11 Song Hye Kyo's Best Dramas You Should Watch
Song Hye Kyo is one of the most popular actreess in the world of Korean dramas. She first gained widespread recognition with her role in "Autumn in My Heart," followed by her charming performance in the lighthearted comedic "Full House."
Despite her success in these dramas, Song Hye Kyo continued to captivate audiences in the widely popular "Descendants of the Sun."
She later returned to the small screen with "Encounter/Boyfriend," co-starring with Park Bo Gum. However, Song Hye Kyo's work doesn't end there, as she has also starred in several other phenomenal dramas. Stay tuned to Showpoiler for a full review of Song Hye Kyo's impressive work.
1. The Glory
Written by Kim Eun Sook, "The Glory" (2022) is a Korean drama that raises the issue of bullying. The story revolves around a young girl named Moon Dong Eun, portrayed by the versatile Song Hye Kyo, who becomes a victim of unimaginable torture at the hands of Park Yeon Jin and her friends.
The drama explores themes of trauma, revenge, and redemption, with a complex plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between Song Hye Kyo and Joo Yeo Jung, who plays the enigmatic plastic surgeon and baduk teacher, further enhances the appeal of the drama.
"The Glory" garnered impressive ratings and received many positive reviews, further establishing Song Hye Kyo's reputation as one of South Korea's leading actresses. With its relevant social themes and enthralling plot, this drama is recommended to watch for anyone who cares about social issues.
2. Descendants of the Sun
The phenomenal success of "Descendants of the Sun" continues to leave a lasting impression on Korean drama lovers, especially with the on-screen romance of Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki.
The drama is set in a fictional war-torn country called Urk, where Captain Yoo Si Jin and his team are sent on a peacekeeping mission. Meanwhile, Doctor Kang Mo Yeon is a skilled surgeon who works in a hospital in Seoul.
Their paths cross when Si Jin is brought to Mo Yeon's hospital, and the two quickly fall in love. However, their different lifestyles and career paths create tension in their relationship, leading to a heartbreaking breakup.
However, destiny reunites them in Urk, where Si Jin and Mo Yeon must work together to save lives amidst the chaos of conflict. The drama not only illustrates their romantic journey, but also explores themes of sacrifice, duty, and the humanity.
The show's popularity was further boosted by its stunning cinematography, impressive action sequences, and its star-studded cast. Aside from Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki, the drama also features actors Jin Goo and Kim Ji Won in supporting roles.
"Descendants of the Sun" not only captured the hearts of Korean audiences but also gained a massive international fans. It was broadcasted in more than 30 countries and became one of the most successful Korean dramas of all time.
3. Encounter/Boyfriend
Encounter, also known as Boyfriend, is a romantic melodrama starring Song Hye Kyo and Park Bo Gum. The story revolves around Cha Soo Hyun, a successful hotel CEO from a well-respected family who feels constrained by the strict rules of her father's political career.
After getting divorce, Cha Soo Hyun meets Kim Jin Hyuk, a young guy with a free spirit who is still exploring his life's direction. After meeting by chance a few times in Cuba, an intense connection begins to blossom between the two.
What sets Encounter apart from other melodramas is its unique storyline and unexpected plot twists. Each episode offers new surprises and developments for the characters, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued. Both Song Hye Kyo and Park Bo Gum deliver stellar performances, showcasing their professionalism and on-screen chemistry.
4. That Winter, the Wind Blows
That Winter, the Wind Blows is a heartbreaking Korean drama that tells the story of a man named Oh Soo (Jo In Sung), a famous playboy and gambler. He meets Oh Young (Song Hye Kyo), the blind heiress of a big company and tries to deceive her in order to settle his gambling debts. However, as he spends more time with her, he finds himself unexpectedly falling in love.
The drama explores themes of love, trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human emotions. It also highlights the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are blind.
The chemistry between Jo In Sung and Song Hye Kyo is undeniable, and they both deliver powerful performances that will leave viewers emotionally invested in their characters.
The drama was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It also won several awards, including Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress for Song Hye Kyo at the 49th Baeksang Arts Awards.
Overall, That Winter, the Wind Blows is a must-watch drama for anyone who loves a good romantic story with complex characters and a lot of emotional depth.
5. Full House
This romantic comedy-drama features Song Hye Kyo and Rain in leading roles. Following "Autumn in My Heart," it marked Song Hye Kyo's second major breakthrough. Contrary to the melancholic characters she had previously portrayed, she took on the role of Han Ji Eun, a lively and cheerful scriptwriter.
The story is about Han Ji Eun, a scriptwriter who loses everything, including her home. On a trip to China, she meets Lee Young Jae, a popular actor. They end up staying at the same inn and, upon her return home, Ji Eun discovers that Young Jae bought her house.
Desperate to get her home back, Ji Eun enters into a contract marriage with Young Jae, who is trying to make the woman he loves jealous. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to develop real feelings for each other.
Based on a manhwa of the same name, Full House gained massive popularity in worldwide. The drama received multiple awards, including Best Couple and Top Excellence Award, and Excellence Award.
6. Autumn in My Heart/Autumn Tale
Autumn in My Heart, also called Autumn Tale, is a Korean drama that tells the heartbreaking story of two siblings who were not related by blood.
Yoon Joon Suh (Song Seung Hun) and Yoon Eun Suh (Song Hye Kyo) grew up together, but when they found out they weren't related by blood, Eun Suh went back to her real family.
Separated from Joon Suh, Eun Suh faced a difficult life with her biological family, poor and struggling. Joon Suh, on the other hand, went abroad to study and become a successful artist. But fate brought them back together.
However, their love was doomed from the start as they were never meant to be together. Eun Suh was diagnosed with a fatal illness, and Joon Suh need to deal of losing his beloved Eun Suh.
This drama was a huge success and became a classic in the Korean drama industry, establishing the careers of both Song Seung Hun and Song Hye Kyo.
7. All In
"All In" is a Korean drama featuring Song Hye Kyo and Lee Byung Hun. The plot revolves around a young boy, In Ha, who lives in a tough neighborhood under the care of his father's friend, a gambler. In Ha meets Soo Yeon and falls in love with her, but he is accused of murder and flees to Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles, he involved in the world of professional gambling and eventually enters the hotel and casino business. Meanwhile, Soo Yeon marries another man and moves to the United States. Upon her return to Korea, she was shocked to find out that In Ha still alive.
All in got so many good reviews and high scores. The drama is also the start of the relationship between Song Hye Kyo and Lee Byung Hun, which sadly ended in a breakup.
8. Hotelier
Hotelier is a Korean drama that tells the story of the world of business and love in the hotel industry. The drama has some similarities to the movie Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
The plot centers around a businessman named Kim Bok Man who wants to buy Director Choi's hotel in Seoul. He asks Frank Shin, a Korean lawyer who specializes in mergers and acquisitions, for help.
Returning to Korea, Frank Shin finds himself falling for a hotel employee named Seo Jin Young, portrayed by Song Yoon Ah. However, things get complicated when Choi Young Jae, the son of the hotel owner, develops feelings for Kim Bok Man's daughter, Kim Yoon Hee, played by Song Hye Kyo.
On the other hand, Yoon Hee is in love with Han Tae Jun, the former general manager of the hotel who was rehired by Director Choi's wife. Tae Jun is in charge of making sure the hotel's sales while also trying to keep Yoon Hee and Jin Young from falling for Frank, whom he finds suspicious.
But as the story goes on, Frank finds out that the woman whom Tae Jun is helping is his sister, and they end up working together.
Hotelier not only shows the problems in the hotel business, but it also looks at how love and relationships are complicated in the business world.
9. The World That They Live In/The World Within
The World That They Live In, also known as The World Within, is a romantic drama that unfolds the story of two successful directors, Jung Jin Oh (Hyun Bin) and Joo Joon Young (Song Hye Kyo), who reunite after breaking up years ago due to their different career paths and personal goals.
Jin Oh is a successful and confident director who is highly respected in the industry. On the other hand, Joon Young is a more introverted and humble director who is often overshadowed by her male colleagues. Despite their differences, they share a deep connection and mutual respect for each other's work.
The drama looks at the problems that come up when two ambitious people try to keep their work and home lives in balance. As they work on different projects together, they also have to figure out how to deal with their difficult relationship and different feelings for each other.
In addition to the main romance, The World That They Live In looks at the lives and relationships of other characters in the entertainment industry. This gives a nuanced look at the challenges and benefits of working in this field.
The World That They Live In received mixed reviews when it first came out. Fans and critics both liked how Hyun Bin and Song Hye Kyo worked together, and the drama is also known for its beautiful cinematography and complex story.
10. Rays of Sunshine
This is a heartwarming Korean drama that aired on SBS in 2004. Written by Jo Jung Hwa and directed by Kim Jong Hyeok, this series stars Song Hye Kyo alongside actors Jo Hyun Jae and Ryu Seung Beom.
This 16-episode drama tells the story of Ji Yeon Woo (Song Hye Kyo), an adult who is part of a loving and caring family. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her father dies under mysterious circumstances, and her mother remarries a man who is 10 years younger.
Things become worse when her mother also passes away due to her illness. Yeon Woo even finds out that her stepfather has left away with some money.
Even though Yeon Woo has been through a lot of hard times, her old friend Min Ho has always been there for her. Min Ho becomes a police officer and sets out to catch Yeon Woo's father's murderer, giving Yeon Woo a chance to find some closure and move on from the painful events of her past.
The show is a touching exploration of love, loss, and hope, and Song Hye Kyo delivers a standout performance in her role as Yeon Woo.
11. Now, We Are Breaking Up
Now We Are Breaking Up is a 2021 drama that features Song Hye Kyo and a young talented actor Jang Ki Yong. The romantic drama tells the story of Ha Young Eun, who works in the fashion business with a high position and has a lot of talent and success.
Young Eun's beauty, intelligence, and independence catch the attention of Yoon Jae Guk, a renowned and attractive fashion photographer with whom she shares a one-night stand. Despite Jae Guk's attempts to pursue her, Young Eun is hesitant to start a relationship with him.
As their relationship grows, they find out a sad truth about Young Eun's past that connected with Jae Guk's brother. This makes things harder for them to be together.
Song Hye Kyo is undoubtedly one of the most talented and versatile actresses in the Korean entertainment industry. With a career spanning over two decades, she has delivered outstanding performances in various genres, including romantic dramas, melodramas, and even action films.
Her ability to play characters has won the hearts of people all over the world. No matter if you like old K-dramas or new ones, Song Hye Kyo's playing skills are sure to keep you glued to your screens.
Be sure to check out Song Hye Kyo's must-watch dramas, so you can see for yourself what a great actress she is.