Kim Yoo Jung Movies and TV Shows: 15 Best Performances
If you have watched Love in the Moonlight, My Demon or Netflix’s 20th Century Girl, you already know why Kim Yoo Jung remains one of the most recognisable actresses in Korean entertainment. She began her career as a child performer and gradually built a filmography that spans historical romance, fantasy, psychological thrillers, family dramas and romantic comedies.
But which Kim Yoo Jung movies and TV shows deserve a place on your watchlist first? Her career offers more variety than a quick search for her most popular dramas might suggest. In The Moon Embracing the Sun, she appeared as a young version of a central character. In Love in the Moonlight, she took the lead as Hong Ra-on, a young woman living disguised as a man. More recently, My Demon showcased her in a fantasy romance, while Dear X gave her a much darker character to explore.
Her latest drama, 100 Days of Deception, began airing in October 2026, adding a historical spy-romance story to her growing list of leading roles.
This guide explores the best Kim Yoo Jung dramas, her most memorable movies, her career progression and a practical Kim Yoo Jung filmography watch order for new fans.
Who Is Kim Yoo Jung?
Kim Yoo Jung is a South Korean actress born on September 22, 1999. She began working in entertainment as a child and became familiar to Korean audiences through appearances in films and television dramas before moving into leading roles as a young adult.
Her early career involved playing younger versions of leading characters, often in historical dramas. Those parts gave her opportunities to work across different genres while developing the emotional expression and screen presence that later became central to her lead performances. The Korean Film Council’s official filmography records several of her major film credits, including The Chaser, Thread of Lies and The 8th Night.
What makes Kim Yoo Jung’s career interesting is the transition from child actress to leading star. She has not remained confined to one kind of role. Her projects range from light romantic comedy to tragic coming-of-age stories and morally complicated psychological dramas.
For viewers exploring Kim Yoo Jung movies and TV shows, the best starting point depends on what they enjoy: romantic K-dramas, historical settings, darker character studies or emotionally driven films.
Best Kim Yoo Jung Dramas to Watch
The strongest way to explore Kim Yoo Jung’s television career is through the roles that show different sides of her acting. Some are warm and romantic, while others rely on mystery, ambition or emotional conflict.
1. Love in the Moonlight (2016)
Genre: Historical romance, coming-of-age drama
Love in the Moonlight, also known internationally as Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, remains one of the most important dramas in Kim Yoo Jung’s career. She plays Hong Ra-on, a young woman who disguises herself as a man and earns a living by giving relationship advice. Her life changes when she becomes involved with Crown Prince Lee Yeong, played by Park Bo-gum.
The drama builds its appeal around the tension between Ra-on’s hidden identity and the growing relationship between the two leads. Court politics, friendship and family secrets add weight to the romance, but the emotional centre remains the characters’ developing trust.
Kim Yoo Jung’s performance is especially effective because Ra-on needs to be playful and resourceful without losing her vulnerability. The character’s disguise also creates situations in which humour and genuine emotional risk exist side by side.
Why watch it: Start here if you want to understand why Kim Yoo Jung became so strongly associated with historical romance. It is one of the best Kim Yoo Jung dramas for viewers who enjoy royal settings, secret identities and a central love story.
2. My Demon (2023–2024)
Genre: Fantasy romance, comedy
In My Demon, Kim Yoo Jung plays Do Do-hee, a wealthy businesswoman whose carefully controlled life changes after she becomes connected to a supernatural being. Song Kang plays Jung Gu-won, a demon who has lived for centuries and suddenly finds his powers affected by his relationship with Do-hee.
The series blends romantic tension with supernatural rules, corporate rivalries and questions about trust. Do-hee is not simply a heroine waiting to be rescued. She is ambitious, sharp and accustomed to protecting herself in a world where powerful people have their own agendas.
The contrast between her practical outlook and Gu-won’s supernatural nature gives the show much of its energy. Kim Yoo Jung moves between dry humour, emotional vulnerability and moments of genuine fear as the relationship becomes more complicated.
Why watch it: Choose My Demon if you like fantasy romance K-dramas, attractive leads, supernatural storylines and a relationship that develops while the characters investigate the dangers around them.
3. Dear X (2025)
Genre: Psychological thriller, melodrama
Dear X shows a darker side of Kim Yoo Jung’s acting. She plays Baek Ah-jin, a successful actress whose polished public image hides a ruthless instinct for survival and manipulation. Her climb to fame comes at a cost, and the series explores the damage left behind as she uses people to get what she wants.
Unlike a conventional romantic drama, Dear X asks viewers to look beyond a character’s charm and question what lies beneath it. Ah-jin can be compelling without being admirable, which gives Kim Yoo Jung a different kind of challenge from her earlier romantic leads.
The story’s psychological tension comes from the contrast between public perception and private behaviour. Fame becomes a form of protection, but it also makes the character’s eventual downfall more consequential.
Why watch it: If you prefer dark Korean dramas, morally complicated heroines and psychological character studies, Dear X is one of the most distinctive recent additions to her filmography. The series is based on a webtoon of the same name. Soompi’s cast and story coverage provides more background on the characters.
4. The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
Genre: Historical romance, fantasy, melodrama
Before she became a leading actress, Kim Yoo Jung played young Heo Yeon-woo in The Moon Embracing the Sun. The story follows a royal romance shaped by political schemes, a mysterious illness and the consequences of events that separate two people who were once destined to be together.
Although Kim Yoo Jung appears in the younger timeline, her performance is an important part of the drama’s emotional foundation. The early episodes establish the connection between the young characters, making the later story more meaningful.
The series is also a useful starting point for viewers who want to see how she developed through historical television. Her role is smaller than her later lead performances, but it belongs to the period that helped establish her as a familiar face in Korean dramas.
Why watch it: Choose this one if you enjoy historical Korean dramas, royal intrigue and romance shaped by fate. It is particularly useful for understanding Kim Yoo Jung’s early career.
5. Angry Mom (2015)
Genre: School drama, social issues, family
In Angry Mom, Kim Yoo Jung plays Oh Ah-ran, a student dealing with bullying and serious problems within the school environment. The drama centres on her mother, who takes extraordinary steps to confront the people and systems failing to protect her daughter.
The series uses its school setting to explore more than teenage conflict. It examines abuse of authority, institutional corruption and the difficulties students face when adults refuse to listen. Ah-ran’s experiences provide the emotional reason for the story’s central conflict.
For Kim Yoo Jung, the role marked a shift away from playing only younger versions of adult characters. It gave her a more substantial contemporary role and placed her within a story that depends on the emotional realities of school life.
Why watch it: This is a good choice for viewers who prefer K-dramas about bullying, family relationships and school injustice rather than a romance-led storyline.
6. Lovers of the Red Sky (2021)
Genre: Historical fantasy, romance
Kim Yoo Jung stars as Hong Chun-gi, a talented painter living in a world shaped by royal politics and supernatural forces. The drama combines an artistic coming-of-age story with mythology, a mysterious fate and a romance involving Ahn Hyo-seop’s character, Ha Ram.
Chun-gi’s ambition gives the story a clear emotional centre. She wants to develop her abilities as an artist, but her life becomes connected to forces beyond her control. The historical setting provides the visual backdrop, while fantasy elements create a more unusual conflict than a conventional period romance.
Kim Yoo Jung brings determination and warmth to a character who has to balance personal dreams with extraordinary circumstances.
Why watch it: Add this to your list if you enjoy historical fantasy K-dramas, supernatural mythology and romance set against palace intrigue.
7. Backstreet Rookie (2020)
Genre: Romantic comedy
In Backstreet Rookie, Kim Yoo Jung plays Jung Saet-byul, a spirited young woman who begins working at a convenience store run by Choi Dae-hyun, played by Ji Chang-wook. Their relationship develops through everyday encounters, workplace misunderstandings and differences in personality.
The show’s tone is lighter than Dear X or Angry Mom. Much of its appeal comes from the chemistry between the leads and the way the convenience store becomes a meeting point for a range of characters.
The series has also drawn criticism for parts of its humour and characterisation, so it may not work equally well for every viewer. Still, it is a useful option if you want to see Kim Yoo Jung in a modern romantic-comedy setting.
Why watch it: Try Backstreet Rookie when you want light K-drama romance, a contemporary setting and a more playful performance.
8. Clean with Passion for Now (2018–2019)
Genre: Romantic comedy
Kim Yoo Jung plays Gil Oh-sol, a young woman who is not particularly concerned with keeping everything spotless. Her life intersects with Jang Seon-kyul, played by Yoon Kyun-sang, a wealthy man whose fear of germs shapes his daily routine and relationships.
The drama builds its romance around the contrast between the two leads. Oh-sol is energetic and practical, while Seon-kyul’s need for cleanliness creates obstacles that extend beyond ordinary relationship misunderstandings.
The premise gives the series opportunities for comedy, but the relationship also develops as both characters confront personal limitations. It is an accessible choice for viewers who want a more relaxed show from Kim Yoo Jung’s career.
Why watch it: This is a solid pick for fans of romantic comedy Korean dramas, opposites-attract stories and workplace-adjacent romance.
9. 100 Days of Deception (2026)
Genre: Historical spy romance, action, thriller
One of Kim Yoo Jung’s newest projects, 100 Days of Deception, premiered on October 10, 2026. Set in 1930s Gyeongseong during Japanese colonial rule, the drama follows Lee Ga-kyung, a skilled pickpocket who becomes involved in an undercover mission connected to the Korean independence movement.
Her character’s mission brings her into contact with an interpreter played by Park Jin-young, creating a story in which espionage, shifting identities and romantic tension are closely linked. Unlike the supernatural premise of My Demon or the celebrity world of Dear X, this series places Kim Yoo Jung in a period setting shaped by political danger.
The historical backdrop also gives the drama higher stakes than a straightforward romance. Ga-kyung has to navigate deception and personal loyalties while working within a dangerous system.
Why watch it: For viewers looking for new Kim Yoo Jung dramas in 2026, this is the title to put at the top of the current watchlist. It is airing weekly, so check your local streaming service for the latest episode availability. Netflix lists the series in its catalogue. Official Netflix title page.
Best Kim Yoo Jung Movies to Watch
Kim Yoo Jung’s film career is worth exploring alongside her television work. Her movies include coming-of-age romances, psychological dramas, crime thrillers and supernatural horror. These projects also reveal how her roles have changed as she moved from child performer to adult lead.
1. 20th Century Girl (2022)
Genre: Coming-of-age romance, drama
20th Century Girl is one of Kim Yoo Jung’s most widely recognised films among international streaming audiences. She plays Na Bo-ra, a teenager in 1999 who agrees to keep an eye on a boy her best friend likes. What begins as a favour becomes a story about friendship, first love and the way young people remember the moments that shape them.
The film draws much of its emotional power from the details of adolescence: school friendships, unspoken feelings, misunderstandings and the excitement of discovering someone new. The late-1990s setting adds a nostalgic atmosphere without being the only reason the story works.
Kim Yoo Jung’s performance balances Bo-ra’s lively personality with the uncertainty that comes with first love. The film gradually moves from playful observation toward more serious emotional territory, making the early moments feel significant in retrospect.
Why watch it: Start here if you want a Kim Yoo Jung movie that combines first love, nostalgia and an emotional coming-of-age story. It is one of her most accessible film recommendations for new viewers.
2. Thread of Lies (2014)
Genre: Drama, social issues
Thread of Lies explores the aftermath of a teenager’s death and the emotional damage caused by bullying. Kim Yoo Jung plays Hwa-yeon, a character whose connection to the central tragedy adds complexity to the story.
The film is less interested in providing simple answers than in showing how people can misunderstand one another and how cruelty can remain hidden within everyday relationships. It examines grief from multiple perspectives, including the family left behind and the people whose actions contributed to the situation.
Kim Yoo Jung’s role is especially significant because the film moves away from the bright tone of a typical youth romance. Its characters are flawed, and the emotional consequences of their behaviour cannot be easily undone.
Why watch it: Choose Thread of Lies if you are interested in serious Korean movies about bullying, grief and the social consequences of cruelty.
3. The Chaser (2008)
Genre: Crime thriller
In The Chaser, Kim Yoo Jung appears as Eun-ji, the young daughter of a woman caught up in a dangerous criminal case. The film follows a former detective turned pimp as he tries to locate missing women and uncover the truth behind their disappearances.
The movie is known for its tense atmosphere and its bleak portrayal of a manhunt. Rather than relying on a polished detective solving a mystery from a safe distance, the story follows a desperate search in which time and institutional failures matter.
Kim Yoo Jung’s role is part of the film’s emotional stakes, showing how the criminal investigation affects vulnerable people who have little control over their circumstances.
Why watch it: This is a strong choice for fans of Korean crime thrillers and darker films. Be aware that its subject matter is disturbing and its tone is far more intense than her romantic projects.
4. The 8th Night (2021)
Genre: Supernatural horror, mystery
The 8th Night follows a supernatural threat connected to an ancient force and the people trying to prevent its return. Kim Yoo Jung plays Ae-ran, a young shaman whose role is tied to the film’s larger mystery.
The movie mixes religious imagery, supernatural mythology and a sequence of increasingly unsettling events. Its appeal lies in the atmosphere and the gradual revelation of the threat rather than in a conventional romance or character-driven comedy.
For viewers familiar with Kim Yoo Jung mainly through Love in the Moonlight or My Demon, this film offers a significant change of tone. It places her within a darker story that depends on mystery, fear and the supernatural.
Why watch it: Add it to your list if you enjoy Korean horror movies, supernatural mysteries and stories involving ancient legends.
5. Because I Love You (2017)
Genre: Romantic comedy, fantasy
Because I Love You stars Cha Tae-hyun as a man whose consciousness becomes connected to other people after an accident. Kim Yoo Jung plays Jang Soo-yi, one of the characters caught up in the film’s unusual chain of events.
The movie uses a fantasy premise to explore love and human relationships through a series of encounters. Its structure allows the story to move between characters while maintaining a central interest in how people understand one another.
Kim Yoo Jung’s role is different from her major historical-drama characters, and the film offers a lighter alternative to the more serious titles in her filmography.
Why watch it: This is an option for viewers who like fantasy romantic comedies, unusual premises and stories built around emotional connections.
6. Circle of Atonement (2015)
Genre: Mystery, drama, thriller
Circle of Atonement centres on a mystery involving a teacher, his daughter and a detective whose investigation uncovers troubling connections. Kim Yoo Jung plays Lee Jung-hyun, a character linked to the film’s central events.
The story is more subdued than an action thriller, relying on secrets and relationships to create tension. As the investigation progresses, the characters’ pasts become increasingly important to understanding what happened.
The film is a useful addition to a Kim Yoo Jung watchlist because it shows her in a darker, more dramatic project during the period when she was transitioning into more substantial teenage roles.
Why watch it: Pick this film if you prefer Korean mystery movies with family secrets, psychological tension and a serious tone.
Kim Yoo Jung Dramas in Order: A Beginner-Friendly Watchlist
If you want to watch her career develop, a chronological selection is more useful than jumping randomly between titles. The following list focuses on notable dramas and selected appearances rather than every short-form credit.
| Year | Drama | Kim Yoo Jung’s role |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Princess Hours | Young Shin Chae-kyung |
| 2008 | Iljimae | Young Eun-chae |
| 2010 | Dong Yi | Young Dong-yi |
| 2012 | The Moon Embracing the Sun | Young Heo Yeon-woo |
| 2014 | Secret Door | Young Seo Ji-dam |
| 2015 | Angry Mom | Oh Ah-ran |
| 2016 | Love in the Moonlight | Hong Ra-on |
| 2018 | Clean with Passion for Now | Gil Oh-sol |
| 2020 | Backstreet Rookie | Jung Saet-byul |
| 2021 | Lovers of the Red Sky | Hong Chun-gi |
| 2023–2024 | My Demon | Do Do-hee |
| 2025 | Dear X | Baek Ah-jin |
| 2026 | 100 Days of Deception | Lee Ga-kyung |
This selected Kim Yoo Jung dramas in order list shows how her career moved from supporting child roles to central characters. It also demonstrates the variety of stories she has taken on, from royal romance to contemporary comedy, fantasy and psychological thriller.
If you only have time for three dramas, start with Love in the Moonlight for historical romance, My Demon for fantasy and Dear X for a darker character study. Then try 100 Days of Deception if you want to follow her latest project as it airs.
How Kim Yoo Jung’s Acting Has Evolved
Kim Yoo Jung’s career is not simply a list of popular Korean dramas. The progression from child performer to leading actress is one of the most useful ways to understand her filmography.
Her early roles often required her to establish the childhood version of a character’s emotional history. In historical dramas such as Dong Yi and The Moon Embracing the Sun, these scenes help the audience understand relationships that continue long after the timeline shifts.
With Angry Mom and Love in the Moonlight, she began carrying more of the story herself. Her characters had their own motivations and decisions, rather than functioning only as younger versions of someone else. The shift also gave her opportunities to explore contemporary school life, hidden identities and romantic relationships.
Her more recent roles show a wider range of tones. Do Do-hee in My Demon needs confidence and comic timing, while Baek Ah-jin in Dear X is shaped by manipulation, ambition and emotional damage. Lee Ga-kyung in 100 Days of Deception introduces another combination of historical setting, undercover work and romance.
That range is what makes Kim Yoo Jung’s filmography interesting to revisit. Her best performances are not all variations of the same heroine; they offer different entry points for viewers with different tastes.
Which Kim Yoo Jung Drama Should You Watch First?
The best starting point depends on what you want from a K-drama. There is no single title that works for every viewer, but a few choices stand out by genre.
If you enjoy romance with royal politics and secret identities, choose Love in the Moonlight. For supernatural romance with comedy, try My Demon. If you prefer psychological tension and a morally complicated lead, Dear X is the stronger choice. For a nostalgic first-love movie, watch 20th Century Girl. And if you want a current series, start with 100 Days of Deception.
This approach also helps readers searching for best Kim Yoo Jung dramas discover titles that match their mood rather than simply following a popularity ranking. Her career includes very different genres, so choosing by tone can make the first watch more rewarding.
Final Verdict: Which Kim Yoo Jung Performances Are Worth Your Time?
Kim Yoo Jung has built a varied career across Korean television and cinema, and the best way to explore it is to choose titles that show different sides of her acting. Love in the Moonlight remains an excellent historical-romance starting point, My Demon offers fantasy and humour, and Dear X explores a darker character. On the film side, 20th Century Girl is an accessible emotional romance, while Thread of Lies and The Chaser offer more serious material.
Her latest project, 100 Days of Deception, adds another period drama to a filmography already rich in historical roles. For new fans, the combination of classic dramas, recent series and films makes it easy to build a watchlist around a preferred genre.
If you’re searching for Kim Yoo Jung movies and TV shows, start with the titles that fit your mood, then explore her earlier work to see how her performances and roles have evolved over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kim Yoo Jung Movies and TV Shows
1. What are the best Kim Yoo Jung dramas?
Some of the best-known Kim Yoo Jung dramas include Love in the Moonlight, My Demon, Dear X, The Moon Embracing the Sun, Angry Mom, Lovers of the Red Sky and Backstreet Rookie. Each highlights a different side of her career, from historical romance to fantasy and psychological thriller.
2. What is the most popular Kim Yoo Jung movie?
20th Century Girl is among her best-known films internationally, especially among Netflix viewers. It is a coming-of-age romance about friendship and first love set in 1999.
3. What is Kim Yoo Jung’s latest drama in 2026?
100 Days of Deception premiered on October 10, 2026. Kim Yoo Jung plays Lee Ga-kyung, a skilled pickpocket drawn into an undercover mission during Korea’s colonial period. The drama is currently airing, with availability depending on the region.
4. Is Kim Yoo Jung in My Demon?
Yes. Kim Yoo Jung stars as Do Do-hee in My Demon, opposite Song Kang as Jung Gu-won. The fantasy romance aired from 2023 to 2024.
5. Is Dear X worth watching?
Dear X is worth considering if you enjoy psychological thrillers with morally complex characters. Kim Yoo Jung plays Baek Ah-jin, an actress whose public image conceals a ruthless approach to getting ahead.
6. Which Kim Yoo Jung movies should beginners watch?
Start with 20th Century Girl for romance, Thread of Lies for social drama, The Chaser for crime thriller and The 8th Night for supernatural horror. These films show the variety of genres in her movie career.
7. What was Kim Yoo Jung’s early career like?
Kim Yoo Jung began working as a child performer and appeared in films and television dramas from an early age. She often played younger versions of leading characters before moving into substantial lead roles such as Hong Ra-on in Love in the Moonlight.
8. Where can I watch Kim Yoo Jung movies and TV shows?
Availability changes by region and over time. 20th Century Girl and The 8th Night have been associated with Netflix, while other dramas may be available through services such as Viki or regional broadcasters. Check each platform’s local catalogue before subscribing.
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