From her early second-lead roles to her powerhouse performances in emotional blockbusters, Kim Ji-won has become one of the most reliable and beloved actresses in the K-drama world. Her roles are always memorable— sometimes fierce, sometimes fragile, and always deeply human. If you’re new to her work or just want to revisit her best performances.
Here’s a list of 10 K-dramas and films that show why Kim Ji-won continues to win hearts with every project.
1. Descendants of the Sun
Main Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji-won
Kim Ji-won truly made her breakthrough as Yoon Myung-joo, a passionate and headstrong army doctor stationed in a war zone. Her love story with Sergeant Seo Dae-young ( played by Jin Goo) unfolds in parallel to the main couple, but their chemistry and emotional arc were
So powerful that many fans consider them the real heart of the show. Set against the backdrop of disaster relief, military duty, and medical emergencies, the drama balances tension and romance perfectly, and Kim Ji-won holds her own with a performance that is confident, emotional, and unforgettable.
2. Queen of Tears
Main Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Park Sung-hoon, Kwak Dong-yeon
In what’s arguably her most emotionally intense role to date, Kim Ji-won plays Hong Hae-in, a chaebol heiress trapped in a crumbling marriage with her husband Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun). When she is diagnosed with a terminal illness, what begins as a cold, distant relationship slowly blooms into something painfully beautiful. Watching Hae- in flight through bitterness, pain, and eventual vulnerability is a gut-wrenching experience , and Kim Ji-won delivers every moment with depth and authenticity. This drama broke ratings records and reestablished her as one of Korea’s most capable leading ladies.
3. The Heirs
Main Cast: Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Kim Woo-bin,Kim Ji-won
Long before she was stealing the show in melodramas, Kim Ji-won was turning heads as Yoo Rachel in The Heirs. She played the chic, cold, and complicated fiancee of Kim Tan (Lee Min -ho ),navigating high school politics and messy love triangles. While the story focused on Park Shin -hye’s character and the male leads, Kim Ji-won made a lasting impression with her icy stares, poised elegance, and emotionally charged outbursts. She was the perfect second lead —sharp, stylish, and so compelling that you couldn’t help but pay attention whenever she was on screen.
4. Fight for My Way
Main Cast: Park Seo-joon, Ahn Jae-hong, Kim Ji-won
In Fight for My Way, Kim Ji-won finally stepped into the spotlight as a lead, and she absolutely nailed it. She played Choi Ae-ra ,a department store worker with dreams of becoming an announcer , struggling to find her voice in a world that keeps pushing her down .Her chemistry with Park Seo -joon , who played her childhood friend and love interest , was sweet , fiery, and completely natural . Ae-ra felt like a real person –flawed ,funny, ambitious, and heartbreakingly resilient. This slice-of-life drama connected deeply with viewers, especially young adults trying to find purpose in their everyday lives .
5. Lovestruck in the City
Main Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Kim Ji-won, Choi Sung-eun
A refreshing take on modern relationships, Lovestruck in the City gave Kim Ji-won a chance to explore love in a more raw and realistic way. She played Lee Eun-oh, a free-spirited woman who falls in love on a beach gateway, only to ghost her partner once reality kicks in. The drama is presented documentary-style, with characters breaking the fourth wall to reflect on their relationships, and Kim Ji-won captures both the charm and the emotional messiness of her character. Her portrayal felt honest and grounded, making it easy for viewers to relate to her struggles with identity and love.
6. My Liberation Notes
Main Cast : Lee Min-Ki, Kim Ji-won
One of her most acclaimed performances, Kim Ji-won’s role as Yeom Mi-jeong in My Liberation Notes is subtle, quiet, and incredibly powerful. Mi-jeong is an introverted woman stuck in a dead-end job and an emotionally draining life, desperate to break free but too exhausted to try. The arrival of a mysterious stranger named Mr. Gu (played by Son Suk-Ku) offers a glimmer of hope. This drama is slow, introspective, and poetic, and Kim Ji-won delivers a performance so understated yet impactful that it stays with you long after the final episode. She captures the weariness, the longing, and the tiny moments of healing in a way that feels deeply personal.
7. Romantic Heaven
Cast: Kim Dong-wook, Park Shin-hye, Yoon Sang-hyun
In this lesser-known film, Kim Ji-won had a supporting role in a touching ensemble story about love, death, and fate. Romantic Heaven follows several characters whose lives are connected through grief and forgiveness. While the film doesn’t center around her character, Kim Ji-won brings sincerity and innocence to her scenes, leaving an impression even in limited screen time. It’s a softer, more emotional project that shows her early potential.
8. To the Beautiful You
Cast: Sulli, Minho (SHINee)
One of her earliest roles, Kim Ji-won, appeared in To the Beautiful You, a lighthearted romantic comedy set in an all-boys high school. The story centres around a girl who disguises herself as a boy to help her idolised high jumper regain confidence. While Sulli and Minho were the leading stars, Kim Ji- won added her spark as a supporting character in the high school mix. Her youthful energy and natural screen presence were already clear, even in the early stages of her career.
9. Detective K : Secret of the LIving Dead
Cast: Kim Myung-min, Oh Dal-su, Kim Ji-won
In this fantasy-mystery film set during the Joseon era, Kim Ji-won plays a mysterious woman with a dark past, teaming up with Detective K to uncover a series of murders tied to supernatural events. It’s a fun and quirky movie with a unique mix of comedy, history, and vampires. Kim Ji-won handled the period setting and fantasy genre with flair, proving she could shine in unconventional roles, too. Her mysterious aura added depth to the story and gave fans a glimpse of her versatility beyond modern dramas.
10. Horror Stories
Cast: Kim Ji-won, Oh Jung-se, Lee Se-yeong
If you’re into thrillers or horror anthologies, Horror Stories is worth a watch. Kim Ji-won appears in one of the short stories that make up this eerie film, delivering a solid performance in a genre not often explored by rising stars. While the budget and production aren’t as polished as big dreams. She made her mark by embracing the creepy, suspenseful tone with impressive confidence for someone so early in her career.
Final Thoughts
Kim Ji-won’s filmography is proof of her wide range and steady growth as an actress.Whether she’s playing a fierce soldier, a heartbroken heiress, or a quiet soul longing for freedom, she brings emotional depth and realism to every role. Her ability to connect with audiences through layered, vulnerable characters is what makes her stand out in the industry. If you’re just discovering her, start with Descendants of the Sun or Fight for My Way and work your way up to the masterpiece that is Queen of Tears. Trust me — once you start watching Kim JI-won, you’ll want to see everything she’s ever done.
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