There’s something special about watching an actor grow right in front of your eyes. You know that feeling when you’ve been cheering for someone since their small supporting roles, and suddenly they’re everywhere? That’s exactly the kind of excitement Kim Hye Yoon brings these days. Ever since her breakout moment in Sky Castle, she’s been one of those actresses you just can’t help rooting for. And after the massive success of Lovely Runner in 2024, the industry, the fans, and honestly even casual viewers can’t stop talking about her.
What makes her rise even more satisfying is how hard-earned it feels. She didn’t become an overnight sensation; she worked her way up from tiny appearances here and there. Maybe that’s why her newest acting projects feel even more thrilling. They show growth, courage, and the kind of ambition only a genuinely passionate actor carries. If you’re wondering what she’s diving into next, get comfy—because her upcoming roles are shaping up to be some of her most exciting yet.
Kim Hye Yoon’s Momentum After Lovely Runner
Before diving into the projects, let’s take a second to appreciate the journey. It’s wild to think she started acting back in 2012, often blending quietly into the background. I still remember spotting her in small scenes and thinking, “This girl has something.” And then Sky Castle happened. Suddenly, she wasn’t just another young actress—she became the face everyone associated with fierce ambition, complicated emotion, and sharp delivery.
Fast forward to Lovely Runner, and you could practically feel the shift in real time. It wasn’t just a successful drama. It became a cultural moment. People shared clips everywhere. Fans argued over theories. Viewers replayed emotional scenes obsessively because they hit that hard.
As a result, Kim Hye Yoon became one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry. Suddenly she was flooded with offers—from quirky rom-coms to dark thrillers to powerful films. And honestly? She deserves every bit of it.
Now let’s get into the lineup that has fans marking release dates on their calendars.
Human from Today
A Fresh Fantasy Romance with a Gumiho Twist
If you love supernatural stories with a romantic twist, this one’s definitely going to tempt you. Human from Today spins a completely fresh take on the nine-tailed fox folklore. Instead of the usual gumiho who dreams of becoming human, we meet Eun Ho—played by Kim Hye Yoon—who wants nothing to do with humanity.
Yes, she’s a gumiho who actively avoids men and avoids doing good deeds, all because she refuses to become human. That alone already feels like a fun reversal of the classic trope. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Eun Ho crosses paths with Kang Si Yeol, a narcissistic football star portrayed by Park Solomon. One bizarre accident later, she suddenly finds herself turning human against her will.
I know, right? Talk about chaotic chemistry waiting to happen.
The Appeal Behind This Project
There’s something charming about a mythical creature who doesn’t want the typical “happy ending.” Eun Ho’s personality is sharp, hilarious, and a little chaotic—which suits Kim Hye Yoon’s strengths perfectly. She shines in roles that require expressive, emotionally layered performances, and this setup feels like the kind of playground where she can really go wild.
Park Solomon’s casting is another bonus. He’s charismatic in a way that pairs well with Kim Hye Yoon’s intensity. If their past works are any indication, the banter and tension between them could become one of the drama’s biggest selling points.
Release Updates
Originally slated for 2025, SBS recently pushed the release date to January 16, 2026. Delays are always a little frustrating, especially when a drama looks this promising, but on the other hand, extra production time usually means a more polished final product. And honestly? I’d rather wait and get something well-crafted than rush into a sloppy premiere.
Salmokji
A Creepy Film That Brings Kim Hye Yoon Back to the Big Screen
If your idea of a perfect weekend includes dim lights, horror thrills, and clutching a pillow while watching a movie, Salmokji might jump to the top of your list. This film marks Kim Hye Yoon’s return to the big screen after Ditto in 2022, and it takes her straight into the heart of the horror genre.
The Story That’ll Give You Chills
The plot follows a production crew heading to a remote reservoir to get updated landscape footage. Sounds routine enough, right? But once they’re there, things take a turn. The crew encounters a mysterious figure lurking beneath the dark, still water—something unknown, unsettling, and definitely dangerous.
That eerie setup already feels like the beginning of a nightmare you don’t want to experience alone. I love how the horror doesn’t rely on cheap jump-scares; instead, it leans into atmospheric dread. The water, the isolation, the mystery—it’s the kind of tension that stays in your head long after the credits roll.
A Promising Cast and Genre Shift
Kim Hye Yoon branching into horror feels exciting. She’s shown she can handle emotional depth, comedic timing, and heartbreaking romance. Now she gets to show us how she deals with fear, suspense, and survival instincts. Watching talented actors shift genres is always a treat because you can see new sides of their craft.
It’s also worth mentioning that fans who’ve loved her lighter roles might be surprised by how well she fits into darker settings. On the other hand, viewers who enjoy thrillers will probably appreciate the fresh face and strong emotional delivery she brings.
Land
A Crime Film Filled with Grit, Tension, and Complicated Women
Next up is Land, a crime movie featuring Kim Hye Yoon and Yum Jung Ah—yes, the same duo that wowed us in Sky Castle. Just seeing their names together again already sparks excitement, especially considering how explosive their dynamic was the first time around.
A Story Rooted in Desperation and Survival
The film follows three women navigating the harsh realities of financial struggles and personal turmoil. Together, they hatch a plan to rob a bank located in a former mining town now functioning as a gambling hub. The setting alone creates a gritty, tense backdrop that feels almost cinematic just imagining it.
Kim Hye Yoon plays Do Yeon, a bank employee who’s spent most of her youth paying off her father’s medical bills. That backstory gives her character depth and emotional weight. You can already sense the internal conflict she might carry—desperation, frustration, hope, guilt. It’s the kind of role that demands nuance, and Kim Hye Yoon is someone who knows how to deliver exactly that.
Reunion with Yum Jung Ah
Let’s be honest. The moment you put Kim Hye Yoon and Yum Jung Ah in the same frame, sparks fly. Their chemistry in Sky Castle wasn’t just good—it was unforgettable. Their reunion in a crime film brings a completely different vibe, and that contrast alone makes this project worth anticipating.
On the other hand, the theme of women-driven crime stories is still pretty rare in Korean cinema. Seeing a cast of strong female leads tackling tough situations and moral dilemmas feels refreshing. It’s exciting to think about how the narrative will unfold, and how the characters will navigate the consequences of their choices.
Good Partner Season 2
A Potential Drama Collaboration Fans Would Love to See
Now let’s talk about a project that fans have been buzzing about ever since the rumor mill started turning. After the success of Good Partner, which hit impressive ratings and snagged several awards, talks of a second season quickly started spreading. And guess who’s been offered a role? Yep—Kim Hye Yoon.
A Quick Refresh on the Drama
The series focuses on divorce lawyers handling complicated cases while dealing with their own chaotic personal lives. It strikes a balance between humor, tension, and emotional vulnerability, which is probably why viewers connected with it so easily.
Season one already had a strong cast, with Jang Na Ra leading the story. Sadly, Nam Ji Hyun and Kim Jun Han won’t be returning due to scheduling conflicts. However, the addition of Kim Hye Yoon brings a new wave of excitement.
A Fresh Team-Up Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
The idea of Kim Hye Yoon joining forces with Jang Na Ra feels like a pairing we didn’t know we needed. Imagine the contrast: Jang Na Ra’s composed, seasoned charm paired with Kim Hye Yoon’s youthful warmth and spirited energy. The chemistry practically writes itself.
Even though Kim Hye Yoon is still considering the offer, fans are already manifesting this collaboration online. And honestly? I get it. If she accepts, we’re looking at one of the strongest female-led duos in recent years.
The Growing Legacy of Kim Hye Yoon
There’s something beautiful about watching an actress come into her own. Kim Hye Yoon has reached a point in her career where every new project feels like a chance for her to stretch a different skill. She’s not settling. She’s experimenting. She’s taking risks. And as viewers, we get to witness all of it unfold.
Her upcoming lineup is diverse—fantasy romance, horror thriller, gritty crime, legal drama. That range shows confidence and ambition. It shows an artist who understands her craft deeply but still wants to explore new corners of it.
As a result, her fans aren’t just waiting for new roles. They’re excited to see her grow. They’re curious about how she’ll transform. And if the past few years are anything to go by, she’ll deliver performances that stay with us long after the screen fades to black.
So grab your planners, set your reminders, and maybe start building a little anticipation playlist. Kim Hye Yoon’s next chapter is about to begin—and it looks brighter than ever.