty and achieve success. Lee Da-hae’s portrayal of Miri is both captivating and unsettling, making this series a standout in her career.
5. Iris II: New Generation (2013)
Iris II: New Generation is an action-packed spy thriller that sees Lee Da-hae in a more action-oriented role. As a sequel to the popular series Iris, this drama follows a new generation of agents working for South Korea’s National Security Service.
Lee Da-hae plays Ji Soo-yeon, a skilled and determined NSS agent. Her character is strong, intelligent, and capable, providing a refreshing change from some of her previous roles. Throughout the series, Soo-yeon faces dangerous missions, complex relationships, and personal challenges.
The drama is filled with intense action sequences, political intrigue, and unexpected twists. Lee Da-hae’s performance as Soo-yeon adds depth to the story, balancing the action with emotional moments and character development.
Iris II: New Generation allows Lee Da-hae to showcase her versatility as an actress, proving that she can hold her own in high-stakes action dramas as well as romantic comedies.
6. Hotel King (2014)
Hotel King is a melodrama that reunites Lee Da-hae with her My Girl co-star, Lee Dong-wook. In this series, she plays Ah Mo-ne, the daughter of a hotel owner who must navigate the cutthroat world of luxury hotel management.
The story revolves around Mo-ne’s relationship with Cha Jae-wan, the cold and ruthless general manager of the hotel. As they work together to save the hotel from financial ruin, they uncover dark secrets from the past and face numerous challenges.
Lee Da-hae’s portrayal of Mo-ne shows her character’s growth from a somewhat naive heiress to a strong and capable businesswoman. Her chemistry with Lee Dong-wook is once again on full display, making Hotel King a treat for fans of their previous collaboration.
This drama combines elements of romance, mystery, and corporate intrigue, providing Lee Da-hae with a complex role that showcases her acting range.
7. Nice Witch (2018)
Nice Witch, also known as Good Witch, is a unique drama that allows Lee Da-hae to showcase her versatility by playing dual roles. She portrays twin sisters Cha Do-hee and Cha Sun-hee, who lead very different lives.
Cha Sun-hee is a kind-hearted housewife with a warm personality, while Cha Do-hee is a cold and ambitious flight attendant. When Do-hee falls into a coma, Sun-hee takes her place, leading a double life as both herself and her sister.
The drama explores themes of identity, family, and personal growth as Sun-hee navigates her sister’s complicated life while trying to maintain her own. Lee Da-hae’s ability to portray two distinct characters highlights her skill as an actress.
Nice Witch is a heartwarming and sometimes comedic series that allows Lee Da-hae to return to her romantic comedy roots while also tackling more dramatic scenes.
8. Best Lover (2016)
Best Lover is a Chinese-Korean co-production that stars Lee Da-hae alongside Chinese actor Zhou Mi. This romantic comedy tells the story of two top actors who agree to a fake marriage for a reality show.
Lee Da-hae plays Ye Huanying, a famous actress who comes from a wealthy family. Despite her seemingly perfect life, Huanying struggles with family issues and the pressures of fame. When she agrees to participate in a fake marriage show with fellow actor Yan Xicheng, unexpected feelings begin to develop.
The drama explores the behind-the-scenes world of the entertainment industry while delivering a sweet love story. Lee Da-hae’s performance as Huanying showcases her ability to act in both Korean and Chinese, expanding her reach to a wider audience.
Best Lover is a fun and romantic series that allows Lee Da-hae to shine in a role that combines elements of comedy and drama.
9. East of Eden (2008)
East of Eden is an epic melodrama that spans several decades, telling the story of two men whose fates are intertwined from birth. Lee Da-hae plays Min Hye-rin, a woman who becomes caught between the two main characters.
The drama explores themes of revenge, love, and redemption against the backdrop of Korea’s turbulent modern history. Lee Da-hae’s character, Hye-rin, adds depth to the story as she navigates complex relationships and personal challenges.
East of Eden allows Lee Da-hae to showcase her dramatic acting skills in a series that deals with weighty themes and intense emotions. Her performance as Hye-rin demonstrates her ability to hold her own in a star-studded cast and contribute to a sweeping narrative.
10. Robber (2008)
Robber, also known as The Legend of the Robber, is a historical drama that sees Lee Da-hae in another period role. Set during the Joseon Dynasty, the series tells the story of a noble-turned-thief who robs from the rich to help the poor.
Lee Da-hae plays Jin Dal-rae, a gisaeng (female entertainer) who becomes involved with the titular robber. Her character is both alluring and complex, adding intrigue and romance to the action-packed plot.
This drama allows Lee Da-hae to showcase her versatility once again, as she takes on a historical role that requires both charm and depth. Her portrayal of Dal-rae adds an extra layer of interest to the series, making it a memorable entry in her filmography.
