Seo Hyun-jin is a talented South Korean actress who has captivated audiences with her versatile performances in various Korean dramas and movies. Known for her ability to portray complex characters, Seo Hyun-jin has become a household name in the Korean entertainment industry. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best Korean dramas and movies starring Seo Hyun-jin, showcasing her impressive range as an actress.
1. Another Miss Oh (2016)
“Another Miss Oh” is a romantic comedy that propelled Seo Hyun-jin to stardom. In this drama, she plays Oh Hae-young, an ordinary woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé suddenly calls off their wedding. The story becomes more complicated when she gets involved with a man who unknowingly caused her failed engagement.
Seo Hyun-jin’s portrayal of Oh Hae-young is both charming and relatable. Her character goes through a rollercoaster of emotions, from heartbreak to newfound love. The actress brilliantly captures the nuances of her character’s journey, making viewers laugh and cry along with her.
The drama’s unique plot and Seo Hyun-jin’s outstanding performance earned her several awards, including the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress. “Another Miss Oh” is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys romantic comedies with a twist.
2. Dr. Romantic (2016-2017)
In “Dr. Romantic,” Seo Hyun-jin takes on the role of Yoon Seo-jung, a talented but troubled doctor. The drama is set in a small, humble hospital called Doldam Hospital, where Seo-jung works under the mentorship of the eccentric but brilliant Dr. Kim Sa-bu.
Seo Hyun-jin’s portrayal of Yoon Seo-jung is both powerful and vulnerable. Her character struggles with past trauma and guilt, but slowly learns to heal and grow as a doctor and as a person. The actress brings depth and authenticity to her role, making Seo-jung’s journey of redemption truly compelling.
“Dr. Romantic” was a huge hit, praised for its engaging storyline and strong performances. Seo Hyun-jin’s chemistry with her co-stars and her ability to portray the complexities of her character contributed significantly to the drama’s success.
3. Temperature of Love (2017)
“Temperature of Love” showcases Seo Hyun-jin in a more mature role as Lee Hyun-soo, a successful drama writer. The story revolves around her relationship with a younger aspiring chef, exploring themes of love, career, and personal growth.
In this drama, Seo Hyun-jin demonstrates her ability to portray a strong, independent woman navigating the complexities of romance and professional life. Her character is witty, passionate, and sometimes vulnerable, creating a multi-dimensional portrayal that resonates with viewers.
The drama received praise for its realistic depiction of relationships and the struggles of young professionals. Seo Hyun-jin’s nuanced performance adds depth to the story, making “Temperature of Love” a heartwarming and relatable watch.
4. The Beauty Inside (2018)
Based on a film of the same name, “The Beauty Inside” presents a unique premise where Seo Hyun-jin plays Han Se-gye, an A-list actress who transforms into a different person for a week each month. This supernatural romantic comedy allows Seo Hyun-jin to showcase her versatility as an actress, as she essentially plays multiple characters within one role.
Seo Hyun-jin’s portrayal of Han Se-gye is both humorous and touching. She brilliantly captures the frustration, fear, and loneliness that come with her character’s condition, while also showing strength and resilience. Her chemistry with her co-star Lee Min-ki adds charm to this unconventional love story.
“The Beauty Inside” stands out for its creative concept and Seo Hyun-jin’s ability to bring depth to what could have been a gimmicky role. The drama explores themes of identity, acceptance, and love in a fresh and engaging way.
5. Black Dog (2019-2020)
In “Black Dog,” Seo Hyun-jin takes on the role of Go Ha-neul, a rookie temporary teacher at a private high school. This drama offers a realistic look into the South Korean education system and the challenges faced by teachers.
Seo Hyun-jin’s portrayal of Go Ha-neul is both idealistic and determined. Her character faces numerous obstacles as she navigates the competitive and often political world of education. The actress brings a sense of authenticity to her role, capturing the passion and frustration of a young teacher trying to make a difference.
While “Black Dog” may not have the romantic elements of some of Seo Hyun-jin’s other dramas, it showcases her ability to carry a more serious, slice-of-life story. Her performance adds depth to the drama’s exploration of important social issues in education.
6. You Are My Spring (2021)
“You Are My Spring” is a unique blend of romance, mystery, and healing. Seo Hyun-jin plays Kang Da-jung, a hotel concierge manager with a history of bad relationships. The drama follows her as she moves into a new building for a fresh start, only to become entangled in a mysterious and potentially dangerous situation.
In this role, Seo Hyun-jin demonstrates her ability to balance lighter romantic moments with more intense, dramatic scenes. Her portrayal of Kang Da-jung is nuanced, showing a woman who is strong and capable in her professional life but vulnerable when it comes to matters of the heart.
The drama stands out for its exploration of childhood trauma and healing, with Seo Hyun-jin delivering a sensitive and powerful performance. “You Are My Spring” showcases the actress’s range, from sweet romantic scenes to intense emotional moments.
7. Why Her? (2022)
In “Why Her?”, Seo Hyun-jin takes on the role of Oh Soo-jae, a talented and ambitious lawyer. The drama follows her character’s fall from grace and her journey to reclaim her position and seek justice.
Seo Hyun-jin’s portrayal of Oh Soo-jae is fierce and complex. She brilliantly captures the character’s determination, intelligence, and vulnerability. The actress brings depth to Oh Soo-jae’s transformation from a cold, success-driven lawyer to a more empathetic person fighting for justice.
“Why Her?” allows Seo Hyun-jin to showcase her ability to portray strong, career-driven women while also exploring deeper emotional themes. Her performance adds intensity and heart to this legal drama, making it a compelling watch.
8. Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim (2016-2017)
While we’ve already mentioned “Dr. Romantic,” it’s worth noting that Seo Hyun-jin reprised her role as Yoon Seo-jung in a special episode titled “Dr. Romantic: APPENDIX, The Beginning of Everything.” This special provides more insight into her character’s backstory and development.
Seo Hyun-jin’s return to the role demonstrates her commitment to her characters and her ability to maintain consistency in her portrayals across different productions. It’s a testament to her popularity in the role and the impact of her performance in the original series.
9. Let’s Eat 2 (2015)
Before her breakout role in “Another Miss Oh,” Seo Hyun-jin starred in “Let’s Eat 2,” the second season of the popular food-centric drama series. In this drama, she plays Baek Soo-ji, a former writer who becomes a yoga instructor.
This role allowed Seo Hyun-jin to showcase her comedic talents. Her character is quirky and health-conscious, providing a fun contrast to the food-loving protagonist. While this was a supporting role, Seo Hyun-jin’s performance stood out and hinted at her potential as a leading actress.
“Let’s Eat 2” is a lighter, more humorous entry in Seo Hyun-jin’s filmography, demonstrating her versatility as an actress capable of both comedy and drama.
10. Because I Love You (2017)
Rounding out our list is the film “Because I Love You,” where Seo Hyun-jin plays Hyun-kyung. This romantic comedy tells the story of a man whose spirit leaves his body after an accident, allowing him to possess other people’s bodies and help them with their love lives.
In this film, Seo Hyun-jin demonstrates her ability to transition between drama and film. Her character adds depth to the story, showcasing the actress’s talent for bringing warmth and authenticity to her roles even in more fantastical scenarios.
While Seo Hyun-jin is primarily known for her work in television dramas, “Because I Love You” proves that she’s equally capable of shining on the big screen.