If you’ve watched more than two K-dramas in your life, you know her face. You might not have known her name immediately, but you definitely knew the vibe. Kim Sun-young is that actress. She’s the one who walks onto a screen—usually wearing a permed wig and carrying a side-eye that could wither a cactus—and suddenly the scene feels real.
She doesn’t just play characters; she inhabits them. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how she can go from a North Korean village gossip to a grieving mother in a cult without breaking a sweat. If you’re looking to binge-watch some of the best acting coming out of South Korea, diving into the catalog of kim sun-young movies and shows is basically a mandatory rite of passage.
The Roles That Changed Everything
Most of us first fell in love with her in Reply 1988.
She played a character actually named Kim Sun-young. A coincidence? Maybe. But she brought so much heart to that widowed mother role. She was the anchor of Ssangmun-dong. I still remember the scene where she tries to hide her struggles from her mother; it was raw and painful in a way that felt like watching a family member. That show wasn't just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon that proved she could handle heavy emotional lifting while still being the funniest person in the room.
Then came Crash Landing on You.
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She played Na Wol-sook, the "people's unit" leader in the North Korean village. She was terrifying, hilarious, and ultimately incredibly loyal. It’s a hard tightrope to walk—playing a character in a restrictive setting without making them a caricature. But she nailed it. The chemistry between her and the other "village ajummas" was arguably as good as the lead romance.
Must-Watch Kim Sun-young Movies and Shows
If you're making a checklist, you have to vary the genres. She isn't a one-trick pony.
- Three Sisters (2021): This is her "prestige" film. She played Hee-sook, the eldest sister who is literally crumbling under the weight of her life. She won the Blue Dragon Film Award and a Baeksang for this, and for good reason. It’s a tough watch but a masterclass in acting.
- Concrete Utopia (2023): In this disaster thriller, she plays Geum-ae. In a world that’s literally ended, she shows the terrifying side of "community spirit." It’s a chilling performance.
- When the Camellia Blooms (2019): Back to the neighborhood gossip role, but with a different flavor. She plays Park Chan-sook, a crab restaurant owner who is part of the "vibe" that makes the town of Ongsan feel alive.
- A Virtuous Business (2024): This is a more recent one where she plays Seo Young-bok. It’s set in the 90s and follows women selling adult products in a conservative rural town. It’s funny, bold, and shows her comedic timing hasn't lost a step.
Why She’s More Than Just a "Support" Actress
The industry often labels her a "supporting" actress, which honestly feels like an insult. In many of these kim sun-young movies and shows, she provides the structural integrity of the entire plot.
Think about Exhuma (2024). She plays Oh Gwang-shim, a shaman. It’s a genre film—horror and occult—yet she brings a grounded, technical precision to the rituals that makes you believe in the supernatural elements. She doesn't just show up for a paycheck.
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She’s also been in:
- Her Private Life (as the eccentric museum director)
- Queen of Divorce (as the badass Son Jang-mi)
- The Silent Sea (proving she can even do sci-fi)
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, her schedule isn't slowing down. She’s slated for a role in International Market 2, which is a huge deal given how iconic the first film was. There’s also buzz about The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, where she’s playing a high-ranking hospital official.
It’s interesting to see her move into these "power" roles. For years, she was the neighborhood auntie. Now, she’s playing ministers, directors, and leaders. It’s a natural evolution. She’s earned it.
How to Start Your Binge
If you’re new to her work, don’t just jump into the heavy stuff. Start with Crash Landing on You for the laughs. Then move to Reply 1988 for the tears. Once you’re sufficiently attached, watch Three Sisters to see what she’s actually capable of.
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Pro-tip: Watch her facial expressions when she isn't talking. That’s where the real magic happens. She’s often reacting to the leads, and her reactions tell a whole secondary story.
If you want to keep up with her, her Instagram is @sunyoung1216. She posts a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that shows she’s way more relaxed and stylish than the permed characters she usually plays.
Go watch Dream Palace if you can find it on streaming. She won Best Actress at the Asian Film Festival for it in 2023. It’s a quiet, simmering movie about a woman trying to start over in a new apartment complex, only to find the same old problems. It’s basically the Kim Sun-young experience: intense, real, and impossible to look away from.
Next Steps for You: Check your favorite streaming platform (Netflix or Viki are usually the best bets) and search for Reply 1988. It’s the foundational text for understanding why Kim Sun-young is a legend. Once you've finished that, look for Concrete Utopia to see her range in a high-stakes thriller.