Who doesn’t love K-content? Films and television series from South Korea are famed for their heart-fluttering drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, and sweet – or sometimes heart-wrenching – romance.
Some of the country’s most gifted actors have established their talent by demonstrating versatility across genres. With this in mind, here are five Korean actresses who are skilled at pulling off a warm, endearing character in one instance – and a cold, menacing one in the next!
1. Jeon Do-yeon
Jeon Do-yeon’s most recent rom-com drama, “Crash Course in Romance”, has had everyone swooning over the sweet awkwardness of two people falling in love in their late 30s (imagine that!).
The love story between a celebrity maths tutor and a single mother may have warmed your heart, but the actress will make your blood run cold in the action film “Kill Boksoon”, where she trades her apron for knives and guns as a top assassin in a contract killer agency.
2. Song Hye-kyo
Song Hye-kyo has been dominating the industry for decades with her grace, beauty, and acting skills. The same woman who gave us a fairytale romance in “Full House” (not the ’80s sitcom) and a heart-wrenching love story in “Descendants of the Sun” is tapping into her dark side with the revenge-fuelled “The Glory”.
As Moon Dong-eun, she takes matters into her own hands and shows vengeance is a dish best served cold. Just thinking about how she meticulously maps out her master plan will give you chills!
3. Jang Na-ra
Jang Na-ra has a long list of romantic comedies on her resumé thanks to her girl-next-door image, including her noteworthy role as Kim Mi-young in “You Are My Destiny”, and as a workaholic single mother in “Oh My Baby”.
Her role in “VIP” is a complete one-eighty from the bubbly characters she usually portrays. In this series, Jang plays Na Jeong-Seong, whose life is turned upside down after she learns her husband is having an affair.
The sleeping dragon within her is thus awakened, as she seeks to make him feel some of the pain he has inflicted on her. Watch out, hubby!
4. Shin Hae-sun
Shin Hae-sun’s most iconic role is probably Jang Bong-hwan in “Mr Queen”, which landed her a nomination for best TV actress at the 2021 Baeksang Arts Awards.
That said, her portrayal as the strong-willed but tragic real-life soprano Yun Sim-deok in “Hymn of Death” will make you forget about the cheeky Jang.
Based on true events, the historical miniseries revolves around a forbidden love story in which Shin plays an artiste in a time when women were not allowed to be active or independent.
5. Kim Se-jeong
Known for her bright and cheerful personality, singer-actress Kim Se-jeong – who rose to stardom as a member of K-pop girl group I.O.I – is a perfect match for romantic comedies like “Business Proposal”.
What fans of the idol never expected was to see her transform into a lean, mean, fighting machine in “The Uncanny Counter”. Her personality as a fierce demon hunter demonstrates that she is not someone to be messed with, as she crushes bullies, criminals, and evil spirits!
The highlighted titles are streaming on Netflix.