In this article, I will be talking about the best South Koreans actresses of all time. Equipped with immense talents in acting, these women are adored all over the world and even in Korea for their amazing performances.
From legendary parts in K dramas to winning many awards in movies, they are actively involved in the evolution of Korean entertainment.
Key Points & Top 10 Best South Korean Actresses List
| Actress | Key Points |
|---|---|
| IU | Multi-talented singer, actress, and songwriter. Known for roles in Hotel Del Luna and My Mister. |
| Jun Ji-hyun | Internationally famous for My Sassy Girl and The Legend of the Blue Sea. Known for her charm. |
| Lee Young-ae | Renowned for her role in Jewel in the Palace and other period dramas. A prominent figure in Korea. |
| Kim Hye-soo | Versatile actress with notable performances in Signal and Hyena. Known for strong, bold roles. |
| Kim Go-eun | Acclaimed for her roles in Goblin and Coin Locker Girl. A rising star in Korean cinema and TV. |
| Choi Ji-woo | Famous for Winter Sonata and other romance dramas. A veteran actress beloved by many. |
| Son Ye-jin | Known for her leading roles in Crash Landing on You and The Negotiation. Acclaimed for her depth. |
| Gong Hyo-jin | Known for her roles in The Greatest Love and When the Camellia Blooms. Famous for rom-com roles. |
| Kim Hye-ja | Veteran actress known for Mother and The Light in Your Eyes. Acclaimed for her emotional depth. |
| Song Hye-kyo | Iconic for roles in Autumn in My Heart, Full House, and Descendants of the Sun. A top Hallyu star. |
Top 10 Best South Korean Actresses
1.IU
In 2025, one of the South Korean actresses who stands out is IU. Aside from her remarkable versatility, IU has grown in popularity in both the acting and music industries and has become a household name.
She can be regarded as an accomplished actress given her excellent performance in My Mister and Hotel Del Luna. In addition to her acting prowess, IU is also a talented singer-songwriter, proving why she is loved by many.
2.Jun Ji-hyun
Jun Ji-hyun, one of the best South Korean actresses. She is known for her charming portrayal in My Sassy Girl and The Legend of the Blue Sea.
With the ability to blend humor and emotion, her characters become a source of joy for many in Korea. In her career filled with successful movies and dramas, she has become famous around the world.
3.Lee Young-ae
Lee Young-ae, a famous South Korean actress who has made her mark in the world of acting. Celebrated for her mesmerizing starring role in the historical drama ‘Jewel in the Palace”, Lee Young-Ae has remained a beacon of elegance in the entertainment industry.
As of today, she has achieved many awards because of her vast acting skills and ability to tackle intricately designed roles. Even after several decades within the industry, she still holds a significant amount of respect inside Korea’s entertainment business.
4.Kim Hye-soo
Kim Hye Soo is one of the finest South Korean actresses. Kim Hye Soo has also gained popularity for her roles in Signal and Hyena where she played composed yet diverse characters.
She is known for her strong portrayals of deep and multi-dimensional women. Hyena is another strong example where she commands the screen like a true professional. Her work is appreciated and she is also regarded as being popular, which brings her tremendous fame internationally.
5.Kim Go-eun
Kim Go-eun is one of the few best known actresses from South Korea. She gained notoriety with Goblin and Coin Locker Girl. The range of diverse characters she has taken up in her career is illustrious, touting her creativity and talent as a premier Korean actress.
She is naturally a favorite with the audiences and critics because she charms and delights the way she performs.
6.Choi Ji-woo
Choi Ji-woo, one of the most popular South Korean actresses, has gained fame for her stunning performance in the cult-favorite series Winter Sonata. As an actress, she is cherished globally because of her talents along with her poise.
She has also constructed and performed many intricate and romantic roles which makes her a treasured name in the Korean drama world. For more than two decades, she has been an active performer in the industry and continues to be an important celebrity.
7.Son Ye-jin
One of the finest bowls of Korean actresses is undoubtedly Son Ye-jin. Following her outstanding performances in two dramas: Crash Landing on You and The Negotiation, Son Ye-jin has managed to consistently
Capture the hearts of the viewers with her depth and emotional range. This earned her praise from all corners as well. She continues to excel in the film industry as a leading actress in the film and television sphere.
8.Gong Hyo-jin
The incredibly talented and highly adored South Korean actress is Gong Hyo-Jin, known for her works in The Greatest Love and When the Camellia Blooms. She is known for her unparalleled charms and remarable skills in romance as well as drama.
Her performance is appreciative owing to her ability to connect with the audiences on a more personal level while playing rather complex roles. Her expansive career makes her one of the most loved actresses in Korea.
9.Kim Hye-ja
The South Korean actress at the forefront of each and every list, is Kim Hye-ja. Kim Hye-ja is a veteran actress who won wide acclaim for her performances in Mother and The Light in Your Eyes.
Her ability to depict truly intense and intricate characters has won her many fans and praise. Even with many decades of experience behind her, she continues to be a very highly regarded figure in the South Korean show industry, distinguished for her art.
10.Song Hye-kyo
Noted as one of the best Korean actresses, Song Hye-kyo is famous for the main roles in Autumn in My Heart, Full House, and Descendants of the Sun where she gained international fame for her beauty and acting performances.
Throughout her career, Song Hye-kyo has been acknowledged for her poise, emotional depth, and exceptional elegance and has earned prominence and respect on a global scale.
Conclusion
To sum up, South Korea has an impressive pool of gifted actresses that never cease to mesmerize fans across the globe. These include Song Hye-kyo and Jun Ji-hyun, as well as emerging actress Kim Go-eun, all of whom have made significant contributions.
Their impressive abilities, emotional range, and screen presence guarantees that they are, and will continue to be, important figures in Korea as well as world’s TV and film industries.
