Choi Sooyoung, a multi-talented South Korean actress and singer, has built an impressive career in both music and acting. As a member of the iconic K-pop group Girls’ Generation, she gained global fame before transitioning into a successful acting career. Over the years, Sooyoung has starred in numerous films and dramas, showcasing her versatility in genres ranging from romantic comedies to intense thrillers. This article highlights her 11 best works, providing detailed insights into each project, including plot summaries, cast, ratings, and Where to Watch.
11. Memories of a Dead End (2018)
Genre: Drama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Release Date: 2018
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Director: N/A
Cast: Choi Sooyoung, Kim Min-jae, Park Ji-yoon
Runtime: 1h 30m
Plot Summary: Yumi (Choi Sooyoung) is a young woman recovering from a painful breakup. She moves into a small, secluded community at the end of a quiet road, hoping to escape her past. There, she meets a group of neighbors, each carrying their own emotional burdens. Among them is a kind but reserved man (Kim Min-jae), who slowly helps her open up. As Yumi interacts with the community, she begins to heal, finding solace in their shared stories of loss and hope. The film explores themes of grief, second chances, and the unexpected connections that help people move forward. The climax reveals Yumi finally confronting her past, allowing herself to embrace new beginnings.
Where to Watch: Limited availability; check local platforms.
Awards: None.
Review: A quiet, introspective film with strong performances, especially from Sooyoung.
10. Girl Cops (2019)
Genre: Action, Comedy
Country: South Korea
Release Date: May 9, 2019
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Director: Jung Da-won
Cast: Ra Mi-ran, Lee Sung-kyung, Choi Sooyoung
Runtime: 1h 47m
Plot Summary: Mi-young (Ra Mi-ran), a former top detective now stuck at a desk job, and Ji-hye (Lee Sung-kyung), an overzealous rookie, reluctantly team up when a woman seeking help is murdered outside their station. They uncover a spy-cam porn ring targeting women and realize the police won’t prioritize the case. Sooyoung plays Jang-mi, a rebellious intern who joins their unofficial investigation. The trio uses unorthodox methods—posing as college students, infiltrating parties—to track down the criminals. The film balances humor with serious social commentary, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation where the women take justice into their own hands.
Where to Watch: Viki, Amazon Prime (region-dependent).
Awards: Nominated for Best Film at Buil Film Awards.
Review: A fun, feminist action-comedy with great chemistry among the leads.
9. So I Married an Anti-Fan (2021)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Country: South Korea
Release Date: April 30, 2021
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Director: Kang Cheol-woo
Cast: Choi Sooyoung, Choi Tae-joon, Hwang Chan-sung
Episodes: 16
Plot Summary: Lee Geun-young (Sooyoung), a magazine reporter, loses her job after a public altercation with K-pop star Hoo Joon (Choi Tae-joon). Convinced he ruined her career, she protests outside his agency, gaining fame as his “anti-fan.” A reality show producer offers them a deal: live together for a month, with cameras rolling. Initially, they clash constantly—Geun-young sabotages Joon’s dates, while he mocks her naivety. But as they spend time together, Geun-young learns about Joon’s pressures as an idol, and he sees her integrity. When a scandal threatens Joon’s career, Geun-young risks her reputation to help him, leading to real feelings.
Where to Watch: Viki, iQIYI.
Awards: None.
Review: A lighthearted rom-com with sharp banter and slow-burn chemistry.
8. Run On (2020–2021)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Country: South Korea
Release Date: December 16, 2020
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Director: Lee Jae-hoon
Cast: Im Si-wan, Shin Se-kyung, Choi Sooyoung
Episodes: 16
Plot Summary: Ki Sun-gyum (Im Si-wan), a former sprinter, and Oh Mi-joo (Shin Se-kyung), a film translator, navigate love while pursuing their passions. Sooyoung plays Seo Dan-ah, a sharp-tongued sports agent and heiress struggling with family expectations. Dan-ah’s arc focuses on her rivalry with her half-brother for control of their company and her reluctant attraction to artist Lee Young-hwa (Kang Tae-oh). The drama explores self-worth and independence, with Dan-ah learning to prioritize her happiness over corporate battles. Meanwhile, Sun-gyum and Mi-joo’s relationship blossoms through mutual support, showing how love thrives when both partners grow individually.
Where to Watch: Netflix.
Awards: Nominated for Best Drama at Baeksang Arts Awards.
Review: A refreshing, character-driven story with layered relationships.
7. If You Wish Upon Me (2022)
Genre: Melodrama, Healing
Country: South Korea
Release Date: August 10, 2022
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Director: Kim Yong-wan
Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Choi Sooyoung, Sung Dong-il
Episodes: 16
Plot Summary: Yoon Gyeo-re (Ji Chang-wook), a troubled ex-convict, is assigned community service at a hospice. There, he joins Team Genie, a group that grants patients’ final wishes. Sooyoung plays Seo Yeon-joo, a compassionate nurse who helps him connect with others. One patient, a former boxer, wishes to reunite with his estranged daughter; another wants to experience a day as a chef. Through these missions, Gyeo-re confronts his traumatic past, including his abusive childhood. The drama’s emotional peak comes when Yeon-joo helps him realize that healing requires forgiveness—both for others and himself.
Where to Watch: Viki, Kocowa.
Awards: Nominated at KBS Drama Awards.
Review: A moving, uplifting drama about redemption and human connection.
6. Tell Me What You Saw (2020)
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Country: South Korea
Release Date: February 1, 2020
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Director: Kim Sang-hyuk
Cast: Jang Hyuk, Choi Sooyoung, Jin Seo-yeon
Episodes: 16
Plot Summary: Oh Hyun-jae (Jang Hyuk), a genius profiler, vanished after a serial killer murdered his fiancée. Years later, similar crimes resurface, and rookie detective Cha Soo-young (Sooyoung), who has a photographic memory, is assigned to work with him. Their investigation reveals the killer, “Peppermint,” is taunting Hyun-jae. Soo-young’s memory helps decode hidden clues, while Hyun-jae’s profiling skills uncover the killer’s link to a corrupt politician. The tension peaks when Soo-young is kidnapped, forcing Hyun-jae to confront his guilt and save her in a brutal showdown.
Where to Watch: Viki, OCN.
Awards: None.
Review: A gripping thriller with smart twists and intense performances.
5. Not Others (2023)
Genre: Comedy, Family Drama
Country: South Korea
Release Date: July 17, 2023
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Director: N/A
Cast: Jeon Hye-jin, Choi Sooyoung, Ahn Jae-wook
Episodes: 12
Plot Summary: Kim Eun-mi (Jeon Hye-jin), a single mother who had her daughter Jin-hee (Sooyoung) as a teen, now works as a physical therapist. Jin-hee, a police officer, still lives at home, and their dynamic is a mix of bickering and deep love. When Eun-mi starts dating Dr. Park Jin-hong (Ahn Jae-wook), Jin-hee feels threatened, while her own tension with boss Eun Jae-won (Park Sung-hoon) mirrors her fear of abandonment. The drama humorously explores their flawed but unbreakable bond, culminating in Jin-hee realizing her mother’s sacrifices and Eun-mi accepting her daughter’s independence.
Where to Watch: ENA, Viki.
Awards: None.
Review: A relatable, funny take on mother-daughter relationships.
4. My Spring Days (2014)
Genre: Melodrama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Release Date: September 10, 2014
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Director: Lee Jae-dong
Cast: Kam Woo-sung, Choi Sooyoung, Lee Joon-hyuk
Episodes: 16
Plot Summary: Lee Bom-yi (Sooyoung), a terminally ill woman, receives a heart transplant and later meets Kang Dong-wook (Kam Woo-sung), the widower of her donor. Bom-yi begins experiencing memories and emotions tied to the donor, leading her to Dong-wook’s family. His children initially resent her, but she helps them heal while Dong-wook struggles with guilt over loving someone new. The drama’s climax involves Bom-yi’s health declining again, forcing Dong-wook to choose between holding onto the past or embracing a future with her.
Where to Watch: Kocowa, Viki.
Awards: Won Excellence Award at MBC Drama Awards.
Review: A poignant story about love, loss, and second chances.
3. Squad 38 (2016)
Genre: Crime, Action
Country: South Korea
Release Date: June 17, 2016
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Director: Han Dong-hwa
Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Seo In-guk, Choi Sooyoung
Episodes: 16
Plot Summary: Baek Sung-il (Seo In-guk), a con artist, teams up with tax collector Yang Jung-do (Ma Dong-seok) to expose corrupt elites evading taxes. Sooyoung plays Chun Sung-hee, a principled investigator suspicious of their methods. The trio targets a powerful businessman, using elaborate scams to trap him. Sung-hee initially opposes their illegal tactics but later joins them when she realizes the system is rigged. The finale sees them risking everything to bring down the villain, with Sung-hee’s legal skills complementing the duo’s street smarts.
Where to Watch: OCN, Viki.
Awards: None.
Review: A clever, fast-paced crime drama with social commentary.
2. Second Shot at Love (2025)
Genre: Drama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Release Date: 2025
IMDb Rating: N/A (Upcoming)
Director: N/A
Cast: Choi Sooyoung, Gong Myung
Episodes: 12
Plot Summary: Han Geum-joo (Sooyoung) is a young professional hiding her alcoholism from her family. When she reconnects with her cold former best friend (Gong Myung), now a successful chef, his harsh criticism forces her to confront her addiction. As Geum-joo attends therapy, flashbacks reveal their fractured friendship stemmed from a tragic accident years ago. The drama explores recovery, forgiveness, and whether their bond can be rebuilt.
Where to Watch: TBA.
Awards: None yet.
Review: A raw, emotional look at addiction and redemption.
1. Ballerina (2025)
Genre: Action, Thriller
Country: Hollywood
Release Date: 2025
IMDb Rating: N/A
Director: Len Wiseman
Cast: Choi Sooyoung, Ana de Armas; Anjelica Huston; Gabriel Byrne; Lance Reddick; Norman Reedus; Ian McShane; Keanu Reeves
Plot Summary: Trained in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma, Eve Macarro takes on an army of killers as she seeks revenge against those responsible for the death of her father.
Where to Watch: Theaters (upcoming).
Awards: N/A.
Review: An anticipated action film showcasing Sooyoung’s versatility.
Also Read: Top 10 Iconic Heiresses in K-Dramas: From Son Ye-jin’s Glamour to Kim Ji-won’s Elite Charm
SOURCES: IMDb, AsianWiki, MyDramaList, Wikipedia.
