1. Shooting Stars – 2022
Shooting Stars revolves around the life of Oh Han Byul (Lee Sung Kyung), who works in the showbiz industry as a competent PR team leader, devoting her entire day to work and being extremely busy. Gong Tae Sung (Kim Young Dae), on the other hand, is an influential actor under Oh Han Byul's management company. They work together and encounter humorous situations, although they always seem to clash at first glance, prolonged interaction leads to the development of feelings between them.
In Shooting Stars, Lee Sung Kyung and Kim Young Dae impress with their stunning visuals and synchronized acting. However, due to Kim Young Dae's limited acting skills despite his good looks, his performance remains one-dimensional throughout the film, disappointing the audience. Lee Sung Kyung's acting is outstanding but feels constrained when acting alongside Kim Young Dae.
After watching this film, audiences will see a different side of the entertainment industry, full of competition, harshness, and the effort to develop oneself to avoid being sidelined. This film comes after a period of Lee Sung Kyung's absence but sparked much debate about its content and her acting.
IMDb Rating: 8.1

2. Miss and Mrs. Cops (Phi Vụ Nữ Quyền) – 2019
Miss and Mrs. Cops is an action-packed film portraying the relationship between two female police officers, Ran Mi Ra (as Mi Young) and Lee Sung Kyung (as Ji Hye), who, despite being sisters-in-law, work together to seek justice upon discovering a case of sexual harassment, voyeurism, and online exploitation that has been long forgotten. Although both are renowned police officers with numerous achievements in apprehending criminals quickly, they are transferred to work in the public relations office of the district due to disciplinary violations. Nevertheless, they are determined to stand shoulder to shoulder to bring this case to light and prevent potential acts of voyeurism. Their remarkable collaboration gradually exposes the criminals to the public eye.
This time, Lee Sung Kyung portrays a brave and determined policewoman, offering audiences a different perspective of her with outstanding acting skills and an enchanting on-screen partnership with her co-star, resulting in an unexpected success since the film's release. Despite having minor roles, the supporting cast contributes significantly to the film's special highlights.
The film impresses with its impressive camera angles, tense chase scenes, realistic settings, and soundtracks, conveying the authentic atmosphere intended for the audience. Miss and Mrs. Cops presents a realistic yet straightforward storyline, enriched with profound meanings.
IMDb Rating: 6.0

3. Dr. Romantic 2 (Người Thầy Y Đức 2) – 2020
Dr. Romantic 2 falls under the familiar genres of psychological and romantic dramas in the Korean entertainment scene, offering viewers a comprehensive insight into the psychological complexities of talented doctors. The series revolves around Cha Eun Jae (Lee Sung Kyung), a medical student with psychological barriers but relentlessly pursues her dream of specializing in cardiac surgery. Seo Woo Jin (Ahn Hyo Seop), also a medical student, interns at the same hospital where Cha Eun Jae is training, and both confront their inner demons.
While the first season's cast didn't return, the ensemble of the second season shines brightly, especially Lee Sung Kyung and Ahn Hyo Seop, who deliver outstanding performances, fully embodying their characters' psyche. Ahn Hyo Seop masterfully portrays Seo Woo Jin's indifferent yet vengeful gaze, captivating the audience's emotions, while Lee Sung Kyung's performance underscores her inherent talent, leaving no room for disappointment.
As one of the most popular dramas of its time, Dr. Romantic 2 captivates audiences with meticulously crafted surgical scenes, offering authenticity and intense drama akin to witnessing real-life surgeries. The series imparts valuable humanistic lessons, each patient conveying a different moral for viewers to ponder upon.
IMDb Rating: 8.3

4. About Time – 2018
About Time tells the story of the main character Choi Michaela (Lee Sung Kyung), a girl with a profession as a theater actress who has a special ability to see the remaining time in everyone's life, including herself. This ability is depicted at the beginning of the film when she witnesses at a traffic accident scene, seeing the remaining time of a man's life, just a few seconds left, beside his wife. And Michaela's time is also running out, but she still has no way to salvage her life. Then she accidentally meets Lee Do Ha (Lee Sang Yoon), a person who helps extend her life's time, as time stops when she's with Lee Do Ha, so she always tries everything to be with him despite all the difficulties.
Lee Sung Kyung has affirmed her talent when all the singing scenes are performed by her, receiving many compliments. And her acting is unquestionable, whether in this role or in previous roles, she has always performed very well.
Although the film has supernatural fantasy elements, the content is very gentle, full of sweetness and meaning, helping viewers appreciate life more, so it doesn't feel boring to follow.
IMDb Rating: 6.9

5. Love + Sling (Chuyện Tình Anh Đô Vật) – 2018
Love + Sling tells the story of single father Gwi Bo (Yoo Hae Jin) who, after his wife's illness and passing, gives up his own dream of wrestling to spend more time caring for his young son Sung Woong (Kim Min Jae). He later receives a coaching job, but deep down, he still yearns to fulfill his unfinished dream. Sung Woong, his son, becomes the vessel of hope to realize his father's unfinished dream, so Gwi Bo resolves to pass on his passion to his son, making him the top athlete. Sung Woong's life inadvertently falls for his childhood friend Ga Young (Lee Sung Kyung), who, however, harbors feelings for Sung Woong's father.
In the movie, Lee Sung Kyung portrays a dynamic, energetically positive girl, always fitting well into such roles, performing excellently and winning the love of everyone. The film has a familiar yet refreshing, entertaining, and potentially entertaining storyline, giving the audience a comfortable mood while enjoying the film.
IMDb Rating: 5.9

6. Doctors (Chuyện Tình Bác Sĩ) – 2016
Doctors is a familiar romantic drama about the love story between teacher and student. Since high school, Hye Jung has harbored feelings for her teacher Ji Hong, but it's only when Hye Jung becomes a skilled and capable doctor like her mentor that they come together. While Ji Hong battles internal hospital conflicts, Hye Jung grapples with her own ego and the ethics of being a doctor.
Although Lee Sung Kyung has a small role in the film as a character despised by her friend, she showcases hidden potential that even she doesn't realize. Despite her minor role, she leaves a strong impression on the audience.
Doctors set a new record upon airing, achieving remarkable success due to its fast-paced plot that keeps the audience engaged. The combination of Park Shin Hye and Kim Rae Won creates a captivating synergy that keeps viewers intrigued and on edge until the very end.
IMDb Rating: 7.7

7. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo – 2016
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is a series based on the life of weightlifter Jang Mi Ran portrayed by Lee Sung Kyung. The show revolves around weightlifter Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung) who crosses paths with swimmer Jung Kyung, initially having a strained relationship due to misunderstandings but later realizing their childhood connection and blossoming into a sweet romance.
When Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo announced its cast, many doubted the acting abilities of the main pair. However, both actors demonstrated remarkable progress in their acting skills, portraying character emotions convincingly through their personalities and expressions. The success of the series was not only due to the main leads but also the supporting cast.
After Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk gained continuous support from fans due to their excellent on-screen chemistry. The pair confirmed their relationship after the show ended, further delighting their fans.
IMDb Rating: 8.4

8. Queen’s Flower (Hoa Vương) – 2015
Queen’s Flower marks Lee Sung Kyung's debut in a supporting role, portraying the life of an ambitious woman who forsakes her young daughter for wealth and glory. The character Re Na Jung (Kim Sung Ryung) is a TV show editor living with her husband and son, seemingly content with her life but lacking in marital happiness. Re Na Jung can never forget the daughter she abandoned in the past, leading to constant feelings of regret. Meanwhile, her husband Park Min-Joon (Lee Jong Hyuk) finds himself drawn to the very daughter she left behind.
In this series, Lee Sung Kyung portrays Kang Yi Sol, the abandoned daughter seeking revenge on her mother for heartlessly abandoning her. Despite her limited acting experience, Lee Sung Kyung showcases her acting skills admirably in Queen’s Flower, earning praise from viewers.
Upon release, Queen’s Flower quickly rose to the top of the ratings charts, receiving numerous nominations for prestigious awards.
IMDb Rating: 8.3

9. Cheese in The Trap (Bẫy Tình Yêu) – 2016
Cheese in The Trap narrates the love story of Hong Seol and Yoo Jung. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they share a profound love. Hong Seol faces life's hardships with resilience, while Yoo Jung, born with a silver spoon, possesses a mysterious and enigmatic personality. Despite their differences, they come together through sincere love, complementing each other's imperfections and evolving into a beautiful relationship.
In this series, Lee Sung Kyung portrays a rebellious and spirited character, delivering a performance that captivates audiences. Despite initial misconceptions about her character, Lee Sung Kyung's portrayal is noteworthy, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Hopefully, she will continue to shine in future acting endeavors.
IMDb Rating: 7.3

10. It’s Okay, That’s Love – 2014
It’s Okay, That’s Love is renowned for its soaring viewership. The plot revolves around the life of a writer with an obsessive-compulsive disorder and a psychiatrist. Both grapple with various issues in their lives and encounter misunderstandings, but over time, their interactions dissolve past misconceptions and foster romantic feelings.
In the series, Lee Sung Kyung shares the screen with the 'Asian Prince' Lee Kwang Soo, and their excellent chemistry leads to many heartwarming and humorous moments, providing a comfortable viewing experience for audiences. Following the success of It's Okay, That's Love, both actors gained influence not only domestically but also across various Asian countries.
Upon its release, It's Okay, That's Love created a sensation across Asia, ranking among the top must-watch shows of all time and earning the cast numerous prestigious awards. The series marked a significant milestone in Lee Sung Kyung's acting career, propelling her to new heights of fame.
IMDb Rating: 8.3
