Son Ye-jin, widely known as Korea’s “Nation’s First Love” and “Queen of Romance,” has captivated audiences with her emotional depth and genre-defying performances. With a career spanning melodramas, action thrillers, and historical epics, she has become one of Korea’s most bankable stars. Here are the top four highest-grossing films of Son Ye-jin’s career, ranked by global box office revenue, each highlighting her extraordinary versatility and enduring appeal.
The Pirates (2014)
In The Pirates, Son Ye-jin transforms into Yeo Wol, a fierce yet charming female pirate leading a band in pursuit of a legendary treasure during the Joseon era. The film grossed approximately $66.4 million globally, with over 8.6 million tickets sold in South Korea, offering a vibrant action-adventure laced with humor. Paired with Kim Nam-gil, Son Ye-jin delivers a captivating Yeo Wol, both courageous and graceful, keeping audiences glued to the screen.
Despite mixed reviews for its lack of narrative depth, the film was one of 2014’s biggest hits, drawing massive audiences in South Korea and Asian markets like Japan and China. This role marked a turning point for Son Ye-jin, as she ventured into action-adventure, breaking free from her “jade girl” image. Her dynamic performance earned her the Best Actress award at the 2014 Grand Bell Awards, affirming her ability to balance commercial appeal and artistic quality. The Pirates not only tops Son Ye-jin’s box office record but also solidified her status as a Hallyu star, bringing her closer to international audiences.
The Last Princess (2016)
Son Ye-jin portrays Princess Deokhye, the last princess of the Joseon dynasty, in The Last Princess, a poignant historical drama that grossed around $40.35 million globally, with over 5.5 million tickets sold in South Korea. Directed by Hur Jin-ho, the film traces Deokhye’s tragic life, from an innocent girl to a resilient woman striving to return to her homeland after 38 years in exile in Japan.
Son Ye-jin delivers a stellar performance, conveying the character’s pain, determination, and patriotism. The film resonated deeply with critics and audiences, particularly in South Korea and Japan, where its historical narrative struck a chord. With over 5.5 million domestic viewers, The Last Princess became one of 2016’s most successful historical films. Son Ye-jin’s performance earned her Best Actress awards at the Buil Film Awards and Busan Film Critics Awards, marking a significant milestone in her career. The film’s commercial success and her nuanced portrayal of a complex historical figure further elevated her reputation in historical dramas.
The Tower (2012)
The Tower, grossing about $35.3 million globally with over 5.1 million tickets sold in South Korea, features Son Ye-jin as Seo Yoon-hee, a smart and courageous restaurant manager facing a catastrophic fire at the twin Sky Tower on Christmas Eve. A remake of Hollywood’s The Towering Inferno (1974), the film, co-starring Sol Kyung-gu and Kim Sang-kyung, delivers a gripping tale of survival and humanity. Son Ye-jin shines as the calm yet decisive Yoon-hee in intense action sequences.
With over 5.1 million tickets sold, The Tower was the first Korean film of 2013 to surpass 5 million viewers and gained traction in Asian markets for its stunning visuals and thrilling action. Though criticized for lacking the depth of the original, Son Ye-jin’s performance was widely praised, proving her versatility in the disaster genre. This blockbuster marked her transition from romantic roles to action-heavy characters, reinforcing her image as a multifaceted actress.
A Moment to Remember (2004)
A Moment to Remember, with an estimated global box office of $20-22 million and over 2 million tickets sold in South Korea, is one of Son Ye-jin’s iconic romantic films. Playing Su-jin, a fashion designer with Alzheimer’s, she delivers a heart-wrenching love story alongside Chul-soo (Jung Woo-sung). The film chronicles their romance, tested by Su-jin’s memory loss, blending sweet and devastating moments.
With over 2 million domestic viewers and record-breaking success in Japan, where it became one of the most beloved Korean films, A Moment to Remember captivated East Asian audiences, especially in Japan and China. The electric chemistry between Son Ye-jin and Jung Woo-sung made the film a cornerstone of Korean melodrama. Su-jin’s role earned Son Ye-jin the “Nation’s First Love” title and propelled her to international fame. Though its box office was lower than later films due to 2004’s lower ticket prices, its cultural impact is undeniable, cementing Son Ye-jin’s “jade girl” persona.
Each of these films not only achieved commercial success but also reflects Son Ye-jin’s range as an actress—whether she’s stealing hearts in romantic dramas or commanding the screen in action-packed spectacles. As one of South Korea’s most celebrated actresses, her work continues to resonate with fans around the world, proving that true star power transcends genres.
