Korean actress Kwon Nara’s childhood dream was to be a stewardess, but during her teen years, her growing passion for acting and singing pushed her to audition as a trainee for Fantagio Entertainment (home to K-pop groups like ASTRO and Weki Meki). In 2012, Nara kicked off her Hallyu career by debuting as a vocalist for the girl group Hello Venus.
While active in the K-pop scene, she pursued supporting roles in dramas on the side. She made a full transition to acting in 2019 when Hello Venus disbanded. Since then, she has won fans over with her charm and acting chops, while climbing the ranks as one of K-dramaland’s most promising stars. The epic K-drama Bulgasal: Immortal Souls is her biggest project to date! See her shine in these curated picks:
Early projects
1. Suspicious Partner (2017)
Where to watch it: Netflix, Viu, iQIYI
Prosecutor trainee Eun Bong Hee (Nam Ji Hyun) has a knack for getting into trouble. When she gets falsely accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend, prosecutor Noh Ji Wook (Ji Chang Wook) steps up to defend her—putting his career and reputation on the line. The legal battle gets messy and in its aftermath, Ji Wook resigns from his post and joins his adopted father’s law firm as a private attorney. Fast forward to a few years later: Ji Wook and Bong Hee reconnect and are drawn closer when they both find themselves on the heels of a psycho serial killer. As their feelings for each other begin to grow deeper, complications arise in the form of Cha Yoo Jung (Kwon Nara), Ji Wook’s ex who will stop at nothing to get him back, and a past too painful to ignore.
Fun fact: This legal drama has A LOT of kissing scenes and *kilig* moments that will fill your fan heart with so many feels.
2. My Mister (2018)
Where to watch it: Netflix, Viu
Lee Ji An (IU) is a young office assistant struggling to make ends meet. She crosses paths with Park Dong Hoon (Lee Sun Hyun), an engineer in his 40s trying his best to overcome the stress thrown at him from both professional and personal ends. The story revolves around Ji An and Dong Hoon’s unusual bond and how it helps them get through their personal struggles. This slice of life series is an emotional rollercoaster that will keep you hooked from start to end. Kwon Nara joins the cast in a supporting role as movie actress Choi Yoo Ra, the love interest of Dong Hoon’s younger brother.
3. Doctor Prisoner (2019)
Where to watch it: Netflix, Viu
Na Ji Ye (Namgoong Min) is a caring and talented surgeon who is unjustly accused of medical malpractice. The case against him taints his reputation and causes him to lose his job. Ji Ye ends up as a medical director at West Seoul Prison and uses his position to build connections to support his revenge. This suspense drama scored high ratings during its run and kept viewers on the edge of their seats. It also features Jang Nara as Han So Geum, a psychiatrist who volunteers her services at the prison where Ji Ye is based, and Kim Byung Chul as the prison’s top dog medical director Sun Min Sik.
Recent projects
4. Itaewon Class (2020)
Where to watch it: Netflix
Park Sae Ro Yi (Park Seo Joon) takes justice into his own hands when he finds out the truth behind his father’s death and chaebol heir Jang Geun Won’s (Ahn Bo Hyun)'s participation in it. With malicious intervention from Jangga Group CEO Jang Dae Hee (Yoo Jae Myung), Sae Ro Yi’s attack on Geun Won leads to three years of jail time. As soon as he is released from prison, Sae Ro Yi plans his revenge by following in his father’s footsteps. He opens DanBam, a resto-bar that promises to rival franchises owned by Jangga Group. His goal of ensuring Jangga Group’s downfall and winning back his first love, Oh Soo Ah (Kwon Nara) are very clear until he develops a connection with Jo Yi Seo (Kim Da Mi), DanBam’s manager who helps Sae Ro Yi see things in a whole new light.
5. Royal Secret Agent (2020)
Where to watch it: iQiYi
Secret royal inspector Sung Yi Kyum (Kim Myung Soo) is tasked with uncovering seeds of corruption in provinces under the Joseon dynasty. To keep him on track, he is joined by police officer Hong Da In (Kwon Nara) and trusty servant Park Choon Sam (Lee Yi Kyung). The unlikely trio join forces to complete a series of secret missions. Their end goal: Freeing the provinces they visit from the hands of corrupt officials and facing the ghosts of their pasts while they are at it.
Fun fact: Kim Myung Soo and Kwon Nara have the same birthday (March 13)!
6. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (2021)
Where to watch it: Netflix
Dan Hwal (Lee Jin Wook) was human before a supernatural encounter transformed him into a bulgasal, a Korean mythical creature characterized by immortality and a thirst for blood. Driven by revenge, he goes on a quest to reclaim his soul and settle a 600-year old vendetta with a woman named Min Sang Woon (Kwon Nara), who finds herself in a loop as she flees from him and is reincarnated time and time again. Dan Hwal’s hate towards Sang Woon soon turns into love and rocks him to his core. Adding conflict to Dan Hwal and Sang Woon’s intertwined fate is Ok Eul Tae (Lee Joon), a powerful man with mysterious intentions.
MORE K-DRAMA ROUNDUPS FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE ACTORS:
8 Lee Je Hoon Dramas and Movies To Stream Right Now On Netflix And Viu
5 Must-Watch K-Dramas Starring Versatile Actor Lee Kyu Hyung
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