Lee Il-hwa is a talented South Korean actress who has been in the entertainment industry for over three decades. She has appeared in many popular dramas and movies, showcasing her versatility and skill. As of 2025, Lee Il-hwa continues to captivate audiences with her performances. Let’s take a look at some of her best works in Korean dramas and movies.
1. Reply Series (2012-2015)
The Reply series is perhaps Lee Il-hwa’s most famous work. She played the role of Lee Il-hwa (sharing her real name with her character) in all three installments: Reply 1997, Reply 1994, and Reply 1988. These nostalgic dramas take viewers back in time to different periods in South Korea’s recent history.
In Reply 1997, set in the late 1990s, Lee Il-hwa portrays a loving mother who supports her daughter’s obsession with H.O.T, a popular K-pop boy group. Her character brings warmth and humor to the show, often stealing scenes with her witty remarks and caring nature.
Reply 1994 takes place in, you guessed it, 1994. Lee Il-hwa’s character runs a boarding house for college students, creating a family-like atmosphere for the young adults living away from home. Her motherly instincts and funny interactions with the boarders make her a fan favorite.
Finally, in Reply 1988, Lee Il-hwa plays a hardworking mother in a close-knit neighborhood during the late 1980s. Her portrayal of a woman balancing family life, friendships, and personal struggles is both heartwarming and relatable.
The Reply series showcases Lee Il-hwa’s ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles, making her a standout performer in these beloved dramas.
2. My Love from the Star (2013-2014)
In this popular fantasy romance drama, Lee Il-hwa takes on a supporting role as Han Sun-young, the mother of the female lead played by Jun Ji-hyun. While her screen time is limited, Lee Il-hwa makes a lasting impression with her portrayal of a caring yet sometimes overbearing mother.
The drama tells the story of an alien who landed on Earth 400 years ago and falls in love with a top actress in modern-day Korea. Lee Il-hwa’s character adds a touch of realism and humor to the fantastical plot, grounding the story with her maternal presence.
3. The King’s Affection (2021)
Set in the Joseon Dynasty, this historical drama features Lee Il-hwa as Queen Dae-Wang, a powerful and influential figure in the royal court. The story revolves around a crown prince’s twin sister who ends up disguising herself as her brother to become the crown prince herself.
Lee Il-hwa’s portrayal of the queen showcases her ability to take on regal roles with grace and authority. Her character’s complex relationships with other members of the royal family add depth to the plot and highlight Lee Il-hwa’s skill in conveying subtle emotions.
4. Lie After Lie (2020)
In this intense melodrama, Lee Il-hwa plays Kim Ho-ran, a character involved in a web of lies and deceit. The story follows a woman who loses everything after being falsely accused of killing her husband. She then remarries her daughter’s father-in-law to be close to her child.
Lee Il-hwa’s performance in this drama demonstrates her ability to handle more serious and dramatic roles. Her character’s actions and motivations keep viewers guessing, adding to the suspense of the plot.
5. Good Manager (2017)
Also known as Chief Kim, this comedy-drama stars Lee Il-hwa as Jang Yoo-seon, a senior executive at a large company. The story follows an accountant with a talent for embezzlement who ends up fighting against corruption in a large corporation.
Lee Il-hwa’s character is a no-nonsense businesswoman who adds both humor and tension to the workplace setting. Her performance earned her a Best Supporting Actress award at the KBS Drama Awards, recognizing her contribution to the show’s success.
6. Orange Marmalade (2015)
Based on a webtoon, this fantasy romance drama features Lee Il-hwa as Kang Min-ha, the mother of a vampire trying to live a normal life among humans. The story is set in a world where vampires and humans coexist, but vampires face discrimination.
Lee Il-hwa’s portrayal of a vampire mom trying to protect her daughter while navigating societal prejudices adds depth to the supernatural elements of the show. Her performance helps ground the fantastical premise in relatable family dynamics.
7. She Was Pretty (2015)
In this romantic comedy, Lee Il-hwa plays Han Jung-hye, the mother of the female lead. The drama tells the story of two childhood friends who meet again as adults, but with their fortunes and appearances reversed.
Lee Il-hwa’s character provides support and advice to her daughter as she navigates work and romance. Her warm presence and occasional comic relief add to the charm of this feel-good drama.
8. Eve (2022)
This revenge drama showcases Lee Il-hwa in a different light as she takes on the role of Jang Moon-hee. The story revolves around a chaebol’s daughter seeking revenge for a tragedy that befell her family 13 years ago.
Lee Il-hwa’s performance in this more intense and suspenseful drama demonstrates her range as an actress. Her character adds to the complex web of relationships and motivations that drive the plot forward.
9. Young Lady and Gentleman (2021-2022)
In this romantic comedy-drama, Lee Il-hwa plays Anna Kim, adding her charm to a story about a young woman who becomes a tutor for a widower’s children. As the plot unfolds, unexpected romances and family dynamics come into play.
Lee Il-hwa’s character brings maturity and wisdom to the show, offering a counterpoint to the younger characters’ experiences. Her performance helps balance the comedic and dramatic elements of the series.
10. My Name Is Loh Kiwan (2024)
This movie, released in 2024, features Lee Il-hwa in the role of Jeong-ju. The film tells the story of a North Korean defector trying to find his place in a new country. While details about Lee Il-hwa’s character are limited, her involvement in this critically acclaimed movie showcases her continued relevance in the Korean film industry.
Lee Il-hwa’s participation in this more serious and politically charged story demonstrates her willingness to take on challenging roles that address important social issues.
