If you're a fan of Korean actress Kim Ji Won, you're likely eager to explore her past TV shows while awaiting new releases. As an established Hallyu star, this leading lady is known for starring in numerous hit K-drama series. Here are a few notable ones to add to your watchlist!
1. To the Beautiful You (2012)
After watching a track and field competition on TV, Goo Jae-hee becomes infatuated with high jumper Kang Tae-joon. When he suffers from a career-ending injury, Jae-hee cuts off her hair and transfers to the same all-boys high school as Tae-joon while disguised as a male. Ji Won portrays Seol Han-na in the series, a rich, spoiled gymnast who also happens to be Tae-joon’s childhood friend.
Also starring: Sulli, Choi Min Ho, Lee Hyun Woo
2. The Heirs (2013)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu
Kim Tan isn't your ordinary high school student. He just so happens to be the successor to a large Korean conglomerate called the Jeguk Group. That said, his seemingly charmed life takes a turn when he's exiled to the United States by his jealous half-brother. While there, he meets and soon falls in love with Cha Eun-sang, an ordinary girl hoping for a better life, who, unbeknownst to Tan, is also the daughter of his family's housekeeper back in Korea. An antagonist in the series, Ji Won portrays Kim Tan's fiance, Rachel Yoo, a haughty heiress determined to pull Tan and Eun-sang apart.
Also starring: Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin
3. One Sunny Day (2014)
Watch on: Viu
A 10-episode web drama, One Sunny Day follows the brokenhearted Kim Ji-ho. During his work-related trip to Jeju Island, he repeatedly runs into an unnamed girl as played by Ji Won. After the pair are robbed of their phone and wallet, they’re forced to spend the night in the same guest house where their non-existent relationship eventually blossoms into something more.
Also starring: So Ji Sub, Lee Jong Hyuk, Im Joo Eun
4. Gap-dong (2014)
When numerous murder cases start to follow the same pattern taken by a serial killer nicknamed “Gap-dong” from 17 years ago, police detective Moo-yeom devotes himself to finding the criminal in order to clean the name of his wrongly accused father. Ji Won is Ma Ji-Wool in the show, a 17-year-old webtoon artist whose most recent work becomes pivotal to Moo-yeom’s investigation after it somehow foretells the killings happening in present time.
Also starring: Yoon Sang Hyun, Lee Joon, Kim Min Jung
5. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu
A chance meeting in a hospital pulls together an empathic soldier and a gifted surgeon. However, as their lives continue to intertwine, so do their beliefs clash. Can they continue to pursue their romantic feelings for one another despite their differences? One-half of the show's second couple, Ji Won plays First Lieutenant Yoon Myung-ju, the daughter of a top South Korean lieutenant, who also falls for a non-commissioned officer named Seo Dae-young.
Also starring: Song Hye Kyo, Song Joong Ki, Jin Goo
6. Fight for My Way (2017)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu
Fight for My Way centers on Ko Dong-man (Park Seo Joon), a washed up taekwondo player whose once successful career went down the drain after a traumatic incident. Now working a mundane job as a contract employee, Dong-man eventually returns to his passion, starting over as a nameless mixed martial arts fighter competing for the coveted UFC title. Along the way, he finds himself falling for his childhood best friend Choi Ae-ra (Ji Won), a department store employee who dreams of becoming a television anchor.
Playing Choi Ae-ra served as Ji Won’s first leading lady role. It also brought her numerous accolades, including the Excellence Award at the 31st KBS Drama Awards.
Also starring: Park Seo Joon, Ahn Jae Hong, Song Ha Yoon
7. Arthdal Chronicles (2019)
Watch on: Netflix
Featuring the mythical land of Arth, Arthdal Chronicles is South Korea's first ever drama set in the ancient times, pre-civilization. Ji Won reunited with Song Joong Ki for the project. Alongside Jang Dong Gun, their characters fight and struggle to find unity among their respective tribes at the cusp of a new civilization’s birth.
Also starring: Song Joong Ki, Jang Dong Gun, Kim Ok Vin
8. Lovestruck in the City (2020)
Watch on: Netflix
In a bout of spontaneity, Lee Eun-o, an ordinary woman, decides to temporarily reinvent herself as the free-spirited Yun Seon-a. She impulsively runs off to a remote place and falls in love with Park Jae-won, a passionate architect who remains enamored by a woman from his past.
Also starring: Ji Chang Wook, Kim Min Seok, So Joo Yeon
9. My Liberation Notes (2022)
Watch on: Netflix
Kim Ji Won portrays Yeom Mi-jeong, the introverted youngest sibling yearning to escape her mundane life. Alongside her hot-tempered sister and aimless brother, Mi-Jeong struggles with loneliness and unfulfillment. When she encounters the mysterious Mr. Gu, her journey takes an unexpected turn, promising intrigue and transformation against the backdrop of Sanpo Village.
Also starring: Lee Min Ki, Son Suk Ku, Lee El
10. Queen of Tears (2024)
Watch on: Netflix
Hong Hae-In, the daughter of Queens Group's owners, is nicknamed the "Arrogant Queen" at Queens Department Store. Her marriage to Baek Hyun-Woo, the legal director, faces a serious crisis. Despite her affluent upbringing, Hae-In grapples with marital struggles and familial expectations, navigating a love amid corporate pressures and personal conflicts.
Also starring: Kim Soo Hyun, Park Sung Hoon, Kwak Dong Yeon, Lee Joo Bin
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