Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
Jeon Yeo Been gained momentum in 2017 with her remarkable acting and meticulous emotional expressions in the movie After My Death. Since then, she has grown as a rising star, showcasing various facets of her talent in multiple dramas and movies. In her latest movie Coweb, she displayed her bulldozer-like charm in the role of Mido, the only person who believes in director Kim, who thinks that changing the ending of his old movie will turn it into a masterpiece.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at Jeon Yeo Been’s five best dramas that highlight her versatile charms.
A Time Called You (2023)
A Time Called You is a Korean adaptation of the popular Taiwanese drama Someday or One Day. The story follows Jun Hee (portrayed by Jeon Yeo Been), a young woman who is transported back to 1988 as she listens to an old music player while grieving the death of her boyfriend. There, she encounters a student who bears a striking resemblance to her late lover (Ahn Hyo Seop) and his friend In Gyu (Kang Hoon). Jun Hee inhabits the body of a shy high school student named Min Joo, and she is determined to prevent a tragic event from happening. The theme of mourning and a lost love in this series is much like that of Be Melodramatic, where main character Eun Jung also copes with the death of her boyfriend.
Glitch (2022)
The 2022 Netflix series Glitch showcases the strong bond between two eccentric women: Ji Hyo (Jeon Yeo Been), a young architect coping with her boyfriend’s mysterious disappearance while pretending not to notice aliens, and her childhood friend Bo Ra (Nana), a dedicated extraterrestrial tracker. Together with Bora, Ji Hyo embarks on an exciting adventure beyond her everyday life. The show’s screenwriter once revealed being captivated by the actress since her portrayal of Eun Jung in Be Melodramatic, particularly in a scene where she returns after listening to her boss’s advice. Jeon Yeo Been skillfully carries the series, delivering a compelling depiction of Ji Hyo’s complex and tumultuous inner world. Additionally, her dynamic relationship with Bo Ra, which transcends conventional notions of friendship, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the show.
Vincenzo(2021)
Vincenzo follows the journey of an Italian mob lawyer (played by Song Joong Ki) who returns to South Korea after a betrayal within his organization. He teams up with the spirited attorney, Cha Young (Jeon Yeo Been), to face off against an evil Korean corporate. Jeon Yeo Been plays the role of Cha Young, a talented lawyer with a sharp wit and a competitive edge. While her portrayal received some criticism for being exaggerated, her remarkable acting and chemistry with Song Joong Ki garnered favorable reviews as the story unfolded. She made a lasting impression in the series with her strong and unique character, particularly in a memorable scene where she mimics zumba dancing performed by her boss, who makes her employees sign up for the firm’s annual talent show.
Be Melodramatic (2019)
Save Me (2017)
Save Me is a gripping mystery-thriller that revolves around four friends in a small town on a mission to rescue their first love, Sang Mi (Seo Ye Ji). They confront the residents who have been ensnared by a cult. Jeon Yeo Been takes on the role of So Rin, a journalist who infiltrates the cult under the guise of a devoted believer. Despite her efforts to unveil the truth, her true identity is eventually exposed, leading to a tragic outcome. To accurately portray her character, she reportedly went with minimal makeup throughout filming. The actress left a profound impression on the audience with her exceptional acting, particularly in a scene where her blank expression transforms into a determined one as she advocates for Sang Mi’s escape.
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
