From heart-wrenching fantasy romances to hair-raising mysteries — one of the most versatile actresses in the Korean entertainment industry has been there, and starred in that. Currently, in the news for her role as a free-spirited clubber in Love In The Big City — actress Kim Go-eun has quite an impressive filmography, featuring several hit movies and TV shows. Here’s a look at a few that defined her career.
In 2012, a young Kim Go-eun — then only 21 — found herself in the headlines after a compelling performance as a 17-year-old high school student pursued by two older men in A Muse. She even bagged the Best New Actress title that year at the Buil Film Awards, Busan Film Critics Awards, and Chunsa Film Art Awards, amongst others. Soon enough, offers for more projects began knocking at her door — allowing her to experiment with various genres. Today, she boasts a filmography that features everything from historical musicals to thriller comedies — with plenty of romance thrown in for good measure. No surprise that she’s one of the industry’s most popular actresses.
“I take pride in my work. I’m grateful and happy to be living my dream of being an actor,” she told Korea Times in an interview. “When a project ends, I take time to reflect. Growth isn’t always noticeable right away, but after a few years, I can look back and see that I’ve improved,” she added. Most recently, this growth comes from her acclaimed performances in the comedy film Love In The Big City alongside Noh Sang-hyun as well as the female-centric thriller Exhuma. If you’ve yet to be acquainted with Kim Go-eun, here’s our pick of her best movies and TV shows.
Movies and TV shows of versatile actress Kim Go-eun to tune into
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Coin Locker Girl
Directed by: Han Jun-hee
Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Go-eun
Release date: 29 April 2015
Synopsis: After being abandoned inside a coin locker at a train station — a young baby is adopted by a beggar named Il-young (played by Kim Go-eun). When she’s 10, she’s sold to a woman named Mother (played by Kim Hye-soo) who is a loan shark and the head of an organ trafficking crime ring in Chinatown, Incheon. After noting the child’s intelligence and smarts, the crime lord raises her to be a personal debt collector in her organisation. However, things take a turn when Il-young is tasked to collect a debt from the kind and open Suk-hyun (played by Park Bo-gum) and she soon falls for him, turning on her adopted mother instead.
About the movie: The movie was hailed by critics and viewers alike for its riveting storytelling. For her performance, actress Kim Go-eun bagged the Jury’s Choice Award Special Mention title at the 2015 Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and the Popularity Award at the 2015 Korean Film Actors’ Guild Awards.
Cheese In The Trap
Directed by: Lee Yoon-jung
Cast: Kim Go-eun, Lee Sung-kyung, Park Hae-jin, Seo Kang-joon
Episodes: 16
Release date: 1 March 2016
Synopsis: Bad-tempered rich kid Yoo Jung (played by Park Hae-jin) has a complicated romantic relationship with hardworking scholarship student Hong Seol (played by Kim Go-eun) in college. However, after graduation, things fall apart. Also in the picture? Skilled pianist Baek In-ho (played by Seo Kang-joon) who’s adopted into Jung’s family and his older sister Baek In-ha (played by Lee Sung-kyung) who has unrequited feelings for Jung.
About the show: The drama was celebrated for its realistic depiction of college life, propelling the cast to news headlines. For her performance, Kim Go-eun bagged the Best New Actress (Television) title at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards.
Directed by: Lee Eung-bok
Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Wook Lee-dong
Episodes: 16
Release date: 2 December 2016
Synopsis: Immortal goblin Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo) has a turbulent past that makes him desperate for death. His only hope of being mortal? Finding his fated bride. Centuries pass in despair and longing until he meets the bright and cheery Ji Eun-tak (played by Kim Go-eun) — who has a tragic life. Also, in the picture? His grim reaper roommate Wang Ye (played by Lee Dong-wook), never got his romantic happy ending either.
About the show: The fantasy romance has a cult following in K-drama history. Kim Go-eun became a household name with her performance — earning a nomination for the Top Excellence Award, Actress at the 2017 Korea Drama Awards and Best Actress – Television at the 2017 Baeksang Arts Awards, amongst others.
Directed by: Baek Sang-hoon and Jung Ji-hyun
Cast: Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-Eun, Woo Do-Hwan, Lee Hong-Nae
Episodes: 16
Release date: 17 April 2020
Synopsis: The third monarch of his generation and head of the Kingdom of Corea Lee Gon (played by Lee Min-ho) loses his way after his father’s death. To escape his duties, he leaves the palace. Only to mysteriously end up in a parallel world where he meets police inspector Jeong Tae-Eul (played by Kim Go-Eun). The latter promises to help the former close the door between the two worlds. In return, he helps her deal with criminals. Soon enough, they fall in love.
About the show: This romantic fantasy has a cult following in K-drama circles. For her stellar performance, Kim Go-eun was nominated in the Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Fantasy/Romance Drama category at the 2020 SBS Drama Awards as well as the Popular Star Award, Actress category at the 2021 APAN Star Awards.
Yumi's Cells
Directed by: Lee Sang-yeob
Cast: Kim Go-eun, Park Jin-young, Lee Yu-bi, Ahn Bo Hyun
Episodes: 28
Release date: 17 September, 2021
Synopsis: Office worker Kim Yumi (played by Kim Go-eun) is coping with heartbreak when she comes across stoic game developer Goo Woong (played by Ahn Bo-hyun). The latter starts showing interest in the former, however, she’s yet to decide if she can trust another man again.
About the show: The series was hailed for its compelling storytelling, with both actors enjoying considerable popularity as a result. For her performance, Kim Go-eun bagged the Best Leading Actress title at the 2022 Blue Dragon Series Awards.
Little Women
Directed by: Kim Hee-won
Cast: Kim Go-eun, Nam Ji-hyun, Park Ji-hu
Episodes: 12
Release date: 3 September 2022
Synopsis: Three sisters — Oh In-joo (played by Kim Go-eun), Oh In-kyung (played by Nam Ji-hyun), and Oh In-hye (played by Park Ji-hu) — grow up poor. However, they’re all highly ambitious. In-joo wishes for an ordinary life, Oh In-kyung is an honest reporter, and Park Ji-hu is a skilled student of art. Their otherwise mundane lives take a turn when they get caught up in a major incident that has them face off against one of the wealthiest families in South Korea.
About the show: The series received acclaim from critics and viewers alike — earning Kim Go-eun the Actress of The Year (Domestic) title at the 2022 Kinolights Awards.
Exhuma
Directed by: Jang Jae-hyun
Cast: Choi Min-shik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Do-hyun
Release date: 22 February 2024
Synopsis: When a wealthy family in Los Angeles is faced with a series of paranormal events, they seek out the help of shamans Hwa-rim (played by Kim Go-eun) and Bong-gil (played by Lee Do-hyun). The duo’s investigation leads them to a grave in a remote village in South Korea, where they dig up a malevolence they hadn’t anticipated.
About the movie: For her stellar performance, Kim Go-eun bagged the Best Actress Movie title at the 2024 Brand of the Year Awards and Best Actress – Film at the 2024 Baeksang Arts Awards.
Which of these Kim Go-eun movies and TV shows are you tuning into next?
Hero and feature images: Courtesy of Exhuma/Prime Video
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Kim Go-eun was in a confirmed relationship with Shin Ha-kyun from 2016 - 2017.
Kim Go-eun reportedly has won 13 awards and been nominated for 23 awards
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Written by
Eshita Srinivas
Senior Digital Writer - Entertainment and Food & Drinks
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
