From ‘Vincenzo' to ‘Our Movie': every K-drama and movie to watch if you're a Jeon Yeo-been fan
In this spin-off of the popular Korean supernatural horror movie The Priests , Song Hye-kyo and Jeon Yeo-been are two nuns fighting to save the soul of Choi Hee-joon (Moon Woo-jin), a young man possessed by a powerful and malevolent spirit.
In the film, Jeon Yeo-been's Sister Mikaela starts out a sceptic and, like Father Paul (Lee Jin-uk), believes there's a psychological explanation to Hee-joon's condition. But Sister Yunia's (Song Hye-kyo) unwavering faith, coupled with Sister Mikaela's own childhood experiences of the supernatural, gradually convinces her of the demonic presence and compels her to join the desperate fight to save Hee-joon.
Don't miss: 6 iconic Song Hye-Kyo K-dramas you need to watch 'A Time Called You' (2023)
In this time-slip, body-swap South Korean remake of the beloved Taiwanese drama Some Day or One Day , Jeon Yeo-been showcases her versatility by playing two distinct roles: the painfully shy and withdrawn Kwon Min-ju, and the confident, outgoing Han Jun-hee.
Audiences were blown away by how she brought each character to life through subtle shifts in physicality, voice, demeanour and facial expressions, and how effortlessly she switched between the two. Her genuine chemistry with co-star Ahn Hyo-seop brought the relationship of their characters—the heart of the story—into sharp focus and grounded the more fantastical elements of the drama in something audiences could relate to. 'Night in Paradise' (2021)
Further showcasing her versatility, Jeon Yeo-been followed up her turn as the cheeky lawyer Hong Cha-young from Vincenzo with her role as the world-weary and terminally ill Jae-yeon in the neo-noir crime film Night in Paradise .
In the movie, Jae-yeon, resigned to her fate, is melancholic and apathetic. But when she meets Park Tae-gu (Uhm Tae-goo), a gang member on the run from people looking to kill him, she recognises a kindred spirit. The two bond and, in each other, find a brief reprieve from their despair. When Tae-gu's life of crime finally catches up with him, and he is brutally murdered, Jae-yeon takes it upon herself to exact a chilling revenge, finding her ultimate purpose in this final act of retribution. 'Vincenzo' (2021)
By the time Vincenzo came out, Jeon Yeo-been had already starred in several K-dramas and movies, but it was her role as the quirky lawyer Hong Cha-young opposite Song Joong-ki's Vincenzo that made her a household name. A certified global hit, it introduced her to a wider audience.
The role required her to pivot between physical comedy, romance and crime thriller—a challenge she embraced with enthusiasm and confidence. Throwing herself completely into the role, she impressed fans with her commitment. Meanwhile, her natural onscreen chemistry with Song Joong-ki fuelled a slow-burn romance that had viewers completely hooked. 'Be Melodramatic' (2019)
In this slice-of-life K-drama about three friends navigating friendships, careers and romantic entanglements in their 30s, Jeon Yeo-been plays Lee Eun-jung, a successful documentary director trying to come to terms with the sudden death of her boyfriend. Barely coping with the loss, she continues to interact with him as if he were still alive. It's only with time and the unconditional support of her friends that Eun-jung slowly begins to navigate her grief and find a way to live with her loss.
Jeon delivers a quietly powerful performance that captures the emotional weight of someone whose grief is buried so deep beneath the surface, it's hardly perceptible. Her portrayal of Eun-jung's emotional breakthrough is handled with grace and nuance, making it both cathartic and heartbreaking.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Tatler Asia
Beyond sushi: 10 raw dishes Asia has cherished for generations
2. Hwe / hoe (Korea) Korean raw fish culture doesn't come with wasabi and whispering chefs. Instead, it comes with gochujang, soju and a side of loud conversation. Hwe or hoe refers to a broad category of raw dishes, usually thin-sliced white fish, such as halibut, flounder or rockfish, served with dipping sauces and wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves. Historically, raw fish consumption was linked to Korea's coastal provinces, with records tracing its practice back to the Joseon dynasty. Unlike Japanese sashimi, it is often eaten in large, social settings. It is rowdy and ritualistic; think sashimi's wilder cousin, best chased with a shot. It also comes in the raw-meat variety. 3. Gohu ikan (Indonesia) In the eastern Indonesian province of North Maluku, gohu ikan is a refreshing raw tuna dish that deserves global attention. Made with cubed fresh tuna marinated in calamansi or lime juice, bird's eye chilli, shallots and hot coconut oil, it resembles ceviche at first glance. However, aromatic oil gives it a deeper, richer finish. Gohu ikan is often considered the Indonesian counterpart to kinilaw, though its origins are tied to the indigenous Ternate people. Even in equatorial climates, raw dishes thrive when acidity and spice do the heavy lifting. 4. Umai (Malaysia) For the Melanau people of Sarawak, umai is more than a dish. Instead, it's a tradition that dates back generations, born from fisherfolk preparing their lunch on boats using only what was fresh and available. Raw fish is sliced thin and mixed with onions, chillies and calamansi juice, often served with sago pearls or plain rice. Umai is unique not just for its Bornean roots, but for its balance of texture and heat. Once an everyday meal for workers, it's now gaining recognition in Malaysian food circles as a regional heritage food worthy of preservation. 5. Let thoke (Myanmar) Technically a salad, let thoke, which means 'hand-mixed', can involve a wide variety of ingredients, but in coastal communities, raw fish or shrimp versions exist and are eaten with lime, peanuts, fried garlic, fermented tea leaves and a riot of textures. Though less globally documented than its Southeast Asian cousins, raw seafood salad in Myanmar is deeply rooted in both regional diversity and Buddhist culinary practices, with an emphasis on freshness and balance. It's a dish that feels like a family secret: passed down, eaten fast and rarely interpreted. 6. Ika sashimi (Japan) While sushi often gets the spotlight, ika (squid) sashimi is one of Japan's most elemental expressions of raw seafood. Sweet, translucent and slightly chewy, raw squid is served either sliced into ribbons or stuffed into the mantle and sliced into coins. In Hakodate, Hokkaido (one of Japan's squid capitals), ika is sometimes served odorigui style, where it's still twitching from residual nerve activity. But don't let the drama overshadow the centuries of reverence: raw squid has been recorded in Edo-period dining, valued for its delicacy and seasonality. It's not about novelty but more about honouring the ocean in its purest form. See more: 7 of the most expensive and exclusive types of sashimi on the market 7. Pla ra-based dishes (Thailand) Pla ra, Thailand's intensely fermented freshwater fish paste, isn't eaten raw on its own. However, it forms the backbone of several Isaan dishes where raw fish and meats appear in bold, bracing forms. One example: koi pla, a spicy raw fish salad mixed with lime, chilli, shallots, roasted rice powder and often a spoonful of pla ra for deep funk. It's popular in northeastern Thailand and Laos but has been the subject of public health debates due to parasitic risks. Still, the tradition persists, grounded in cultural identity and the instinct to flavour fearlessly. It's a dish that reminds you that food is often political before it's pretty. 8. Narezushi (Japan) Before modern sushi evolved into artful nigiri and chirashi bowls, there was narezushi. This is the OG of fermented raw fish. Made by packing fish (often freshwater varieties like carp) in salt and cooked rice for months to ferment, it dates back over a thousand years. The result is pungent, soft, intensely sour and completely unlike today's sushi. Narezushi, still made in select parts of Japan like Shiga Prefecture, was originally developed as a preservation technique in a pre-refrigeration era. Today, it's more historical artefact than lunch order—but its legacy lives in every sushi roll. 9. Lao lap / koi (Laos) Often overshadowed by its Thai sibling larb, the Laotian dish koi is traditionally made with raw freshwater fish or beef, marinated with fish sauce, lime, chilli, galangal and toasted rice powder. It's bold and herbal, and despite the occasional overlap with Thai larb, the Laotian version is often raw and more aggressively seasoned. Foundational to Lao identity, the dish is best eaten fresh, by hand and without apologies. 10. San-nakji (Korea) For the adventurous palate, Korea offers san-nakji, a dish that's as famous for its immediate, startling freshness as its flavour. Tiny, live octopus (nakji) is quickly chopped into bite-sized pieces and served immediately, often with just a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The pieces are still twitching and suction cups are active, providing a unique, almost alarming tactile experience as they cling to the palate. While controversial for its perceived 'liveliness', san-nakji is a testament to the Korean emphasis on extreme freshness and distinct textures. It's not just food; it's an exhilarating culinary dare.
Tatler Asia
2 days ago
- Tatler Asia
When brains meet brawn: K-drama duos who fight with mind and muscle
Yeon Si-eun and Ahn Soo-ho and Baku in 'Weak Hero Class' Above Si-eun strategising behind the scenes (Photo: IMDb) Above Baku possesses brute force. (Photo: IMDb) The brains: Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon) The brawn: Ahn Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook), Baku (Ryeo Un) Yeon Si-eun, top of the class at school, is introspective and highly analytical. That's not to say he doesn't know how to fight or isn't strong enough to take a beating. But when confronted by bullies, he uses his sharp mind, knowledge of everyday physics and psy-ops-style tactics to fight back. His allies, Ahn Su-ho in Season 1 and Baku in Season 2, are a whole different breed. Built for combat, one-time MMA champ Ahn Su-ho and the physically imposing Baku bring the muscle. Perhaps the best example of the dynamic between Si-eun and his friends comes during the climactic battle in the K-drama's second season, when Si-eun's calculated plan to help Baku take down main villain Na Baek-jin (Bae Na-ra) is set into motion. Don't miss: The breakout stars of 'Weak Hero Class': Meet the next generation of K-drama talent Kim Jong-hyeon and Yoon Dong-joo in 'Good Boy' Above He comes at everything fists up. (Photo: IMDb) Above The team's chief strategy guy (Photo: IMDb) The brains: Kim Jong-hyeon (Lee Sang-yi) The brawn: Yoon Dong-joo (Park Bo-gum) The special police unit in Good Boy is composed of five former Olympic champions, but a bromance appears to be brewing between rivals Yoon Dong-joo and Kim Jong-hyeon. A former fencer, Jong-hyeon may have serious fighting chops, but it's his analytical mind and a cool head that set him apart. Meanwhile, Dong-joo, an ex-boxing gold medallist, lets his fists do the talking. Both are vying for Ji Han-na's (Kim So-hyun) heart, and their competitive streak often gets in the way of teamwork. But all signs point to a formidable partnership—if they could just get along long enough to combine brains and brawn. Choi Se-kyung and Kim Deuk-pal/Song Yi-heon in 'High School Return of a Gangster' Above Kim Deuk-pal is a gangster stuck in a high school student's body. (Photo: IMDb) The brains: Choi Se-kyung (Bong Jae-hyun) The brawn: Kim Deuk-pal (Lee Seo-jin)/Song Yi-heon (Yoon Chan-young) When the soul of 47-year-old mob boss Kim Deuk-pal accidentally enters the body of Song Yi-heon, a bullied high school student, everything begins to change. Suddenly armed with years of street-fighting experience and shrewd gangster instincts, Yi-heon undergoes a startling transformation. No longer an easy target, he becomes a force to be reckoned with. In his new body, Deuk-pal—now living as Yi-heon—befriends the school's top student and class president, Choi Se-kyung, someone Yi-heon had always admired from afar. And while it's easy to assume that, prior to the body-swap, Yi-heon would have benefited most from this friendship, it's surprisingly clear that Se-kyung needed Deuk-pal/Yi-heon in his life even more.
Tatler Asia
2 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Looking back at Ji Chang-wook's most memorable roles, from ‘Healer' to ‘Welcome to Samdal-ri'
Kim Je-ha in 'K2' Further cementing his action star status, Ji Chang-wook plays Kim Je-ha, the bodyguard to Im Yoona's Go An-na, in K2 . He reportedly trained extensively for the action sequences and performed his own stunts, earning praise from the director and fans for his dedication to the role. The intense bathhouse fight is among the drama's standout action scenes. And while viewers found his chemistry with Yoona endearing, it was his intense dynamic with Choi Yoo-jin, who played the K-drama's antagonist, that proved most memorable and intriguing. Don't miss: From 'My Dearest' to 'Our Movie': the definitive list of must-watch K-dramas starring Namkoong Min Noh Ji-wook in 'Suspicious Partner' In Suspicious Partner , another fan-favourite Ji Chang-wook K-drama, he went from action roles to romantic comedy lead. Although he had already displayed a knack for comedy in Healer , it's in this drama that he truly showcased his effortless comedic timing. As a romantic lead, audiences fell for his intense gaze and boyish charm. Meanwhile, his strong chemistry with co-star Nam Ji-hyun is widely considered one of the highlights of the K-drama. Park Jae-won in 'Lovestruck in the City' In this romcom about the modern lives and loves of six young urbanites (presented in a mockumentary format), Ji Chang-wook stars as Park Jae-won, a talented and successful architect pining for Kim Ji-won's Lee Eun-o/Yoon Seon-ah. Further moving away from action roles, Ji Chang-wook's Jae-won is sensitive and wears his heart on his sleeve. A heartbreaking flashback where he drunkenly and tearfully reminisces about the love he lost is memorable for his portrayal of longing and heartache. Once again, he shares a palpable chemistry with co-star Kim Ji-won that had fans of the K-drama rooting for their love story. Cho Yong-pil in 'Welcome to Samdal-ri' Yong-pil, from the slice-of-life healing K-drama Welcome to Samdal-ri , is a fan-favourite green-flag character, an absolute softie who is head-over-heels in love with his childhood best friend—and ex-girlfriend—Sam-dal (played by Shin Hye-sun). Fans praised his raw depiction of grief and fell in love with his earnest portrayal of Yong-pil's steadfast devotion to Sam-dal. It's one of the more grounded roles he's played. Warm, relatable, endearingly human and with nary an action sequence in sight, it's memorable for being quite unlike any role he's played before. Ri Eul in 'The Sound of Magic' The Sound of Magic may not be one of Ji Chang-wook's most popular K-dramas, but his role as Ri Eul is noteworthy for its sharp departure from roles he has come to be known for. There are no heart-pounding action sequences here or swoon-worthy romance. Instead, there's singing and dancing and magic. Bringing the same dedication he once brought to learning stunts, he trained for months in performing magic tricks and dancing to bring Ri Eul to life.
