SON YE-JIN has been among the top actresses in South Korea for almost twenty years. Her expansive career includes blockbuster films, world-wide famous television series and brand endorsements for big names in the industry.
As she celebrates a new chapter of her life with the love of her life, let us look back at her career as one of South Korea’s top and in demand actress. Here are my personal top 5 Son Ye Jin films you need to watch!
The Classic
This 2003 romantic cult movie favorite is my gateway to the Korean dramas, series and music that influenced my life, and I’m so glad that I have been indoctrinated by this film. The Classic tells the story of two lovers from different worlds – one the child of a prominent leader, while the other is an ordinary person trying to make it in life. Their worlds collide when Joo Hee (played by the amazing Son Ye Jin) vacations in the province and met Joon Ha (played by Cho Seungwoo). It simultaneously tells the story of Joo Hee’s daughter, Ji-Hye.
This spectacular work of art won numerous awards both nationally and internationally and launched Son Ye Jin’s career. She won the Popular Star Award at the 24th Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Best New Actress Awards from both 40th Grand Bell Awards and 39th Baeksang Arts Awards.
The Last Princess
The film also stars Park Hae Il, Yoon Je Moon and Ra Mi Ran. This film won the Best Music Award, Best Actress Award, Best Supporting Actress award, Best Costume Design at the Grand Bell Awards. Son Ye Jin won Best Actress Awards from the Baeksang Arts Awards, Korean Film Producers Association Awards and KOFRA Film Awards.
Be With You
Be With You is one of those movies that make you feel so happy to be alive. A remake of the original Japanese film, Be With You, this Korean film adaptation stars So Ji Sub and Son Ye jin in a romance movie that will surely make your heart flutter. Soo ah(played by Son Ye Jin) comes back to her family even after she passed on due to a promise. Every rainy season she returns to her husband and son in the form of a spirit but without no memory. This difficulty in letting go and moving on will surely excite you after a long day of work!
The Negotiation
Well, The Negotiation is one heck of a movie ride for all the viewers! What started to be a light few minutes ended in a cliffhanger, making you want for more! This tells the story of a Western educated top negotiator Ha Chae-yoon as she failed to negotiate a case due to the interference of her boss. In the other side of the world, a seemingly notorious devil may care arms dealer boss Min Tae Gu (played by Hyun Bin) deliberately kidnapped a Korean family and asked for Chae Yoon as his negotiator. This is a landmark movie for Hyun Bin as well. Although he has been acting for decades, he only starred as a villain once, in this film. Many people say that the BinJin love story started in this film!
The Pirates
The Pirates is a 2014 period adventure film that starred Son Ye Jin and Kim Nam Gil. This blockbuster action film was set in the Joseon Dynasty. It tells the story of the quest for a royal Sela of State brought by envoys from China. This extremely important seal was lost when it got swallowed by a whale. Due to its importance, a huge reward was posted to whoever brings back the important artifact. As bandits hunts down the whale, the lead bandit Jang Su jung (played by Kim Nam Gil) clashes with the fiercely determined female head of the pirates, Yeo wol.
Have you watched any of these films? If not, please do start with The Classic! It’s the same film that made me hooked with Korean entertainment industry and made me a forever fan of the lovely Son Ye Jin! Enjoy!
