The Moment That Made My Heart Skip a Beat
Have you ever seen someone act and thought, “Yes—I get her”? That’s exactly what happened to me the first time I watched Jung So Min. She stepped on the screen with ease, made me laugh, pulled me in, and then just stayed there. Now she’s back in another lead role—this time alongside Choi Woo Shik in the 2025 rom-com Would You Marry Me (seriously, anticipation level: off the charts).
If you’re wondering what makes Jung So-min so watch-worthy, trust me, I’ve got you. I’ve rounded up six of her best dramas, each showcasing a different side of her craft. These are picks you’ll want to note down (or bookmark immediately). Oh—and yes, I’m basically fangirling. But in a professional, writer-style way.
From Rom-Com Queen to Genre Chameleon
Who is Jung So-min and why we care
Jung So-min (born March 16 1989) kicked off her acting career with supporting roles and slowly built a reputation for taking on smart, emotionally grounded characters.
What stands out? She can slip from comedy to fantasy to drama and still feel like her. On one hand she’s quirky and light, on the other she nails serious emotional stakes. That versatility is rare—and yes, I’m here for it.
1. Would You Marry Me (2025)
If you’re all about light-hearted romance with just enough depth—I mean, this one’s for you.
In Would You Marry Me, she plays Yoo Me Ri, a designer whose engagement falls apart, and who suddenly has a shot at a luxury home—if she can pull off a 90-day contract marriage with none other than Choi Woo Shik’s character, Kim Woo Joo. The setup already screams “messy hearts + cute banter”.
Why it works:
- Me Ri isn’t perfect—her flaws make her relatable.
- Choi Woo Shik’s character balances charm and surprise (he’s no one-dimensional hero).
- The story feels fresh despite the “contract marriage” trope because the execution is tight and the characters are layered.
Actionable tip for you: When it drops on Disney+ (check your region), start with the first two episodes. You’ll spot the trajectory early: Me Ri’s defense mechanisms, Woo Joo’s ego undercut by vulnerability. When that shift in body language happens (I spotted it around episode two), you’ll go “Yes—I’m invested.”
2. Love Next Door (2024)
Here’s a calmer, gentler rom-com if you’re in the mood for something cozy.
In this one, Jung So Min plays Bae Seok Ryu, a woman who seemed to have it all abroad, but returns home after career burnout and relaunches life—right as she reconnects with a childhood friend turned architect, Choi Seung-hyo.
What to watch for:
- The dynamic between adult-childhood-friend pairing. It has “old familiarity + new possibilities” written all over it.
- Seok-ryu’s evolution: from confident abroad to recalibrating at home. That contrast is where Jung So Min shines.
- Light comedic beats, but also little emotional punches (quiet moments in hallways, glances, unsaid things).
Actionable tip: Pick a weekend and binge four episodes straight. You’ll see how the pace allows you to settle into the characters rather than rush the romance. Use this one as a “Saturday evening hug” kind of watch.
3. Alchemy of Souls (2022)
Now let’s shift gears—this is more fantasy, more stakes, more wow.
Jung So Min stars as Mu-Deok, a young woman whose body becomes host to the soul of a legendary assassin in the fictional land of Daeho. Sounds wild? It is. And she pulls it off with grace.
What makes it stand out:
- The body-swap trope taken seriously: not just comedy, but identity, destiny, revenge.
- Mu-Deok’s journey touches on power, restraint, trust.
- Visually lavish—if you enjoy costume/period fantasy dramas, this hits.
Actionable tip: Watch with your phone on “skip intro” mode. The first few episodes involve a lot of world-building. But once the story really kicks in (around ep 5), you’ll be hooked. Take notes if you like—this one has roles and politics and subtle shifts you’ll want to remember.
4. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)
A bit darker, more emotionally intense—and yes, heartbreak could be around the corner.
In this one, Jung So Min plays Yoo Jin-Kang, a designer who gets drawn to a mysterious man (Seo In-guk’s character) with shadows in his past. The tone is brooding, beautiful, and not for light viewers only.
What you’ll appreciate:
- Her ability to hold grief, confusion, longing—all quietly.
- The chemistry is heavy. Not just “cute flirting” but emotional weight.
- The drama asks difficult questions about love, pain, and redemption.
Actionable tip: This one’s better if you’re in the right mood—maybe a quiet evening. Have tissues ready. Also, pay attention to the OST. She recorded “Star” with Seo In-guk. That… hits.
5. Because This Is My First Life (2017)
One of my personal favorites. If you haven’t seen it yet—you really should.
Jung So Min plays Yoon Ji-ho, a scriptwriter who ends up in a contract marriage with a logical engineer, Nam Se-hee (Lee Min-ki). Initially it’s a practical deal, not a love story. But, spoiler—love sneaks in.
The likable parts:
- That anti-romance-com trope: practical marriage turning into real feelings.
- It handles adult issues (rent, career, identity) sensitively.
- Her performance is so genuine that you root for her as herself, not just as a character.
Actionable tip: Use this as your “feel-good but meaningful” pick. Picture: Sunday afternoon, light snacks, minimal distractions. It allows you to catch small moments (like glances over coffee) and really appreciate her subtle acting.
6. The Sound of Your Heart (2016)
Let’s lighten things up—this is more comedy than romance, and Jung So-min is a joy here.
She appears as Choi Ae Bong opposite Lee Kwang-soo in this sitcom based on a webtoon. It’s fun, silly, and perfect when you want something without heavy emotional baggage.
Why it’s great:
- She shows comedic timing you might not always see in her more serious roles.
- The silliness is intentional and charming.
- It reminds you: not all great acting has to be intense—it can just be fun.
Actionable tip: Keep this one in your “Monday night wind-down” folder. When you’ve had a long day and want something light to reset your mood. It’ll make you smile.
Choosing Your Jung So Min Entry Point
So if you’re wondering where to start—here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Want light romantic fun? → Love Next Door, Because This Is My First Life
- Feeling fantasy/adventure? → Alchemy of Souls
- Craving emotional intensity? → The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
- Just want silly laughs? → The Sound of Your Heart
- Excited for her latest lead role? → Would You Marry Me
Key Takeaways for K-Drama Fans (Yes, I got tips)
- Watch for growth: Compare her earlier work (2010-2015) to now. You’ll see refinement.
- Focus on body language: Jung So-min uses subtle shifts (eyebrows, lip quiver) that reveal internal change.
- Notice tone shifts: She can go from goofy to gravitas without missing a beat.
- Match mood with story: Some of her dramas require emotional openness (not just background viewing).
Why She’s an Actress to Treasure
It’s easy to spot a “good actor.” It’s rare to spot one who chooses roles that stretch them. Jung So-min balances confidence and vulnerability. She makes you root for the character, and by extension, the actor behind them.
She also brings relatability. Whether she’s tackling the absurdity of fantasy or the mundanity of rent struggles, she feels like someone you might know—or even be. That’s powerful.
A Note to Fellow Fans
If you’re watching any of these, send me your thoughts. “Hey, rewind the scene at 00:17:15 in Episode 4 of Because This Is My First Life—what was that look she gave him?” is totally valid. (Yes, I do that.)
Because for me—and maybe for you—revisiting these dramas isn’t just re-watching. It’s rediscovering small emotional moments. It’s “Oh, I didn’t catch that before.” It’s the payoff of noticing the little things.