Most Popular Korean Actresses
These Korean actresses have earned international recognition through Netflix hits, global awards, and even Hollywood roles. Here are the top names that resonate most with U.S. audiences:
Kim Go-eun
Famous for: Goblin, Little WomenWhy Americans love her:
Rose to fame through Goblin, which became a huge hit on Netflix internationally.
Known for her natural acting and soft, relatable image.
Her recent drama Little Women also gained global attention.
Song Hye-kyo
Famous for: Descendants of the Sun, The GloryWhy Americans love her:
Her role in The Glory
drew major praise from international viewers.
Admired for her emotional depth and elegance.
Long regarded as one of the most iconic Korean actresses.
Jun Ji-hyun (Gianna Jun)
Famous for: My Love from the Star, Kingdom: Ashin of the NorthWhy Americans love her:
Gained massive popularity through My Love from the Star.
Later reintroduced to global audiences via Kingdom spinoff on Netflix.
Known for her stunning visuals and powerful on-screen presence.
Han So-hee
Famous for: My Name, NeverthelessWhy Americans love her:
Starred in Netflix’s My Name, a gritty action thriller that ranked globally.
Became a Gen Z favorite thanks to her fierce, charismatic image.
Considered a rising global star, heavily promoted by Netflix.
Kim Tae-ri
Famous for: Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Space SweepersWhy Americans love her:
Captured hearts with her performance in Twenty-Five Twenty-One, a coming-of-age hit on Netflix.
Also starred in Space Sweepers, Korea’s first space sci-fi film.
Praised for her versatility and emotional range.
Bae Doona
Famous for: Kingdom, Sense8, The HostWhy Americans love her:
One of the first Korean actresses to break into Hollywood (Sense8, Cloud Atlas).
Has a loyal international fanbase thanks to Kingdom and The Host.
Fluent in English, which helps with global press and interviews.
Jung Ho-yeon
Famous for: Squid GameWhy Americans love her:
Catapulted to global fame with Squid Game.
Won Best Supporting Actress at the U.S. SAG Awards.
Also a global fashion icon as a Louis Vuitton ambassador.
🏆 Summary: Most Loved Korean Actresses in the U.S.
Kim Go-eun:
Goblin, natural charm and emotional acting
Song Hye-kyo:
The Glory, elegant and expressive performances
Jun Ji-hyun:
My Love from the Star, Kingdom, strong screen presence
Han So-hee:
My Name, fierce action heroine loved by Gen Z
Kim Tae-ri:
Twenty-Five Twenty-One, fresh and touching acting
Bae Doona:
Sense8, Kingdom, fluent English and Hollywood appeal
Jung Ho-yeon:
Squid Game, SAG winner, rising global fashion and acting star