Hey drama lovers—gather ‘round. I’m so pumped to talk about Kim Yoo jung’s upcoming transformation and revisit the gems that got her to this point. Trust me, this is going to blow your mind.
Welcome Back Kim Yoo Jung With a Bang
Kim Yoo Jung has been away from the small screen for a moment (her last heavy-lead role was in My Demon (2023–24)).
And now she’s making a bold comeback in the thriller-melodrama Dear X, which drops on 6 November 2025.
She’s not playing the sweet, sunshine-type for once. Nope. She’s stepping into the shoes of Baek Ah-jin—a top actress whose charm hides something much darker. A sosiopat? Maybe. Manipulative? Definitely. And, yes, it’s stylish and dangerous and I’m totally here for it.
This shift in her career is big. For anyone who’s followed her since she was a child actress, this is a journey. Let’s take that ride together and check out the landmarks—in other words, her dramas you should absolutely have on your radar.
Early Spark & Breakthrough Moments Kim Yoo Jung
From Child Star to Big Roles
Kim Yoo-jung started modelling at the age of four, then moved into acting in 2003.
Even then she stood out. Fast forward and she became one of Korea’s most in-demand child actresses before smoothly transitioning into adulthood roles.
Why this matters for you as a viewer:
- You’ll trace her growth on screen—from innocent roles to something layered and edgy in Dear X.
- Spot the craft developing: emotional nuance, confidence, presence.
- It makes revisiting her older dramas extra satisfying—because you know what comes next.
Key Dramas to Watch (and Re-watch) Kim Yoo Jung
Here are five stand-out dramas that showcase different stages of her career. I’ll give you the juicy bits, why they’re worth your time, and some actionable tips for watching them.
1. The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)
This drama was a turning point. Kim Yoo-jung played the younger version of Heo Yeon-woo (Han Ga-in’s character).
Why it stands out:
- It’s a sageuk (historical drama) that mixes palace intrigue and fantasy in a way that makes it endlessly rewatchable.
- Kim Yoo-jung’s performance stood out as a child actress with major presence.
Watching tip:
If you’re new to her work, start here. Notice how she brings vulnerability and strength even in the younger role. It sets a foundation.
2. Love in the Moonlight (2016)
Here, she plays Hong Ra-On, a woman disguised as a eunuch who ends up falling in love with the Crown Prince.
What makes this one special:
- Great chemistry, especially with Park Bo-Gum.
- The “coming-of-age + royalty + disguise” combo works beautifully.
- Topped charts and left waves in the K-drama world.
Your actionable move:
Watch it with subtitles. Note how her comedic timing shifts when the tone gets serious. It’s a masterclass in versatility.
3. Clean With Passion For Now (2018)
Okay, shift gears. Here’s a contemporary rom-com with a quirky premise: the CEO (Yoon Kyung-Sang) has mysophobia (fear of germs), and she (Kim Yoo-jung) is careless about cleanliness. They meet—it’s messy, funny, but also sweet.
Why it’s worth it:
- It shows Kim’s range: she can do lighthearted and emotional.
- It’s relaxing, a good palette-cleanser if you’ve been watching heavier stuff.
Watching tip:
Take note of how her expression plays in comedic scenes vs. meaningful ones. Use this to appreciate the evolution up to Dear X.
4. Backstreet Rookie (2020)
More slice-of-life, more everyday charm. She plays Jung Saet-Byul, who ends up working at the minimarket owned by her longtime crush Choi Dae-Hyun (Ji Chang-Wook).
What to look out for:
- Age-gap romance, yes—but handled in a mature, non-typical way.
- Chemistry that doesn’t feel forced. It’s grounded.
- Scenes that reflect small moments of “real life” in K-dramas—makes you nod and say, “I know that feeling.”
Tip:
Watch an episode, then pause and reflect: What vibes is she giving? How does it differ from her earlier work?
5. Lovers of the Red Sky (2021)
Here’s where fantasy + romantic drama + historical setting collide. She plays Hong Cheon-gi, a female painter who regains her sight.
Why it stands out:
- Beautiful visuals.
- Her character arc has depth—loss, recovery, talent, love.
- It’s emotionally resonant; it’ll tug at you.
Tip for watching:
Keep tissues nearby. Not kidding. Then afterwards, rewind one scene and watch how her face changes—you’ll catch subtleties you missed in the first go.
The Big Return: Dear X
Okay, now we’re in the “I can’t wait” zone.
What to expect
- Baek Ah jin is glamorous, ruthless, and haunted. That’s quite a departure for Kim Yoo-jung.
- The series is adapted from a popular webtoon and backed by heavyweight creatives (like director Lee Eung‑bok).
- It releases globally. So if you’re outside Korea? No fret—check your OTT platform.
Actionable advice for viewers
- Watch her previous dramas first to see the “before” of Kim Yoo-jung. Then jump into Dear X as the “after.”
- Pay attention to tone and camera work. Since this is a thriller-melodrama, the visuals carry weight.
- Reflect on character evolution: Compare her innocence in older roles with this darker, more layered character.
- Discuss with friends or online: Because when we finish something that powerful, we need to talk about it. And believe me, you’ll feel that.
Kim Yoo Jung Thrilling Comeback and Her Must Watch Drama Journey
If you’ve loved Kim Yoo jung for years, you’re in for something special. And if you’re just discovering her… welcome. You’re about to binge a range of performances that showcase real growth.
From palace-set dramas and cheerful rom-coms to gritty thrills and layered characters—you’re not just watching shows, you’re watching an actor evolve.
Trust me, when Dear X drops, you’ll sit there thinking: “Wow—I’ve been riding with you this whole time.” And I’m here for the ride too.
So hit play, gather your snacks, and let’s dive into the next chapter of Kim Yoo-jung’s drama story together.