You know that feeling when you're watching a K-drama and a certain actress just commands the screen, even if she’s not the main lead? That’s basically the Choi Ri experience. Honestly, if you haven’t fallen down the rabbit hole of Choi Ri movies and tv shows yet, you’re missing out on one of the most interesting career trajectories in the Korean industry right now. She didn’t just pop out of nowhere. She started with one of the most emotionally heavy films in recent history and somehow transitioned into being the "bubbly rich girl" we all want to be friends with.
It's a weird mix. One minute she’s making you cry about historical trauma, and the next she’s the comedic relief in a Netflix rom-com.
The Breakthrough: Spirits' Homecoming
Most people first noticed her in Spirits' Homecoming (2016). This wasn't some flashy blockbuster. It was a crowd-funded project about "comfort women" during World War II. Choi Ri played Eun-kyung, a girl in the modern day who can see the spirits of the past.
Talk about a heavy debut.
She was actually a dance major at Chung-Ang University when she got cast. You can see that grace in how she moves, but the acting? It felt raw. The movie became a massive sleeper hit in Korea, mostly because of how much heart was put into it. She didn't just walk away with a paycheck; she earned the New Rising Award at the Grand Bell Awards. That's a huge deal for a first-timer. It set the bar incredibly high.
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Moving into the Small Screen
After that, she started popping up in dramas you definitely know. Remember the bratty cousin in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)? Yeah, that was her. Playing Park Kyung-mi, the girl who treated Ji Eun-tak like garbage. It was such a 180-degree turn from her film debut. It showed she could play "unlikeable" and make you actually believe it.
Then came the Netflix era.
Why My First First Love Changed Everything
If you ask international fans about Choi Ri movies and tv shows, they’ll almost always mention My First First Love. She played Oh Ga-rin. Honestly? Ga-rin is the best character in that show. She’s this super-rich heiress who runs away from home because she just wants to live like a normal person.
She’s clueless but so pure.
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The chemistry she had with Kang Tae-oh (who played Hun) was the highlight of both seasons. While the main leads were busy being dramatic and confused about their feelings, Ga-rin and Hun were just out there trying to figure out how to buy groceries and follow their dreams. It was refreshing. It’s also where she perfected that "clueless but endearing" vibe that has become her signature.
The Versatility of Choi Ri
She doesn't stay in one lane. She really doesn't.
- Witch at Court (2017): She played Seo Yoo-ri, a junior prosecutor. It was a bit more professional, a bit more grounded.
- Birthcare Center (2020): This role was a standout. She played Lee Roo-da, a young mom who refuses to follow the "traditional" rules of motherhood. She showed up at a high-end birthcare center with bright hair and a "don't care" attitude. It sparked a lot of conversations in Korea about what a "good mother" actually looks like.
- Bloody Heart (2022): Back to historical roots, but this time a saeguk drama. She played Jo Yeon-hee, a woman caught in the middle of a power struggle. The costumes were gorgeous, but her performance was what held the tension.
Looking Forward: What's Next in 2026?
As we move through 2026, the buzz around her isn't slowing down. There’s a lot of chatter about her upcoming roles. She’s moved over to Artist Company (the agency co-founded by Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung), which is basically the "big leagues" for actors.
Expect to see her in more high-profile films. There are rumors of a thriller in the works where she might finally play a true antagonist. That would be a fun shift.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're just starting to explore her work, don't just stick to the popular stuff. Here is how you should actually watch her filmography to appreciate the growth:
- Start with My First First Love. It's light, easy to binge, and makes you fall in love with her personality.
- Watch Spirits' Homecoming. Be prepared for a heavy night. It’s essential to see where she started to understand her range.
- Check out Birthcare Center. It’s only 8 episodes. It’s funny, moving, and shows her playing a much more mature, defiant character.
- Follow her on social media. She often shares behind-the-scenes glimpses that show she’s just as quirky in real life as she is in her best roles.
Choi Ri is one of those actresses who feels like she's just one "massive" lead role away from becoming a household name globally. She’s done the work. She’s paid her dues in supporting roles. Now, it’s just a matter of time before the right script turns her into the next Hallyu superstar.
Keep an eye on her latest updates via Korean entertainment portals like Soompi or Naver, as she often announces new projects with very little lead time. If you see her name on a cast list, it's usually a sign that the show is going to have a lot of heart.