Ara's breakthrough performance was in the 2006 SBS drama, Snow Flower, where she starred alongside Kim Kibum, Kim Hee-ae, and Lee Jae-ryong. Go's character, Yoo Da-mi, was rebellious and ambitious, winning her important recognitions in acting awards the following year.
Two years later she was cast in the 2008 MBC Who Are You? where she acted alongside with Yoon Kye Sang. This drama drew in many international fans as well as creating multiple fan bases. The following year after that she was cast in the 2009 MBC Heading to the Ground with popular idol member Jung Yunho from DBSK. She was specially called for this role after Director Park Sung Soo favored her for the role of Kang Hae Bin more than any other actress.