If you’ve been a K-drama fan for a while, you know Gong Hyo Jin is a legend. She’s that actress who can make you laugh in one scene and break your heart in the next. From quirky rom-coms to deeply emotional dramas, she’s done it all. And now, after five long years, she’s finally back with When the Stars Gossip!
While we wait to see her latest masterpiece, let’s take a trip down memory lane with six of her most iconic dramas that had fans glued to their screens. Ready? Let’s go! 🚀✨
1. Pasta (2010) – Where It All Started 🍝🔥
Before Pasta, Gong Hyo Jin was already an established actress, but this drama took her to a whole new level. If you love food, romance, and a little workplace drama, this one’s a must-watch!
💡 Plot in a Bite-Sized Recap: Seo Yoo Kyung (Gong Hyo Jin) is an aspiring chef working at an Italian restaurant. Just when she’s about to level up in her career, a new head chef (Lee Sun Kyun) comes in and declares war on female chefs. Yep, this guy straight-up refuses to have women in his kitchen. But Yoo Kyung? She’s not backing down.
🔥 Why You’ll Love It:
- The slow-burn romance between Yoo Kyung and Chef Hyun Wook is chef’s kiss. 💋
- You’ll get major food cravings, so keep snacks nearby!
- The drama had a solid 21.2% rating at its finale—proof that it was a fan favorite!
2. The Greatest Love (2011) – K-Drama Gold 💖✨
This one’s for all the rom-com lovers out there! If you’re into love-hate relationships, celebrity drama, and hilarious misunderstandings, The Greatest Love is your next binge.
💡 The Plot: Ku Ae Jung (Gong Hyo Jin) is a former K-pop idol whose career went down the drain. Meanwhile, top actor Dok Ko Jin (Cha Seung Won) is Korea’s most eligible bachelor—rich, famous, and totally full of himself. When their paths cross, chaos (and romance!) unfolds.
😂 What Makes It So Good?
- Gong Hyo Jin as a struggling ex-celebrity = so relatable.
- The chemistry between her and Cha Seung Won is 🔥🔥🔥.
- The love square keeps things messy in the best way.
Oh, and did I mention? It hit a whopping 21.2% rating in its final episode. Yeah, people were obsessed.
3. The Master’s Sun (2013) – Spooky but Sweet 👻❤️
Now, if you’re into paranormal romance (aka ghosts but make it romantic), The Master’s Sun is the drama for you.
💡 The Story: Tae Gong Sil (Gong Hyo Jin) has a special ability—she can see ghosts. And honestly? It’s ruining her life. She’s sleep-deprived, constantly scared, and struggling to live normally. But then she meets Joo Joong Won (So Ji Sub), a rich and super cold CEO. Turns out, whenever she touches him, the ghosts disappear. Naturally, she clings to him for dear life… and romance ensues.
👀 Why You Should Watch:
- It’s funny, scary, and heartwarming all at once.
- The chemistry between Gong Hyo Jin and So Ji Sub is top-tier.
- The final episode got 21.8% rating—yeah, it was that good.
4. It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014) – K-Drama With Depth 💙💔
This one’s not just a romance—it’s a deep, emotional ride that explores mental health and trauma. If you love K-dramas with real, meaningful storytelling, this is the one.
💡 The Story: Ji Hae Soo (Gong Hyo Jin) is a psychiatrist who seems to have it all together—except she doesn’t. She’s carrying emotional wounds from her past that still haunt her. Enter Jang Jae Yeol (Jo In Sung), a famous writer with his own hidden struggles. Their love story? Messy, heartbreaking, and beautiful.
💙 Why It’s Special:
- It’s one of the rare K-dramas that tackles mental health issues with sensitivity.
- Gong Hyo Jin and Jo In Sung’s chemistry? On another level.
- It hit 13.4% rating—impressive for a drama that breaks the usual rom-com formula.
5. The Producers (2015) – Behind the Scenes of K-Entertainment 🎬🎤
If you’ve ever been curious about what goes on behind the cameras in the Korean entertainment industry, The Producers is the perfect peek into that world.
💡 The Plot: Tak Ye Jin (Gong Hyo Jin) is a veteran music show producer who has seen it all. She’s tough, ambitious, and does not have time for nonsense. But when a clueless rookie PD (Kim Soo Hyun) and a top star (IU) enter her world, things get messy. And hilarious.
🎶 Why It’s a Must-Watch:
- It stars Kim Soo Hyun, IU, and Cha Tae Hyun alongside Gong Hyo Jin—what a lineup!
- Cameos from real-life K-pop idols (Girls’ Generation, Park Jin Young, etc.).
- It gave us one of the most underrated Gong Hyo Jin roles ever.
With an 18.2% rating, this drama was a huge success.
6. When the Camellia Blooms (2019) – Small Town, Big Drama 🌻💛
This is the drama that proved why Gong Hyo Jin is the Queen of K-Dramas. It’s a mix of romance, slice-of-life, and even a little crime mystery.
💡 The Plot: Dong Baek (Gong Hyo Jin) is a single mom running a bar in a small town. She’s used to being judged, but she’s tough. Enter Hwang Yong Sik (Kang Ha Neul), a super sweet cop who falls for her hard. Oh, and did I mention? There’s also a serial killer lurking around town.
💛 Why It’s So Loved:
- It’s real and raw—single parent struggles, small-town gossip, and all.
- The romance is adorable. Yong Sik is basically the ultimate green flag.
- The mystery aspect keeps you hooked.
It ended with an insane 23.8% rating—one of the highest-rated K-dramas of the year!
Which One Will You Watch First?
Gong Hyo Jin has so many amazing dramas, and these six are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you’re into rom-coms, supernatural twists, or heartfelt dramas, there’s something for everyone.
So, which one are you adding to your watchlist? Or have you already seen them all? Let’s chat in the comments! ⬇️💬✨