The actress who once faced harsh criticism for her performance in Kingdom is now earning some of the best reviews of her career. Kim Hye-jun is pulling double duty this summer with two major Korean dramas—Disney+’s action thriller A Shop for Killers 2 and tvN’s romantic comedy My Bias, My Boss—and audiences are taking notice.
From ‘Kingdom’ Controversy to Career Comeback
Kim Hye-jun’s journey in the industry has not been without its rough patches. When she appeared as Queen Consort Cho in the first season of Netflix’s Kingdom back in 2019, viewers were not kind. Many criticized her delivery, with some saying her tone and vocal style did not fit the period drama setting. The criticism got so intense that Kingdom director Kim Seong-hun publicly apologized, saying he felt sorry for the actress and that if there were shortcomings, it was the director’s fault for not providing enough support.
But Kim Hye-jun did not let the negative feedback break her. She returned for Kingdom Season 2 in 2020 with a much stronger performance that won over many of her critics. Looking back, she admitted the pressure was enormous. In a 2020 interview, she said the acting controversy weighed heavily on her, but she poured everything she had into the second season.
Fast forward to 2026, and the 31-year-old actress has clearly left those early doubts behind.
‘A Shop for Killers 2’: A More Confident Ji-an
A Shop for Killers 2 premiered on July 22, 2026, on Disney+ (and Hulu in the US). The eight-episode season picks up right after the events of the first season. Kim Hye-jun reprises her role as Jeong Ji-an, the young woman who inherited her uncle’s secret weapons operation after his apparent death.
This time around, Ji-an is no longer the terrified niece just trying to survive. She is now the CEO of Murthehelp, the underground shopping mall for assassins. She faces new threats from Babylon, a global criminal organization that wants revenge. The season also brings in new cast members, including Japanese stars Hyunri and Masaki Okada.
What makes Kim Hye-jun’s performance stand out in season two is the way she shows Ji-an’s growth gradually. She does not suddenly turn into an unstoppable action hero. Instead, viewers see her confidence build step by step, making every small victory feel earned.
The action sequences are also more intense this season. Kim Hye-jun trained hard for the fight scenes, which now include gunfights and hand-to-hand combat. One review noted that she “shoulders much more of the narrative this time around,” calling her performance compelling and emotionally sincere.
A Shop for Killers 2 releases two new episodes every Wednesday, with the finale scheduled for August 12, 2026.
‘My Bias, My Boss’: Showing a Different Side
While A Shop for Killers 2 shows Kim Hye-jun in action mode, My Bias, My Boss lets her shine in a completely different light. The workplace romantic comedy premiered on August 3, 2026, on tvN and is also available on streaming platforms like Viki.
Based on a popular webtoon, the drama follows Nam Da-reum (played by Kim Hye-jun), a K-pop fanatic who lands a job at a fashion company. Her goal? To work alongside her longtime idol, Lee Chan (played by Cha Woo-min). But things get complicated when she keeps clashing with the company’s CEO, Kang Ha-gi (played by Kang Hoon).
The role requires Kim Hye-jun to be funny, awkward, and emotionally open—a big shift from the hardened Ji-an. One review described her performance as making the fangirl comedy work because her embarrassment feels genuinely sincere. Another outlet noted that she brings the “perfect mix of clingy and clever” to the character.
The drama has been drawing decent ratings, with the latest episode pulling in 3.14 percent according to Nielsen data. New episodes air every Monday and Tuesday at 8:45 p.m. KST.
What Critics and Fans Are Saying
The contrast between Kim Hye-jun’s two summer projects has not gone unnoticed. One report highlighted how she is “dazzling” in both roles, proving she can handle action and romance with equal skill. Another noted that her performances in both series have successfully put to rest the acting controversies that once followed her.
Viewers have also been sharing their appreciation online. Reviews for A Shop for Killers have consistently praised her ability to show fear, anger, and determination in a way that feels real. For My Bias, My Boss, audiences seem to enjoy her comedic timing and the way she brings warmth to the fangirl character.
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What’s Next for Kim Hye-jun
Even with two dramas keeping her busy, Kim Hye-jun is already looking ahead. Reports indicate she is in talks to star in MBC’s upcoming medical drama Mind Doctor, alongside actor Kang Ha-neul. The project is currently in development with plans to premiere in 2027.
For now, though, Kim Hye-jun is enjoying a summer that many actors would dream of—leading two major dramas in completely different genres at the same time. And she is doing it while proving that the criticism she once faced was just a stepping stone to something bigger.
Also Read: My Bias My Boss First Impressions: A Fangirls Office Dream Turns Into Chaotic Love Triangle
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