1. IU (Lee Ji-eun)
- Instagram: @dlwlrma (She’s usually at the very top for actresses!)
- What made her super famous? Her role as Jang Man-wol in the fantasy drama “Hotel Del Luna.” She played a centuries-old, incredibly stylish, yet deeply sad ghost hotel CEO. People just fell in love with her complex character, who was tough on the outside but had a huge heart.
- My Personal Pick for Her: While “Hotel Del Luna” is fantastic, I truly believe her acting in “My Mister” is something special. It’s a deep, emotional drama that shows her incredible range and vulnerability. A must-watch if you want something truly meaningful.
2. Bae Suzy
- Instagram: @skuukzky
- What made her super famous? Many know her from her idol days (Miss A), but her acting career took off with dramas like “Dream High” (as Go Hye-mi) and more recently, “Start-Up” (as Seo Dal-mi). In “Start-Up,” she played an ambitious young woman trying to make her dreams come true in the tech world, which really hit home for many viewers.
- My Personal Pick for Her: For a different vibe, check out “Vagabond.” It’s a gripping action-thriller that shows a more intense side of her acting.
3. Jung Ho-yeon
- Instagram: @hoooooyeony
- What made her super famous? Hands down, her breakout role as Kang Sae-byeok in the global sensation “Squid Game.” Her portrayal of the quiet, strong, and heartbreaking North Korean defector instantly made her an international star and fashion icon.
- My Personal Pick for Her: “Squid Game” is her biggest hit by far. We’re all excited to see what amazing projects she takes on next!
4. Song Hye-kyo
- Instagram: @kyo1122
- What made her super famous? She’s a legendary figure in K-dramas! While she has many iconic roles, her character Dr. Kang Mo-yeon in “Descendants of the Sun” made her globally huge. Her recent role as Moon Dong-eun in “The Glory,” where she sought revenge, showed a truly powerful and different side of her, earning her massive praise.
5. Han So-hee
- Instagram: @xeesoxee
- What made her super famous? She became widely recognized for her roles in “The World of the Married” and then even more so as Yu Na-bi in “Nevertheless.” Her delicate yet realistic portrayal of a young woman navigating complicated relationships resonated with many viewers.
6. Park Shin-hye
Instagram: @ssinz7
- What made her super famous? She’s been a long-time sweetheart of K-dramas. Her roles as Cha Eun-sang in “The Heirs” and Choi In-ha in “Pinocchio” are some of her most well-known. She’s great at playing relatable and earnest characters.
7. Lee Sung-kyung
- Instagram: @heybiblee
- What made her super famous? Her super lovable and quirky role as Kim Bok-joo in “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” made her a huge hit. Bok-joo, a passionate weightlifter, was a truly refreshing and inspiring character.
- My Personal Pick for Her: “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” is her most iconic role and a wonderfully feel-good drama. Don’t miss it!
8. Kim So-hyun
- Instagram: @wow_kimsohyun
- What made her super famous? She grew up on screen as a child actress. Her dual role as Lee Eun-bi / Go Eun-byul in “Who Are You: School 2015” really put her on the map, showing off her talent for playing different personalities. Her more recent role in “Love Alarm” also gained her a lot of fans.
9. Kim Yoo-jung
- Instagram: @you_r_love
- What made her super famous? Another talented actress who started young, Kim Yoo-jung soared in popularity as Hong Ra-on in “Love in the Moonlight.” Her character, a cross-dressing eunuch with a vibrant personality, was simply captivating. Her recent drama “My Demon” also significantly increased her fanbase.
10. Park Bo-young
- Instagram: She doesn’t have an official public Instagram account! This shows her popularity is purely based on her acting talent.
- What made her super famous? Her absolutely adorable yet incredibly strong character, Do Bong-soon, in “Strong Girl Bong-soon” made her a huge star. Her ability to flawlessly mix comedy, romance, and action was a delight to watch.