7 Best Kim Hye-jun TV Shows You Must Watch Before A Shop for Killers Season 2

If you’re excited about A Shop for Killers Season 2, this is the perfect time to discover why Kim Hye-jun has become one of the most talked-about actresses in K-dramas. From intense action thrillers to emotional romances and gripping mysteries, she has built an impressive career with performances that leave a lasting impact.

One thing I genuinely like about Kim Hye-jun is that she never feels predictable. Every role brings something different, whether she’s playing a fearless survivor, a mysterious antagonist, or a character carrying deep emotional scars. That versatility is exactly what makes her dramas so enjoyable to binge-watch.

For this list, I ranked 7 best Kim Hye-jun TV shows based on performance, story quality, audience response, and rewatch value. If you’re wondering what to watch before A Shop for Killers Season 2, these seven dramas are the perfect place to start—and you might even discover a new favorite along the way.

Kim Hye-jun TV Shows at a Glance

7. Chip In (2020)

What happens when a wealthy artist’s family gathers under one roof? In Chip In, that simple question turns into a gripping murder mystery packed with hidden motives, shocking secrets, and unexpected twists. If you enjoy guessing the culprit until the very end, this underrated K-drama deserves a place on your watchlist.

• IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
• Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller
• Episodes: 8
• Where to Watch: KOCOWA, Prime video (availability varies by region)

Kim Hye-jun plays Yoo Bit-na, the daughter of a famous painter whose family reunion quickly spirals into chaos after a mysterious death. As the investigation unfolds, every family member becomes a suspect, and Bit-na finds herself caught in a dangerous game of lies and betrayal.

What impressed me most was Kim Hye-jun’s ability to make Yoo Bit-na feel genuine. She doesn’t rely on over-the-top emotions. Instead, her subtle expressions and natural performance make you connect with the character, especially when trust becomes almost impossible.

Also Read: Best 18 Rated Korean Drama on Netflix: 7 Wild Masterpieces

6. Rain or Shine (2017)

Every actor has that one project where you catch a glimpse of their future potential. For Kim Hye-jun, Rain or Shine is one of those dramas. Although her role isn’t the biggest, it’s interesting to look back and see how confidently she shared the screen in a story filled with emotion and heart.

• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Genre: Romance, Melodrama
• Episodes: 16
• Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix (availability varies by region)

The drama follows two people whose lives were forever changed by a tragic accident. As they try to heal from painful memories, they slowly find comfort, hope, and love in each other. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, Rain or Shine wins you over with its heartfelt storytelling and realistic characters.

Kim Hye-jun appears as Lee Ji-na, adding warmth to the story during the early stages of her career. While her screen time is limited compared to her later dramas, fans who have discovered her through A Shop for Killers or Kingdom will enjoy seeing how her acting journey began. It’s always fascinating to revisit an actor’s earlier work after watching them become a leading star.

Why Watch: If you enjoy emotional K-dramas with meaningful relationships, realistic characters, and heartfelt performances, Rain or Shine is a beautiful addition to Kim Hye-jun’s filmography.

5. Cashero (2025)

Here’s something many fans may not know—Kim Hye-jun stepped into the superhero genre with Cashero, proving once again that she isn’t afraid to experiment with new roles. If you’ve mostly seen her in thrillers, this drama offers a refreshing change of pace.

• IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
• Genre: Superhero, Action, Fantasy, Comedy
• Episodes: 8
• Where to Watch: Netflix

Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, Cashero follows an ordinary man whose superpowers become stronger depending on how much cash he has in his pocket. It blends action, comedy, fantasy, and heartfelt moments into a unique superhero story that feels very different from traditional K-dramas.

Kim Hye-jun Role

Kim Hye-jun plays Kim Min-sook, a key character who brings both emotional depth and energy to the story. Her chemistry with the cast adds another layer to the drama, while her confident screen presence makes every scene more engaging.

What I like most about Cashero is its fresh concept. Superhero K-dramas are still relatively rare, and this series doesn’t try to copy Hollywood. Instead, it creates its own identity with relatable characters, humor, and emotional stakes. If you’re looking for something beyond romance or crime dramas, Cashero is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.

4. Connect (2022)

Imagine waking up one day only to discover that someone else can see through your own eyes. That’s the chilling idea behind Connect, one of the most unique sci-fi thrillers in Kim Hye-jun’s career.

• IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
• Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Horror
• Episodes: 6
• Where to Watch: Disney+

Directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike, the series follows a man with extraordinary regenerative abilities whose stolen eye is transplanted into a ruthless serial killer. As a mysterious connection forms between them, he is forced into a terrifying chase to stop the killer before more innocent lives are lost.

Kim Hye-jun plays Lee Rang, a mysterious character who becomes deeply involved in the unfolding mystery. Without revealing too much, her performance adds tension and unpredictability to the story. She fits naturally into the drama’s dark atmosphere, proving once again that suspense is one of her strongest genres.

3. Inspector Koo (2021)

Personally, I think Inspector Koo is the drama that truly proved Kim Hye-jun could lead complex, layered stories. Instead of relying on loud emotions, she builds tension through subtle expressions and body language. That’s what makes her character so captivating to watch.

• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
• Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Dark Comedy
• Episodes: 12
• Where to Watch: Netflix

The story follows former police officer Koo Kyung-yi, who now works as an insurance investigator. While chasing what appears to be a series of suspicious accidents, she crosses paths with a brilliant college student hiding a terrifying secret. What begins as a cat-and-mouse game soon turns into an intense psychological battle between two exceptionally intelligent women.

Kim Hye-jun plays Song Yi-kyung, a charming university student who secretly lives a dangerous double life. She switches effortlessly between innocence and menace, making it impossible to predict her next move. Her performance is calm, calculated, and deeply unsettling—the kind that stays with you long after the final episode.

2. Kingdom (2019–2021)

Before A Shop for Killers made Kim Hye-jun an action favorite, there was Kingdom—the Netflix series that introduced her to a global audience. Even today, many K-drama fans first recognize her from this gripping historical zombie thriller.

• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Genre: Historical, Zombie, Thriller
• Episodes: 12 (2 Seasons)
• Where to Watch: Netflix

Set during the Joseon Dynasty, Kingdom follows Crown Prince Lee Chang as he investigates a mysterious plague that turns people into terrifying flesh-eating monsters. While the kingdom fights to survive, political conspiracies and betrayals prove just as deadly as the zombies themselves.

Kim Hye-jun plays Queen Consort Cho, one of the drama’s most fascinating characters. Ambitious, manipulative, and fiercely determined to protect her position, she becomes a driving force behind many of the story’s biggest conflicts. Instead of portraying a one-dimensional villain, Kim Hye-jun adds layers of emotion and complexity that make Queen Cho both compelling and unforgettable.

One reason I still recommend Kingdom to every K-drama fan is its incredible balance of horror, politics, and suspense. Even if you’re not usually interested in zombie stories, the powerful performances and high-quality production make it impossible to stop watching.

Also Read: Top 10 Korean Zombie Series Where Humans Turn into Monsters

1. A Shop for Killers (2024)

Some performances change an actor’s career forever. For Kim Hye-jun, A Shop for Killers is that defining moment. This is the drama that transformed her from a respected actress into one of the biggest names in action K-dramas. With Season 2 on the way, there’s no better time to experience the series that deserves the No. 1 spot on this list.

• IMDb Rating: 8/10
• Genre: Action, Thriller, Mystery
• Episodes: 8
• Where to Watch: Disney+

The story follows Jeong Ji-an, an ordinary college student whose life is turned upside down after the sudden death of her uncle. When she returns to his mysterious shopping mall, she discovers it secretly supplies weapons to elite assassins around the world. Hunted by deadly killers and forced to survive against impossible odds, Ji-an must rely on the brutal training her uncle gave her years earlier. Every episode raises the stakes with breathtaking action, emotional flashbacks, and shocking twists that keep you hooked until the very end.

Kim Hye-jun delivers the strongest performance of her career as Jeong Ji-an. She perfectly captures the character’s transformation from a confused young woman into a fearless survivor who refuses to give up, even when surrounded by danger. Her emotional scenes feel natural, while the action sequences look convincing enough to make you believe every fight. The chemistry between Kim Hye-jun and Lee Dong-wook creates the emotional backbone of the series, making every flashback even more meaningful.

Personally, I believe A Shop for Killers is the complete package. It isn’t just another action thriller—it combines emotional storytelling, stylish direction, memorable characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense in a way that feels fresh from beginning to end.

Also Read: Top 10 Intense Fight Korean Action Series on Netflix 2026

Why Kim Hye-jun Is a Must-Watch Actress for Every K-Drama Fan

Kim Hye-jun has built an impressive career by choosing roles that constantly challenge her as an actress. From the political intrigue of Kingdom to the psychological tension of Inspector Koo and the explosive action of A Shop for Killers, she has proved that she can shine in almost any genre.

In my opinion, A Shop for Killers is still her finest performance and the best place to start if you’re new to her work. With Season 2 on the way, this is the perfect time to explore her incredible journey through these seven dramas. If she continues picking roles like these, Kim Hye-jun is set to remain one of the most exciting actresses in the K-drama industry for years to come.