Best Suzy Bae Dramas That Will Make You Fall in Love

Suzy Bae dramas have captured the hearts of millions worldwide, with the beloved actress known as "The Nation's First Love" consistently delivering stellar performances. Since making her official acting debut in 2011, her rise to stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Furthermore, Bae Suzy stands as one of the few idol-turned-actors to have found great success in both movies and K-dramas. With drama after drama turning into a hit, she has demonstrated remarkable staying power in the Korean drama world. Her versatility shines through works like "Dream High," one of the most popular dramas of the early-2010s, and the heartbreaking "Uncontrollably Fond".

From the action-packed "Vagabond," where she starred alongside Lee Seung-gi, to "Start-Up," where she portrayed Seo Dal Mi, an aspiring entrepreneur caught in a love triangle, her performances consistently impress viewers. Her recent release "Doona!" on Netflix blends heartwarming moments with humor, while "While You Were Sleeping" masterfully combines romance, legal drama, and fantasy elements.

Dream High

Marking her acting debut in 2011, Dream High propelled Suzy Bae into the spotlight as a promising actress with undeniable screen presence. This musical drama aired on KBS2 from January 3 to February 28, 2011, broadcasting every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 (KST). Throughout its two-month run, the series achieved impressive average viewership ratings of 15.7%, establishing itself as a teenage favorite.

Plot Summary of Dream High

Dream High follows six talented students at Kirin Art High School who pursue their dreams of becoming successful K-pop idols. Bae Suzy portrays Go Hye Mi, a teenager who originally majored in classical music with aspirations of attending Julliard. However, after her father goes bankrupt and disappears to avoid loan sharks, Hye Mi must abandon her classical music aspirations.

Faced with mounting debt, she reluctantly enters Kirin Arts High School after a debt collector suggests she could use future album sales to repay her father's obligations. To gain conditional enrollment, Hye Mi must recruit two additional students: Song Sam Dong (Kim Soo-hyun), a countryside boy, and Jin Guk (Ok Taec-yeon), whom she meets while escaping debt collectors.

The narrative explores how these students develop their singing, songwriting, and dancing abilities alongside personal growth. Additionally, the drama depicts Yoon Baek Hee (Hahm Eun-jung), formerly Hye Mi's friend, becoming her rival after Hye Mi betrays her during an audition. Other main cast members include IU (as Kim Pil Sook) and Jang Wooyoung (as Jason), completing the ensemble of future stars.

Why Dream High is a Must-Watch

Dream High stands out as an essential Suzy Bae drama for several compelling reasons. Notably, it represents a unique collaboration between hallyu star Bae Yong-joon as creative producer and music producer Park Jin-young, who composed music and choreographed dances. This creative partnership resulted in an authentic portrayal of the Korean entertainment industry's training process.

The drama received numerous prestigious awards, including:

The Grand Prize and Hallyu Award at the SKY PerfecTV! awards in Tokyo
Special Award for Foreign Drama at the 5th International Drama Festival in Tokyo
Golden Rose under the Youth category at the Rose d'Or, becoming the first Korean production to achieve this honor

Dream High demonstrates remarkable international appeal, having been licensed to over 35 channels in approximately 60 different countries. The production quality shines through its musical performances, with cast members showcasing genuine singing and dancing talents. Kim Soo-hyun, despite being the only non-idol among the main cast, trained at JYP Entertainment for three months to prepare for his role.

Despite its youth-focused premise, the drama offers universal appeal through its emphasis on friendship, loyalty, and pursuing dreams. The show balances emotional depth with humor, creating an engaging viewing experience that appeals to audiences beyond typical K-drama fans.

Where to Watch Dream High

Currently, viewers can stream Dream High through several platforms:

Kocowa Amazon Channel
OnDemandKorea (both subscription and free with ads options)
Viki

Those looking for free streaming options may find limited availability, though OnDemandKorea offers an ad-supported version. For viewers interested in checking when the drama might become available for free on other platforms, setting up notifications through streaming services is recommended.

The lasting legacy of Dream High as one of the best Suzy Bae dramas remains evident through its continued availability across multiple platforms, even years after its original broadcast.

Uncontrollably Fond

In 2016, Suzy Bae stepped into the melodrama genre with Uncontrollably Fond, a series that showcased her emotional range alongside actor Kim Woo-bin. This heart-wrenching drama aired on KBS2 from July 6 to September 8, 2016, broadcasting every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:55 KST.

Plot Summary of Uncontrollably Fond

Uncontrollably Fond tells the poignant story of Shin Joon-young (Kim Woo-bin) and Noh Eul (Suzy Bae), former teenage sweethearts who reunite under complicated circumstances. As teenagers, they were separated due to an ill-fated relationship. Years later, Shin Joon-young has become a top actor-singer, whereas Noh Eul works as a documentary producer.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn as Joon-young discovers he has terminal brain cancer with only three to four months left to live. Meanwhile, Noh Eul is tasked with filming Joon-young's documentary—a project he initially rejects. Though he gives her a difficult time at first, he eventually agrees to participate.

Beneath this reunion lies a complex past. Noh Eul had a challenging childhood after her father died in a hit-and-run accident, forcing her to quit school to support herself and her brother. Unbeknownst to Noh Eul, Joon-young's father, a prosecutor, was involved in covering up the truth about her father's accident by switching the driver and indicting another person instead of the real culprit.

As they work together on the documentary, Joon-young attempts to mend their relationship and reclaim Noh Eul's heart, all while secretly contending with his terminal diagnosis.

Why Uncontrollably Fond is a Must-Watch

This melodrama stands out in Suzy Bae's drama list for several compelling reasons:

Exceptional Acting Performance: Kim Woo-bin and Suzy Bae deliver powerful performances, especially in the emotionally challenging scenes. Critics noted that "the acting in the show is certainly quite good", with both leads bringing depth to their characters.
Emotional Impact: Uncontrollably Fond is frequently mentioned among "the saddest dramas ever seen". The series effectively tugs at viewers' heartstrings through its exploration of terminal illness, tragic love, and angst.
Aesthetic Appeal: The visual presentation is consistently praised—"it looks beautiful" with "a lot of money on screen". The cinematography enhances the emotional weight of the storyline, often using symbolic visual elements.
Character Development: Although the characters start with flaws, their evolution throughout the series provides satisfying character arcs. The drama effectively portrays the psychological complexity of coming to terms with terminal illness, relationships, and love.

Where to Watch Uncontrollably Fond

Currently, viewers can stream Uncontrollably Fond through several platforms:

Rakuten Viki: Available both with subscription and free with ads
OnDemandKorea: Offers streaming options
Viki: All twenty episodes are available for streaming

For viewers looking for additional streaming options, checking platform-specific notifications about future availability is recommended.

The emotional resonance of Uncontrollably Fond continues to draw new audiences to this Suzy Bae drama. The series concludes with one of the most heartbreaking endings in K-drama history, consequently cementing its place among the most memorable performances in Bae Suzy's career.

Vagabond

Premiering on SBS TV in 2019, Vagabond marked Suzy Bae's successful foray into the action-thriller genre alongside veteran actor Lee Seung-gi. The high-budget series, which aired from September 20 to November 23, 2019, showcased an intricately crafted plot with international appeal. With a production budget of approximately 20 million dollars, it ranks among the top three most expensive Korean dramas ever produced.

Plot Summary of Vagabond

Vagabond follows the story of Cha Dal-gun (Lee Seung-gi), a struggling stuntman whose life shatters after his nephew dies in a mysterious plane crash. Upon recognizing a supposedly dead passenger from his nephew's video recording, Dal-gun becomes convinced the crash wasn't an accident. His investigation leads him to Go Hae-ri (Suzy Bae), who initially appears as a ditzy intern at the Korean embassy in Morocco but is actually a covert operative for South Korea's National Intelligence Service.

Together, they uncover an elaborate conspiracy involving corrupt government officials and competing defense contractors John and Mark and Dynamic Systems. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they discover the plane crash was orchestrated to influence a major government contract for South Korea's next-generation fighter jet. Throughout their journey, Dal-gun utilizes his stuntman skills in numerous action sequences as they face constant threats from those determined to keep the truth hidden.

Why Vagabond is a Must-Watch

Vagabond stands out among Suzy Bae dramas for several compelling reasons:

Exceptional Production Quality: The series features stunning cinematography with filming locations across Portugal, Morocco, and South Korea. The action sequences are meticulously choreographed and executed, drawing comparisons to Hollywood productions.
Compelling Performances: The chemistry between Bae Suzy and Lee Seung-gi received significant praise, earning them the Best Couple Award at the 2019 SBS Drama Awards. Moreover, both stars won individual awards - Best Actor for Lee Seung-gi and Best Actress for Bae Suzy at the same ceremony.
Complex Plot Development: The series maintains tension through constant plot twists and revelations, keeping viewers engaged throughout its 16-episode run. According to viewer ratings, the drama achieved an impressive 88% average audience score.
International Appeal: Vagabond was specifically designed with global audiences in mind, releasing simultaneously on Netflix internationally after television broadcast in South Korea.

Where to Watch Vagabond

Currently, viewers can stream all 16 episodes of Vagabond exclusively on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. The series is available in multiple countries including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States. Importantly, as of October 24, 2025, no free streaming options exist for Vagabond.

For those interested in potential future availability on free platforms, setting up notifications on streaming services is recommended. As per recent updates, no official announcement regarding a second season has been made, despite the first season ending with several unresolved plot threads.

Start-Up

Released in October 2020, Start-Up became one of the most discussed Suzy Bae dramas, set against the backdrop of South Korea's fictional Silicon Valley called Sandbox. The tvN series quickly gained popularity, streaming internationally on Netflix and showcasing Bae in a role that highlighted both her acting range and charm.

Plot Summary of Start-Up

Start-Up revolves around ambitious young entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams in the competitive world of technology startups. Bae Suzy portrays Seo Dal-mi, a bright and determined young woman who dreams of becoming Korea's Steve Jobs. Despite lacking a prestigious background, Dal-mi possesses remarkable passion and vitality, having worked various part-time jobs to save $90,000 needed to launch her own business.

The narrative becomes complicated through a case of mistaken identity. Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk), a mathematics prodigy and founder of struggling startup Samsan Tech, discovers Dal-mi believes him to be her childhood pen pal and first love. In reality, the letters were written by Han Ji-pyeong (Kim Seon-ho), now a successful investment manager nicknamed "the Gordon Ramsay of investments".

Start-Up likewise explores family dynamics through Dal-mi's rivalry with her estranged sister Won In-jae (Kang Han-na), who chose a different path after their parents' divorce. Both sisters find themselves competing in the startup world, each seeking to prove their worth through their respective companies.

Why Start-Up is a Must-Watch

Start-Up stands out among Suzy Bae dramas for several compelling reasons. First, the series offers an informative glimpse into the startup ecosystem, explaining concepts like accelerators and angel investors through accessible storytelling.

Furthermore, the drama received significant critical acclaim, with the South China Morning Post ranking it #10 on its list of "The top 10 K-dramas of 2020". Critics praised the show for its "well-written script with character development" and its "highly positive message of perseverance".

The production quality shines throughout, with director Oh Choong-hwan (who previously worked with Suzy on While You Were Sleeping) creating a visually appealing world. The soundtrack, including Red Velvet's "Future," effectively amplifies emotional moments.

Where to Watch Start-Up

Currently, viewers can stream Start-Up exclusively on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Therefore, unlike some other Korean dramas, no free streaming options exist for this series as of October 2025.

For those considering a purchase option rather than subscription, the series is also available for download on Amazon Video. Given the drama's continued popularity, checking platform-specific notifications for future availability on other services is recommended.

While You Were Sleeping

Airing on SBS from September to November 2017, While You Were Sleeping combined fantasy elements with legal drama to create one of the most captivating Suzy Bae dramas. This 16-episode series was completely filmed and edited before the pilot episode aired, ensuring consistent quality throughout its run.

Plot Summary of While You Were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping follows three young professionals who mysteriously gain the ability to see future events through their dreams. Bae Suzy portrays Nam Hong-joo, a field reporter haunted by prophetic dreams that show deaths she cannot prevent. Her life intersects with Jung Jae-chan (Lee Jong-suk), a rookie prosecutor, and Han Woo-tak (Jung Hae-in), a police officer.

The narrative takes a significant turn after Jae-chan dreams about Hong-joo's mother dying in an accident. Upon recognizing his dream is about to become reality, he takes drastic action to prevent it. As the story unfolds, the trio discovers they must work together to stop their ominous dreams from becoming reality. Throughout the series, they confront their archenemy, corrupt lawyer Lee Yoo-beom (Lee Sang-yeob), who was formerly Jae-chan's private tutor.

Why While You Were Sleeping is a Must-Watch

Several aspects make this drama essential viewing for fans of Bae Suzy's work:

Outstanding Chemistry - The connection between Lee Jong-suk and Suzy received tremendous praise, with viewers noting they "managed to show us a great performance that made all of us feel emotionally overwhelmed".
Unique Storyline - The plot blends fantasy, romance, and legal elements in a distinctive way that critics described as "different, new and deserves very much all the recognition it can get".
Emotional Depth - The series excels at creating emotional impact in nearly every episode, with many viewers reporting it "made me wanna cry in every episode".
Production Quality - Director Oh Choong-hwan (who would later work with Suzy on Start-Up) delivered "amazingly pleasing and highly professional" directing and editing.

Where to Watch While You Were Sleeping

Currently, viewers can stream this Suzy Bae drama on multiple platforms:

Netflix
Viki
KOCOWA
Viu
iQIYI

In essence, While You Were Sleeping remains one of the most beloved entries in Bae Suzy's drama list, perfectly showcasing her ability to portray complex emotional characters. Its combination of fantasy elements, legal intrigue, and heartfelt romance continues to attract new viewers seeking quality Korean dramas featuring top-tier performances.

Doona!

Netflix's 2023 series Doona! represents a full-circle moment in Bae Suzy's career, allowing her to portray a character deeply connected to her own background as a former idol. Directed by Lee Jung-hyo of Crash Landing on You fame, this nine-episode romance drama is based on Min Song-ah's popular webtoon The Girl Downstairs.

Plot Summary of Doona!

Doona! follows the story of Lee Doona (Bae Suzy), a former member of the popular K-pop group Dream Sweet who mysteriously leaves the industry. As she navigates her now-aimless days and residual trauma from her departure, she encounters Lee Won-jun (Yang Se-jong), an ordinary college student who moves into the same sharehouse. Their initial meetings are tense—Doona mistakenly believes Won-jun is a stalker fan after seeing him in Dream Sweet merchandise.

As the narrative unfolds, Doona gradually becomes acquainted with Won-jun's social circle, and they develop an unexpected connection. The story takes several emotional turns as Doona confronts her past in the entertainment industry while Won-jun balances his studies, relationships, and growing feelings for her. Toward the conclusion, Doona faces a potential comeback opportunity, forcing both characters to make difficult choices about their futures.

Why Doona! is a Must-Watch

Doona! stands out among Suzy Bae dramas for several compelling reasons:

Authentic Portrayal: Suzy draws from her real-life experience as a former member of Miss A, bringing remarkable authenticity to her character. As she explained, "I was able to express the very raw feelings and emotions that the character goes through".
Critical Acclaim: Geoffrey Bunting of Rolling Stone praised how the series "weaves a complicated yet relatable narrative about loss and love". Korean critics particularly highlighted Suzy's performance, with one stating she "played every moment of Doona with just the right amount of intensity".
Unique Tone: Unlike typical K-dramas, Doona! offers a more introspective, indie-like atmosphere. The series has been described as "moody and wistful", departing from conventional romance formulas.
Compelling Chemistry: The relationship between Doona and Won-jun develops with remarkable authenticity, creating what critics called "boiling attraction evident in every stray touch and nervous glance".

Where to Watch Doona!

Currently, viewers can stream Doona! exclusively on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. As of October 2025, no free streaming options exist for this series. For those interested in potential future free availability, setting up notifications on streaming platforms is recommended.

Anna

In 2022, Suzy Bae delivered one of her most nuanced performances in the psychological thriller Anna, a series that challenged the actress to portray a complex character caught in a web of deception. The eight-episode director's cut presents a methodical, tension-building narrative that stands apart from Bae's previous roles.

Plot Summary of Anna

Anna follows Lee Yu-mi (Bae Suzy), a woman from humble beginnings who tells what should have been a small, insignificant lie that subsequently changes her entire life. After experiencing difficult circumstances, Yu-mi's initial deception triggers a chain reaction of increasingly elaborate falsehoods. The story follows her transformation from a life of hardship to one of wealth as she assumes the identity of Lee Anna, a privileged woman she works for as a maid.

First of all, Yu-mi's parents run a tailor shop struggling with financial difficulties, which shapes her early years. Upon moving to Seoul, she gets hired as a personal assistant for Lee Hyun-joo (Jung Eun-chae), an ultra-wealthy art gallery owner. After losing this job, Yu-mi discovers she still possesses Anna's personal documents and makes the fateful decision to steal her identity. As her fabricated life becomes increasingly elaborate, the tension builds toward an inevitable confrontation with the real Anna.

Why Anna is a Must-Watch

Anna distinguishes itself in Bae Suzy's drama repertoire for several compelling reasons. Above all, Suzy's performance is frequently described as "fantastic" and "captivating," delivering what many consider a "subtly nuanced performance for a challenging character". The series offers a refreshing departure from typical K-dramas with its harder, grittier tone.

To clarify, viewers should seek out the eight-episode director's cut rather than the six-episode version that was initially released without the director's consent. The original version reportedly provides better storytelling, more critical scenes, and greater cohesion.

Where to Watch Anna

Currently, viewers can stream Anna exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. As of October 2025, the platform offers the director's cut version, which is strongly recommended by critics and the creators themselves.

Gu Family Book

Stepping into the world of historical fantasy in 2013, Gu Family Book showcases Suzy Bae as Dam Yeo-wool, a skilled archer and martial artist with tomboyish qualities. The 24-episode series aired on MBC from April 8 to June 25, 2013, pairing Suzy with actor Lee Seung-gi for the first time in what would become a memorable on-screen partnership.

Plot Summary of Gu Family Book

Gu Family Book presents a multi-generational narrative centered on supernatural elements and human relationships. The story begins with the tragic romance between Gu Wol-Ryung (Choi Jin Hyuk), a mystical mountain guardian spirit (gumiho), and Yoon Seo-Hwa (Lee Yeon Hee), whose family is destroyed by the villainous Jo Gwan-Woong. After a series of misunderstandings and betrayals, their son Choi Kang-Chi (Lee Seung-gi) is born half-human and half-gumiho.

Following his parents' deaths, Kang-Chi is adopted by the Park family and grows up unaware of his supernatural heritage. His life changes dramatically when Jo Gwan-Woong returns and causes tragedy for the Park family, triggering Kang-Chi to discover his true nature. Throughout the narrative, Kang-Chi searches for the mystical Gu Family Book, which allegedly contains the secret to becoming fully human. His path crosses with Dam Yeo-wool, whose father ironically killed Kang-Chi's father years earlier.

Why Gu Family Book is a Must-Watch

Gu Family Book stands out among Suzy Bae dramas primarily for her award-winning performance—she received the Top Excellence Actress award for the miniseries category at the MBC Drama Awards.

In fact, the series maintained impressive viewership, peaking at 19.5% nationwide for its finale episode. Critics praised its emotional depth, with many noting the drama "teaches us Tolerance, Perseverance, Courage and Trust".

The parents' storyline, in particular, earned acclaim as "truly classic and epic", creating a solid foundation for the main narrative. First and foremost, the chemistry between the cast members contributed significantly to the drama's success, with Lee Seung-gi's "exceptional, superb acting" complementing Suzy's portrayal of the strong-willed Yeo-wool.

Where to Watch Gu Family Book

Currently, viewers can stream Gu Family Book on OnDemandKorea (both subscription and free with ads options) and the Kocowa Amazon Channel. Given these points, those looking for free streaming options may benefit from OnDemandKorea's ad-supported version. After all, setting up notifications for potential future free availability on other platforms is recommended for those interested in watching this historical fantasy drama.