Shin Hae Sun has earned recognition as one of South Korea’s most skilled actors, showcasing her versatility and depth in the recent drama Dear Hyeri, where she plays dual roles as Eun Ho and Hye Ri. Known for choosing unique and challenging roles, Shin Hae Sun has consistently taken on characters that push boundaries and offer her opportunities to display her broad acting range. Here are four of her standout performances in K-dramas that highlight her incredible talent and memorable characters.
1. Hymn of Death
Set in Japanese-occupied Korea, Hymn of Death is a historical romance based on the tragic true story of Kim Woo Jin (played by Lee Jong Suk) and Yun Sim Deok (played by Shin Hae Sun), the soprano known for Korea’s first-ever pop song.
In the drama, Kim Woo Jin and Yun Sim Deok meet while participating in a pro-Joseon play organized by Korean students in Japan. Their relationship deepens during the production, but Sim Deok soon discovers that Kim Woo Jin is already married. Heartbroken, she returns to Korea, where she struggles as an opera singer, torn between her personal hardships and love. Shin Hae Sun’s portrayal of Yun Sim Deok effectively conveys the character’s sorrow and yearning, bringing depth to the historical drama. Notably:
“Shin Hae Sun’s refined facial expressions and voice inflections make the character’s pain palpable.”
Hymn of Death is concise, with just six episodes, making it an ideal choice for a quick binge-watch.
2. Mr. Queen
Adapted from the web novel The Promotion Record of a Crown Princess, Mr. Queen takes a comedic twist on the historical romance genre. Shin Hae Sun plays Kim So Yong, a queen-to-be inhabited by the spirit of Jang Bong Hwan, a male chef from modern-day South Korea. As Bong Hwan navigates life in the body of Kim So Yong, he must adapt to her responsibilities, all while hiding his real identity.
In a notable twist, Bong Hwan’s feelings shift as he discovers King Cheol Jong (played by Kim Jung Hyun) is not the figurehead he initially assumed but a kind-hearted man caught in a web of political manipulation. The duality of Kim So Yong’s character reveals Shin Hae Sun’s talent for balancing comedic and dramatic moments, making Mr. Queen a uniquely entertaining watch.
“Shin Hae Sun’s expressions make the entire drama engaging from start to finish, while her comedic timing proves her versatility in every genre.”
For fans of lighthearted historical romances, Mr. Queen is a must-watch.
3. See You in My 19th Life
In See You in My 19th Life, adapted from a popular webtoon, Shin Hae Sun portrays Ban Ji Eum, a woman who remembers every past life she has lived. After her previous life ends abruptly in a tragic accident, she decides to reconnect with Moon Seo Ha (played by Ahn Bo Hyun), her childhood love from her 18th reincarnation.
While See You in My 19th Life may not be the perfect adaptation of the webtoon, Shin Hae Sun’s performance adds emotional weight to the narrative. The character’s dedication to rekindling her past love showcases her depth and persistence, appealing to viewers looking for a heartfelt fantasy romance.
“The main cast, especially Shin Hae Sun’s phenomenal performance, once again makes the drama too entertaining to drop.”
4. Welcome to Samdalri
In Welcome to Samdalri, Shin Hae Sun plays Cho Sam Dal, a small-town girl who dreams of leaving her hometown to make a name for herself in Seoul. Her ambition eventually leads her to success as a famous fashion photographer, but her career unravels due to a false allegation, forcing her to return to her hometown and confront her past, including her ex-boyfriend, Cho Yong Pil (played by Ji Chang Wook).
Welcome to Samdalri stands out for its simplicity, focusing on everyday life in a small town rather than a complex plot. The drama explores familiar themes like forgiveness, reconciliation, and self-discovery, showcasing Shin Hae Sun’s ability to convey subtle emotions and connect with audiences on a relatable level.
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