If there’s one actress who’s been impossible to ignore in recent years, it’s Kim Min Ha. Ever since Pachinko, her name has been floating in every K-drama circle, fan discussion, and casting wish list. She’s the kind of actress who doesn’t just play a character — she becomes it. Every tear, every smile, every glance feels deeply lived-in.
And lately? She’s been on fire. Kim Min Ha’s been exploring every kind of role — from soft-hearted dreamers to strong, determined women — and each one proves her incredible range. Whether she’s sharing the screen with veteran actors or holding an entire scene with nothing but her eyes, she leaves a lasting impression.
So, if you’re ready to dive into her world, here are six must-see Kim Min Ha dramas that deserve a top spot on your watchlist. Grab your blanket, pour your favorite drink, and let’s talk dramas.
Typhoon Family
There’s something special about a good family drama — especially when it’s set in one of Korea’s most memorable eras. Typhoon Family takes us back to 1997, right in the middle of South Korea’s financial crisis, and it’s got that perfect mix of emotion, nostalgia, and heart.
The story follows Kang Tae Poong (played by Lee Jun Ho), a carefree young man whose life completely changes when his wealthy father passes away during the economic collapse. Suddenly, he finds himself at the helm of his late father’s small company, Typhoon Trading, trying to keep it from falling apart.
That’s when Oh Mi Seon (Kim Min Ha) enters the picture — a smart, capable accountant who quietly becomes his biggest ally. She’s grounded and empathetic, but strong-willed when it matters most. Watching her chemistry with Lee Jun Ho is one of the biggest reasons this drama feels so alive. There’s romance, sure, but it’s subtle — the kind that grows naturally from shared struggles.
Kim Min Ha plays Mi Seon with so much grace that you can’t help but root for her. She’s not just a supporting character — she’s the emotional backbone of the show. If you’re into stories about resilience, love, and second chances, Typhoon Family is absolutely worth your time. You can stream it on Netflix.
Way Back Love
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if your first love came back from the dead, Way Back Love has your answer — and it’s heartbreakingly beautiful.
Here, Kim Min Ha takes on the role of Jung Hee Wan, a 24-year-old woman who’s lost all motivation to live. Her world is quiet, dull, and heavy with grief — until one day, her childhood friend and first love, Kim Ram Woo (Gong Myung), reappears. The twist? He’s now a grim reaper.
Yep, it’s one of those fantasy dramas that somehow manages to blend sadness and sweetness perfectly. The story explores their bond — two people who once loved each other but never confessed — and the pain of knowing that some loves are meant to be short-lived.
Kim Min Ha’s performance here is raw and intimate. You can almost feel her heartbreak through the screen. The chemistry between her and Gong Myung is quietly magnetic, the kind that doesn’t need big gestures to feel real.
If you like emotional fantasy dramas like Goblin or Tomorrow, Way Back Love deserves a spot on your list. It’s currently streaming on Vidio, and trust me, you’ll want tissues nearby.
Light Shop
Now, this one’s different. Light Shop isn’t your usual romance or melodrama — it’s mysterious, eerie, and deeply emotional all at once. Based on a webtoon by Kang Full, this series takes place in a quiet alley where a strange little lamp shop seems to draw in people carrying deep emotional wounds.
The shop is run by a calm, enigmatic man (played by Ju Ji Hoon), and everyone who walks through his door has a story to tell — or a secret to confront.
Kim Min Ha plays Yoon Seon Hae, a screenwriter who moves into an old house and begins experiencing strange, unexplainable events. Her character starts off skeptical but slowly becomes the emotional anchor of the story. There’s something about how she portrays fear and empathy that feels hauntingly real.
The drama is beautifully shot and filled with symbolism — every flicker of light feels like a metaphor for healing. It’s not just about ghosts or mystery; it’s about trauma, memory, and the fragile hope that maybe, just maybe, there’s light after darkness.
If you’re craving something more atmospheric and thought-provoking, Light Shop on Disney+ Hotstar is the kind of drama that’ll stay with you long after it ends.
Pachinko
This is the drama that made the world take notice of Kim Min Ha. When Pachinko first dropped on Apple TV+, it wasn’t just another period piece — it was an emotional masterpiece that felt like watching history breathe.
Kim Min Ha stars as Sun Ja, a young Korean woman growing up under Japanese colonial rule in the early 1900s. Her life changes when she falls in love with Koh Han Su (Lee Min Ho), a wealthy man from a completely different social class. Their love story is tender but complicated, and when things fall apart, Sun Ja is forced to rebuild her life from scratch.
What makes her performance unforgettable is the way she carries both quiet strength and vulnerability. You see every emotion flicker across her face — fear, love, loss, determination. And the best part? She does it with a kind of authenticity that doesn’t feel performed. It feels lived.
Pachinko is an epic story that spans generations, touching on themes like identity, resilience, and survival. If you haven’t seen it yet, both Season 1 and 2 are available on Apple TV+. Be warned, though — this one’s going to hit you right in the heart.
Partners for Justice
If you love procedural dramas like Dr. Romantic or Voice, then Partners for Justice might be your next fix. This series dives into the world of forensic science and criminal investigation, but what makes it truly stand out is its character dynamics.
The story follows Baek Beom (Jung Jae Young), a brilliant yet socially awkward forensic doctor who’s been solving cases for over a decade. He’s sharp, unfiltered, and — let’s be honest — a little hard to like at first. But paired with Eun Sol (Jung Yu Mi), a passionate rookie prosecutor, he begins to soften, even if just a little.
Kim Min Ha plays Park Mi Young, a supporting character who adds warmth and a touch of humanity to the dark, intense world of autopsies and murder mysteries. While her role isn’t front and center, she still leaves a mark — it’s one of those “blink and you’ll still remember her” performances.
Partners for Justice perfectly balances tension, intelligence, and humor. And if you’re into crime-solving with heart, it’s available on Netflix to binge anytime.
School 2017
Let’s rewind a bit — back to when Kim Min Ha was just starting out. School 2017 is part of KBS’s long-running School series, known for spotlighting new talent and capturing the raw reality of teenage life in Korea.
This drama revolves around Ra Eun Ho (Kim Se Jeong), a cheerful high schooler who dreams of becoming a webtoon artist but constantly gets into trouble. Things get complicated when a mysterious figure known as “Student X” begins exposing the unfairness within the school system, and Eun Ho gets wrongly accused of being the culprit.
Kim Min Ha plays Yeo Sung Eun, one of Eun Ho’s classmates, adding depth to the story’s portrayal of friendship, rivalry, and youth. Even in her smaller role, you could already see her potential — that spark that later turned into full-blown star power.
If you love high school dramas that mix coming-of-age warmth with social commentary, School 2017 is worth revisiting. It’s streaming on iQIYI, and yes, it still holds up.
Kim Min Ha’s Evolving Journey
Watching Kim Min Ha’s growth is like watching a favorite drama unfold — you never know what she’ll do next, but you know it’s going to be good. She has that rare ability to bring quiet complexity to every role, whether it’s a grieving young woman in Way Back Love or a determined accountant in Typhoon Family.
Her performances feel deeply emotional, but never overdone. You don’t see her acting — you see her feeling. And that’s exactly what makes her one of the most exciting actresses in Korea right now.
If her trajectory so far is any sign, Kim Min Ha’s just getting started. From intimate indie-style dramas to grand, sweeping productions, she’s proving she can handle it all — and do it beautifully.
The Perfect Weekend Marathon
So, if you’re planning your next drama binge, why not make it a Kim Min Ha weekend? Start with Pachinko for emotional depth, then follow it with Typhoon Family for a slice of heartwarming resilience. Need something softer? Way Back Love will crush and comfort you at the same time.
And if you want to end on a nostalgic note, go back to School 2017 and see where it all began.
No matter which drama you start with, one thing’s for sure — you’ll finish every episode with a little more admiration for Kim Min Ha.
She’s not just acting in dramas. She’s quietly building one of the most meaningful careers of her generation.