47

6

Original Content

On Spotlight: Seven Kim Ji Won K-Dramas you Should Watch

AKP STAFF
Posted by MaiaD Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Korean dramas have a unique way of captivating the hearts of people worldwide, with varying reasons depending on the viewers' perceptions. Some K-Dramas help the viewers pick up interest in Korean culture or introduce Korean actors and actresses to more audiences and make a name for themselves afterward.


One of the fantastic actresses who has made a name for herself in the business is none other than Kim Ji Won. Kim Ji Won has risen to prominence in the world of K-drama thanks to her breathtaking appearance, outstanding acting abilities, and an extensive repertoire of notable roles. 


This list delves into seven K-dramas Kim Ji Won that you should binge-watch.

"The Heirs"

In the popular K-drama series "The Heirs," Kim Ji Won gained attention as she portrayed the role of Rachel Yoo. Rachel is the wealthy, chic, and arrogant heiress of the clothing company RS International and was dubbed the "Paris Hilton of Jeguk High School" and Kim Tan's (Lee Min Ho) fiancée. She dislikes Cha Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye), and has attempted many times to split her and Kim Tan apart. Later, she realizes that one of their friends, Lee Hyo Shin (Kang Ha Neul), has fallen in love with her. Her portrayal of Rachel, who grapples with both privilege and vulnerability, showcased her ability to convey the intricate emotions and conflicts of her character, creating a character who was not just an antagonist but also someone audiences could sympathize with.


"Gapdong"

"Gapdong" is a gripping South Korean crime thriller drama that originally aired in 2014. Kim Ji Won plays Ma Ji Wool, a webtoon artist who becomes entangled in the investigation of a series of gruesome murders committed nearly 20 years prior, all committed by an elusive and vicious serial killer known as "Gapdong." Her character gets involved after her webtoon, "The Beast's Path," ends up foretelling the crimes, leading her to become the killer's next target while acquiring more clues. The portrayal of Ma Ji Wool by Kim Ji Won adds a dynamic and intriguing element to the series, and her performance stands out in this dramatic thriller.


"Descendants of the Sun"

Kim Ji Won's career skyrocketed when she played the tough yet lovable army surgeon Yoon Myeong Ju in the 2016 mega-hit series "Descendants of the Sun." She followed in her father's footsteps, graduating from the Korea Military Academy as a junior of Yoo Si Jin (Song Joong Ki) before interning at Haesung Hospital. During her first assignment, as the medical officer on duty during a training exercise, she meets Seo Dae Young (Jin Goo) and is immediately taken with him. Their relationship is well-known among the other physicians at Haesung Hospital and among their fellow soldiers, but it is frowned upon because she is an officer and he is a non-commissioned officer. However, it does not stop her from pursuing Dae Young, much to the annoyance of his Lieutenant General father, who wants Si Jin as his son-in-law instead.

"Fight for My Way"

Probably one of her major dramas as a lead, she takes on the role of Choi Ae Ra, an ambitious and aspiring announcer who is currently working as a department store employee. Her personality is very strong and sassy, but this doesn't stop her from showing off her cute and childish charm. While she has experienced many setbacks in reaching her dreams, including facing humiliation due to Park Hye Ran (Lee Elijah), Ko Dong Man's (Park Seo Joon) ex-girlfriend, she never gave up on dreaming. Her friendship with Dong Man, spanning years, will eventually evolve into something more as they fall for each other while striving to reach their respective dreams. 


"Arthdal Chronicles"

In a mythical land called Arth, the inhabitants of the ancient city of Arthdal contend with power struggles, which take place during the Bronze Age and is loosely based on the story of Dangun, the founder of the first Korean Kingdom of Gojoseon. Kim Ji Won takes on the role of Tanya, a character with a unique and compelling destiny. Tanya is born into the Wahan Tribe, and she carries a significant prophecy as the daughter of Yeol Son, the anointed successor of the next Great Spiritual Mother of the Wahan. She's known as the child of the blue comet, a prophecy that has shadowed her life since birth. Despite her inherent role as a future spiritual leader, Tanya faces a complex challenge: she is unable to dream, a prerequisite for spiritual mothers, which fills her with frustration and pressure. Her world takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Eun Seom (Song Joong Ki), who introduces her to the world of dreams and helps her learn spiritual dance, creating a unique bond between them.


"Lovestruck in the City"

The series depicts the real love stories of young people who live fiercely in a complex city, revealing how they date and live through all the hardships and struggles. Kim Ji Won portrays Lee Eun O, a 29-year-old freelance marketer who lives an ordinary life but has an alter ego called Yoon Seon A. She meets Park Jae Won (Ji Chang Wook), a 32-year-old architect, under her fake identity on Yangyang Beach and ends up falling in love with him. Their fast-track romance ends when Jae Won is suddenly called back to Seoul by his company, with Seon A never meeting or calling Jae Won when he left her his number and an address. Eventually, due to their entangled fates and lives, Jae Won will eventually meet her again, but now as Eun O.


"My Liberation Notes"

Set in the fictional Sanpo village in Gyeonggi-do, "My Liberation Notes" tells the story of three siblings, Yeom Chang Hee (Lee Min Ki), Yeom Mi Jeong (Kim Ji Won), Yeom Ki Jeong (Lee El), and a Mr. Gu (Son Suk Ku), a mysterious stranger unaware of his real identity, who all want to escape from their dead-end lives. Mi Jeong is the youngest of three siblings, and she is a contract employee at the design department of a credit card company. She also wants to get rid of her monotonous daily routine and the peculiar loneliness she experiences. Her life will eventually take a different turn from normalcy as she gets involved with Mr. Gu and asks him to worship her.

Here are some of the dramas from Kim Ji Won that you should definitely binge-watch this October! Keep posted and cheer for her, as she has many more projects in line to surprise us all. Which among these dramas is your favorite, and which would you recommend to her new fans?

  1. Kim Ji Won
3 13,098 Share 89% Upvoted
 
leviakermann
leviakermann1,297 pts Wednesday, November 8, 2023 0
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

My Liberation Note is masterpiece

2 (+2 / -0)
Share
 
tyger11
tyger117,150 pts Tuesday, November 7, 2023 0
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Sounds like she's great at picking good shows to be in. I haven't seen any of these yet, but some are already on my list, and I'll probably put most or all of these on it as well.

2 (+2 / -0)
Share

SHOW ALL COMMENTS

allkpop in your Inbox

THE TOP 10 STORIES DELIVERED DAILY
Yoon Jong Shin
Nana
misc.
misc.
aespa, Karina, Zico
Kim Hye Soo, Kim Yuna, Stray Kids, Felix
NewJeans, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein, Hanni, Minji
Lee Seung Hwan
Pentagon, Hui, Hanhae
Lee Jung Hyun
Nana
Jaejoong, SAY MY NAME
misc.
Lee Chae Yeon
misc.
New Message

SEND