If you have been around the K-drama world for sometime, you will know how much of a unique actress Jung So-Min is. The projects she chooses are a perfect example of her gutsy attitude. She doesn’t necessarily pick up a romantic and flowery project. She always picks up a project that shows she has potential we couldn’t imagine. The way she jumps from heartwarming to hilarious rom-coms and suddenly makes us surprised by giving a showstopper character in an intense thriller series with such an ease. 

So, whether you’re new to the Jung So-Min fan club or, like me, have watched her transform from a clumsy high schooler to a fierce warrior trapped in someone else’s body (Alchemy of Souls, anyone?), here’s the ultimate guide to her most binge-worthy dramas. 

Now that her latest show Love Next Door has wrapped up two weeks back, I thought it’d be the perfect time to take a little trip down memory lane and revisit some of her best dramas. Buckle up, folks, because narrowing this list down was no easy task (trust me, I tried!). But here are my top Jung So-Min picks that you just have to watch.

8 Must Watch Series of Jung So-Min

1. Soul Mechanic (2020)

Let me start you with my most favourite. May be the most underrated. Soul Mechanic dives deep into the world of mental health, and it’s one of those dramas that’ll stay with you long after the credits roll. The series is something every single human has to watch once in their lifetime. Especially those who spend all their life battling themself inside their head. In Soul Mechanic, 

Jung So-Min is phenomenal here. Her portrayal of Woo-Joo’s raw vulnerability, mixed with her fierce determination, is breathtaking. There’s a scene where she completely breaks down, and honestly, it gave me chills. Encountering Lee Si-Joon played by Shin Ha-Kyun, a psychiatrist and a heartwarming person who believes in healing the broken people, their mind and their soul. Eventually these two fell in love. The show tackles mental health head-on, and it’s raw, real, and beautiful.

Playing Woo Joo is definitely a challenging role. Very layered, emotional and complex and So Min nailed it. I am surprised neither the show nor her didn’t get any award for such a terrific performance. Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged (violently). Oh, and keep tissues nearby—you’ll definitely need ‘em.

I have written a detailed review on Soul Mechanic, make sure to give it a read!

Total Episodes: 32 

Run Time: 35 min per episode

Where to Watch: Viki

Genre: Medical, Slice of Life

2. Alchemy of Souls (2022)

Alchemy of Souls is my top favourite series in 2022. Jung So-Min as Mu-Deok is everything you never knew you needed in a fantasy drama: a fierce warrior spirit stuck in a body as fragile as my willpower when there is a dessert around. I don’t think anyone could have pulled out that role like her. She’s fierce, powerful, and still manages to bring her signature humor and heart to the character. Anyone would fall in love with her character.

Expect some insane action scenes, a plot that messes with your mind, and the kind of funny romance that makes you want to throw your pillow at the screen (in the best way possible). Despite the age different, her chemistry with Lee Jae-Wook turned out quite strong. 

There’s spellcasting, sword-fighting, and a love triangle that’ll keep you on your toes. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, and So-Min proves once again that she can rock any genre.

Plus, the cinematography? Gorgeous. The timeline is historical era. So… the depiction of it is something you will admire it throughout the show. Whoever’s behind that camera deserves a standing ovation. Its a high budget series. And I love all the OST. To be honest, I like first part more than the 2nd Part. And there is a reason to it. I am not giving spoilers.

Jung So Min was nominated for her performance for Top Excellence Awards, but unfortunately didn’t win. But its worth a win. But I have to say Lee Jae Wook’s best project and a path breaking project in his career is undoubtedly Alchemy of Souls and our boy did grabbed lots of awards.

Total Episodes: 20

Run Time: 70 min per episode

Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Also Read: Top Jang Nara Series

3. Because This Is My First Life (2017)

Now, if you’re in the mood for something a little softer, a little more realistic, Because This is My First Life is where it’s at. This one is like comfort food but in drama form, but with more emotional depth. Jung So-Min plays Yoon Ji-Ho, a struggling screenwriter who finds herself entering a contract marriage with a stoic IT guy, Nam Se-Hee (played by Lee Min-Ki). Because, you know, K-dramas love a good contract marriage. This drama gets real about life, love, and societal expectations.

Ji-Ho is so relatable it hurts. So-Min plays her with this quiet strength, but there are moments when she’s so raw and vulnerable, you just want to reach through the screen and give her a hug. Yoon Ji-Ho is all of us—dreaming big but dealing with the reality of life. So-Min’s down-to-earth acting makes you root for her every step of the way. 

It’s a very chill and light hearted show that makes you look at the world a bit different. You’ll learn to find life a little bit more interesting than you used to.

Lee Min-Ki always compliments his counterpart like no other. Their awkward chemistry between them is really sweet and so is their chemistry with the cat.

This drama was highly praised for its writing and performances, and So-Min’s role earned her a lot of love.

Total Episodes: 16

Run Time: 60 min per episode

Where to Watch: Viki

Genre: Rom-Com, Drama

4. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)

Okay, fair warning: this one is heavy. Not gonna lie, this one is dark.  If you’re not ready for some emotional wreckage, proceed with caution. Honestly this series wreaked me a bit.

Jung So-Min plays Yoo Jin-Kang, a woman wrapped up in an intense and tragically mysterious love story. It feels soooo dark sometimes. Keep you on tiptoe but it’s also impossible to look away. The plot? Haunting. The feels? Devastating. Her performance? Will stick to your heart forever. This show is a remake of an old Japanese series.

Watch it if you’re in the mood to emotionally destroy yourself. I didn’t have anyone warn me. So I ended up watching it. I could have watched even if someone warned me. But… When I say So Min can pull any role. This series is another example of that phrase… But the real performance also comes from Seo In Guk. He is phenomenal as the mysterious male lead. It reminded me of the novel Wuthering Heights. That’s the feel it gives.

The visuals and the cinematography was very fresh. And Park Sung Woong’s role is also worth mentioning here. He had been nailed as Jin Kang’s guardian and brother.

Total Episodes: 16

Run Time: 60 min per episode

Where to Watch: Viki

Genre: Thriller, Melodrama

5. Monthly Magazine Home (2021)

Need something light and fun to balance out the emotional wreckage from the previous drama? Look no further than Monthly Magazine Home. You’ll start to learn about real estate too. lol…

Jung So-Min plays the role Na Young-Won, a magazine editor who is passionate about homes. Her character development is something to look out for. This series is a charming blend of romance and comedy, highlighting her knack for light-hearted roles. So-Min plays Na Young-Won, a magazine editor who loves homes for their memories, while her boss, the super charming (yet infuriating) Kim Ji-Suk, only sees homes as investments. You’ll love the awkward romantic tension (classic K-drama), the light comedy, and Jung So-Min’s adorable performance.

Its a series that is light, fun and gives you a fresh perspective on how we view homes. The entire show feels like you are reading a novel. Lot of other characters and their plot line will give you an extended period of laughter as well. 

So Min as Na Young Won is charming and funny. Soooo relatable. Somin brings so much warmth and humor to her character in a way that you can’t stop admiring her. And her chemistry with Kim Ji Suk unexpectedly turned out really well. 

Total Episodes: 16

Run Time: 60 min per episode

Where to Watch: iQIYI

Genre: Rom-Com

6. Sound of Your Heart (2016)

Need a good laugh? The Sound of Your Heart is the way to go. It’s a most celebrated series and one of the critically acclaimed show, staring all the hilarious prince – Lee Kwang Soo played as a webtoon artist. It’s a wacky comedy based on a popular webtoon. So-Min plays Ae-Bong, the girlfriend of the main lead Lee Kwang-Soo. There are so many interactions between these both that will rent in your mind.

Think slapstick, exaggerated scenarios, and total hilarity.  It’s goofy, it’s light-hearted, and it’s exactly what you need after binge-watching too many heavy dramas. 

So-Min’s comedic timing is impeccable here. She goes all out, and watching her play off of Lee Kwang-Soo’s antics is comedy gold. I was surprised that So Min was pulling such a goofy role. She was so good. I started having huge respect for her as an artist because of that role. Her chemistry with Lee Kwang-Soo (yes, Running Man’s giraffe) is a comedic treat, and let me just say your abs might hurt from laughing. I am freaking fan of Kwang Soo and never expected a comic gold chemistry to be born out of this series.

Sound of your heart ost – Your Voice by MFBTY will get into your playlist… But unfortunately its not on Spotify. 

Ya’ll need to watch this series if you are fine with handling some insanity. It has ranked as one of the top Korean dramas. During 15th KBS Entertainment awards the show bagged two awards – Hot Issue Programme and Best Couple. 

Total Episodes: 20

Run Time: 15 min per episode

Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Sitcom, Comedy

Also Read: Top Funny Kdrama

7. Playful Kiss (2010)

Playful Kiss was my first encounter with So Min’s work. It is one of those iconic early K-dramas that you you to see. Jung So-Min plays Oh Ha-Ni, a clumsy high school girl hopelessly in love with the cold and distant Baek Seung-Jo (played by Kim Hyun-Joong). It’s the classic “opposites attract” story, and it’s just as fun now as it was when it aired. So Min as Oh Hani is pure and adorable. You can see her as a young talent. No wonder that role put her on her map. 

Its a little old school, but better than Boys Over Flowers. I judge people who says its a good drama. 

Total Episodes: 16

Run Time: 60 min per episode

Where to Watch: Viki

Genre: Rom-Com

Latest: Love Next Door (2024)

Actually the series Korean name is catchy – Mom’s Friend’s Son. I love the Korean Title more than this. Its a beautiful series that makes us wonder why didn’t our mother has a son like Seung Hyo (Jung Hae In). So-Min’s acting style here felt quite different from all her works. The persona is different and the chemistry with Jung Hae In felt different. There will be too many spoilers if I start talking about it. But she has nailed the role in every possible way. She portrayed a perfect depiction of a person who survive intense pain and kicks start her life. Most relatable and realistic character for me in many ways. Make sure to watch it. You will also enjoy the romance between the 2nd couple. Tbh, I loved them more than lead couple. I am sorry… but…

Total Episodes: 16

Run Time: 60 min per episode

Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

So there you have it! Jung So-Min has literally covered every genre under the K-drama sun, and honestly, it’s impossible to pick a favorite. But what’s great about her dramas is that no matter what mood you’re in, she’s got a show that’ll fit right in.

Feeling emotional? Soul Mechanic’s got you. Need a laugh? Pop on Sound of Your Heart. Looking for swoon-worthy romance? Because This Is My First Life will have you swoon.

Let me know in the comments which Jung So-Min drama you’ll be binging next!