Kim Ha Neul is a distinguished actress whose career in the Korean entertainment industry spans over two decades. She started as a model in 1996 and eventually started her acting career through films and music videos. As her career grew, she became prominent and known for her versatility and captivating performances. She has also garnered numerous awards from different award-giving bodies and recognition from critics and viewers alike.

Here's a look at some of her most iconic dramas and roles she gave life to that you should definitely watch.

"On Air", 2008

"On Air" takes viewers behind the scenes of the television production industry, where Kim Ha Neul plays Oh Seung Ah, a no-nonsense top actress who refuses to accept the Best Actress award when she learns it is shared with another actress. Disillusioned with her corrupt and greedy management, she joins a new agency to further her career as a serious actress. Through her encounters with various people from the industry, Seung Ah seizes the opportunity to achieve her goals and navigate the complexities of fame. This drama significantly boosted her popularity and earned her the Top Excellence Award for Actress and Top 10 Stars Award at the 2008 SBS Drama Awards, as well as the Top Excellence Award for Actress at the 2nd Korea Drama Awards.

"Road No. 1", 2010

In this historical drama set during the Korean War, Kim Ha Neul plays Soo Yeon, a compassionate woman who supports her childhood sweetheart, Lee Jang Woo, by becoming a doctor and aiding injured soldiers. After receiving a mistaken report of Jang Woo's death, Soo-yeon is devastated but gradually finds solace in Shin Tae Ho, a kind and accomplished officer, and agrees to marry him. Her life is turned upside down when Jang Woo unexpectedly returns, alive and longing to reunite. As she faces this emotional turmoil, the Korean War begins, complicating her feelings and their future even further.

"A Gentleman's Dignity", 2012

In "A Gentleman's Dignity," Kim Ha Neul portrays Seo Yi Soo, a high school ethics teacher who also enjoys umpiring amateur baseball games. Yi Soo has secretly harbored a crush on her friend Im Tae San for three years. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Kim Do Jin, a confident playboy who falls for her despite knowing about her feelings for Tae San. As Yi Soo navigates the complexities of her emotions, she finds herself caught between her long-standing affection for Tae San and Do Jin's sincere efforts to win her heart. This drama was a hit, earning Ha Neul several awards including the Top Excellence Award for an Actress in a Weekend/Serial Drama, Top 10 Star Award, and Viewer Popularity Award at the 2012 SBS Drama Awards.

"On the Way to the Airport", 2016

In this drama, Kim Ha Neul stars as Choi Soo Ah, a seasoned flight attendant with twelve years of experience. Married to a controlling pilot, Soo Ah struggles with her husband's dominance over her and their daughter. Her seemingly content life is disrupted when her daughter is sent to study in Malaysia and befriends the daughter of Seo Do Woo, a professor in architecture. Tragedy strikes upon them, drawing Soo Ah and Do Woo closer as they navigate their shared grief. Soo Ah's life begins to change, challenging her perceptions of love and relationships. Her nuanced performance earned her the Top Excellence Award for an Actress and Best Couple Award with Lee Sang Yoon at the 2016 KBS Drama Awards.

"18 Again", 2020

"18 Again" is a fantasy romance drama where Kim Ha Neul plays Jung Da Jung, a 37-year-old mother of twins and a JBC intern announcer. Once the most popular girl at Serim High School and the first love of many male students, Da Jung dated her classmate, star basketball player Hong Dae Young. Their unexpected pregnancy led to an early marriage, delaying her dreams of becoming a news announcer and attending college. Frustrated with her husband's immature behavior, Da Jung decides to file for divorce while finally pursuing her career ambitions. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes attracted to her twins' friend, "Go Woo Young," unaware that he is actually her husband, Hong Dae Young, who has magically reverted to his 18-year-old self.

"Kill Heel", 2022

Set in the competitive world of cable TV home shopping, Kim Ha Neul plays Woo Hyun, a 39-year-old show host at UNI Home Shopping. Once a top presenter with a successful track record, Woo Hyun's career has seen a decline, relegating her to selling mundane items like toilet paper. Despite her bubbly on-screen persona, she faces personal and professional challenges that have impacted her career. However, an unexpected change reignites her ambition, and Woo Hyun sets her sights on reaching the top of the industry once more. 

"Nothing Uncovered", 2024

Kim Ha Neul portrays Seo Jung Won, a tenacious and promising reporter known for her dedication to uncovering the truth. Her career takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled in a mysterious murder case, where she is suspected of being involved. As Jung Won fights to clear her name and uncover the real culprit, she finds herself caught in a complex love triangle involving her ex-boyfriend, Tae Heon, and her husband, Woo Jae. Based on the Naver web novel of the same name, the series explores the challenges Jung Won faces in her quest for justice while navigating complicated personal relationships.

"Red Swan", 2024

"Red Swan" follows the life of Oh Wan Soo, played by Kim Ha Neul, a woman who rises from a humble background to become a world-class golfer. Her talent and determination caught the eye of the heir to the Hwain Group, leading to their marriage. Despite achieving wealth and status, Wan Soo finds herself in an unhappy marriage, discovering her husband's infidelity. For over a decade, she tries to keep the marriage intact, but her life takes a dramatic turn during a trip where she narrowly escapes a gunfight after being saved by Seo Do Yoon. As she tries to discover who is after her life and the secrets of the Hwain Group, she finds herself falling for Do Yoon.

Kim Ha Neul’s illustrious career is marked by a diverse range of roles that highlight her exceptional talent and versatility. Her performances have not only won her numerous awards but also the hearts of audiences worldwide. For those looking to explore her work, these dramas are a perfect testament to her acting prowess.