Top 10 Female Icons with Mesmerizing Beauty in Korean Historical Dramas

As the epitome of beauty in South Korea for many years, Kim Tae Hee has captivated audiences with her natural goddess-like charm. In 2013, she starred in the historical drama 'Jang Ok Jung, Living by Love,' portraying the famous royal concubine Jang Hee Bin, who caused turmoil in the Joseon Dynasty. Kim Tae Hee in traditional Korean attire left viewers in awe as the drama aired.

Her beauty was truly enchanting, with a gentle smile and eyes that sparkled with warmth, which became the highlight of the drama. Whether playing the innocent character in the beginning or shifting to a more sinister role later, her acting was always impeccable, striking a deep emotional connection with the audience.

Kim Hyun-joo (born February 25, 1982), known by her stage name Han Ga In, is a South Korean actress and model. Her stage name was chosen because her birth name was the same as another actress, Kim Hyun Joo.

When talking about the "goddess of historical dramas," one must mention Han Ga In’s role as the mystical sorceress in the hit drama "The Moon Embracing the Sun" alongside the king played by Kim Soo Hyun. This drama created a massive sensation across Asia.

2012 was a milestone year in Han Ga In's acting career. In the popular historical drama 'The Moon Embracing the Sun,' she portrayed the beautiful sorceress Yeon-woo. The series ended with a remarkable viewership rating nearing 40%. She later starred in the movie 'Architecture 101,' which received critical acclaim and achieved the highest box-office earnings for a melodrama. Han Ga In’s portrayal of Seo-yeon was highly praised for its close reflection of her true self.

Song Hye-kyo (born November 22, 1981) is a renowned South Korean actress, famous across Asia for her roles in television dramas such as 'Autumn in My Heart' (2000), 'Full House' (2003), 'The World That They Live In' (2008), 'That Winter, the Wind Blows' (2013), 'Descendants of the Sun' (2016), and 'Encounter' (2018). She has also appeared in films like 'Hwang Jin Yi' (2007), 'The Grandmaster' (2013), 'The Queen' (2015), and 'The Bright Years' (2014).

In 2017, Forbes ranked her 7th on their list of most powerful Korean celebrities, moving up to 6th in 2018. Her success in television dramas has solidified her position as a leading Hallyu star.

Much like Kim Tae Hee, Song Hye Kyo is considered a symbol of beauty in South Korea. Her name frequently appears in beauty rankings.

When thinking of Song Hye Kyo, viewers often recall her modern roles, such as Kang Mo Yeon ('Descendants of the Sun') or Choi Eun Suh ('Autumn in My Heart'). One reason for this is her rare appearances in historical dramas. However, when she does take on a historical role, she is nothing short of stunning, as seen in her portrayal of Hwang Jin Yi in the historical film of the same name.

Lee Young-Ae (born January 31, 1971) is a famous South Korean actress, often referred to by her nicknames "Oxygen Lady" and "Asia’s Sweetheart" by her fans.

Her role in the historical drama 'Dae Jang Geum' catapulted Lee Young Ae to stardom, marking a turning point in her acting career. This timeless beauty continues to amaze audiences with her ageless charm, and in traditional attire, she effortlessly captivates with her breathtaking looks. Few actresses can rival the beauty of Lee Young Ae.

Considered a national treasure, Lee Young Ae became a symbol of Korean beauty and culture, earning the admiration of fans across Asia after her performance as the lead in 'Dae Jang Geum.' In 2005, she received the prestigious Best Actress award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. In 2015, she was honored with the Grand Prize of Hallyu at the 10th Seoul International TV Festival, recognizing her outstanding contributions to promoting Korean culture and its global influence through her projects.

Yoona is a member of the famous girl group Girls' Generation, managed by SM Entertainment, where she plays the roles of visual, center, and representative of the group. She has appeared in several television dramas, including You Are My Destiny (2008), Cinderella Man (2009), Love Rain (2012), Prime Minister and I (2013), The K2 (2016), The King Loves (2017), Exit (2019), and Hush (2020). Among these, she has featured in two historical dramas, The King Loves and the Hallyu-Chinese co-production The King of Arms.

In 2016, the historical drama The King of Arms, in which Yoona played the lead female role, premiered. In the series, she portrayed two characters, Xia Hou Qingyi and Ma Yugu, earning praise for her stunning looks in traditional attire. She later starred in another historical drama, The King in Love, a historical novel adaptation on MBC, where her portrayal of the beautiful protagonist in traditional clothing captivated viewers, solidifying her status as a timeless beauty.

Kim So-hyun began her acting career at the tender age of 7, and over the years, she has gained widespread recognition for her roles in popular dramas such as Moon Embracing the Sun, School 2015: Who Are You, The Sun and the Moon, Masked King, and Love Alarm.

In 2012, Kim So-hyun made a memorable impression on audiences with her portrayal of Yoon Bo-kyung in the hit drama Moon Embracing the Sun. Her performance earned her the Best Child Actor award at the MBC Drama Awards when she was just 13 years old. In 2017, she starred in the historical drama Masked King, which won accolades including Best Drama and Best Script at the Korean Drama Awards. Despite her young age, Kim So-hyun is hailed for her remarkable talent and pure beauty, especially when dressed in traditional costumes. She is regarded as a promising actress, following in the footsteps of successful predecessors and continuing to capture the audience's heart with her stunning performances.

Han Ji Min is a well-known South Korean actress celebrated for her graceful and elegant beauty. She first gained widespread attention through her roles in dramas such as Yi San, Rooftop Prince, and Dae Jang Geum. However, it was her groundbreaking performance in Rooftop Prince that earned her praise from both fans and critics alike. Known for her cheerful and natural acting style, she has garnered admiration from the public and numerous offers for more roles.

Over the years, Han Ji Min has demonstrated a steadily flourishing career, not only through her critically acclaimed performances but also by projecting a positive image. From her early days as a beautiful, innocent, and natural girl, she has evolved into a confident, mature, and alluring woman, establishing herself as a versatile actress with lasting influence.

If there's one actress who was born to shine in historical dramas, it’s Kim Yoo Jung. Who would have guessed that the young girl who played the young Crown Princess in the hit drama The Moon Embracing The Sun just a few years ago has now blossomed into a beautiful young woman, landing her first major adult role. Kim Yoo Jung stars in the currently explosive historical drama Moonlight Drawn By Clouds, alongside the popular young actors Park Bo Gum, Jin Young, and Bea Soo Bin. While Park Bo Gum steals the spotlight with his portrayal of the Crown Prince, the drama would not be the same without Kim Yoo Jung's remarkable performance.

One of the most unforgettable historical dramas to leave an impression on audiences is "Moonlight Drawn By Clouds." In this show, Kim Yoo Jung plays a female character disguised as a man, and her stunning visual transformation has captivated viewers. Her beauty radiates warmth and approachability, while her pure smile has captured the hearts of countless fans. The combination of young star Kim Yoo Jung and Prince Park Bo Gum turned "Moonlight Drawn By Clouds" into a legendary historical drama that soared above its contemporaries.

Airing alongside "Moonlight Drawn By Clouds," "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" is another captivating historical drama that draws viewers not only with its gripping plot but also with its stunning cast. One standout performance is that of the lead actress Hae Soo, played by IU, a modern-day woman who time-travels to the Goryeo dynasty and becomes involved with a group of princes. The pure, youthful, and feminine beauty of the beloved "nation’s little sister" shines even more brightly through her period costumes.

IU’s portrayal of Hae Soo is one of innocence and purity, which left a lasting impression on audiences. Particularly in the final episodes, her performance brought many to tears, as they deeply empathized with the tragic fate of the delicate Hae Soo.

Seo Joo-hyun (Hangul: 서주현 , Hanja: 徐朱玄, Hán-Việt: Từ Châu Huyền) born on June 28, 1991, better known by her stage name Seohyun, is a South Korean singer and actress. As the youngest member of Girls' Generation and its subunit Girls' Generation-TTS, she has built a successful career in both music and acting, with roles in various musicals, TV dramas, and films.

In the historical drama "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo," Seohyun plays the final princess of the Baekje dynasty, Woo Hee, who falls in love with the 13th prince, Wang Ook, portrayed by Nam Joo Hyuk. In the show, Seohyun portrays a sharp, strong-willed princess, yet like Hae Soo, her character faces the heartbreaking reality of not being able to be with the one she loves.