7 Best K-dramas starring Kim Ji-won

Kim Ji-won (Image via Instagram/@geewonii)
Kim Ji-won (Image via Instagram/@geewonii)

Kim Ji-won is known for portraying strong female leads who do not conform to the whims of others. Her natural acting and ability to connect with her characters have made her one of the most sought-after Korean actresses.

The 31-year-old has starred in award-winning dramas like Descendants of the Sun and The Heirs, amongst others. Her latest acting stint as the formidable Hong Hae-in in the popular Netflix series, Queen of Tears, has cemented her position as one of the best actresses of her time.


From The Heirs to Queen of Tears: 7 Best K-dramas featuring Kim Ji-won

These movies listed below boast high ratings and have received awards for their cinematography and the actors' performances.

  • Queen of Tears
  • Arthdal Chronicles
  • My Liberation Notes
  • Descendants of the Sun
  • Fight for My Way
  • The Heirs
  • Lovestruck in the City

1) Queen of Tears

Queen of Tears (Image via Netflix)
Queen of Tears (Image via Netflix)

Queen of Tears is a 2024 South Korean television series starring Ji-won, Kim Soo-hyun, Park Sung-hoon, Yoon Bomi, Sebastian Roche, and Lee Joo-bin. The drama follows the life of Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), a wealthy and powerful chaebol heiress, and her husband, Bark Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun), a lawyer.

Their three-year-old marriage is on the brink of falling apart and the two try to reconcile their differences and forge ahead as a couple. The drama promotes themes of strength, resolve, and resilience. It is the highest-rated tvN series and the third-highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history.


2) Arthdal Chronicles

Arthdal Chronicles is a historical fantasy drama that stars Song Joong-ki, Ji-won, Jang Dong-gun, and Kim Ok-vin. Released in 2019, this critically acclaimed TV series is set in a fictional land called Arth and unfolds the political struggles and mythical elements within the city-state of Arthdal. The drama explores themes of love and power conflicts.

Kim Ji-won plays the role of Tanya, a powerful figure in Arthdal and the head of the Wahan tribe. The series was awarded Most Anticipated Drama of 2019 in the 2018 Korean First Brand Awards.


3) My Liberation Notes

My Liberation Notes (Image via Netflix)
My Liberation Notes (Image via Netflix)

My Liberation Notes is a South Korean Drama that offers a refreshing view of the complexities of modern life. It features Kim Ji-won, Son Suk-ku, Lee Min-ki, Lee El, Jeon Hye-jin, and Lee Ki-woo as the main leads.

The 2022 drama revolves around the life of three siblings who are living in a small town and longing to escape their monotonous routines. Kim Ji-won portrays the role of Yeom Mi-jeong, the youngest one among the three siblings and a timid woman who feels trapped.

Upon its release, the series ranked number 5 on Netflix’s global Top 10 for non-English television list issued for May 2022.


4) Descendants of the Sun

Descendants of the Sun was released in 2016 and gained popularity locally as well as internationally. It stars Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-ko, Kim Ji-won, Jin Goo, Onew, and Kim Min-seok.The show depicts a romance between a soldier and a doctor, set against the backdrop of the fictional war-torn country, Uruk.

Kim Ji-won plays the supporting role of Yoon Myung-joon, a strong-willed and talented army doctor who falls in love with her colleague Seo Dae-young (Jin Goo). The series was awarded the Grand Prize Award in Television at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards.


5) Fight for My Way

Fight for My Way (Image via Viki)
Fight for My Way (Image via Viki)

Fight for My Way is a 2017 South Korean television drama starring Park Seo-joon, Kim Ji-won, Song Ha-joon, and Ahn Jae-hong. The series closely follows the life of four good friends navigating their twenties and pursuing their dreams.

Kim Ji-won assumes the role of Choi Ae-ra, an information desk worker at a departmental store who dreams of becoming a news anchor. In 2017, the series received awards for Best New Actor and seven other awards at the 31st KBS Drama Awards.


6) The Heirs

The Heirs is a K-drama that highlights the lives of wealthy high school students as they navigate school, love, friendship, and family expectations. Kim Ji-won plays the role of Yoo Racheal, a spoilt heiress known for her confidence and sharp tongue.

The series won 21 major awards in 2013 including Best Modern Drama and Outstanding Lead Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2014.


7) Lovestruck in the City

Lovestruck in the City (Image via Netflix)
Lovestruck in the City (Image via Netflix)

Lovestruck in the City is a 2020 romantic television series starring Kim Ji-won, Ji Chang-wook, Choi Min-ho, Ha Ji-eun, Ryu Kyung-soo, and So Joo-yeon.

It tells the story of an architect named Park Jae-won (Ji Chang-wook), who sets out to find Lee Eun-o (Kim Ji-won). Lee Eun-o is a 29-year-old freelance marketer who lives an ordinary life but has a more daring alter ego after she captures Jae-won's heart in a chance meeting.

The story portrays the complexities of relationships and the challenges faced by people living fiercely in a bustling city. The series has a rating of 7.9/10 on MyDramaList and 7.9/10 on MyDramaList.


The renowned actress has been praised for her ability to portray strength, courage, and boldness through her characters, whilst also showing their vulnerabilities.

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Edited by DEEPALI
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