7 K-dramas ft Lee Na Young as a strong, level-headed protagonist
Lee Na Young roles offer a dynamic spectrum of emotions and complexity, whether she’s portraying a tortured soul in Maundy Thursday or a humorous civil servant in Please Teach Me English.
Lee Na Young has a unique knack for portraying powerful, multidimensional female protagonists in both TV series and movies. From her breakout performance in Ruler of Your Own World to her fearless portrayal in Lady Daddy, Lee Na Young has never failed to fascinate audiences with her captivating representations.
These Lee Na Young films and TV series are a must-watch for lovers of strong female characters because they showcase her adaptability and significant influence on Korean cinema and television.
1. Ruler of Your Own World
Ruler of Your Own World is renowned for shattering stereotypes with its honest, genuine storytelling. It is based on the narrative of Go Bok Su (Yang Dong Geun), a troubled ex-convict, and Jeon Kyung (Lee Na Young), a rebellious indie rock artist from an affluent family. It was written by In Jung Ok and directed by Park Sung Soo. The series captivates with its complex characters and emotional depth as their lives collide amid obstacles and unexpected romance.
2. Please Teach Me English
The endearing romantic comedy Please Teach Me English centers on Na Young Ju (Lee Na Young), an eccentric civil servant who, following an awkward meeting with a foreigner, enrolls in an English class. She meets the carefree shoe store owner Park Mun Su (Jang Hyuk) in class. A string of amusing miscommunications and touching incidents transpire as Young Ju works through her attraction on Mun Su; in the end, this leads to an unanticipated relationship that perfectly encapsulates the joy of love and education.
3. Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is a story of two wounded souls who, in the middle of their pain, find comfort in one another. Through their weekly trips to the jail, Yu Jeong (Lee Na Young), a mentally disturbed lady with a history of suicide attempts, unexpectedly bonds with Yun Soo (Gang Dong Won), a death row convict. A tenuous but transforming bond forms as they confront their wounds and reveal their deepest secrets.
4. Lady Daddy
In the endearing film Lady Daddy, Lee Na small plays transgender lady Ji Hyeon, whose life takes an unexpected turn when Yoo Bin, a small boy, shows up at her home and claims she is his biological father. The movie tenderly and humorously tackles topics of family, love, and acceptance.
5. Howling
The suspenseful thriller Howling delves deeply into Seoul’s underbelly of crime and corruption. The movie centers on rookie detective Cha Eun Young (Lee Na Young) and seasoned detective Jo Sang Gil (Song Kang Ho) as they investigate a string of unexplained fatalities linked to vicious assaults by a trained wolf-dog. Howling delves on the more sinister aspects of human nature.
6. Beautiful Days
In the drama Beautiful Days, Lee Na Young plays a North Korean defector who leaves her family in search of a better life overseas. The film depicts her mental agony. After hiding things from her past for fourteen years, her son Zhen Chen (Jang Dong Yoon) confronts her. The film explores themes of grief, redemption, and the eternal intricacy of family connections as mother and son struggle with their broken relationship, making a lasting impression on viewers.
7. Romance Is a Bonus Book
It tells a touching story of redemption and second chances. The divorced single mother Kang Dani (Lee Na Young), a former ad copywriter, meets Cha Eun Ho (Lee Jong Suk), her longtime friend who is a successful author and editor-in-chief. They become more than just friends as they work through their personal and professional obstacles. The series, which is set in a publishing business, tackles themes of love, resiliency, and starting over in unexpected locations.