34-year-old Ryu Hye Young is currently starring in two popular television series. In "Law and the city," which premiered on tvN on 5/7, she plays Bae Moon Jung, a lawyer with eight years of experience. Bae Moon Jung is an unconventional lawyer who indulges in comics and online novels at work, naps in her office chair, and enjoys food. She has a habit of cursing and is easily provoked, but she is also kind and sincere.
In "The Good Man," airing on jTBC since 18/7, Ryu Hye Young portrays Park Seok Hee, a nurse and the youngest daughter of a mob family. She is the family's reliable pillar of support, her every gesture revealing the pain and experience of holding her family together.
Korean entertainment news outlets are praising Ryu Hye Young's nuanced performances in both series. Critics commend her ability to portray characters who are both cold and warm, yet distinct and engaging. Dailyan, in a 21/7 article, noted that Ryu Hye Young is finally emerging from the shadow of her "Reply 1988" character, Sung Bo Ra.
"Ryu Hye Young has a unique appeal," Kbizoom commented. "She's not afraid to break away from her previous image to reinvent herself on screen." Some have even called her the "next Gong Hyo Jin," praising her blend of gentleness, intelligence, and individuality.
At a press conference in mid-July, Ryu Hye Young said she carefully studied each character's personality and backstory to fulfill the director's and screenwriter's vision. She expressed hope that audiences would embrace both series and that her career would flourish.
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The actress at the press conference for "The Good Man" on 14/7. Photo: Segye |
Born in Seoul on 28/3/1991, Ryu Hye Young graduated from Konkuk University's Film Department. She started her acting career in 2007, mostly in supporting roles. Though praised for her acting, she struggled to achieve a breakthrough. In an interview with Financial News, she described searching for opportunities and dreaming of her moment in the spotlight.
Her big break came in 2015 with "Reply 1988," one of tvN's most successful series, directed by Shin Won Ho and written by Lee Woo Jung. She played Sung Bo Ra, a bright but rebellious older sister who frequently clashed with her younger sister, Duk Sun (played by Hyeri).
Bo Ra’s strong personality intimidated not only her family but also the residents of their Ssangmun Dong neighborhood. At school, she was an active participant in student protests. Her romance with a neighbor resonated with many viewers.
Following the success of "Reply 1988," Ryu Hye Young received accolades from veteran actors. Her natural delivery and expressive eyes brought her character to life, leading to high expectations for her future work.
However, in the following nine years, she appeared in only four projects: two films ("Love, Lies" and "The Mayor") and two television series ("Eun-ju's Room" and "Law School"). While directors praised her performances, none resonated strongly with audiences. According to AllKpop, she struggled to recapture her earlier success, and fans still primarily associated her with Sung Bo Ra.
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Ryu Hye Young in "Reply 1988". Photo: tvN |
In a conversation with Financial News, the actress discussed her two career breaks (2018-2020 and 2022-2024), explaining that they were necessary periods of self-reflection. Realizing her enduring passion for acting, she set a goal to diversify her roles. "I want to be a rich palette of colors, not just a blank sheet of paper," she told Marie Claire.
In mid-2024, Ryu Hye Young returned with renewed energy. She showcased a more cheerful and independent side in tvN's camping reality show "Outside the Tent is Europe" and filmed a travel show in Canada with actress Ra Mi Ran. Her two current summer dramas are part of her effort to reshape her image. Director Um Tae-hwa has praised her inherent curiosity and willingness to experiment.
Later this year, she will appear in "Killing Time," a crime thriller where she plays Yeon Woo, a member of an online broadcasting team traumatized by a death on set. She described the role as both physically and emotionally challenging but credited the film crew for their support.
In June, Ryu Hye Young signed an exclusive contract with VAST Entertainment, Hyun Bin’s agency, to further her career across television, film, and reality shows.
Thien Lam (Dailyan)
