From global K-drama royalty to emerging screen legends, these South Korean actresses are much more than just beautiful faces. With powerful performances, massive influence, and timeless elegance, the following 10 stars stand at the pinnacle of the Korean entertainment industry in 2025. This definitive list not only celebrates their beauty but also explores their careers, personal backgrounds, and growing global influence.
10. Jung Ho‑yeon
Jung Ho-yeon, born June 23, 1994, started as a top model and became a global acting sensation with Squid Game (2021). Her character, Kang Sae-byeok, became iconic, and she followed that success with international magazine covers, fashion campaigns, and a forthcoming Apple TV+ drama.
Look & charm: Unique bone structure, intense stare, and edgy style, she blends runway fierceness with raw emotional storytelling.
Net worth: Estimated at $20-25 million and growing fast.
9. Han Hyo‑joo
Born February 22, 1987, Han Hyo-joo gained fame from Dong Yi and Brilliant Legacy. She stunned fans with modern hits like W, Happiness, and Disney+’s Moving (2023), where she played a super-powered single mom with grit and grace.
Her fashion-forward elegance and emotional range on screen make her a standout actress even in ensemble casts.
Net worth: $25-30 million, with endorsements including Chanel, Burberry, and Tiffany & Co.
8. Kim So‑hyun
Kim So-hyun, born June 4, 1999, in Australia, made her acting debut at age 7 and has since transformed from child star to one of Korea's most promising leading ladies. Her breakout came in Moon Embracing the Sun, and she built on that momentum with Who Are You: School 2015, Love Alarm, and River Where the Moon Rises.
In 2024, she led the revenge melodrama Dear X, winning praise for her multi-layered portrayal of trauma and strength.
Visual charm: Her large eyes, gentle smile, and delicate frame make her one of the most photogenic stars in Korea. She embodies innocence, elegance, and youth, appealing to people across all age demographics.
Personal note: A humble personality, she completed school via homeschooling and often engages in charity for children's education.
Net worth: Estimated at $5-8 million, thanks to high drama frequency and rising brand collaborations.
7. Park Shin‑hye
Born February 18, 1990, Park Shin-hye has been in the public eye since childhood. She grew up on-screen, winning hearts in Stairway to Heaven, and maturing into roles in The Heirs, Pinocchio, Memories of the Alhambra, and Doctor Slump (2024).
Known for her sincere performances and fan-friendly attitude, she is also heavily involved in charity work and remains one of the most respected actresses in the country.
Net worth: Estimated at $25-30 million, with a portfolio including real estate, sponsorships, and international film contracts.
6. Bae Suzy
Bae Suzy, born October 10, 1994, in Gwangju, first gained fame as a member of JYP’s girl group miss A. Her screen debut in Dream High was well received, but it was Architecture 101 that earned her the 'Nation's First Love' title.
She has since become a leading actress in dramas like While You Were Sleeping, Vagabond, Start-Up, and Anna, a performance that showcased her depth and commitment. In 2025, Suzy returned to the big screen in Wonderland, acting alongside Park Bo-gum in a sci-fi love story that dazzled critics.
Beauty appeal: With a heart-shaped face, dewy skin, and a radiant smile, Suzy exemplifies the natural Korean beauty ideal. Her style is effortless, leaning into pastel tones, minimalism, and grace.
Brand power: Endorses top-tier brands like Dior, Guess, Swarovski, and Longines. She’s one of the most bankable female celebrities in Asia.
Net worth: Estimated at $25-30 million, combining her music, acting, and long-running ad deals.
5. Kim Tae‑hee
Kim Tae-hee, born March 29, 1980, in Ulsan, is often praised not just for her stunning features but also for her intellect. She graduated from Seoul National University, Korea’s top school.
She debuted as a model before acting in Stairway to Heaven, Love Story in Harvard, and My Princess. Her performance in Yong-pal showcased her range, and after a short break for family life, she returned with a gripping role in Lies Hidden in My Garden (2023), gaining immense praise.
Beauty appeal: Known for her doll-like face, flawless skin, and calm, classic elegance. Often labelled the 'ultimate Korean beauty,' her charm lies in simplicity and poise.
Personal life: Married to singer-actor Rain, the couple has two daughters and largely maintains a low-profile personal life.
Net worth: Estimated $18-20 million, driven by premium endorsements, drama contracts, and real estate.
4. Jun Ji‑hyun
Born in 1981, Jun Ji-hyun, also known as Gianna Jun, became an icon after starring in the 2001 mega-hit film My Sassy Girl. Her statuesque figure, model-like presence, and bold acting style defined a new generation of Korean film heroines.
She went on to lead massive dramas like My Love from the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea, and Kingdom: Ashin of the North. Her aura blends confidence with grace, and she continues to influence both fashion and acting spheres well into 2025.
Net worth: Estimated over $25 million, with top-tier endorsements for Alexander McQueen, Hera, and Chanel Beauty.
3. IU (Lee Ji‑eun)
Born on May 16, 1993, IU began as a singer-songwriter before venturing into acting. Her storytelling ability made her not just Korea’s 'Nation’s Little Sister' but a multi-hyphenate powerhouse.
Her drama debut in Dream High evolved into critically acclaimed performances in My Mister and Hotel Del Luna, where she played the haunted hotel CEO with both edge and grace. In 2025, she returned to the screen with When Life Gives You Tangerines, a Netflix hit that resonated deeply with global viewers.
Beauty type: IU's look blends innocence and intensity. Her luminous skin, subtle makeup style, and expressive eyes create an enduring visual charm.
Net worth: Estimated $30 million+, combining music royalties, global tours, acting gigs, and endorsements (Gucci, New Balance).
2. Kim Ji‑won
Kim Ji-won, born October 19, 1992, in Seoul, started her career as a CF (commercial film) model before stepping into acting. Though she originally trained to be a singer and played backup for Younha, her visuals and screen charisma pulled her into acting full-time.
Her breakout came with The Heirs (2013), where she played a sharp-tongued heiress. She skyrocketed to fame in Descendants of the Sun (2016), and later stunned audiences in Fight for My Way (2017), showcasing a natural ability to blend emotion, realism, and romantic energy.
She reached new heights with My Liberation Notes (2022), receiving critical acclaim for her raw, vulnerable portrayal. In 2024, her role in Queen of Tears further solidified her as an A-list star, while her 2025 psychological series A Pale Afternoon is already generating buzz.
Physical appeal: Known for her sculpted jawline, soulful eyes, and balanced features. Kim Ji-won’s beauty is understated but powerful, resonating with fans who admire natural elegance.
Net worth: Estimated at $8-10 million, boosted by drama salaries, brand endorsements (L'Oréal, Laneige), and magazine covers across Asia.
1. Song Hye‑kyo
Born on November 22, 1981, in Daegu, Song Hye-kyo has been a cornerstone of Korean drama excellence for over two decades. A graduate of Sejong University, she began her career in modelling before earning her acting debut at 18.
Her rise was swift with classic roles in Autumn in My Heart, Full House, and Descendants of the Sun. These dramas not only made her a household name in Korea but also turned her into a pan-Asian superstar. With her porcelain skin, delicate features, and graceful charm, she is widely considered one of the most beautiful women in Asia.
In 2025, Song continues her reign with a Netflix original titled Show Business and a dark thriller, Dark Nuns. Her versatility and elegance secure her spot as one of Korea’s most enduring stars.
Net worth: Estimated $25-30 million, driven by dramas, luxury endorsements (Fendi, Sulwhasoo), and international fashion events.
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Akanksha Sinha
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