Cover Whether she’s a comic-book heroine, a Joseon-era investigator or a mythical fox, Kim Hye-yoon has a knack for choosing memorable roles. Take a look back at her standout dramas (Photo: Lovely Runner/IMDb)
Whether she’s a comic-book heroine, a Joseon-era investigator or a mythical fox, Kim Hye-yoon has a knack for choosing memorable roles. Take a look back at her standout dramas (Photo: Lovely Runner/IMDb)
1 / 1
Explore the career of Kim Hye-yoon through the K-dramas that helped make her one of Korea’s most familiar stars
South Korean actress Kim Hye-yoon has built one of the more varied television careers among her generation. Since making her breakthrough in the hit drama Sky Castle, she has moved between fantasy romances, historical comedies, youth dramas and character-driven ensemble series. Her projects often place her in unusual situations, whether that means discovering she is living inside a comic book, travelling through time to change the future or transforming from a mythical creature into a human.
For viewers looking to explore her filmography, there is a mix of recent hits and earlier projects available across multiple streaming platforms. From Joseon-era investigations to modern-day time travel stories, these dramas highlight the different genres Kim Hye-yoon has worked in throughout her career. Here are some of the most notable Kim Hye-yoon K-dramas to add to your watchlist.
Read more: 10 most bingeable K-dramas of 2026 so far
‘No Tail to Tell’ (2026)
Above Kim Hye-yoon takes on a mythical new role as a gumiho suddenly forced to navigate life as a human
Kim Hye-yoon as: A nine-tailed fox who actively avoids becoming human
Also stars: Park Solomon
Where to stream: Netflix
One of Kim Hye-yoon’s newest leading roles comes in the fantasy romantic comedy No Tail to Tell. The story follows a gumiho, or nine-tailed fox, whose life changes dramatically after an unexpected accident causes her to transform into a human.
As she navigates the unfamiliar world of people, she becomes entangled in romance and everyday situations that challenge everything she knows. Combining fantasy mythology with romantic comedy elements, the series explores identity, relationships and adaptation through a light-hearted premise.
Don’t miss: Best K-dramas to watch on Prime Video right now
‘Sky Castle’ (2018)
Above The drama that introduced many viewers to Kim Hye-yoon's talent and helped launch her career
Kim Hye-yoon as: Kang Ye-seo
Also stars: Yum Jung-ah, Lee Tae-ran, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra
Where to stream: Netflix
Sky Castle examines the intense academic pressure faced by students and parents living in an elite residential community.
Kim Hye-yoon plays Kang Ye-seo, a top-ranking student whose future is shaped by fierce competition and high expectations. The drama follows several wealthy families as they pursue admission to South Korea’s most prestigious universities. Its exploration of education, privilege and ambition turned it into one of the most talked-about Korean dramas of its era.
‘Lovely Runner’ (2024)
Above A devoted fan gets the chance to rewrite fate in one of the most talked-about K-dramas of 2024
Kim Hye-yoon as: Im Sol
Also stars: Byeon Woo-seok, Song Geon-hee, Lee Seung-hyub
Where to stream: Viu, Netflix
Lovely Runner centres on Im Sol, a devoted fan devastated by the sudden death of her favourite idol, Ryu Sun-jae. When she unexpectedly finds herself transported back in time, she sees an opportunity to prevent the tragedy from ever happening.
The drama blends romance, fantasy and coming-of-age themes as Im Sol attempts to change the future while navigating her younger years. Kim Hye-yoon’s portrayal of a determined fan became one of the defining performances of her career and introduced her work to a wider international audience.
‘Extraordinary You’ (2019)
Above What would you do if you discovered your life was controlled by a comic book writer?
Kim Hye-yoon as: Eun Dan-oh
Also stars: Rowoon, Lee Jae-wook, Naeun
Where to stream: Viu, iQiyi
In Extraordinary You, Kim Hye-yoon plays Eun Dan-oh, a wealthy high school student who discovers that she is actually a minor character inside a comic book.
Unhappy with the fate assigned to her by the story’s creator, Dan-oh decides to challenge the narrative and create a future of her own. The series combines romance and fantasy with a self-aware look at storytelling conventions. Its unique premise and memorable characters helped establish Kim Hye-yoon as a leading actress in the fantasy romance genre.
‘Secret Royal Inspector & Joy’ (2021)
Above A sharp-witted woman and a reluctant royal inspector uncover corruption across Joseon
Kim Hye-yoon as: Kim Joy
Also stars: Taecyeon, Lee Jae-kyoon, Chae Won-bin
Where to stream: Viu, Viki
Set during the Joseon era, Secret Royal Inspector & Joy follows Kim Joy, a woman seeking independence after leaving an unhappy marriage.
Her path crosses with a royal inspector tasked with uncovering corruption throughout the kingdom. Together, they investigate crimes and conspiracies while developing an unlikely partnership. The drama mixes comedy, mystery, romance and historical elements, offering a different setting from many of Kim Hye-yoon’s contemporary projects.
‘Snowdrop’ (2021)
Above Kim Hye-yoon joins a star-studded cast in this period drama set against the backdrop of 1987 Seoul
Kim Hye-yoon as: Kye Bun-ok
Also stars: Jung Hae-in, Jisoo, Yoo In-na, Jang Seung-jo
Where to stream: Disney+
Set in 1987, Snowdrop begins when a wounded graduate student seeks refuge in a women’s university dormitory. As political tensions escalate, those living in the dorm become caught up in events far larger than themselves.
Kim Hye-yoon portrays Kye Bun-ok, a telephone operator working at the dormitory. Curious and observant, the character becomes involved in the unfolding story as secrets emerge and relationships are tested.
‘Cleaning Up’ (2022)
Above Financial secrets, risky decisions and unexpected opportunities drive this workplace crime drama
Kim Hye-yoon as: Lee Young-mi
Also stars: Yum Jung-ah, Jeon So-min
Where to stream: Netflix
Cleaning Up follows a group of cleaners working at a financial company who gain access to confidential information about the stock market.
After learning valuable insider trading tips, they become involved in increasingly risky financial schemes in hopes of improving their lives. Kim Hye-yoon plays Lee Young-mi, an ambitious young woman who joins the operation. The drama combines workplace storytelling with crime and financial intrigue.
Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
