Song Hye-kyo is one of South Korea’s most beloved actresses. With her stunning beauty and impressive acting skills, she has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Let’s explore the top 10 Korean dramas and movies featuring this talented star.
1. The Glory (2022-2023)
“The Glory” is Song Hye-kyo’s most recent and perhaps most powerful performance. In this gripping revenge thriller, she plays Moon Dong-eun, a woman seeking payback against her high school bullies.
The story follows Dong-eun as she carefully plans her revenge over many years. She becomes a teacher to get close to her former bully’s child. Song Hye-kyo’s portrayal of the determined and emotionally scarred Dong-eun is truly captivating.
This drama shows a different side of Song Hye-kyo, as she takes on a darker and more complex role. Her performance has earned her much praise and new fans around the world.
2. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
“Descendants of the Sun” is perhaps Song Hye-kyo’s most famous drama. This romantic series tells the story of a special forces captain and a surgeon who fall in love despite their very different jobs.
Song Hye-kyo plays Dr. Kang Mo-yeon, a skilled and caring doctor. Her character struggles to balance her demanding job with her growing feelings for the dashing Captain Yoo Si-jin.
The drama was a massive hit not just in Korea, but across Asia. It showcases Song Hye-kyo’s ability to portray both strength and vulnerability in her roles.
3. Full House (2004)
“Full House” is a classic romantic comedy that helped establish Song Hye-kyo as a leading actress in Korean dramas. She plays Han Ji-eun, a aspiring writer who ends up living with a famous actor in a fake marriage.
This drama is full of funny moments and sweet romance. Song Hye-kyo’s charming performance as the clumsy but lovable Ji-eun won the hearts of viewers.
Even though it’s an older drama, “Full House” remains popular and is often recommended to new K-drama fans.
4. That Winter, The Wind Blows (2013)
In this melodrama, Song Hye-kyo takes on the challenging role of Oh Young, a blind heiress. The story follows her complicated relationship with a con man who pretends to be her long-lost brother.
Song Hye-kyo’s portrayal of a woman dealing with both physical and emotional challenges is truly moving. Her chemistry with co-star Jo In-sung adds depth to this emotional story.
The drama is known for its beautiful cinematography and touching performances.
5. Encounter (2018)
“Encounter” tells the story of an unlikely romance between a free-spirited young man and a successful but lonely businesswoman. Song Hye-kyo plays Cha Soo-hyun, the daughter of a politician who has never had the freedom to live life on her own terms.
This drama allows Song Hye-kyo to show a more mature and nuanced side of her acting. Her character’s journey from a reserved, unhappy woman to someone who learns to embrace love and life is beautifully portrayed.
The drama’s stunning visuals and the sweet romance between the lead characters make it a must-watch for Song Hye-kyo fans.
6. Autumn in My Heart (2000)
Although it’s one of her earliest works, “Autumn in My Heart” played a crucial role in launching Song Hye-kyo’s career. This tearjerker melodrama tells the story of two sisters who were switched at birth and the tragic love that follows.
Song Hye-kyo plays Eun-suh, a kind-hearted girl who faces many hardships. Her emotional performance in this drama helped establish her as a rising star in the Korean entertainment industry.
This drama is considered a classic of the Korean Wave and helped popularize Korean dramas internationally.
7. Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021)
In this more recent drama, Song Hye-kyo plays Ha Young-eun, a fashion designer navigating love and career in the competitive world of fashion.
The drama explores themes of love, breakups, and personal growth. Song Hye-kyo’s portrayal of a successful career woman dealing with romantic challenges showcases her ability to take on more mature roles.
While the drama received mixed reviews, Song Hye-kyo’s performance and stunning outfits were widely praised.
8. My Brilliant Life (2014)
Moving to the big screen, “My Brilliant Life” is a touching movie where Song Hye-kyo plays the young mother of a child with a rare aging disorder.
This film allows Song Hye-kyo to showcase her versatility as an actress. Her portrayal of a mother dealing with her child’s illness is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
The movie tackles heavy themes but does so with sensitivity and warmth, largely thanks to Song Hye-kyo’s nuanced performance.
9. The Grandmaster (2013)
In this martial arts film directed by the renowned Wong Kar-wai, Song Hye-kyo plays Zhang Yongcheng, the wife of Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun master.
Although her role is relatively small, Song Hye-kyo’s presence adds depth to the story. Her performance shows she can hold her own even in a star-studded international production.
This film demonstrates Song Hye-kyo’s ability to take on diverse roles beyond romantic leads.
10. Hwang Jin Yi (2007)
In this historical drama, Song Hye-kyo takes on the challenging role of Hwang Jin Yi, a famous poet and gisaeng (similar to a geisha) from the Joseon Dynasty.
The drama follows Jin Yi’s life as she becomes the most renowned gisaeng of her time. Song Hye-kyo’s portrayal of this historical figure showcases her range as an actress, as she depicts Jin Yi’s journey from a young girl to a celebrated artist.
This drama allowed Song Hye-kyo to demonstrate her skills in a period setting, further proving her versatility as an actress.
