The Queen Who Crowns has shattered expectations, proving that an R-rated, female-led drama can top the charts. The tvN series has dominated its time slot for three weeks straight, ranking No. 1 across cable and general programming channels and cementing its place as a breakout hit. At the center of it all is Cha Joo Young, who many still recognize as Choi Hye Jeong from The Glory—a role so memorable that some remember her character’s name more than her own.
But her talent goes way beyond that. From her breakout roles to hidden gems, here are four performances that prove Cha Joo Young’s versatility.
Cheese in the Trap (2016)
Cha Joo Young debuted in the 2016 tvN drama Cheese in the Trap. She recently revealed on You Quiz on the Block that she faced a lot of pressure from her strict, traditional family. In fact, her father asked her to leave the show as soon as she joined, and offered to pay any penalties.
In the series, she played Nam Joo Yeon, the popular class president known for her beauty and academic excellence. But when she fails to win the heart of Yoo Jung (played by Park Hae Jin), she gets jealous and starts bullying Hong Seol (Kim Go Eun). While Choi Hye Jeong from The Glory is a character who unapologetically pursues her desires, Nam Joo Yeon is more of a tragic figure—hiding her true feelings while being swayed by others. This role showcased Cha Joo Young’s ability to portray complex characters beyond one-dimensional antagonists.
Wok of Love (2018)
Cha Joo Young played plastic surgeon Seok Dal Hee in the 2018 SBS drama Wok of Love. A skilled doctor with beauty, intelligence and success, she was the first love of protagonist Seo Poong (played by Junho) but broke his heart by choosing another man just before their wedding. Although the drama offered a unique romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a Chinese restaurant kitchen, it was unfortunately cut short due to low viewership ratings. Nevertheless, Cha Joo Young’s powerful presence left a lasting impression on viewers.
Bing Goo (2017)
The MBC one-act drama Bing Goo tells a love story that transcends time from 1979 to 2016. In the series, Cha Joo Young plays Yoo Shin Young, the first love of the male lead, Man Soo (Kim Jung Hyun). Unlike the confident and glamorous image we’re used to seeing from her, Cha Joo Young takes on a pure and innocent persona in this role.
Shin Young is a young woman battling illness while living under the strict control of her father. Her only happiness comes from spending time with Man Soo, who paints movie posters at the theater. But their love is ultimately cut short by the times they live in, and Shin Young faces a heartbreaking fate. If you’ve only seen Cha Joo Young as a strong and bold character, Bing Goo offers a fresh glimpse into another side of her acting.
Alice, the Final Weapon (2022)
Watcha’s original series Alice, the Final Weapon is an action romance about two students on the run from a criminal organization. Cha Joo Young takes on her boldest role yet as Yangyang, a relentless assassin from the organization known as the Company. She stops at nothing to track down Winter (Park Se Wan) and retrieve a stolen hit list.
With striking makeup, daring styling, and ruthless actions, Yangyang is the most intense character Cha Joo Young has ever played. Her signature languid voice heightens the character’s eerie presence and sets her apart from typical “cold and haughty” villains. This role proves her potential not just as an antagonist but as a uniquely captivating villain.
Watch more of Cha Joo Young’s starring works for free on OnDemand Korea and Amasian.tv! Stream Amasian TV at lgchannels.com—now available on Channel 250 in the U.S. and Channel 263 in Canada.
