Go Youn-jung has steadily earned a name for herself as one of South Korea’s most promising rising stars. While she first caught attention with her breathtaking visuals and modelling work, her magnetic screen presence and acting range continue to win us over. Although she currently has more supporting roles than lead ones, the characters she plays often become the most talked-about and beloved in their respective dramas.
It’s no coincidence that many of the most memorable K-dramas we’ve loved in recent years have featured Go Youn-jung, each one boasting her growing filmography. As Resident Playbook wraps up its run, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Go Youn-jung dramas you’ll want to binge next!
He is Psychometric (2019)
Go Youn-jung began her acting career in the television series He Is Psychometric, taking on the role of Kim So-hyun. As Yoon Jae-in’s (Shin Ye-eun) childhood friend, So-hyun is the only person who truly understands her. She becomes a young mother after getting pregnant in high school and later works as a teacher at a daycare center. She’s also the longtime crush of Lee Dae-bong (Noh Jong-hyun), who has harbored feelings for her since their school days. Dae-bong, in turn, is Lee Ahn’s (GOT7 Jinyoung) best friend.
The drama follows Lee Ahn, a man with psychometric abilities—the power to read memories and emotions through touch—as he crosses paths with Yoon Jae-in, a woman guarding painful secrets from her past.
Sweet Home (2020)
Go Youn-jung had her first breakout moment as a supporting character when she portrayed Park Yu-ri in Sweet Home, later reprising the role in cameo appearances for Sweet Home 2 and 3. As a hospice nurse and devoted caretaker to An Gil-seob (Kim Kap-soo), Yu-ri forms a deep, father-daughter-like bond with him. Though not bound by blood, their relationship feels genuine and protective. Their chemistry is one of the series’ most touching highlights.
Park Yu-ri stands out as a brave and selfless character, constantly putting others’ safety before her own. Whether rescuing survivors or battling monsters with her crossbow, her courage and compassion shine through.
Alongside this, she also develops a slow-burning romance with Pyeon Sang-wook (Lee Jin-uk). Although she initially clashes with the tough ‘gangster’ who rejects her medical help and mocks her sense of duty, her empathy for his pain and the goodness she sees beneath his hardened exterior eventually draws them closer.
Law School (2021)
Go Youn-jung continued to leave a strong impression in Law School, starring as Jeon Ye-seul alongside Kim Bum and Ryu Hye-young. The series is a campus mystery that follows the lives of students and professors at South Korea’s top law school as they become entangled in an unexpected case.
Jeon Ye-seul is a charming but meek student with a cheerful exterior and a heavy personal story. She applies to law school not out of ambition, but to follow her boyfriend, the son of an assemblyman. Ironically, she passes the entrance exam on her own. Her real motivation isn’t the law—it’s love.
As the plot progresses, the truth about her relationship comes to light: Jeon Ye-seul is a victim of both physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her boyfriend. Through this role, Go Youn-jung sheds light on the painful yet empowering journey of a woman learning to recognize abuse, reclaim her voice, and stand up for herself.
Hunt (2022)
In 2022, Go Youn-jung made her film debut in the South Korean espionage action thriller Hunt. Directed by Lee Jung-jae in his first feature film, the movie starred both him and Jung Woo-sung. Her performance quickly drew praise from critics. As a result, she earned Best New Actress nominations at the Buil Film Awards, Grand Bell Awards, Blue Dragon Film Awards, and Baeksang Arts Awards.
The story follows NIS agents Park Pyung-ho (Lee Jung-jae) and Kim Jung-do (Jung Woo-sung) as they suspect each other of being the mole behind a presidential assassination plot. Go Youn-jung plays Jo Yoo-jeong, a college student under Pyung-ho’s mentorship who gets caught up in the dangerous operation.
Alchemy of Souls (2022)
In June 2022, Go Youn-jung briefly appeared in Part 1 of tvN’s period fantasy series Alchemy of Souls as Naksu, a skilled assassin whose soul inhabits Mu-deok’s body (played by Jung So-min). Later that year, in December, she returned to the screen as the female lead in Part 2, Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow. This time, she took on the role of Jin Bu-yeon, an amnesiac priestess. She starred opposite Lee Jae-wook, bringing a fresh dynamic to the storyline.
Moving (2023)
The series that skyrocketed Go Youn-jung to international fame was Moving, Kang Full’s action-packed fantasy sci-fi drama on Disney+. In it, she plays Jang Hui-soo, a high school student who inherits extraordinary abilities from her father, Jang Ju-won (Ryu Seung-ryong), including rapid healing and superhuman strength.
Her performance left critics and fans in awe. As a result, she earned the Best New Actress Award at the 2023 Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards and the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards. Moving holds a special place in our hearts. It remains one of our top K-drama picks, and we can’t help but recommend it to anyone exploring Go Youn-jung’s best work.
Just seven days after its release, Moving became the most-watched Korean original series on Disney+ globally and on Hulu in the U.S., based on streaming hours. With its success, a second season is already in the works, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Death’s Game (2024)
In Death’s Game, Go Youn-jung plays Lee Ji-su, a novelist who has been in a long-term relationship with Choi Yi-jae (Seo In-guk) since their college days. After Yi-jae’s tragic death, Ji-su struggles to cope with grief and loss. One day, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Jang Gun-woo (Lee Do-hyun), a reincarnated version of Yi-jae in a different body.
While Yi-jae tries to let go of their love due to his emotional burdens, Gun-woo is drawn to Ji-su with renewed affection. Their reunion feels tender and tense, with the audience sensing something is out of reach. Without giving anything away, this part of the series delivers one of the most emotional and shocking turns, it’s a moment that lingers long after the credits roll.
Resident Playbook (2025)
Once again, Go Youn-jung showcased her talent in a leading role through the series Resident Playbook. She plays Oh Yi-young, starring alongside Shin Si-a, Kang You-seok, Han Ye-ji, and Jung Joon-won. This time, she brought to life a character who’s easygoing and charming, with a strong sense of responsibility but noticeably lacking motivation. Go Youn-jung describes her character as a mix of innocence and passion, calling her cute and harmless.
Resident Playbook is a spin-off of the popular series Hospital Playlist. It follows the realistic and relatable lives of first-year obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) residents at Yulje Medical Center’s Jongno branch, as they navigate the chaos of both work and personal life while striving to become exceptional doctors.
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Featured Image Credit: MAA Korea
