Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on K-drama TikTok or scrolled through Netflix lately, you’ve seen her. That tall, striking woman with the light brown eyes that seem to pierce right through the screen. Lee Sung-kyung isn't just another model-turned-actress; she’s basically a shapeshifter in the industry.
It’s weird to think she started out walking runways. Most people assume models can't act. They think it's all about the "visuals" and not the craft. But then you watch her as a messy, weightlifting student or a frantic head of PR, and you realize the "model-actress" label is kinda insulting at this point.
She’s actually got range. Like, real range.
Why Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo Changed Everything
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the barbell. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is the show that defined Lee Sung-kyung for a global audience.
Before this, she was mostly playing the "mean girl" or the "glamorous rival." Think back to her role as Baek In-ha in Cheese in the Trap. She was loud, abrasive, and dressed in high fashion. Then, she did a total 180.
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For Weightlifting Fairy, she reportedly gained about 5kg (11 lbs) and chopped her hair into that iconic, blunt bob with tiny bangs. It wasn't just about the look, though. She captured that specific, awkward vulnerability of being 21 and feeling like you don't fit into the world's standard of "feminine."
The chemistry with Nam Joo-hyuk? Electric.
The "Swaeg" catchphrase? Instant meme.
But beneath the fluff, the show dealt with heavy stuff—depression, the crushing pressure of athletic performance, and body image issues. It’s why people still binge it today in 2026. It feels human.
The Evolution of the Lee Sung-kyung TV Shows Catalog
If you’re looking for a watchlist, you’ve got to see how she’s moved through different genres. It’s not just rom-coms.
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- Dr. Romantic (Seasons 2 & 3): This is where she proved she could carry a massive, high-stakes franchise. Playing Cha Eun-jae, a cardiothoracic surgeon who literally vomits from anxiety in the OR, was a bold choice. We watched her grow from a panicked resident into a confident surgeon under Kim Sa-bu’s mentorship. It’s a masterclass in character growth.
- Call It Love: This one is for the "slow burn" enthusiasts. It’s moody, it’s shot in these gorgeous melancholic hues, and it’s arguably her most mature performance. She plays Shim Woo-joo, a woman driven by revenge who ends up falling for the man she’s supposed to hate. No flashy outfits here—just raw, quiet emotion.
- Shting Stars:** Back to the comedy. She plays Oh Han-byeol, a PR head who has to clean up the messes of top stars. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of the Korean entertainment industry, this is your fix.
- About Time: A bit of a fantasy twist. Her character can see people’s "lifespan clocks." It’s a bit more tragic than her usual stuff, but it highlights her musical talents too (she’s actually a trained pianist and can sing).
What’s Happening Now? In Your Brilliant Season (2026)
If you’re catching this right now, you’re probably hearing the buzz about her newest project. In Your Brilliant Season (2026) is the one everyone is talking about.
Premiering in February 2026 on MBC, it pairs her with Chae Jong-hyeop. She’s playing Song Ha-ran, a high-end fashion designer (a bit of a nod to her real-life roots) who’s emotionally frozen after losing people close to her.
What’s interesting is the contrast. Chae Jong-hyeop plays an animator who loses his hearing and memory. It sounds like a real tear-jerker, but given Lee’s track record, it’ll likely have that "healing drama" vibe that fans crave.
The "Mean Girl" Misconception
Early in her career, people really boxed her in. After The Doctors and Cheese in the Trap, the consensus was that she was "born to play the rich, spoiled antagonist."
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She broke that box with a sledgehammer.
Honestly, the fact that she can go from the grit of Call It Love to the slapstick humor of Miss & Mrs. Cops (her film with Ra Mi-ran) is why she’s still relevant. She isn't afraid to look "ugly" or "unrefined" on camera. In an industry obsessed with perfection, that’s her superpower.
Quick Watch List for New Fans:
- For a laugh: Sh**ting Stars or Weightlifting Fairy.
- For a cry: Call It Love.
- For the thrill of the OR: Dr. Romantic 2.
- For a classic "vibe": It's Okay, That's Love (her acting debut!).
What to Do Next
If you’ve already seen the "big" ones like Bok-joo, don't stop there.
Go watch her cameo in Doctor Slump or check out her earlier work in Flower of Queen. She actually won Best New Actress for that one back in 2015, and it’s a 50-episode journey if you’re looking for a serious binge.
Alternatively, if you want to see her "unfiltered" side, look up her appearance on the YouTube show Suchwita. She talks about the grueling 15-hour days filming Dr. Romantic 3 and how she basically had no life outside the set for a year. It gives you a whole new respect for the work that goes into these 16-episode arcs.
Keep an eye on the Friday-Saturday MBC slot for the premiere of In Your Brilliant Season. It’s looking like it’ll be the breakout romance of the year.