Whether you’re a beginner in the world of Hallyu or a seasoned fan, we are sure there’s at least one K-Drama actress who has caught your eye. Who can blame you? After all, the Korean show business industry is known to be home to dozens of drop dead gorgeous women!
But aside from their stunning looks, these actresses are also known for their immense artistic talent. Join us as we list down just 19 of the most stunning Korean actresses you can watch today.
1. Bae Suzy
We’re starting this list off with Korea’s sweetheart, Bae Suzy! Starting out as the stand-out member from the hit K-Pop girl group Miss A, Bae Suzy has grown to become one of the top stars of the industry. She is beloved for her stunning looks and immense star potential, and she is now active as a model-actress.
You might recognize her from shows like Dream High, Uncontrollably Fond, Start-Up, and Doona! Whatever the role is, Bae Suzy is sure to put her own charm into the role and wow audiences with her talent.
Instagram: @skuukzky
2. Kwon Nara
Our next pick is K-Drama darling Kwon Nara! With her gorgeous looks paired with her natural talents, she definitely stands out on screen. You might recognize her from memorable roles in Suspicious Partner, My Mister, Itaewon Class, Bulgasal: Immortal Souls, and more.
Kwon Nara is another shining example of idol-turned-actor. She was once part of the 2nd Generation girl group Hello Venus. Now, she stuns audiences with her pretty face and commitment to any role she is given!
Instagram: @hvnara
3. Jun Ji-Hyun
We can’t have a list of the top Korean actresses without including some of the OGs! Jun Ji-Hyun is a seasoned veteran in the industry who has been stealing audiences’ hearts since her debut all the way back in 2001. Ever since she wowed audiences with her performance in My Sassy Girl, she has been booked left and right.
You might recognize her from shows like My Love From the Star, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Kingdom: Ashin of the North, and more. For her immense talent, she has been earned a number of prestigious awards, including two Grand Prize (Daesang) awards!
4. Lee Sung-Kyung
If you were even a little bit involved with the Hallyu Wave during the mid-2010s, then you definitely recognize Lee Sung-Kyung. With her modelesque height and unique features, as well as her one-of-a-kind charm, she has starred in countless global hits like Cheese in the Trap, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, Dr. Romantic 2, and more!
Now she has become one of the most sought-after model-actresses in both industries. You might think she looks a bit cold and unapprochable because of her otherwordly beauty, but one look at any of her shows (and even her variety show appearances!) and you’ll see she’s a total sweetheart!
Instagram: @heybiblee
5. Kim Ji-Won
Next up on this list is someone who is widely recognized for her elegant visuals as well as her intricate acting talent. She is right at the peak of the Hallyu wave with roles in hits like Fight For My Way, Descendants of the Sun, Arthdal Chronicles, Lovestruck in the City, and more.
She has also showcased her acting skills as the lead role in My Liberation Notes, portraying someone who looks calm and collected on the outside but actually feeling empty and hopeless on the inside. She is undoubtedly one of the most talented actresses of her generation!
Instagram: @geewonii
6. Shin Min-Ah
Another seasoned veteran is Shin Min-Ah! Ever since her debut as a teen model back in the late 90s, her dimply charms and radiant presence has been a staple in the Korean entertainment industry. You may know her from her starring roles in My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox, Oh My Venus, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Our Blues, and more.
Her tall height, warm smile, and feminine charms have made her a staple on our screens. She’s a shining example of a successful transition from the modeling to the acting industry!
Instagram: @illusomina
7. Kim Tae-Hee
Of course, no list about beautiful Korean actresses would be complete without the inimitable Kim Tae-Hee. Considered one of the most beautiful faces in the entire country, Kim Tae-Hee has even been given the nickname “Goddess” due to her timeless beauty!
But don’t let her beauty fool you–Kim Tae-Hee is more than just a pretty face. She’s also quite a smart one, considering she graduated from the country’s top university Seoul National University. She is also a gifted actress, with memorable roles in Stairway to Heaven, Love Story in Harvard, Hi Bye, Mama!, and more.
Instagram: @kimtaehee99
8. Han So-Hee
While the industry has its veterans, it also has its up-and-comers. Few actresses can come close to Han So-Hee’s popularity and star power these days! With her girl crush vibe and versatile acting, Han So-Hee has been racking up roles left and right in shows like The World of the Married, Nevertheless, My Name, and more.
But did you know, she actually got her start acting in music videos! Han So-Hee debuted as the female love interest in K-Pop superstar SHINee’s music video for the song “Tell Me What To Do.” Now, Han So-Hee still honors her music video roots by starring in hits like BTS Jungkook’s “Seven.”
Instagram: @xeesoxee
9. Go Youn-Jung
Yet another up-and-comer the world is watching out for is the beautiful Go Youn-Jung. Ever since her stunning appearance in the hit show Alchemy of Souls, this model-actress has slowly but surely been climbing the ladder of fame. Before Alchemy of Souls, she has also starred in shows like He is Psychometric, Sweet Home, Law School, and more.
As a model, she has also represented many luxury brands like Giorgio Armani as well as more commercial brands like Nike. Her versatile beauty and budding talent is sure to give her even more success in the future.
Instagram: @goyounjung
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10. Park Shin-Hye
Nicknamed the “Nation’s Little Sister,” Park Shin-Hye is known to audiences for her innocent beauty and charm. She has become one of the most in-demand Korean actresses after her notable works in Miracle in Cell No. 7, The Heirs, Doctors, Memories of the Alhambra, and more.
Her global popularity was proven when she became the first Korean female celebrity to hold fanmeetings all across Asia! She has also been the recepient of several prestigious acting awards, including a whopping six Baeksang awards.
Instagram: @ssinz7
11. Son Ye-Jin
Up next we have another veteran in the game: Son Ye-Jin! Her timelessly youthful beauty has captured the hearts of many. Proving her starpower, she even topped the “Most Beautiful Woman in the World” poll by Starmometer back in 2020!
Her charisma, warm personality, and acting prowess have landed her roles in Crash Landing On You, Something in the Rain, My Wife Got Married, A Moment to Remember, and more. Practically every project Son Ye-Jin has touched has turned into a big success!
Instagram: @yejinhand
12. Kim Go-Eun
Of course, we have to mention the one and only Kim Go-Eun! Over the years, she has proven herself very much to be a capable actress, talented enough to go toe-to-toe in scenes with actors much more senior than her. You may know her from the hit shows Cheese in the Trap, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Yumi’s Cells, and Little Women.
Aside from acting, Kim Go-Eun also garners fans through her girl crush vibe and easy-going cool girl personality. This shines in her different variety show appearances such as in Sea of Hope!
Instagram: @ggonekim
13. Kim Yoo-Jung
Next up on this list is someone who has been given many nicknames by the Korean media. “Nation’s Little Sister,” “Nation’s First Love,” “Global First Love”… do any of these sound familiar? Of course, we’re talking about Kim Yoo-Jung! With her lovable on-screen presence and acting talent, she has captivated audiences with roles in Love in the Moonlight, Lovers of the Red Sky, and 20th Century Girl among others.
This young actress also has a lot of prestigious awards under her belt, including one from the Baeksang Arts Academy! Back in 2022, she was even named the “Face of Asia,” proving her global popularity and immense talent.
Instagram: @you_r_love
14. Jung So-Min
If this next actress isn’t familiar, then that has to change–immediately! Jung So-Min is perhaps a little less well-known than the other picks on this list, but her youthful beauty and unabashed talent make her one of the most gifted actresses of her generation. She just has that special little something that makes you want to root for her whenever you see her on screen.
Jung So-Min has starred in shows like Because This is My First Life, Playful Kiss, Alchemy of Souls, and more. Her role in the 2010 show Bad Guy catapulted her to fame and earned her a reputation as a reputable actress.
Instagram: @somin_jj
15. Song Ji-Hyo
Next up on this list we have actress Song Ji-Hyo! While many know her for her hilarious variety show appearances such as in Running Man, she is first and foremost a talented veteran actress with a career spanning over two decades.
She is known for remarkable roles in A Frozen Flower, Emergency Couple, Was it Love?, Intruder, and more. Her easy-breezy personality and elegant beauty, paired with her natural talent for bringing out something memorable in all her roles, have all made her one of the most recognizable actresses working today.
Instagram: @my_songjihyo
16. Song Hye-Kyo
Yet another “Song” you have to know is none other than Song Hye-Kyo! She is one of Korea’s most talented and remarkable actresses and biggest Hallyu stars. With roles in Autumn in my Heart, Full House, Descendants of the Sun, and the Glory, she has showcased her full versatility as an acting powerhouse.
Aside from her acting virtuoso, she is also known as one of Korea’s most beautiful women. In fact, she is part of the so-called “Troika” alongside Kim Tae-Hee and Jun Ji-Hyun, known as “Tae-Hye-Ji.”
Instagram: @kyo1122
17. Nana
There’s a little bit of a stigma when it comes to idols crossing over into the acting industry, but Nana and the other idol-actors on this list aim to break that! First debuting as a member of the girl group After School and its hit sub-unit Orange Caramel, Nana is now active as a successful actress and model.
Some of her shows include The Good Wife, The Swindlers, Justice, Glitch, and more. Because of her overwhelming visual beauty, she has also been a consistent topper of the Independent Critics’ Top 100 Most Beautiful Faces of the year. She has also won the Style Icon Award, Tony Moly K-Beauty Award, and more!
Instagram: @jin_a_nana
18. Lim Ji-Yeon
With her cool vibe and tendency to take on more unconventional roles, Lim Ji-Yeon may come off as a bit intimidating. Yet in reality, her stunning beauty and warm girlish personality has drawn in more and more fans to tune in to her activities! You may know Lim Ji-Yeon from her roles in Obsessed, The Treacherous, High Society, and of course, The Glory.
Don’t let her incredible portrayal in The Glory fool you. In the real world, she is nothing like the villainous Park Yeon-Jin! Her incredible acting has granted her many prestigious awards, including some from the Baeksang Arts Awards. And fun fact! She initially wanted to be an actress after watching the musical Cats as a kid.
Instagram: @limjjy2
19. IU
We’re rounding off this list with yet another of Korea’s sweethearts. From singing, songwriting, to acting, there’s simply nothing this woman can’t do! IU first debuted as a singer all the way back in 2008. She quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most successful soloists to ever come out of the industry.
Now, she is also making waves for her realistic and gritty acting portrayals in shows like My Mister, Broker, Hotel del Luna, and more. What can we say? IU is simply born to be a star thanks to her undeniable talent. Her pretty looks are simply the cherry on top!
Instagram: @dlwlrma
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We hope you enjoyed our article on the most gorgeous Korean actresses today! Are you a fan of any of the shows these beauties starred in? Tell us in the comment section!
With their stunning visuals, incredible work ethic, and true dedication to their craft, it’s no wonder these top Korean stars have been taking over the globe. From local K-Dramas to international blockbusters and even bit parts in music videos, these stars are sure to steal the show wherever they go.
If you liked this, check out our new article about Korean female beauty standards. You may surprised!