10 Best Korean Actresses to Watch: Icons of K-Drama & Cinema

Korean actresses are dominating the global entertainment scene with their talent, versatility, and unforgettable performances. From heartwarming romances to high-octane action, they bring characters to life in forms that captivate audiences worldwide.

This comprehensive guide spotlights 10 powerhouse Korean actresses who are redefining the industry, gaining international recognition, and making history.

Explore their most iconic roles, groundbreaking achievements, and lasting impact on global TV and film.

List of Best Korean Actresses

10: Kim So-hyun

Date of Birth: June 4, 1999, Australia

Best Works:

• Young Lady Yoon Bo-kyung in Moon Embracing the Sun
• Lee Eun-bi in Who Are You: School 2015
• Dong Dong-joo / Yoo Eun-seo in The Tale of Nokdu
• Princess Pyeonggang / Yeom Ga-jin in River Where the Moon Rises

Accolades:

• APAN Star Award
• KBS Drama Award
• Korea Drama Award
• MBC Drama Award
• MBC Entertainment Award

Kim So-hyun began her acting career at just seven years old, initially gaining recognition through supporting roles. Her breakthrough came in Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), where her compelling portrayal of a young antagonist earned her widespread acclaim.

Over the years, Kim has developed a versatile acting style, excelling in both historical and contemporary dramas.

Known for her natural emotional depth, she seamlessly adapts to various genres, from romantic comedies to suspense thrillers.

Her dedication to balancing both her career and education reflects her maturity and commitment to her craft. As she continues to take on complex roles, Kim So-hyun remains one of the most known Korean actresses in Korean entertainment, admired for her talent, depth, and range.

9: Kim Young-ok

Date of Birth: December 5, 1937, Gyeonggi, South Korea

Best Works:

• Han-gyeol’s grandmother in Coffee Prince
• Mrs. Song in Protect the Boss
• Yeong-Ok in Old Miss Diary
• Seong-Geun’s Mother in Our School’s E.T.

Accolades:

• Baeksang Arts Award
• KBS Drama Award
• KBS Entertainment Award
• MBC Drama Award
• SBS Drama Award

Kim Young-ok began her career in 1959 as an announcer at Chuncheon Broadcasting Station before transitioning to voice acting for CBS and MBC in the 1960s.

Her passion for performance eventually led her to television, where she made her drama debut in 1969, marking the start of a long and illustrious career.

Her breakthrough came through her heartfelt portrayals of grandmothers, a role that earned her the title of South Korea’s “National Grandma.”

With performances deeply rooted in family and cultural values, Kim has become a beloved and respected figure in Korean entertainment.

As the oldest active actress in Korea, she continues to grace the screen without pause, proving that her passion for acting remains as strong as ever.

8: Jun Ji-hyun

Date of Birth: October 30, 1981, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• The Girl in My Sassy Girl
• Kim Eun-ju in Il Mare
• Kyung-jin Yeo in Windstruck
• Yenicall in The Thieves
• An Ok-yun in Assassination

Accolades:

• APAN Star Award
• Grand Bell Award
• Baek Sang Art Award
• Max Movie Award
• SBS Drama Award

Jun Ji-hyun entered the entertainment industry at 16, starting as a model for Ecole Magazine before transitioning to acting in 1998.

Her breakthrough came with the 2001 hit My Sassy Girl, where she captivated audiences with her bold and unpredictable character, defying traditional gender roles. The film’s massive success catapulted her to stardom and earned her the title of “Nation’s First Love” in South Korea.

Renowned for her versatility, Jun seamlessly navigates between genres, from romantic comedies to intense action roles, as seen in Assassination (2015).

Her acting style combines effortless charm with deep emotional nuance, allowing her to portray both tough and vulnerable characters with authenticity. With her work and talent, Jun hi-hyun’s net worth is $28 million, making her one of the richest Korean actors.

As one of Korea’s top Hallyu stars, Jun Ji-hyun continues to influence the domestic and international entertainment landscape, solidifying her legacy in the industry.

7: Park Min-young

Date of Birth: March 4, 1986, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Kim Yoon-Hee in Sungkyunkwan Scandal
• Nana Kim in City Hunter
• Chae Young-shin / Oh Ji-an in Healer
• Kim Mi-so in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim

Accolades:

• APAN Star Award
• Asia Artist Award
• KBS Drama Award
• DramaFever Awards
• MBC Entertainment Award

Park Min-young began her entertainment career in 2005 with an SK Telecom commercial before making her acting debut in the sitcom High Kick! (2006).

Her breakthrough came in 2010 with Sungkyunkwan Scandal, where she impressed audiences with her portrayal of a strong-willed woman disguising herself as a man in a historical setting, showcasing her ability to tackle complex roles.

Her role opposite Park Seo-joon (one of the famous Korean actors) in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim has garnered attention worldwide.

Known for her emotional depth, versatility, and natural charm, Park effortlessly transitions across genres, excelling in romance, action, and historical dramas.

Her broad appeal has also earned her a strong international fanbase, particularly in China, further boosting her global recognition.

With consistently strong performances and an ability to adapt to diverse roles, Park Min-young remains at the forefront of the Korean entertainment industry as one of the most prominent Korean actresses.

6: Song Hye-kyo

Date of Birth: November 22, 1981, Daegu, South Korea

Best Works:

• Yoon/Choi Eun-suh in Autumn in My Heart
• Min Su-yeon / Sister Angela in All In
• Han Ji-eun in Full House
• Oh Young in That Winter, the Wind Blows
• Kang Mo-yeon in Descendants of the Sun

Accolades:

• APAN Star Award
• Baek Sang Art Award
• SBS Drama Award
• KBS Drama Award

Song Hye-kyo entered the entertainment industry at just 14 after winning the SunKyung Smart Model Contest, which led to her acting debut in First Love (1997).

Her breakthrough came with the hit drama Autumn in My Heart (2000), where her poignant portrayal of a tragic love story catapulted her to fame in Korea and across Asia.

Known for her ability to evoke deep emotion, Song excels in melodramatic roles that resonate with audiences. Her grace, versatility, and poise have made her a key figure in the Hallyu wave, solidifying her status as a globally recognized actress.

Throughout her career, she has remained a top choice for leading roles, consistently captivating viewers with her dynamic range and compelling performances.

Beyond acting, Song Hye-kyo has played a significant role in shaping the global perception of Korean dramas, contributing to the worldwide rise of Korean culture.

5: Jung So-min

Date of Birth: March 16, 1989, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Hong Mo-ne in Bad Guy
• Oh Ha Ni in Playful Kiss
• Byeon Mi-yeong in My Father Is Strange
• Yoon Ji-ho in Because This Is My First Life
• Hong Na-ra in Love Reset

Accolades:

• Asia Model Award
• Golden Cinematography Award
• KBS Entertainment Award
• Korean Culture and Entertainment Award
• MBC Entertainment Award

Jung So-min started with a supporting role in Bad Guy (2010). However, it was her lead role in Playful Kiss that actually launched her career, despite the drama’s initial lukewarm reception in Korea. The show gained international popularity, bringing her into the spotlight.

Jung’s acting style is deeply relatable, marked by natural charm and emotional depth. She effortlessly shines in both romantic comedies and intense dramatic roles.

Whether portraying a quirky student in Playful Kiss or taking on a more complex role in Alchemy of Souls (2022), she captivates audiences with her versatility and authenticity.

Her ability to transition seamlessly between genres—from lighthearted romance to gripping fantasy dramas—has solidified her reputation as one of the most dynamic actresses in Korean entertainment.

With each role, Jung So-min continues to expand her impressive portfolio, proving her staying power in the industry.

4: Kim Yoo-jung

Date of Birth: September 22, 1999, Seongdong District, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Choe Dong-yi in Dong Yi
• 13-year-old Lady Heo Yeon-woo in Moon Embracing the Sun
• Hong Ra-on/Hong Sam-nom in Love in the Moonlight
• Na Bo-ra in 20th Century Girl

Accolades:

• APAN Star Award
• Asia Artist Award
• Baek Sang Art Award
• SBS Drama Award
• KBS Drama Award

Kim Yoo-jung began her acting journey at just four years old, debuting as a model for a confectionery brand.

She gained widespread recognition in 2010 with her role as young Dong Yi in the historical drama Dong Yi, but it was Moon Embracing the Sun (2012) that made her a household name in South Korea.

Renowned for her natural acting style, Kim shines in historical and romantic dramas, effortlessly portraying characters with depth and emotional nuance. Her ability to convey complex feelings with subtlety and grace has established her as one of the most talented young actresses in the industry.

Seamlessly transitioning from child roles to leading performances, Kim Yoo-jung continues to impress audiences with her versatility and maturity, cementing her place as a rising star in Korean entertainment.

3: Park Bo-young

Date of Birth: February 12, 1990, Jeungpyeong, Korea

Best Works:

• Hwang Jeong-nam in Scandal Makers
• Soon-Yi in A Werewolf Boy
• Hwan Seung-hee in On Your Wedding Day
• Na Bong-sun in Oh My Ghost
• Do Bong-Soon in Strong Girl Bong-soon

Accolades:

• APAN Star Award
• Baek Sang Art Award
• Grand Bell Award
• Korean Association of Film Critics Award
• Seoul International Drama Award

Park Bo-young discovered her passion for acting at a young age, joining a video production club in middle school.

She made her official debut in 2006 with the drama Secret Campus and quickly gained recognition. Her breakthrough came in 2008 with Scandal Makers, where she portrayed a teenage mom—a role that won hearts and earned her multiple awards.

With a natural charm and expressive acting style, Park effortlessly transitions between sweet, innocent characters and more complex, resilient roles. She is especially known for her strong on-screen presence and versatility, as seen in hit dramas like Oh My Ghost (2015) and Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017).

Her ability to emotionally connect with audiences has solidified her status as one the most beloved and respected actresses in South Korea.

2: Kim Ji-won

Date of Birth: October 19, 1992, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Rachel Yoo in The Heirs
• Yoon Myeong-Joo in Descendants of the Sun
• Choi Ae-ra in Fight for My Way
• Lee Eun-oh in Lovestruck in the City
• Hong Hae-in in Queen of Tears

Accolades:

• APAN Star Award
• Asia Artist Award
• KBS Drama Award
• SBS Drama Award

Kim Ji-won entered the entertainment industry in 2007 after being scouted as a teenager. Following over three years of training, she made her debut in 2010 with an LG Cyon Lollipop 2 commercial, earning the nickname “Lollipop Girl.”

Initially trained in singing and dancing, Kim pursued acting, quickly gaining recognition for her strong screen presence and emotional depth.

She is known for her versatility, effortlessly transitioning between romance, action, and historical dramas.

Her ability to portray confident, independent women has set her apart, allowing her to progress from supporting roles to leading performances.

With a growing international fanbase and a reputation for bringing diverse characters to life, Kim Ji-won has cemented her status as one of the most sought-after Korean actresses.

1: Son Ye-jin

Date of Birth: January 11, 1982, Daegu, South Korea

Best Works:

• Ji-hae, Ju-hie in The Classic
• Shim Hye-won in Summer Scent
• Su-jin in A Moment to Remember
• Seo-young in April Snow
• Joo In-ah in My Wife Got Married

Accolades:

• Golden Rooster Award
• Grand Bell Award
• Baek Sang Art Award
• Blue Dragon Film Award
• Korean Association of Film Critics Award

Son Ye-jin made her acting debut in the 2000 film Secret Tears but rose to fame with Lover’s Concerto (2002) and The Classic (2003). Her breakthrough came in 2004 with A Moment to Remember, a box office hit that highlighted her emotional depth and solidified her as a leading actress.

Known for her versatility, Son seamlessly transitions from portraying innocent first loves to complex, mature characters.

She gained widespread recognition in romance dramas and films, earning the title of “Nation’s First Love” for her heartfelt performances.

Over the years, she has expanded her range, excelling in historical dramas, thrillers, and even black comedies.

With her powerful screen presence and ability to convey deep emotions, Son Ye-jin remains one of the most beloved Korean actresses today.

Read Also: Famous or Top Korean Actors