Uhm Jung Hwa is a legendary figure in South Korean entertainment. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made her mark as both a singer and actress. As of 2025, Uhm Jung Hwa continues to captivate audiences with her versatile performances. Let’s explore 10 of her best Korean dramas and movies that showcase her incredible talent and enduring appeal.
1. Doctor Cha (2023)
This medical drama became a massive hit, both in South Korea and internationally. Uhm Jung Hwa plays Cha Jung-sook, a housewife who returns to her medical career after 20 years. The show was a huge success, reaching a peak viewership rating of over 18% in Korea. It also entered Netflix’s Top 10 list for non-English TV shows in more than 10 countries.
In the drama, Cha Jung-sook starts as a first-year resident at the hospital where her husband is the chief surgeon. She faces many challenges, including discovering her husband’s affair. Uhm Jung Hwa’s performance was praised by viewers and critics alike. The drama’s success brought her renewed attention and popularity.
2. Our Blues (2022)
This ensemble drama features Uhm Jung Hwa as Go Mi-ran, alongside other top actors. The show tells the stories of various people living on Jeju Island. It received high ratings and positive reviews for its heartwarming storylines and strong performances.
Our Blues marked Uhm Jung Hwa’s return to television after a five-year break. Her portrayal of Mi-ran, a woman dealing with past regrets, showed her ability to bring depth to her characters.
3. Okay Madam (2020)
In this action-comedy film, Uhm Jung Hwa plays Mi-young, a tough market vendor who becomes involved in a plane hijacking during her family’s first vacation. The movie was a box office success, attracting over 1.5 million viewers in South Korea.
Uhm Jung Hwa’s performance as the brave and resourceful Mi-young was a highlight of the film. She showed her versatility by balancing comedy and action scenes with ease.
4. Wonderful Nightmare (2015)
This fantasy romantic comedy features Uhm Jung Hwa as Yeon-woo, a successful lawyer who gets a second chance at life as a housewife. The film explores themes of family and personal growth.
Uhm Jung Hwa’s portrayal of Yeon-woo’s transformation from a career-focused woman to a caring mother and wife was praised for its sincerity and emotional depth. The movie attracted over 1.5 million viewers in Korea.
5. Venus Talk (2014)
In this romantic comedy, Uhm Jung Hwa plays Shin-hye, one of three women in their 40s navigating love and life. The film was noted for its frank discussions about women’s sexuality and relationships.
Uhm Jung Hwa’s performance as the successful but unlucky-in-love Shin-hye resonated with many viewers. The movie earned over $5 million at the box office and showcased Uhm’s ability to tackle mature, complex roles.
6. Dancing Queen (2012)
This feel-good movie stars Uhm Jung Hwa as Jung-hwa, a housewife who pursues her dream of becoming a pop star while her husband runs for mayor. The film was a commercial success, attracting over 4 million viewers in Korea.
Uhm Jung Hwa’s background as a singer made her perfect for this role. Her energetic performance and impressive dance scenes were highlights of the movie. She won the Best Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards for this role.
7. Montage (2013)
In this thriller, Uhm Jung Hwa plays Ha-kyung, a mother seeking justice for her daughter’s murder. The film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its twisting plot and intense performances.
Uhm Jung Hwa’s portrayal of a grieving mother turned detective showed her range as an actress. Her emotional performance was a key factor in the movie’s success, with over 1.2 million admissions in Korea.
8. Witch’s Romance (2014)
This romantic comedy drama stars Uhm Jung Hwa as Ban Ji-yeon, a 39-year-old reporter who falls for a younger man. The show was popular for its fun take on the noona romance genre.
Uhm Jung Hwa’s chemistry with her younger co-star and her portrayal of a strong, independent woman were praised by viewers. The drama maintained solid ratings throughout its run.
9. Seducing Mr. Perfect (2006)
In this romantic comedy, Uhm Jung Hwa plays Min-joon, a unlucky-in-love woman who takes romance lessons from her new boss. The movie was noted for its fun take on office romance and cultural differences.
Uhm Jung Hwa’s charming performance and chemistry with her co-star made this movie a enjoyable watch. It showcased her ability to lead romantic comedies and attracted over 1 million viewers in Korea.
10. Marriage Is a Crazy Thing (2002)
This romantic drama features Uhm Jung Hwa as Yeon-hee, a woman in a complicated relationship with a younger man. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of modern relationships.
Uhm Jung Hwa’s nuanced performance as Yeon-hee earned her the Best Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. The movie was a critical success and solidified her status as a leading actress in Korea.
