Kim Sun Young is a talented South Korean actress known for her versatile performances in various popular dramas and movies. With her ability to portray both comedic and serious roles, she has become a favorite among Korean drama fans. Here’s a list of the 10 best Korean dramas and movies starring Kim Sun Young as of 2025, showcasing her impressive range and skill as an actress.
1. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025)
This gripping medical drama features Kim Sun Young as Kang Myeong Hui, the Minister of Health and Welfare. The series has been a massive hit, recording 19.5 million viewing hours on Netflix from February 10-16, 2025. It has consistently ranked high in Netflix’s Top 10 charts, both globally and in Korea. The drama’s popularity is evident from its 138.7% increase in online engagement, surpassing even the highly anticipated Squid Game Season 2.
2. A Virtuous Business (2024)
Set in the 1990s, this unique drama tells the story of women involved in door-to-door sales of adult products. Kim Sun Young plays the main role of Seo Yeong Bok. The series aired on JTBC from October 12 to November 17, 2024, and was a ratings success. It started with a nationwide average of 3.862% for its first episode and peaked at 8.580% for its finale. The drama’s popularity extended beyond Korea, earning it a spot on NME’s list of “The 10 best Korean dramas of 2024.”
3. Crash Course in Romance (2023)
In this romantic comedy, Kim Sun Young takes on the supporting role of Cho Su Hui, Su A’s mother. The drama was a massive hit, with its final episode reaching a nationwide rating of 17.038%. It consistently ranked first in TV topicality rankings and had a significant impact on Korean fashion trends. The series also received critical acclaim, with its lead actress Roh Yoon-seo winning the Best New Actress award at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards.
4. Crash Landing on You (2019)
This popular romantic comedy features Kim Sun Young as Na Wol Seok, the North Korean village’s general public president. The drama was a huge success, both domestically and internationally. It achieved a peak viewership rating of 21.683% in South Korea and became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history. Kim Sun Young’s performance in this drama earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards.
5. Reply 1988 (2015)
In this beloved nostalgic drama, Kim Sun Young plays the role of Kim Sun Young, Sun Woo’s mother. The series was a cultural phenomenon in South Korea, achieving a peak viewership rating of 18.8%. It remains one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history and has gained a dedicated fanbase both in Korea and internationally.
6. Homemade Love Story (2020)
This family drama stars Kim Sun Young in a main role. The series was a ratings success, consistently achieving high viewership numbers throughout its run. Its first episode started with 3.286 million viewers, and the numbers steadily increased, with the final episode reaching 4.841 million viewers. The drama’s warm storyline and relatable characters, including Kim Sun Young’s performance, contributed to its popularity.
7. Because This Is My First Life (2017)
In this romantic comedy, Kim Sun Young plays the supporting role of Kim Hyeon Ja, Ji Ho’s mother. While specific ratings data is not available, the drama was well-received by audiences for its realistic portrayal of young adults’ struggles with marriage and career. Kim Sun Young’s performance as a caring yet sometimes overbearing mother added depth to the story.
8. When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
Kim Sun Young takes on the supporting role of Park Chan Sook, Jin Bae’s wife, in this romantic comedy-thriller. The drama was a huge success, achieving a peak viewership rating of 23.8% in South Korea. It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards.
9. Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)
In this romantic comedy, Kim Sun Young plays the supporting role of Seo Young Ah, the marketing team leader. The drama maintained steady ratings throughout its run and was praised for its heartwarming story and strong performances. While specific viewership data is not available, the series was well-received by audiences and critics alike.
10. Stock Struck (2022)
This entertaining drama about a group learning about stocks features Kim Sun Young in a main role. While detailed viewership data is not available, the series received positive reviews for its engaging storyline and relatable characters. It has an IMDb rating of 6.8/10, indicating a generally favorable reception from audiences.