Son Ye-jin is one of South Korea’s most beloved actresses, known for her versatility and captivating performances. With a career spanning over two decades, she has starred in numerous hit dramas and movies that have won the hearts of audiences worldwide. As of 2025, let’s take a look at the 10 best Korean dramas and movies featuring Son Ye-jin that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Crash Landing on You (2019-2020)
Crash Landing on You is undoubtedly one of Son Ye-jin’s most popular works. This romantic comedy tells the story of a wealthy South Korean heiress who accidentally finds herself in North Korea after a paragliding accident. There, she meets a handsome North Korean military officer who helps her hide and eventually return to South Korea.
Son Ye-jin plays Yoon Se-ri, the heiress whose life changes dramatically after her unexpected trip to North Korea. Her chemistry with co-star Hyun Bin is incredible, making their on-screen romance truly unforgettable. The drama beautifully blends romance, comedy, and drama, offering viewers a unique glimpse into life in North Korea.
What makes this drama special is not just the love story, but also the friendships that develop between the characters. The supporting cast adds depth and humor to the story, creating a well-rounded and engaging viewing experience.
2. Something in the Rain (2018)
Also known as “Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food,” this drama stars Son Ye-jin as Yoon Jin-ah, a woman in her 30s who falls in love with her best friend’s younger brother. The story explores the challenges they face due to their age difference and societal expectations.
Son Ye-jin’s portrayal of Jin-ah is both relatable and touching. She perfectly captures the excitement of new love and the struggles of balancing personal happiness with family expectations. The drama also tackles important issues like workplace harassment, adding depth to the storyline.
What sets Something in the Rain apart is its realistic depiction of relationships and the everyday challenges people face. The chemistry between Son Ye-jin and her co-star Jung Hae-in is palpable, making their love story feel genuine and heartwarming.
3. The Last Princess (2016)
In this historical drama film, Son Ye-jin takes on the role of Princess Deokhye, the last princess of the Korean Empire. The movie tells the tragic story of the princess, who was forced to leave Korea during the Japanese occupation and her lifelong struggle to return to her homeland.
Son Ye-jin’s performance in this film is truly remarkable. She brings depth and emotion to the character, portraying the princess’s strength and vulnerability with equal skill. The movie offers a poignant look at a little-known part of Korean history, blending personal drama with historical events.
The Last Princess showcases Son Ye-jin’s ability to take on complex, dramatic roles. Her portrayal of Princess Deokhye’s journey from a young girl to a woman fighting for her identity and country is both powerful and moving.
4. Alone in Love (2006)
This drama might be older, but it remains one of Son Ye-jin’s best works. The story revolves around a divorced couple who can’t seem to let go of each other completely. Son Ye-jin plays Yoo Eun-ho, a swimming instructor trying to move on with her life after divorce.
What makes Alone in Love special is its honest and realistic portrayal of relationships. The drama explores the complexities of love, showing how two people can still care for each other even after their marriage has ended. Son Ye-jin’s performance is subtle yet powerful, perfectly capturing the conflicting emotions of her character.
The drama stands out for its thoughtful writing and nuanced character development. It offers a mature and introspective look at love and relationships, showcasing Son Ye-jin’s ability to bring depth to her roles even early in her career.
5. The Negotiation (2018)
Switching gears to a more action-packed role, Son Ye-jin stars in this thriller as Ha Chae-yoon, a skilled crisis negotiator. The movie follows her as she tries to negotiate with a dangerous arms dealer holding hostages.
In The Negotiation, Son Ye-jin proves she can hold her own in intense, high-stakes scenarios. Her portrayal of Chae-yoon is strong and determined, showing a different side of her acting abilities. The movie is filled with suspense and unexpected twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
What makes this film interesting is the cat-and-mouse game between Son Ye-jin’s character and the antagonist, played by Hyun Bin. Their on-screen dynamic is compelling, adding depth to the thrilling plot.
6. A Moment to Remember (2004)
This romantic melodrama is a classic in Korean cinema. Son Ye-jin plays Kim Su-jin, a woman who falls in love and marries, only to be diagnosed with a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease at a young age.
A Moment to Remember showcases Son Ye-jin’s ability to portray deep, heart-wrenching emotions. Her performance as Su-jin, from the joyful beginnings of love to the devastating effects of her illness, is truly unforgettable. The movie beautifully explores themes of love, memory, and the bonds that hold people together.
This film is known for its emotional impact, with many viewers considering it one of the most touching Korean movies ever made. Son Ye-jin’s portrayal of Su-jin’s gradual memory loss is both sensitive and powerful, cementing her status as one of Korea’s top actresses.
7. Thirty-Nine (2022)
In this more recent drama, Son Ye-jin plays Cha Mi-jo, one of three best friends approaching their 40s. The series explores their friendships, romantic relationships, and personal struggles as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.
Thirty-Nine allows Son Ye-jin to showcase her range as an actress in a more mature role. Her portrayal of Mi-jo is relatable and nuanced, capturing the complexities of adult friendships and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life.
What makes this drama special is its focus on female friendship and the realities of life for women in their late 30s. It offers a refreshing and honest look at topics often overlooked in Korean dramas, with Son Ye-jin’s performance adding depth and authenticity to the story.
8. The Classic (2003)
This romantic drama features Son Ye-jin in a dual role, playing both a mother in the past and her daughter in the present. The movie weaves together two love stories across different time periods, exploring themes of fate and enduring love.
The Classic was one of Son Ye-jin’s earlier works, but it clearly showed her potential as a leading actress. Her ability to portray two distinct characters convincingly demonstrates her versatility as an actress. The movie is known for its beautiful cinematography and touching storyline.
What sets this film apart is its exploration of love across generations. Son Ye-jin’s performance in both roles helps to create a sense of continuity and connection between the past and present storylines, making for a deeply moving viewing experience.
9. Personal Taste (2010)
In this romantic comedy drama, Son Ye-jin plays Park Kae-in, a furniture designer who ends up living with a man she believes to be gay. The series is full of misunderstandings, humor, and heartwarming moments as the two main characters navigate their unusual living situation.
Son Ye-jin shines in this lighter role, showcasing her comedic timing and charm. Her portrayal of the quirky and lovable Kae-in is both funny and endearing. The drama is known for its fun premise and the chemistry between Son Ye-jin and her co-star Lee Min-ho.
Personal Taste stands out for its blend of comedy and romance, with Son Ye-jin’s performance adding depth to what could have been a simple romantic comedy. Her ability to balance humor with more emotional moments helps elevate the drama.
10. Be with You (2018)
Based on a Japanese novel, this fantasy romance film stars Son Ye-jin as Soo-ah, a woman who mysteriously returns to her husband and son a year after her death, with no memory of her past.
Be with You allows Son Ye-jin to showcase her emotional range, portraying a woman torn between her love for her family and the mystery of her own existence. The film is both heartwarming and bittersweet, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of memory.
What makes this movie special is its unique premise and the touching performances of its cast. Son Ye-jin’s chemistry with her co-star So Ji-sub adds depth to the love story, creating a memorable and moving film.
