Ryu Hwa-young's Films and Dramas That Chronicle Her Acting Career

Kapanlagi.com - Ryu Hwa-young is one of the South Korean actresses whose career journey has gone through various phases. Before becoming known through several dramas and films, Ryu Hwa-young first pursued a career as an idol with the girl group T-ara in 2010.

The latest news about Ryu Hwa-young has also gained attention again after it was reported that she is set to marry a businessman who is three years older than her in September 2026. Amidst this news, her professional journey as an actress is being discussed again, including the list of works she has starred in.

Born in Gwangju on April 22, 1993, Ryu Hwa-young is the identical twin of Ryu Hyo-young. She studied Theater and Film at Kyung Hee University before developing her career in the acting world.

1. From T-ara to Starting a Career as an Actress

Before starring in various titles of Korean dramas, Ryu Hwa-young began her journey in the entertainment industry as a member of T-ara. In 2010, she and her twin sister, Ryu Hyo-young, appeared on the SBS variety show Star King.

This appearance led both of them to be recruited by Core Contents Media as trainees. Initially, the agency planned to include Ryu Hyo-young in T-ara, but she later recommended her twin sister, Hwayoung, to join the group.

Ryu Hwa-young officially debuted with T-ara on November 23, 2010, through the digital single Why Are You Like This? In the group, she served as the lead rapper and sub-vocalist.

Her name became known when T-ara released the song Roly-Poly in 2011. The song became one of the popular works that year and brought T-ara into the spotlight as one of the most talked-about girl groups.

However, her time with T-ara was short-lived. On July 30, 2012, Hwayoung officially left the group after Core Contents Media announced the termination of her contract.

Her departure at that time was related to internal conflicts that developed into one of the major controversies in the K-pop industry. The issue became a public discussion for years and also influenced her career path after leaving the group.

At the end of 2013, Hwayoung began to focus on acting after signing an exclusive contract with Wellmade Yedang, now known as Wellmade StarM. She then made her acting debut through the special drama MOTHER'S CHOICE.

Her acting career developed through several projects such as EX-GIRLFRIENDS' CLUB and HELLO, MY TWENTIES!. Since then, she began to take on various characters from romantic, family, to thriller genres.

2. List of Korean Dramas Starring Ryu Hwa-young

Ryu Hwa-young's filmography includes a number of television dramas with different characters. Here are some dramas that are part of her acting journey.

• HELLO, MY TWENTIES! (2016)

This JTBC drama became one of the well-known works in Ryu Hwa-young's career. She played Kang Yi Na, a young woman living with other residents of a boarding house.

This character has a complex side as she keeps secrets from her friends. In this drama, Hwayoung appeared as the main cast alongside a lineup of young Korean actresses.

• MY FATHER IS STRANGE (2017)

In 2017, Hwayoung joined the KBS family drama titled MY FATHER IS STRANGE. She played Byun Ra Young in the Byun family story, which has 52 episodes.

Through this role, Hwayoung received a nomination for Best New Actress at the 2017 KBS Drama Awards.

• MAD DOG (2017)

Ryu Hwa-young then landed a leading role in the KBS crime drama, MAD DOG. She portrayed Jang Ha Ri, a character with investigative skills who is part of the team in the story.

This drama brought her together with Woo Do Hwan and Yoo Ji Tae. Through this project, Hwayoung showcased a different character compared to her previous roles.

• THE BEAUTY INSIDE (2018)

In the JTBC drama THE BEAUTY INSIDE, Hwayoung played Chae Yoo Ri, an actress in the story.

Although she was not the main character, this role became one of her contributions to her television works after starring in several popular dramas.

• THE PLAYER 2: MASTER OF SWINDLERS (2024)

After being inactive on screen for a while, Ryu Hwa-young returned in the tvN drama THE PLAYER 2: MASTER OF SWINDLERS.

She plays Baek Hyeon Mi, an art gallery director in episodes 4-5. Aside from that drama, some of her other television works include LOVE SCENE NUMBER, COME BACK MISTER, DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN, and TRACE OF THE HAND.

3. Ryu Hwa-young's Feature Films and Awards Won

In addition to television dramas, Ryu Hwa-young has also expanded her career through feature films. She made her film debut in LOVE FORECAST (2015), a romantic film that paired her with actor Lee Seung Gi and several senior South Korean actors.

After that, Hwayoung returned to the big screen in the film EXIST WITHIN (INTERESTING SOUND) (2022). In this film, she plays the character Eun Soo as the main lead.

Through her role in EXIST WITHIN, Hwayoung won the Best Actress award at the New York True Venture Film Festival 2022. Her name is recorded as the winner in that category for the same film.

In 2023, she also starred in the film BROKEN RECORD as the main lead. This series of feature film projects has become part of her acting journey after leaving her activities as an idol.

Awards and Nominations in Acting Career

Throughout her career in the acting world, Ryu Hwa-young has received several recognitions through award shows.

In 2022, she won the Best Actress category at the New York True Venture Film Festival for the film EXIST WITHIN.

Meanwhile, at the KBS Drama Awards 2017, Hwayoung was nominated for Best New Actress for two dramas, MY FATHER IS STRANGE and MAD DOG.

She also received a Best Couple nomination alongside Woo Do Hwan for the drama MAD DOG at the same award event.

4. The T-ara Controversy Following Her Career Journey

Ryu Hwa-young's journey in the entertainment industry has not been without controversy following her departure from T-ara in 2012.

After the announcement of her contract termination with Core Contents Media, various rumors emerged regarding internal conflicts within the group. The issue gained widespread attention and led the public to focus heavily on Hwayoung's relationship with the other T-ara members.

During that period, many fans turned to criticize T-ara. The group's activities were also affected due to the negative reactions from the public.

Several years later, in 2017, discussions about the conflict resurfaced after several former staff members provided differing statements about the events that occurred at that time.

Former staff accused Hwayoung and her twin sister, Ryu Hyo-young, of inappropriate behavior towards other members. Hwayoung initially denied some of the circulating rumors but later acknowledged parts of the story.

The controversy surrounding Hwayoung's departure from T-ara became a hot topic again in 2024 after former MBK Entertainment CEO, Kim Kwang Soo, discussed the incident on a television show.

During that occasion, Kim Kwang Soo shared his thoughts regarding the decisions he made during the conflict.

"At that time, the rumors about T-ara were so outrageous and annoying that I immediately decided to make a big announcement. This is something I am revealing for the first time on television - I told Hwayoung and Hyoyoung to bring their contracts, and then I tore up those contracts."

Ryu Hwa-young then responded via Instagram. She wrote about her regrets and the experiences she felt during the conflict.

"I think everyone involved, including myself, regrets, feels guilty, and has suffered and struggled because of our immature actions when we were young."

Hwayoung also explained about the ankle injury she suffered while still a member of T-ara.

"I apologized to the members repeatedly after my ankle was injured. Even when I couldn't perform on stage in Japan because of the sprain, I asked the director if I could at least perform one song. I feel very sorry for the members who have to work harder because of my absence."

In another statement, he expressed the reason he chose to remain silent for years.

"At the age of 20, I thought it was the best choice. I left without receiving an apology and stayed silent for 12 years."

On the other hand, former T-ara member, Lee Areum, provided a different perspective on Hwayoung. She mentioned that Hwayoung had once shown her attention when she was a new member.

"Maybe because she understood my feelings as a new member, Hwayoung was very attentive and caring towards me."

5. News of Ryu Hwa-young's Wedding in September 2026

In the midst of her career journey, Ryu Hwa-young brought news about her personal life. On April 1, 2026, a close acquaintance revealed that Hwayoung and her fiancé plan to marry privately.

Her fiancé is said to be a businessman who is three years older than her. The wedding will be held in Seoul with family and close relatives present.

They are said to have met through mutual acquaintances before starting a relationship and eventually deciding to marry.

Through Instagram, Hwayoung also expressed her gratitude for the support she has received.

"I sincerely thank everyone for the blessings and warm support, which exceeded my expectations."

In addition to wedding preparations, Hwayoung continues to pursue her professional activities. She has completed her latest filming project and will continue her acting career after marriage.

Previously, in November 2020, Hwayoung also appeared on the show KING OF MASKED SINGER. This appearance marked her first singing activity after leaving T-ara.

Hwayoung's presence on the show once again sparked various public responses due to her past controversies with the group.

To this day, Ryu Hwa-young remains known through several works such as HELLO, MY TWENTIES!, MAD DOG, THE BEAUTY INSIDE, and THE PLAYER 2: MASTER OF SWINDLERS, which are part of her long journey in the acting world.

(kpl/mda)