Shin Se-kyung is one of South Korea’s most talented and versatile actresses. With a career spanning over two decades, she has captivated audiences with her performances in various genres, from historical dramas to modern romances. Let’s explore 10 of the best Korean dramas and movies starring Shin Se-kyung that showcase her incredible acting skills and charm.
1. Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019)
Set in the Joseon era, this historical drama follows Goo Hae-ryung, a free-spirited woman who becomes one of the first female historians in the royal court. Shin Se-kyung brilliantly portrays Hae-ryung, a character who challenges societal norms and fights for equality. The drama beautifully blends romance, comedy, and historical elements, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Hae-ryung’s journey from an aspiring historian to a respected member of the court is both inspiring and entertaining. Her interactions with Prince Dowon, played by Cha Eun-woo, add a delightful romantic subplot to the story. Shin Se-kyung’s performance in this drama earned her critical acclaim and further solidified her status as a versatile actress.
2. The Bride of Habaek (2017)
In this fantasy romance drama, Shin Se-kyung plays So-ah, a neuropsychiatrist who becomes entangled with Ha-baek, the god of water. The story follows their unlikely relationship as So-ah helps Ha-baek navigate the human world while he searches for sacred stones to claim his throne in the divine realm.
Shin Se-kyung’s portrayal of So-ah is both endearing and relatable. Her character’s journey from skepticism to belief in the supernatural world is well-executed, and her chemistry with co-star Nam Joo-hyuk is palpable. The drama offers a perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.
3. Six Flying Dragons (2015-2016)
This historical drama tells the story of the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, focusing on six key figures who shaped the nation’s history. Shin Se-kyung plays Boon-yi, a strong-willed woman from a humble background who becomes involved in the political struggles of the time.
Shin Se-kyung’s performance as Boon-yi is particularly noteworthy. She brings depth and complexity to her character, showcasing Boon-yi’s growth from a young girl to a formidable woman who stands up for justice. The drama’s intricate plot and stellar cast make it a must-watch for fans of historical epics.
4. The Girl Who Sees Smells (2015)
This unique drama combines romance, comedy, and crime thriller elements. Shin Se-kyung plays Oh Cho-rim, a woman who gains the ability to see smells after waking up from a coma. She teams up with a detective to solve crimes using her special ability.
Shin Se-kyung’s portrayal of Cho-rim is both charming and heartfelt. Her character’s journey of self-discovery and her budding romance with the detective provide a perfect balance to the drama’s more serious crime-solving elements. The actress’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions makes this drama a standout in her filmography.
5. Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me (2017-2018)
In this romantic fantasy drama, Shin Se-kyung plays Jung Hae-ra, a travel agent whose life becomes intertwined with a mysterious businessman who seems to have been protecting her for 200 years. The drama explores themes of fate, reincarnation, and timeless love.
Shin Se-kyung’s performance as Hae-ra is both vulnerable and strong. She effectively portrays her character’s confusion and gradual acceptance of the supernatural elements in her life. The drama’s unique premise and Shin Se-kyung’s chemistry with her co-star Kim Rae-won make it a memorable addition to her body of work.
6. Hindsight (2011)
This action-romance film marks one of Shin Se-kyung’s early leading roles in a feature film. She plays Se-bin, a young woman tasked with assassinating a former gangster who is trying to leave his past behind. As Se-bin gets closer to her target, she finds herself developing feelings for him.
Shin Se-kyung’s performance in this film showcases her ability to handle complex roles. She effectively portrays Se-bin’s internal conflict between her mission and her growing emotions. The film’s blend of action and romance provides a perfect platform for Shin Se-kyung to demonstrate her versatility as an actress.
7. Deep Rooted Tree (2011)
Set in the early years of the Joseon Dynasty, this historical drama revolves around the creation of the Korean alphabet. Shin Se-kyung plays So-yi, a young woman with a photographic memory who becomes involved in the king’s secret project to create a new writing system.
Shin Se-kyung’s portrayal of So-yi is both intelligent and emotional. She effectively conveys her character’s struggle between her loyalty to the king and her personal desires. The drama’s focus on a pivotal moment in Korean history, combined with Shin Se-kyung’s compelling performance, makes it a must-watch for history enthusiasts and drama fans alike.
8. High Kick Through the Roof (2009-2010)
This popular sitcom was a breakthrough role for Shin Se-kyung. She plays a fictionalized version of herself, a young woman from a rural area who moves to Seoul with her younger sister. The series follows their adventures and misadventures as they adjust to city life.
Shin Se-kyung’s natural charm and comedic timing shine in this lighthearted series. Her character’s innocence and determination make her instantly likable, and her interactions with the other characters provide many humorous moments. This role helped establish Shin Se-kyung as a versatile actress capable of handling both comedy and drama.
9. Run On (2020-2021)
In this romantic drama, Shin Se-kyung plays Oh Mi-joo, a film translator who becomes involved with a former sprint runner turned sports agent. The drama explores the characters’ personal and professional growth as they navigate their relationships and careers.
Shin Se-kyung’s portrayal of Mi-joo is both realistic and relatable. She effectively conveys her character’s passion for her work and her struggles in her personal life. The drama’s focus on slow-burning romance and character development allows Shin Se-kyung to showcase her ability to portray subtle emotions and character growth.
10. Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014)
This crime drama film is based on a popular Korean manhwa series. Shin Se-kyung plays Heo Mi-na, a skilled gambler who becomes involved in a high-stakes game of chance and deception. The film is known for its intense gambling scenes and complex plot twists.
Shin Se-kyung’s performance as Mi-na is both charismatic and mysterious. She effectively portrays her character’s cunning nature and hidden vulnerabilities. The film’s fast-paced plot and Shin Se-kyung’s compelling performance make it an exciting watch for fans of the crime genre.
