Kim So Hyun's Best Dramas: A Must-Watch List
What's up, drama fans! If you're looking for some seriously amazing K-dramas to binge-watch, you've gotta check out the work of Kim So Hyun. This talented actress has been gracing our screens since she was super young, and man, has she delivered some incredible performances. From heart-wrenching romances to thrilling mysteries, Kim So Hyun has proven time and time again that she's a force to be reckoned with in the K-drama world. So, grab your snacks, get comfy, and let's dive into some of her most iconic dramas that you absolutely cannot miss. We're talking about shows that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even stay up way too late just to see what happens next!
'Love Alarm' (2019-2021)
Okay guys, let's kick things off with a show that was all over social media when it dropped: 'Love Alarm'. This drama is set in a world where a mobile app notifies users if someone within a 10-meter radius has romantic feelings for them. How wild is that concept, right? Kim So Hyun plays the main lead, Kim Jo Jo, a sweet but somewhat naive high school student who finds herself caught in a complex love triangle. Jo Jo is dealing with her own personal struggles, and the introduction of the 'Love Alarm' app throws her life into even more of a whirlwind. The app creates this intense social pressure and forces people to confront their feelings, or rather, forces them to react to their feelings being revealed. It’s a really interesting look at how technology can impact our relationships and emotions. What's so compelling about Jo Jo's character is her internal conflict. She's trying to navigate her feelings for two very different guys: the popular, wealthy Hwang Sun Oh (played by Song Kang) and his best friend, the more reserved and perhaps misunderstood Lee Hye Yeong (played by Jung Ga Ram). Sun Oh is the kind of guy who has everything, but Jo Jo manages to capture his attention, while Hye Yeong has secretly admired Jo Jo for a long time. The drama really delves into the anxieties of young love, jealousy, and the fear of rejection, all amplified by this futuristic app. Kim So Hyun absolutely shines as Jo Jo, perfectly portraying her vulnerability, her confusion, and her growing strength. You'll find yourself yelling at the screen, rooting for her, and totally invested in who she'll ultimately choose. The series explores themes of destiny, choice, and the true meaning of love in a society obsessed with instant validation. The second season continues to explore the consequences of the app and the characters' growth, making it a complete package for anyone interested in modern romance with a sci-fi twist. Seriously, if you love a good love triangle with a unique premise, 'Love Alarm' is definitely for you. It’s a show that sparked a lot of conversations, and Kim So Hyun’s performance is a huge reason why.
'Suspicious Partner' (2017)
Next up, let's talk about a drama that blends romance, comedy, and suspense brilliantly: 'Suspicious Partner'. In this gem, Kim So Hyun takes on the role of Noh Ji Wook's (Ji Chang Wook) junior prosecutor, Eun Bong Hee. While Kim So Hyun wasn't the absolute lead here, her role was incredibly significant and she delivered a performance that absolutely held its own. Eun Bong Hee is a feisty and determined prosecutor who finds herself entangled in a murder case. Things get even crazier when she becomes the prime suspect and has to team up with Noh Ji Wook to clear her name. The chemistry between Ji Chang Wook and Kim So Hyun is chef's kiss. They have this fantastic banter and undeniable spark that makes their developing relationship so captivating. Bong Hee is a character who is tough on the outside but has her own vulnerabilities, and Kim So Hyun plays this duality perfectly. You see her strength in the courtroom and her moments of fear and doubt when she's facing personal danger. The drama masterfully weaves together legal procedural elements with a gripping mystery and a slow-burn romance. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who the real killer is, and the comedic moments provide much-needed relief. Kim So Hyun's portrayal of Eun Bong Hee is both endearing and impressive; she holds her own against Ji Chang Wook, showcasing her comedic timing and her ability to convey deep emotion. The story isn't just about the murder mystery; it's also about the prosecutors learning to trust each other, overcoming their past traumas, and finding love in unexpected circumstances. It’s a drama that’s both entertaining and emotionally resonant, and Kim So Hyun’s presence adds a vital layer of charm and resilience to the narrative. If you're a fan of crime dramas with a strong romantic subplot and excellent acting, 'Suspicious Partner' is a definite must-watch. Her ability to portray a character who is both strong-willed and deeply human is truly remarkable.
'Who Are You: School 2015' (2015)
Alright, let's rewind a bit to a drama that really put Kim So Hyun on the map for many international fans: 'Who Are You: School 2015'. This series is an absolute classic in the 'school drama' genre and Kim So Hyun plays a dual role – talk about a challenge! She portrays twins, Lee Eun Bi and Go Eun Byul, who were separated at birth. Eun Bi lives a miserable life as an outcast in a broken home, constantly bullied at school. Byul, on the other hand, is popular and seemingly has a perfect life. When Byul mysteriously disappears, Eun Bi loses her memory and is mistaken for Byul, ending up in her twin sister's fancy school. Kim So Hyun’s performance here is nothing short of phenomenal. She has to portray two distinct personalities, one timid and suffering, the other confident and popular, and she nails it. The emotional depth she brings to Eun Bi’s struggle with bullying and trauma is heart-wrenching. You feel every bit of her pain and desperation. Then, when she embodies Eun Byul, you see a completely different, charismatic character. The drama itself explores serious issues like bullying, suicide, and the pressures of the Korean education system, all while weaving in a compelling mystery about the twins' separation and Byul's disappearance. It also features a classic love triangle involving the male leads, Han Yi An (Nam Joo Hyuk) and Gong Tae Kwang (Yook Sung Jae), who are drawn to Eun Bi (or perhaps Byul?). Kim So Hyun’s ability to switch between these two characters seamlessly is what makes this drama so captivating. It showcases her maturity as an actress even at a young age. The themes are heavy, but the performances, especially Kim So Hyun's incredible duality, make 'Who Are You: School 2015' an unforgettable viewing experience. It’s a drama that really highlights the struggles of being a teenager and the search for identity, and Kim So Hyun is the absolute anchor of the entire story. Her portrayal of both the victim and the seemingly perfect twin is a masterclass in acting.
'The Moon Embracing the Sun' (2012)
Let's go back even further to one of Kim So Hyun's earliest breakout roles that showcased her incredible acting chops as a child actress: 'The Moon Embracing the Sun'. This historical drama is a mega-hit, and Kim So Hyun played the young Yeon Woo. Now, you might think,