Various actors and actresses have walked in different paths towards their dreams and have undertaken different efforts in order to get where they are. Some have auditioned in different roles continuously, some have started by making noise through breakthrough cameo or supporting characters, and some have thoroughly prepared themselves through formal training in universities or acting academies. 

Kim Hye Yoon, an epitome of a talented and hardworking actress, has debuted as an actress in the 2013 KBS2 TV Novel's "Samsaengi", as the teenage version of a supporting character. From there, she only made guest appearances in several dramas as she decided to focus on her studies after receiving a full scholarship in 2015 from Konkuk University. 

After finishing her Film Studies in 2019, she eventually focused and started auditioning for more roles, and will eventually lead to her current success and acclaim, not only from viewers, but also great reception from critics and award giving bodies. She also eventually ventured into films, with her first main leading role in the 2022 film, "The Girl on a Bulldozer", which gave her numerous awards, such as  Best New Actress from the 2022 Blue Dragon Film Awards, 2022 Korean Film Producers Association Awards, 2022 Grand Bell Awards, and 2023 Wildflower Film Awards. 

She has also starred in her fair share of K-Dramas made her a darling of audiences, and was even dubbed by the media as Nation's Little Sister. 

Here are some of her lovely K-Dramas that you must watch!

"Sky Castle", 2018-2019

The drama revolves around the lives of housewives residing in a luxurious residential area called SKY Castle, a reference to the well-known universities in South Korea, a perfect allegory to their determination to raise their children to be top students who will be accepted at the best universities. One of the students is Hye Yoon's role, Kang Ye Seo, who is the eldest daughter of Han Seo Jin (Yum Jung Ah) and Kang Joon Sang (Jung Joon Ho), a well-known neurosurgeon at Joonam University Hospital. 

Due to her father's status, Ye Seo dreams to enter Seoul National University's medical faculty and be a third generation doctor. To reach that, Ye Seo and her family enlists the help of Kim Joo Young (Kim Seo Hyung), who has a hundred percent success rate when it comes to her students' admission to the Seoul National University. 

Due to this drama, Hye Yoon's popularity rose and her acting abilities was recognized by critics and received accolades. She won the Excellence Award for an Actress in a Drama from the 2019 Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards and the Best New Actress Award from the 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards. 

"Extraordinary You", 2019

Kim Hye Yoon bags her first leading role in television in the drama, "Extraordinary You." The series follows high school girl Eun Dan Oh (Kim Hye Yoon), who discovers that the world she lives in is a fantasy world of comics, where she and others are characters controlled by an omnipotent Writer. Dan Oh, unhappy with her predetermined and tragic fate in the manhwa, "Secret," decides to change her story and find her true love. Along the way, she meets a mysterious character named Student Number 13, whom she names Haru (Rowoon), whom she starts noticing and liking after he saves her multiple times. However, as their story unfolds, parallels with the Writer's previous work, "Neungsohwa," suggest that changing her destiny may come with consequences.

Hye Yoon's amazing portrayal has been recognized and she won awards such as the Excellence Award for an Actress in a Wednesday-Thursday Drama and Best New Actress from the 2019 MBC Drama Awards. 

"Secret Royal Inspector & Joy", 2021

Kim Hye Yoon takes on an interesting role in the drama "Secret Royal Inspector & Joy" as Kim Joy, a woman ahead of her time in Joseon-era society. Despite societal norms, she seeks to end her unhappy marriage with her mama's boy gambler husband and find true happiness on her own. Unexpectedly, she crosses paths with Ra Yi Eon (Taecyeon), a food-loving man who inadvertently becomes a secret royal inspector tasked with rooting out corruption. As Yi Eon navigates his newfound role, Joy convinces him to let her join him on his investigations, eager to expose wrongdoing and bring justice to light. Together, they form an unexpected alliance, their relationship deepening as they uncover hidden truths and confront challenges.

"Snowdrop", 2021-2022

In the drama "Snowdrop", Hye Yoon portrays the role of Gye Bun Ok, a phone operator at Hosu Women's University dormitory, she couldn't pursue higher education due to financial constraints. Initially friends with Eun Yeong Ro (Jisoo), their relationship soured after she accused Yeong Ro of being responsible for the hostage situation and after discovering that Yeong Ro is harboring a suspected spy. Through the course of events, she will eventually discover the truth about her sister, which will make her re-evaluate her allegiances once again.

"Lovely Runner", 2024

Her most recent role in "Lovely Runner" has captured the hearts of a lot of viewers and effectively made our hearts melt as Im Sol. Sol is an ardent fan of idol Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok), member of the famous band Eclipse, and has dreamed of becoming a film director in 2009 when she injures her leg and is paralyzed. As she finds solace in being a fangirl, tragedy comes as Sun Jae dies in a tragic accident, leaving Sol devastated. However, destiny takes an unexpected turn when Sol finds herself waking up in a classroom, 15 years in the past, before both her and Sun Jae's accidents occurred. Viewing this as a divine opportunity, Sol resolves to alter the path of fate for both of them.

These are the dramas of Kim Hye Yoon that you should definitely watch and give a try. Get captivated by her lovely portrayal and her amazing acting through these dramas that will surely get you hooked. Which among her dramas is your favorite?