Top 50 Most Popular South Korean Actresses Of All Time

Youn Yuh-jung has enjoyed a remarkable career in the South Korean entertainment industry, spanning over five decades. Renowned for her versatility, she has delivered memorable performances in both film and television, earning widespread recognition.

Although she often takes on pivotal supporting roles, her portrayals frequently outshine others and leave a lasting impression on audiences. Youn's talent and dedication make her stand out in a highly competitive field.

Her acclaimed work in "Minari" has garnered her prestigious accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award, a British Academy Film Award, and an Independent Spirit Award. These achievements highlight her global impact and artistry.

In April 2021, Film at Lincoln Center featured five of her finest films in a special showcase, further celebrating her remarkable contributions. That same year, Youn was honored by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

She has also received the Order of Cultural Merit in recognition of her influence on Korean cinema. On top of these honors, Youn made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Minari." Her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors worldwide.

Renowned for her dedication and remarkable versatility, Jeon Do-yeon captured global attention when she won the Best Actress Award at the 60th Cannes Film Festival.

This historic achievement made her the first mainstream Korean actress to receive a major international acting award, showcasing her exceptional talent on the world stage.

Throughout her illustrious career, Jeon Do-yeon's impressive filmography underscores her status as one of the finest actresses in the South Korean film industry.

Her notable works include acclaimed films such as The Housemaid, Secret Sunshine, Emergency Declaration, Neoneun nae unmyeong, among many others.

In 2023, she starred alongside Jung Kyung-ho in the tvN-broadcast, Netflix-distributed romantic comedy series Crash Course in Romance, directed by Yoo Je-won, marking her return to the romance genre after 17 years.

That same year, she also appeared in the Netflix crime action film Kill Boksoon, further expanding her diverse repertoire.

Although she may not have the widespread fame of South Korea’s top pop icons, many rising stars cite Jeon Do-yeon as a major inspiration and role model in the industry.

Moon So-ri made her silver screen debut in the acclaimed film Peppermint Candy during the late 1990s. Beyond acting, she has established herself as a talented film director and screenwriter.

She is renowned for her captivating performances in prominent motion pictures such as A Good Lawyer's Wife and Oasis. Notably, Moon So-ri became the first Korean actress to serve as a jury member at the Locarno International Film Festival.

Raised in a strict household, Moon So-ri has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, reflecting her dedication and talent.

Her impressive filmography includes major roles in acclaimed films like The President's Barber, Venus Talk, The Handmaiden, The Mayor, and Ode to the Goose.

Son Ye-jin gained international fame after starring in the wildly popular Netflix drama, Crash Landing on You. This series brought her widespread recognition and showcased her exceptional talent to audiences around the globe.

Before her global breakthrough, Son Ye-jin had already carved out a successful career with roles in acclaimed projects such as Summer Scent and The Classic. These performances established her as a standout actress in both Korean film and television.

Renowned for her versatility and depth, she is widely regarded as one of South Korea’s finest actresses. Her remarkable career has earned her a spot in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 for three consecutive years, from 2019 to 2021, along with numerous prestigious awards.

Many of the films featuring Son Ye-jin have achieved blockbuster status, contributing to her reputation as a consistent box office draw. Her marriage to fellow star Hyun Bin was hailed as South Korea’s "wedding of the century," reflecting their immense popularity.

She was set to make her Hollywood debut in 2022, sharing the screen with Sam Worthington in director Andrew Niccol's The Cross. However, production was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, following a request from her agency.

Although Park So-dam is still early in her career, her exceptional performances in critically and commercially successful films like Parasite suggest a level of experience far beyond her years.

She first attracted attention with roles in acclaimed projects such as The Priests and Cinderella with Four Knights.

Nevertheless, it was Bong Joon-ho's internationally renowned film Parasite that catapulted her to global fame, earning her widespread acclaim.

Earlier, her powerful role in the 2015 movie The Silenced secured her the Best Supporting Actress award from the Busan Film Critics Awards.

Lee Ji-eun, professionally known as IU, is a renowned singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress from South Korea.

The stage name "IU" was chosen to symbolize the unity between herself (I) and her audience (you), reflecting her desire to bring people together through her music.

IU has delivered memorable performances in popular television dramas such as Dream High, You're the Best!, Hotel del Luna, Pretty Man, Persona, and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.

Kim Hye-ja is a legendary actress who began her illustrious career on television before establishing a remarkable presence in cinema as well.

Throughout her career, she has been honored with four Baeksang Arts Awards, highlighting her outstanding contributions to the industry.

For many film fans, Kim Hye-ja easily ranks among the top actresses in South Korea, and some may even consider her the very best.

Renowned for her frequent portrayals of mothers in both dramas and films, she delivered an unforgettable performance in the critically acclaimed 2009 film "Mother."

In 2014, she impressed audiences as a wealthy widow in "How to Steal a Dog," but her role in the 2019 series "The Light in Your Eyes" was particularly celebrated by critics and fans alike.

Beyond acting, Kim has served as a goodwill ambassador for World Vision Korea, a Christian relief organization, since the early 1990s.

She is also recognized for her philanthropy, including a generous donation of 100 million won to support victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

Na Moon-hee made her debut on the television show Girls' High School Days and has been a dedicated presence in the South Korean entertainment industry for over forty years.

Recognized as one of the nation's most prolific actresses, she has left a remarkable impact through her memorable roles in both television dramas and feature films.

Over her illustrious career, Na Moon-hee has received numerous prestigious awards, starring in acclaimed movies such as Love+Sling, I Can Speak, and Miss Granny, among others.

Kim Go-eun burst onto the scene with her feature film debut in 2012’s A Muse. Her breakthrough performance earned her multiple Best New Actress awards, instantly establishing her as a rising star in Korean cinema.

Since then, Kim Go-eun has starred in popular television dramas, including Cheese in the Trap, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Yumi’s Cells, captivating audiences with her versatility and charm.

Remarkably, Kim was selected for her debut role in A Muse from among roughly 300 auditioning actresses, even though she had no prior acting experience. Her accomplished performance immediately drew widespread admiration and set the stage for a dynamic career.

Kim Ha-neul is a talented and accomplished actress who began her career as a fashion model before making a name for herself in the film industry.

She gained widespread recognition with standout roles in movies such as My Tutor Friend, Too Beautiful to Lie, and My Girlfriend Is an Agent, quickly establishing herself as a rising star.

Her remarkable portrayal in the serial killer thriller Blind earned her the Best Actress award at both the 48th Grand Bell Awards and the 32nd Blue Dragon Film Awards, further cementing her place among South Korea's top actresses.

Park Bo-young is a celebrated South Korean actress recognized for her memorable performances in box office hits like Scandal Makers, A Werewolf Boy, and On Your Wedding Day. Her charming screen presence and versatility have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Since starting her career in 2006, Park Bo-young has showcased her talent in popular television dramas, including Oh My Ghost, Strong Girl Bong-soon, Doom at Your Service, and Abyss. Her ability to portray diverse characters has earned her widespread acclaim.

She also impressed audiences and critics alike with her compelling performance in Hot Young Bloods, where she took on a challenging and tough role, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic actress.

Moon Geun-young began her acting career with notable television appearances in "Burnt Rice Teacher and Seven Potatoes" and the hit drama "Autumn in My Heart." Her performances quickly established her as a rising talent in the South Korean entertainment industry.

She further cemented her reputation through her unforgettable role in the acclaimed horror film "A Tale of Two Sisters." This performance earned her critical praise and showcased her versatility as an actress.

Fondly known as the "Nation's Little Sister," Moon became the youngest actor ever to receive a Grand Prize (Daesang), which she won at the SBS Drama Awards for her portrayal in the television series "Painter of the Wind."

Her impressive filmography also includes leading roles in popular box office hits like "Innocent Steps" and "My Little Bride," solidifying her status as one of South Korea's most beloved actresses.

Uhm Jung-hwa began her career on television with the series Sarang and later made her feature film debut in Marriage Story. She quickly established herself as a versatile performer in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Recognized as one of the most influential women in Korean entertainment, Uhm Jung-hwa is often cited as a role model by many aspiring newcomers.

In addition to acting, she is also a talented singer and dancer, showcasing her diverse artistic abilities.

Her outstanding performance in Marriage Is a Crazy Thing earned her the Best Actress award at the 39th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Kim Tae-hee is widely acclaimed as one of South Korea’s most stunning actresses. She began her career in film with her debut appearance in Last Present in 2001.

Since that time, Kim Tae-hee has established herself as a prominent figure, starring in celebrated drama series such as Stairway to Heaven, Iris, Love Story in Harvard, My Princess, Hi Bye, Mama!, and Yong-pal.

Her performance in Love Story in Harvard earned her the prestigious Most Popular Actress award in the TV category at the Baeksang Arts Awards, further solidifying her status as a top actress.

Soo Ae, also known as Park Soo-ae, is a celebrated South Korean actress who gained recognition for her compelling roles in films like The Flu and High Society.

She began her career on television, but her outstanding performance in The Family opened doors to additional film opportunities, establishing her as a versatile talent in the industry.

Her work in movies such as Sunny and Midnight FM further earned her acclaim. Soo Ae has been active as a performer since the late 1990s, becoming one of South Korea's most respected actresses.

Ha Ji-won made her television debut on the show New Generation Report: Adults Don't Understand Us, where she appeared in a minor role as a student.

Her breakthrough came later, earning widespread recognition for her performances in popular dramas such as Secret Garden, Damo, Hwang Jini, and Something Happened in Bali.

Ha Ji-won has also showcased her talent on the big screen, with notable film credits including Life Risking Romance, Pawn, and Manhunt.

Yum Jung-ah has captivated audiences on both television and film screens for over three decades, cementing her status as an accomplished actress in South Korea.

Throughout her celebrated career, she has appeared in acclaimed movies like A Tale of Two Sisters, The Big Swindle, The Old Garden, and Cart, showcasing her impressive range and talent.

In addition to her film work, Yum Jung-ah has starred in popular television dramas such as Royal Family and Sky Castle, further establishing her popularity among viewers.

Notably, she was the first runner-up at the Miss Korea Pageant in 1991 and later married in 2006, marking significant milestones both personally and professionally.

Park Shin-hye is a renowned South Korean actress and singer who gained early attention with her role in the popular television series Stairway to Heaven.

She further solidified her fame through standout performances in dramas like You're Beautiful, The Heirs, Tree of Heaven, Memories of the Alhambra, and Pinocchio, earning widespread recognition.

This award-winning star has also impressed audiences in films such as Miracle in Cell No. 7, Evil Twin, and Cyrano Agency, showcasing her versatile acting talent.

Lee Young-ae stands out as one of the most accomplished actresses in South Korea's entertainment industry.

She is especially celebrated for her outstanding portrayal of strong and complex characters, such as her iconic role in the historical drama Dae Jang Geum. Lee further solidified her acclaim with a fearless performance as a revenge-driven mother in Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.

Her exceptional acting in this celebrated film earned her numerous accolades, including Best Actress awards at the 38th Sitges Film Festival, the 26th Blue Dragon Film Awards, and the 42nd Baeksang Arts Awards.

Bae Suzy, affectionately known as the "Nation's First Love," first captured audiences’ hearts with her remarkable screen debut. Renowned for her versatility, she shines both as an accomplished actress and a talented singer.

Suzy has starred in a variety of popular television dramas, including Gu Family Book, Uncontrollably Fond, While You Were Sleeping, Vagabond, Start-Up, and Big. Her on-screen presence and emotional range have made her a recognizable face in the industry.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Suzy holds a second-degree black belt (Dan) in taekwondo, showcasing her dedication off-screen. She made a powerful film debut with Architecture 101, a performance that earned her the Best New Actress award at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Yun Jeong-hie started appearing on the screen in 1967 and has been a part of over 200 projects.

One of the most experienced and respected actors of Korean cinema, she is remembered as one of the "Troika" (three) of the 1960s, along with actresses like Nam Jeong-im and Moon Hee.

She had come out of retirement after years to feature in the motion picture Poetry.

Her performance in the same ended up fetching her the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress and the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actress.

Bae Doona, aside from being a mainstream screen performer, is one of the few celebrities on our list who is also a photographer.

The actress shot to fame after playing a key role in superbly popular and acclaimed motion pictures such as Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, The Host, and Air Doll.

She is also seen in popular South Korean shows such as Kingdom and The Silent Sea on Netflix.

In addition, Doona has been seen making an appearance in English movies and shows such as Cloud Atlas, Jupiter Ascending, and Sense8.

Seo Young-hee is an outstanding actress who has proved her acting talent in more films than one.

While she is known for having played an important supporting role in the popular motion picture The Chaser, it was her award-winning lead role in the mind-boggling thriller Bedevilled that truly showcased what she is capable of.

A winner of numerous accolades, Seo Young-hee has been seen in feature films such as Jealousy Is My Middle Name, To Sir, With Love, Shadows in the Palace, and The Accidental Detective franchise.

Jun Ji-hyun, who is also sometimes referred to by her English name Gianna Jun, is an actress and model.

She is a recipient of two Grand Bell Awards for Best Actress and a Daesang (Grand Prize) for Television at the Baeksang Art Awards. 

She has been seen playing crucial roles in feature films such as My Sassy Girl, The Berlin File, Windstruck, Il Mare, and The Thieves.

Jun has even managed to impress the small screen audience by appearing in shows such as The Legend of the Blue Sea, My Love from the Star, and Kingdom: Ashin of the North.

Han Hyo-joo is a well-known South Korean actress who has managed to charm the audience with her performances both on the big and the small screen.

Also a model and singer, she has been seen in television shows such as Heaven & Earth, Happiness, W, Iljimae, Brilliant Legacy, and Dong Yi.

One can find her playing a part in motion pictures such as Love 911, Masquerade, Cold Eyes, The Beauty Inside, and The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure.

Han Hyo-joo's performance in Cold Eyes fetched her an award for the Best Actress at the 34th Blue Dragon Film Awards.

Song Hye-kyo was first seen playing a bit part on the television show New Generation Report: Adults Don't Know.

She gained international popularity after having starred in shows such as Autumn in My Heart, All In, That Winter, the Wind Blows, Descendants of the Sun, Now, We Are Breaking Up, and Encounter.

One of the top Hallyu stars, Song Hye-kyo was given the 7th position in Forbes magazine's Korea Power Celebrity list in 2017 and the 6th position in 2018.

Kim Hae-sook made her screen debut after having appeared on the television show Chief Inspector in 1974. She has been a part of over 30 mainstream projects.

The acclaimed screen performer has reportedly won more than ten awards. You can find her acting as a mother in some of the popular Korean dramas for she looks very natural playing the part.

Seen in motion pictures such as My Sassy Girl, The Legend of Gingko, Herstory, and RV: Resurrected Victims, she has even authored a book called "Mother of Hallyu Stars: Kim Hae-sook's Story."

Park Min-young's ticket to fame was her role play in the coming of age historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal. So far, she's been in well-known television shows such as Glory Jane, City Hunter, Healer, Dr. Jin, and A New Leaf, Remember.

She is often seen acting in dramas that have the premise of office romance, like Her Private Life, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, Forecasting Love and Weather.

Before making her much-awaited screen debut in the sitcom High Kick!, Park Min-young was seen in an SK Telecom commercial.

Kim Yoo-jung made her debut as a model for a confectionery brand at the age of four. Soon after, she established herself as one of South Korea's most sought-after child actresses.

She shot to fame after having been a part of television shows such as Moon Embracing the Sun, Golden Rainbow, May Queen, Angry Mom, and Secret Door.

Kim Yoo-jung also managed to deliver in feature films such as Circle of Atonement and Commitment.

For her performance in Thread of Lies, she received a nomination for the Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

Kang Soo-youn made her screen debut in the feature film 3 Stars.

She soon gained prominence within the South Korean film industry and turned out to be one of their sought-after stars during the 1980s and 1990s.

However, she had also made her screen debut playing minor roles.

It was her character projection in the 1986 film The Surrogate Woman that brought her critical acclaim.

For her role in the same, she won the Volpi Cup Best Actress award at the 1987 Venice International Film Festival and Best Actress Award at the Nantes International Film Festival.

Lee Mi-sook is one of the most popular South Korean actresses from the 1980s. Some of her finest projects from that period are Whale Hunting, The Winter That Year Was Warm, Mulberry, Eunuch, and Wanderer in Winter.

Even though she retired from acting following her marriage in 1987, she was still seen on the television drama How's Your Husband?.

However, she did make a spectacular comeback more than a decade later with the film An Affair. Since then, she has continued to play roles both on television and in the movies.

Shim Eun-ha is known to have featured in some of the best-rated South Korean dramas of all time. However, she has now retired from acting.

She managed to gain fame during the 1990s after her performance in shows such as The Last Match, M, and Trap of Youth.

However, it was her remarkable character play in the romantic drama Christmas in August that ended up fetching her several Best Actress awards in 1998.

Yunjin Kim is a popular South Korean actress who has been making her presence felt both in the movies and on television for over two decades now.

Known for having narrated the award-winning documentary Behind Forgotten Eyes, she has even been seen in the American thriller series Lost.

The actress, who has been seen in well-known television shows such as Mistresses, first shot to fame after playing a role in the blockbuster feature film Shiri.

Lee Sung-kyung has been appearing on television since 2008. She is an actress, popular model, and singer.

She was seen in a number of television programs before making her acting debut by playing a supporting role on the show It's Okay, That's Love.

Since then, she has been seen playing a part in television shows such as Dr. Romantic 2, Cheese in the Trap, The Doctors, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo.

The young and talented Kim Sae-ron had given her career kick-start at the tender age of 9.

She became a familiar face to the South Korean audience after having starred in feature films such as A Brand New Life and The Man From Nowhere.

As she continued to age, one could find her playing crucial roles in movies and television shows such as A Girl at My Door, Can You Hear My Heart, The Queen's Classroom, Hi! School-Love On, and Secret Healer.

Kim Hyun-joo was first seen playing a role on the television show Reason I Live For. She is known today for having appeared in quite a few television dramas.

One can find her playing a part in shows such as Glass Slippers, Toji, the Land, Twinkle Twinkle, What Happens to My Family?, and I Have a Lover.

The actress had initially started her career as a fashion model. She has also been a  part of a handful of music videos.

Go Ah-sung was seen playing a part in a couple of television shows before she made her big-screen debut.

Her first feature film was renowned filmmaker Bong Joon-ho's monster drama The Host. It was the biggest box office blockbuster of 2006.

Go Ah-sung has also been seen in feature films and television shows such as Snowpiercer, Samjin Company English Class, Master of Study, and Heard It Through the Grapevine.

Cheon Soo-yeon, who's known in her professional space as Song Ji-hyo, first made an appearance on the television series Age of Innocence.

Since she was a consistent member of the South Korean variety show Running Man, it helped bring her fame from outside her nation as well.

She can be seen in feature films and television shows such as Wishing Stairs, A Frozen Flower, New World, Whispering Corridors film series, and Princess Hours.

It is imperative to mention that Jung Ryeo-won originally started her career as a singer.

However, her performance in the well-received television show My Name Is Kim Sam-soon brought her fame.

So, after her band got disbanded, she decided to pursue acting as a full-time career.

She has been seen playing a character in motion pictures and television shows such as Two Faces of My Girlfriend, Castaway on the Moon, and History of a Salaryman, among others.

Kim Ji-won has been active in show business since 2008. She gained recognition after having been a part of shows such as The Heirs, Fight for My Way, Descendants of the Sun, Lovestruck in the City, and Arthdal Chronicles.

Her screen presence in the South Korean dramas that she's been a part of established her as a Hallyu star.

Even though the actress had been trained to both sing and act, she decided to pursue the latter as a career.

Kim Ok-vin, who is sometimes also referred to as Kim Ok-bin, made her screen debut in the feature film Voice in 2005.

A year prior to her debut film outing, she debuted in an online beauty contest.

Kim Ok-bin has been seen in television shows and feature films such as Over the Rainbow, Dasepo Naughty Girls, and The Accidental Gangster and the Mistaken Courtesan.

She won an award for the Best Actress at the 2009 Sitges Film Festival for her role in the well-received horror film Thirst.

Shin Min-a is an actor and model who made her screen debut by playing a role on the television show Beautiful Days in 2001.

She initially started her career as a fashion model working for a teen magazine.

However, she soon rose to prominence after playing a part in television dramas such as Oh, My Venus, Tomorrow, With You, A Love to Kill, My Girlfriend Is a Nine-Tailed Fox, Arang and the Magistrate, and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.

Lee Eun-ju may sadly not be present among us anymore but she has certainly done enough as a performer to make it to our piece.

Better known for box office hits such as Taegukgi and The Scarlet Letter, she used to take regular piano lessons when she was young.

After having started working as a model, she found work in television dramas such as Start and KAIST.

She was also appreciated for her superb performance in the feature film Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors.

Choi Jin-ri, known professionally as Sulli, was an actress, singer, and model, who, sadly, is not around anymore.

She made her acting debut as a child and was seen playing a role in the historical drama series Ballad of Seodong.

Besides the aforementioned show, she was also seen in shows such as Dream City and Love Needs a Miracle, among others.

One can also find her playing a role in motion pictures such as Vacation, BA:BO, and Punch Lady, to name a few.

Seo Yea-ji has made her acting debut on the television show Potato Star 2013QR3 in 2013.

She gained wider recognition after playing a part in television shows such as Diary of a Night Watchman, Last, and Moorim School: Saga of the Brave.

She has also been seen playing a prominent role in shows such as Lawless Lawyer, Save Me, and It's Okay to Not Be Okay.

You'd be surprised to learn that she didn't originally plan to venture into acting. However, the CEO of her then management company somehow managed to convince her.

The multi-talented Koo Hye-sun is an actor, singer-songwriter, director, and artist - perhaps in that order.

She shot to fame after playing a part in television shows such as Pure in Heart, The King And I, Take Care of Us, Captain, Boys Over Flowers, Angel Eyes, and Blood.

In recent years, the actress is known to have put her vocal talent on display as well.

Kim Soo-hyun, who is also sometimes referred to as Claudia Kim, is a South Korean actress who has been seen in several domestic television shows and international movies.

While she can be seen in shows such as Queen of the Game and Marco Polo, one can also find her making her presence felt in popular feature films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Dark Tower, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

Im Soo-jung had signed a number of modeling assignments before making it big in the movies.

Her terrific character projection in the horror film A Tale of Two Sisters brought her well-deserved fame.

The actress gained wider recognition after having appeared on the television drama I'm Sorry, I Love You.

One can find her making her presence felt in motion pictures such as Happiness, I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK, All About My Wife, and Come Rain, Come Shine, to name a few.

For her noteworthy performance in All About My Wife, Im Soo-jung won an award for the Best Actress at the 33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards.

Kim Hye-sun made her screen debut in the feature film Dancing Daughter in 1986. She had taken up modeling while she was in middle school itself.

Best known for playing a significant role on the television drama First Wives' Club, she won an award for the Best Supporting Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for her performance in Love Is Oh Yeah!.

Even though Kim Hye-sun is over 50 now, she is still considered to be among the hottest actresses working in the South Korean film industry.

Kang Hye-jung was first seen playing a role on the television show Jump in 1999. She made her feature film debut with the arthouse film Nabi.

She found fame after having starred in the revenge thriller Oldboy, which was a massive hit.

However, her character projection in motion pictures such as Rules of Dating and the war comedy drama Welcome to Dongmakgol fetched her critical acclaim and accolades.

She can also be seen in titles such as Herb and Kill Me.