From ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo’ to ‘In Your Radiant Season’: 8 must-watch Lee Sung-kyung K-dramas

In this revenge-to-romance K-drama, Lee Sung-kyung plays Shim Woo-joo, a young woman determined to exact vengeance on her father’s mistress, whom she blames for her family’s downfall. Her plan involves going after her enemy’s son, Han Dong‑jin (Kim Young‑kwang). However, as she gets closer to him, she discovers he’s been hiding a lonely and isolated life. Before she knows it, her empathy gives way to love. 

Beyond the slow-burn romance, the drama delves into themes of loneliness, forgiveness and emotional healing. The leads deliver nuanced portrayals of two people who gradually find solace—and ultimately comfort—in each other.

See more: Iconic duos: 11 K-drama pairings with the best chemistry, on-screen and off

Set in the Korean entertainment industry, this K-drama stars Lee Sung-kyung as PR team leader Oh Han-byul. Tasked with managing the public image of top star Gong Tae-sung (Kim Young-dae)—while dealing with his main-character attitude behind the scenes—she finds herself constantly bickering with him. However, a closer look reveals that Tae-sung isn’t quite as difficult as he makes himself out to be. And, as with any good enemies-to-lovers rom-com, their animosity inevitably gives way to romance.

This dynamic became a major draw for audiences, who were hooked by the leads’ sparkling chemistry, the witty banter and the drama’s playful insider look at the K-entertainment industry.

While Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin played the main young doctors and lead couple in the first season of Doctor Romantic, scheduling conflicts prevented them from reprising their roles. Enter Sung-kyung and Ahn Hyo-seop, who both joined the K-drama for seasons two and three.

The two not only filled the void left by the first season’s stars but also brought to life new characters that were compelling to watch. Viewers particularly praised Lee Sung-kyung for her sincere portrayal of Cha Eun-jae and for the undeniable chemistry she shared with Ahn Hyo-seop.

After the success of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, Lee Sung-kyung transitioned from supporting roles to leading-lady parts, evolving from antagonist to protagonist. In the romantic fantasy About Time, she plays Choi Michaela, a woman who can see people’s remaining time on earth, including her own. Lee Sang-yoon plays her love interest Lee Do-ha, who has the power to slow down Michaela’s time clock inexplicably.

In this melodrama, viewers saw the softer side of Lee Sung-kyung. Playing a musical theatre actress also allowed her to showcase her singing background and contribute several songs to the K-drama’s OST

Lee Sung-kyung’s breakout role as the adorable and indomitable Kim Bok-joo won the hearts of international audiences. As a weightlifting athlete struggling with the demands of her sport and the crushing heartbreak of first love, she brought real vulnerability and charm to the part.

Her chemistry with Nam Joo-hyuk and the warm on-screen friendship she shared with co-stars Lee Joo-young and Cho Hye-jung resonated with audiences. For most of her fans, Weightlifting Fairy became their gateway Lee Sung-kyung K-drama.

In Doctors, Lee Sung-kyung plays Park Shin-hye’s jealous rival Jin Seo-woo. Privileged and insecure, Jin Seo-woo was a complex character who undergoes an interesting story arc—something that Lee Sung-kyung plays with ease and confidence.

Going toe-to-toe against a veteran actress like Park Shin-hye could have been daunting, but Lee Sung-kyung more than manages to hold her own, delivering a performance that makes Seo-woo far more layered than a typical rival character.

In Cheese in the Trap, one of her earliest dramas, Lee Sung-kyung played a supporting role as the antagonist Baek In-ha. As the scheming and manipulative character, she delivered a performance that surprised many viewers who later came to know her as the lovable and down-to-earth Kim Bok-joo in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.

The stark contrast between the two roles highlighted her impressive acting range. Yet even in this antagonistic role, audiences caught a glimpse of the comedic charm that would later become one of her trademarks.

Whether she’s playing a lovable athlete, a sharp-tongued PR manager or a vulnerable woman learning to love again, Lee Sung-kyung continues to captivate audiences with her emotional depth and natural charisma.

As her latest drama, In Your Radiant Season, draws new viewers to her work, these K-dramas remain the perfect starting point for anyone looking to explore the many sides of Lee Sung-kyung.

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