'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
South Korean actress Lim Ji-yeon first gained recognition for her roles in films before transitioning into television dramas. Her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from morally ambiguous villains to hopeful dreamers, has earned her critical acclaim and a growing fan base.
In her recent drama, The Tale of Lady Ok, Lim Ji-yeon portrayed the role of Ok Tae-yeong. The series debuted its first episode on November 30, 2024, and the finale is set to air on January 26, 2025, on JTBC. For those eager to explore more of her work, this list highlights five of her best K-dramas, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here solely belong to the author.
Trending
From villains to dreamers: Lim Ji-yeon's top 5 K-drama roles
1) The Glory
The Glory tells the story of Moon Dong-eun, a woman who spends years plotting revenge against those who bullied her in high school. Lim Ji-yeon plays Park Yeon-jin, the main antagonist responsible for the protagonist's suffering. Yeon-jin is a weather forecaster who appears to have a perfect life with her successful career and family, but her dark past looms large.
The series explores the psychological toll of bullying and the lengths one can go to achieve justice. Lim Ji-yeon's portrayal of Yeon-jin marks her first foray into playing a villain. She won the Best Supporting Actress title at the Baeksang Arts Awards, Asian Academy Creative Awards, and the Blue Dragon Series Awards for her performance.
Where to watch: Netflix
2) Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area
This series reimagines the Spanish hit Money Heist in the context of a unified Korean Peninsula. The plot follows a group of skilled criminals, led by a brilliant strategist, as they stage a hostage situation inside the mint. Lim Ji-yeon plays Seoul, a character unique to this adaptation, who works as a key member of Berlin's mercenary group.
Despite her limited screen time, Lim Ji-yeon leaves a lasting impression with her intense and enigmatic portrayal of Seoul. The drama combines the tension and clever heists of the original series with themes relevant to Korean society, creating a fresh experience for viewers.
Where to watch: Netflix
3) High Society
In June 2015, Lim Ji-yeon made her small-screen debut through High Society. The series follows the lives of Jang Yoon-ha, a chaebol heiress searching for genuine love, and her best friend Lee Ji-yi, played by Lim Ji-yeon. Ji-yi is a department store employee from a modest background. She meets Yoo Chang-soo, a wealthy heir, and their relationship highlights the struggles of navigating societal differences.
The drama delves into themes of class, ambition, and love, portraying the harsh realities faced by young people in Korea. Lim Ji-yeon's portrayal of Ji-yi earned her multiple accolades, including the New Star Award at the SBS Drama Awards, the Best New Actress award at the Korea Drama Awards, and another Best New Actress title at the APAN Star Awards.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
4) Lies Hidden in My Garden
Set in a picturesque suburban neighborhood, Lies Hidden in My Garden centers on two women with contrasting lives. Moon Joo-ran, who seems to have a perfect life, notices a strange smell in her backyard that unravels her seemingly ideal world. Lim Ji-yeon plays Chu Sang-eun, a pregnant victim of domestic abuse who dreams of escaping her harsh reality.
The series blends suspense and emotional depth, examining the secrets and struggles hidden behind closed doors. Lim Ji-yeon's portrayal of Sang-eun highlights her ability to depict vulnerability and resilience, earning her critical acclaim. Her performance was recognized with the Actor of the Year award for Lies Hidden in My Garden at Bechdel Day 2023. The role marked a significant departure from her villainous performance in The Glory.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
5) Blow Breeze
Blow Breeze follows Kim Mi-poong, a cheerful North Korean defector who discovers she is the granddaughter of a wealthy South Korean man. Played by Lim Ji-yeon, Mi-poong finds herself caught in a series of challenges as she adjusts to her new life, navigates family complexities, and forms a heartwarming connection with Jang-go, a compassionate lawyer.
The drama touches on themes of family, love, and the complexities of life as a defector, offering a mix of emotional and lighthearted moments. Lim Ji-yeon earned an Excellence Award at the MBC Drama Awards for her performance. Her portrayal of a hopeful and resilient character makes the series memorable for fans of her work.
Where to watch: Apple TV
For fans of The Tale of Lady Ok, these five dramas of Lim Ji-yeon are worth checking out as they showcase her range and dedication to her craft.
