Gong Hyo Jin is one of South Korea’s most celebrated actresses, known for her versatility and effortless ability to bring authenticity to her roles. Dubbed the "Queen of Romantic Comedy," she has captured audiences' hearts with her natural charisma and memorable performances. With a career spanning over two decades, Gong Hyo Jin’s dramas have delivered compelling stories and showcased her knack for creating relatable, multifaceted characters. 

From her early works that laid the foundation of her legacy to her award-winning performances that cemented her status as a leading actress, here’s a look at her most iconic K-dramas that every fan should add to their watchlist.

"Sang Doo! Let’s Go to School" (2003)
This poignant drama tells the story of Cha Sang Doo (Rain), a former troublemaker who becomes a security guard and then a student to reconnect with his first love, a teacher, Chae Eun Hwan (Gong Hyo Jin). As Eun Hwan navigates her complicated feelings for Sang Doo, especially as she is currently engaged, Hyo Jin portrays her as a woman torn between her past and present. This early role cemented her as a rising star in Korean dramas. She won the Excellence Award for Actress and the Netizen Award for Actress during the 2003 KBS Drama Awards.

"Thank You" (2007)
This heartwarming drama follows her character, Lee Young Shin, a resilient single mother living on the remote island of Pureun-do. She tirelessly cares for her HIV-positive daughter Bom and her senile grandfather while maintaining an optimistic and cheerful demeanor despite societal judgment and personal hardships. Her nuanced performance captures the strength, vulnerability, and unwavering love of a mother battling stigma and adversity. She earned the Top Excellence Award for Actress during the 2007 MBC Drama Awards.

"Pasta" (2010)
In this drama, she shines as Seo Yoo Kyung, a spirited and determined young chef aspiring to make her mark in the culinary world. Starting as a kitchen assistant at the Italian restaurant La Sfera, Yoo Kyung finally works her way up, only for female chefs to face dismissal by the restaurant’s new head chef. Undeterred, she fights to reclaim her place in the kitchen and works tirelessly to prove her skills, earning the chef’s grudging respect and growing affection. Her portrayal made it very relatable and earned her the Top Excellence Award for Actress during the 2010 MBC Drama Awards and the Top 10 Asian Stars during the 2010 CETV Awards.

"The Greatest Love" (2011)
This satirical rom-com delves into the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. Her character, Gu Ae Jung, is a former idol whose career has faded due to a scandal that left her in the public's bad graces. Despite her struggles, Ae Jung remains resilient, taking on odd jobs to support her family while trying to maintain her dignity in the harsh world of showbiz. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with the top actor and the most beloved star in the nation. Her amazing acting earned her the Top Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries during the 2011 MBC Drama Awards and the Best Actress for Television Award from the prestigious 48th Baeksang Arts Awards.

"Master’s Sun" (2013)
A perfect blend of supernatural elements and romance, this drama features her as Tae Gong Shil, a once-vibrant young woman whose life is turned upside down after an accident leaving her with the unsettling ability to see ghosts. Haunted and isolated, she struggles to find normalcy until she discovers that her touch can banish the spirits when she's near Joo Joong Won (So Ji Sub), the cold and self-centered CEO of the Kingdom shopping mall. Taking on a job as his assistant, she navigates her fears while slowly reclaiming her life and finding unexpected companionship. She goes on to win the Top Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries at the 2013 SBS Drama Awards.

"It’s Okay, That’s Love" (2014)
Exploring mental health and relationships, this drama showcases her character, Ji Hae Soo, a compassionate but guarded psychiatrist specializing in anxiety disorders. Her professional confidence contrasts with her personal struggles, as she grapples with her own fears of intimacy and emotional connection. Through her relationship with Jang Jae Yeol (Jo In Sung), a bestselling author battling mental illness, Hae Soo embarks on a heartfelt journey of healing, love, and self-discovery. Her great acting won her the Top Excellence Award for an Actress in a Drama during the 22nd Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards, and the Top Excellence Award for an Actress in a Miniseries at the 2014 SBS Drama Awards. 

"The Producers" (2015)
This meta-comedy takes a behind-the-scenes look at Korea’s entertainment industry she stars as Tak Ye Jin, a veteran music show producer known for her no-nonsense attitude and sharp wit. Balancing her high-pressure career with complicated relationships, Ye Jin finds herself entangled in chaotic situations and even an unprecedented love triangle. Her amazing performance and undeniable ability to pull off humor added depth to Ye Jin’s character, blending her professional confidence with moments of vulnerability and charm.

"Don’t Dare to Dream" (2016)
Also known as "Jealousy Incarnate", this romantic comedy showcases her character, Pyo Na Ri, a spirited weathercaster with big dreams but limited opportunities due to her modest academic background and lack of finances and even connections. Despite her cheerful and hardworking nature, Na Ri navigates unrequited love, workplace challenges, and societal expectations while trying to prove her worth. Her heartfelt performance brings depth and charm to Na Ri, winning her the Top Excellence Award for an Actress in a Romantic Comedy Drama during the 2016 SBS Drama Awards. 

"When the Camellia Blooms" (2019)
This award-winning drama becomes her small-screen comeback, as the series tells the story of Dong Baek, a single mother running a bar in a small, conservative town where she faces prejudice and judgment from her neighbors. Despite her quiet and timid demeanor, Dong Baek is fiercely protective of her son and gradually finds her strength as she navigates love, motherhood, and danger. Her nuanced portrayal captures Dong Baek’s resilience and vulnerability, earning her widespread acclaim and awards, winning Best Actress at the 15th Seoul International Drama Awards and the coveted Grand Prize (Daesang), during the 2019 KBS Drama Awards. 

Gong Hyo Jin is set to star in the highly anticipated drama When the Stars Gossip. The series follows the fateful encounter of a space tourist and an astronaut on a space station. Hyo Jin will take on the role of Eve Kim, a Korean-American astronaut, promising another captivating performance.

Which of her dramas is your favorite?