Kim Yoo Jung is one of the few Korean actresses who successfully grew from a child star into a leading A‑list actress. If you are looking for a complete, clear Kim Yoo Jung drama list from 2004 to 2025, this guide brings together her lead roles, web dramas, and famous child performances, plus a recommended watch order.
This article focuses on verified details and organizes her work so both new viewers and long-time fans can easily decide what to watch next.
Who Is Kim Yoo Jung?
Kim Yoo Jung debuted as a child actress in 2004 and quickly became known as “Korea’s Little Sister” thanks to her expressive acting, especially in historical dramas (sageuk). Over time she moved from playing younger versions of main characters to carrying entire dramas as the female lead, such as:
- Love in the Moonlight
- Backstreet Rookie
- Lovers of the Red Sky
- My Demon
By 2025, she is recognized not only for bright, lovable roles, but also for taking on darker, more complex characters, such as her upcoming sociopathic lead in Dear X.
Kim Yoo Jung’s Upcoming Dramas in 2025
Dear X 2025
- Status: Confirmed
- Role: Baek Ah‑jin (female lead)
- Character: A beautiful woman who appears kind but is actually a cold sociopath who manipulates people to get what she wants.
- Based on: A popular webtoon
Dear X marks a significant turning point: it is the first time Kim Yoo Jung takes on a full villain lead, moving away from the usual “good-hearted heroine” image and into much darker territory.
100 Days of Lies (Working Title, 2025 – In Talks)
- Status: Offer received; she has been reported as positively reviewing the role (not officially confirmed as of late 2024).
- Setting: Gyeongseong era (during the Japanese occupation).
- Plot: Follows the best thief in Joseon who becomes an undercover spy for the Korean independence movement.
If she confirms this project, it will combine two of her strengths: historical settings and emotionally intense characters.
Recent Lead Dramas (2023–2024)
My Demon (2023–2024) – SBS / Netflix
- Role: Do Do‑hee
- Genre: Fantasy romance, chaebol + demon
- Network / Platform: SBS, also available on Netflix
My Demon became one of her most internationally visible works, thanks to its global reach on Netflix and strong chemistry with co‑star Song Kang. Kim Yoo Jung plays a tough, wealthy heiress who enters into a contract marriage with a demon who has lost his powers.
Why watch:
- High production value and visuals
- Strong romantic tension
- Mix of fantasy, humor, and melodrama
Chicken Nugget (2024) – Netflix
- Role: Choi Min‑ah
- Genre: Comedy, mystery, absurdist fantasy
- Platform: Netflix
This drama has a bizarre, memorable premise: her character accidentally turns into a fried chicken nugget, and her father and a young man who likes her try to turn her back.
Why watch:
- Short, fast-paced episodes
- Unique and quirky concept
- Showcases her comedic timing and presence, even in a limited on‑screen role
Main Lead Roles: Kim Yoo Jung as an Adult / Late-Teen Lead
Lovers of the Red Sky (2021) – SBS
- Role: Hong Cheon‑gi
- Genre: Fantasy historical romance
- Synopsis: Set in a mystical Joseon, Hong Cheon‑gi is a talented painter who becomes entangled with a blind astrologer and supernatural forces.
Highlights:
- Beautiful cinematography and artwork
- Combines romance, palace intrigue, and fantasy
- Solidifies her position as a trusted female lead in sageuk
Backstreet Rookie (2020) – SBS
- Role: Jung Saet‑byul
- Genre: Romantic comedy
- Synopsis: A free‑spirited part-timer (Saet‑byul) shakes up the life of a convenience store manager, played by Ji Chang‑wook.
Highlights:
- Modern, light, and easy to watch
- Shows her as a bright, energetic, and street‑smart character
- Good entry point if you prefer contemporary rom‑coms
Clean with Passion for Now (2018–2019) – JTBC
- Role: Gil Oh‑sol
- Genre: Romantic comedy
- Synopsis: A carefree, somewhat messy woman ends up working for a germaphobic CEO of a cleaning company.
Highlights:
- Classic “opposites attract” rom‑com
- Showcases her natural comedic and romantic acting
- Ideal if you want something lighthearted and uplifting
Love in the Moonlight (2016) – KBS2
- Role: Hong Ra‑on / Hong Sam‑nom
- Genre: Historical romance, coming-of-age
- Synopsis: A young woman disguises herself as a man and works as a eunuch in the royal palace, where she becomes close to the crown prince.
Highlights:
- Breakout adult lead role
- One of her most loved dramas domestically and internationally
- Strong chemistry with Park Bo‑gum
- A must‑watch if you are new to her work
Angry Mom (2015) – MBC
- Role: Oh Ah‑ran
- Genre: School drama, family
- Synopsis: A mother goes undercover as a high school student to protect her bullied daughter and expose corruption in the education system. Kim Yoo Jung plays the daughter.
Highlights:
- More serious tone than a typical school drama
- Tackles school violence and systemic issues
- Early proof of her ability to handle heavy emotional scenes
Other Notable Lead or Major Roles
- Mystery Freshman (2016, KBS2 Drama Special)
- Role: Kim Hye‑rim (female lead in a 2‑episode special)
- Secret Door (2014, SBS)
- Role: Seo Ji‑dam (key figure in a historical political thriller)
Web Dramas and Specials
Love Cells (2014) & Love Cells 2 (2015)
- Platform: Naver TV Cast (web drama)
- Role: NeBi, a “love cell” helping the male lead find romance
- Genre: Fantasy romance
These short-format dramas are ideal if you want something quick and fun. They also show how early she was already carrying roles with a strong fantasy and romantic flavor.
Child and Teen Era: The Foundations of Her Career
Before she was a leading lady, Kim Yoo Jung was already one of the most in‑demand child actresses in Korea. She often played younger versions of the main female characters in major productions.
Iconic Younger-Version Roles
- Moon Embracing the Sun (2012, MBC)
- Role: Young Heo Yeon‑woo (younger version of the heroine)
- A ratings phenomenon and a key turning point in her popularity.
- Dong Yi (2010, MBC)
- Role: Young Dong‑yi
- Helped establish her as a trusted child actress in historical dramas.
- May Queen (2012, MBC)
- Role: Young Cheon Hae‑joo
- Golden Rainbow (2013–2014, MBC)
- Role: Young Kim Baek‑won
Grudge: The Revolt of Gumiho (2010, KBS2)
- Role: Yeon‑yi
- Genre: Historical horror / fantasy
Although technically from her child actress period, this is effectively a co‑lead role and one of her strongest early performances. It shows she could already carry complex emotions and darker tones even at a young age.
Other Important Child / Teen Roles
Below is a selection of her notable child and teen roles:
- Secret Door (2014, SBS) – already transitioning into more mature roles
- Iljimae (2008, SBS)
- Painter of the Wind (2008, SBS)
- Queen Seondeok (2009, MBC)
- Tamra, the Island (2009, MBC)
- Cain and Abel (2009, SBS)
- Temptation of an Angel (2009–2010, SBS)
- Flames of Desire (2010–2011, MBC)
- Road No. 1 (2010, MBC)
- Pure Pumpkin Flower (2010, SBS)
- Twinkle Twinkle (2011, MBC)
- Gyebaek (2011, MBC)
And several more, especially in family and medical dramas, which helped her gain experience across a wide range of genres.
Complete Kim Yoo Jung Drama List by Year (2004–2025)
Below is a consolidated Kim Yoo Jung drama list focusing on TV and web dramas:
2025
- Dear X – Baek Ah‑jin (confirmed, upcoming)
- 100 Days of Lies (working title) – Offer received, in talks (status: not fully confirmed as of late 2024)
2024
- Chicken Nugget (Netflix) – Choi Min‑ah
2023–2024
- My Demon (SBS / Netflix) – Do Do‑hee
2021
- Lovers of the Red Sky (SBS) – Hong Cheon‑gi
2020
- Backstreet Rookie (SBS) – Jung Saet‑byul
2018–2019
- Clean with Passion for Now (JTBC) – Gil Oh‑sol
2016
- Love in the Moonlight (KBS2) – Hong Ra‑on / Hong Sam‑nom
- Mystery Freshman (KBS2 Drama Special) – Kim Hye‑rim
2015
- Angry Mom (MBC) – Oh Ah‑ran
- Love Cells 2 (Naver TV Cast, web drama) – NeBi
2014
- Secret Door (SBS) – Seo Ji‑dam
- Love Cells (Naver TV Cast, web drama) – NeBi
2013–2014
- Golden Rainbow (MBC) – Young Kim Baek‑won
2012
- Moon Embracing the Sun (MBC) – Young Heo Yeon‑woo
- May Queen (MBC) – Young Cheon Hae‑joo
2011
- Twinkle Twinkle (MBC) – Child role
- Gyebaek (MBC) – Child role
2010–2011
- Flames of Desire (MBC) – Child role
2010
- Dong Yi (MBC) – Young Dong‑yi
- Grudge: The Revolt of Gumiho (KBS2) – Yeon‑yi (co‑lead)
- Road No. 1 (MBC) – Child role
- Pure Pumpkin Flower (SBS) – Child role
2009–2010
- Temptation of an Angel (SBS) – Young Joo Ah‑ran
2009
- Queen Seondeok (MBC) – Young Princess Cheonmyeong
- Tamra, the Island (MBC) – Child role
- Cain and Abel (SBS) – Child role
2008
- Iljimae (SBS) – Child role
- Painter of the Wind (SBS) – Child role
- Powerful Opponents / Formidable Rivals (KBS2) – Child role
2007
- Belle (KBS2) – Child role
- New Heart (MBC) – Child role
2006
- My Beloved Sister (MBC) – Child role
- Thank You Life (KBS) – Child role
2004–2005
- Toji, the Land (SBS) – Child role
2004
- Freezing Point (KBS) – Her drama debut
(Note: Minor or very short cameos may not be listed, but the above covers her major and well-known TV and web appearances.)
Recommended Watch Order for New Viewers
If You Like Romantic Historical Dramas (Sageuk)
- Love in the Moonlight
- Lovers of the Red Sky
- Grudge: The Revolt of Gumiho
- Moon Embracing the Sun (for her child performance)
- Dong Yi (for her early work)
If You Prefer Modern Rom-Coms
- Backstreet Rookie
- Clean with Passion for Now
- My Demon
- Love Cells and Love Cells 2 (short, web format)
- Chicken Nugget (quirky and short)
If You Want to See Her Acting Range
- Angry Mom – school and family drama
- Grudge: The Revolt of Gumiho – darker, emotional child role
- My Demon – fantasy romance with emotional depth
- Lovers of the Red Sky – fantasy + sageuk
- Dear X (when it airs) – full villain lead
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kim Yoo Jung’s latest confirmed drama?
As of information up to late 2024, her latest confirmed upcoming drama is Dear X (2025), where she plays Baek Ah‑jin, a sociopathic manipulator. She has also been offered a role in 100 Days of Lies, which she was reported to be positively reviewing.
Which Kim Yoo Jung drama should I watch first?
For most viewers, Love in the Moonlight or My Demon are excellent starting points. If you prefer historical settings, start with Love in the Moonlight. If you prefer modern fantasy romance, start with My Demon.
What is her most famous child role?
Two of her most famous child roles are:
- Moon Embracing the Sun – Young Heo Yeon‑woo
- Dong Yi – Young Dong‑yi
These roles helped establish her as one of Korea’s top child actresses.
Does Kim Yoo Jung mostly do historical dramas?
She started with many historical roles, especially as a child, but her adult career includes a balance of historical, modern rom‑com, and fantasy dramas. Recent projects like Backstreet Rookie, Clean with Passion for Now, My Demon, and Chicken Nugget show her versatility.
Conclusion
Kim Yoo Jung’s drama list from 2004 to 2025 reflects a rare career path: from reliable child actress to a versatile, established leading lady. With Dear X signaling a bold move into darker territory and 100 Days of Lies potentially expanding her historical and action credentials, her upcoming works are likely to attract even more global viewers.
Use this guide to explore her filmography in a structured way, whether you are a new fan discovering her for the first time or a long-time follower revisiting favorites.
