Top 11 South Korean female idols with exceptional acting prowess

Birth Name: Lee Hyeri.
Year of Birth: June 9, 1994
Management Company: Dream Tea Entertainment.
Notable Works: Reply 1988; Hyde, Jekyll, Me; Entertainer,...

Hyeri has demonstrated her acting skills through the drama series 'Reply 1988' aired on tvN. Prior to the broadcast of 'Reply 1988,' Hyeri faced a lot of negative comments from netizens. However, when the drama aired, the audience's reaction completely changed, and everyone praised the female idol. Hyeri delivered her role excellently. Following the success of the drama, Hyeri became even more famous, with an increasing number of endorsement deals.

Birth Name: Chrystal Soo Jung

Year of Birth: October 24, 1994

Management Company: SM Entertainment
Notable Works: High Kick 3, The Heirs, Graduation Season, The Player, ...

While being a member of f(x), Krystal has been predominantly remembered by the audience as an actress. After shining through her supporting role as Lee Bo Na in The Heirs, Krystal continued her professional acting career and appeared in numerous dramas. Though not entirely convincing to all, Krystal has won the audience's affection after her charismatic performance in the 2018 drama Player. In the upcoming period, the actress is expected to star in several new films, notably The Search in collaboration with 'Nokdu' Jang Dong Yoon.

Birth Name: Lee Ji-eun
Year of Birth: May 16, 1993
Management Company: Kakao M

Notable Works: Dream High, You’re The Best Lee Soon Shin, Producers, Moon Lovers, Hotel Del Luna,...

IU is a virtually unparalleled figure in the Korean entertainment industry, excelling in both music and acting. Her journey to become the top solo artist and skilled actress unfolds simultaneously. As a singer, IU consistently tops the charts with each release. As an actress, from being criticized as untalented with stiff acting, IU has proven that 'hard work pays off' and now boasts a plethora of quality works including Moon Lovers, My Mister, Persona, and most recently, Hotel Del Luna. Upcoming, IU will star in her first commercial film titled Dream, collaborating with 'hazelnut prince' Park Seo Joon.

Birth Name: Jung Hye-rim.
Year of Birth: August 18, 1993
Management Company: PlanA Entertainment.
Notable Works: Reply 1997, Wind Blows in Winter, Trot Lovers,..

As the leader of the girl group Apink, Eun Ji has left a lasting impression on audiences with her leading role in the drama Reply 1997. Despite limited acting experience, Eun Ji surprised audiences by flawlessly portraying the obsessive fangirl Si Won. The drama was highly successful, propelling Eun Ji's name far and wide.

Birth Name: Seo Joo-hyun

Year of Birth: June 28, 1991

Management Company: Namoo Actors
Notable Works: Ruby Ruby Love, Bad Thief Good Thief, Hello Dracula,...

The youngest member of SNSD is also a versatile artist, engaging in musical theater, social activities, and acting. Seohyun made an impression with her poignant role as Princess Woo Hee in Moon Lovers, although her lead roles in other films did not receive much attention. After joining Namoo Actors to focus on her acting career, Seohyun appeared in the JTBC short film Hello, Dracula and was generally positively reviewed for her gentle, natural emotional performance.

Birth Name: Choi Soo Young
Year of Birth: February 10, 1990
Management Company: SM Entertainment
Notable Works: Unstoppable Marriage, My Spring Days, The 3rd Hospital, Dating Agency: Cyrano,...

Soo Young is a member of the popular girl group SNSD. Unlike other members who faced negative criticism when venturing into acting, Soo Young received praise from a large audience. From her debut film 'Unstoppable Marriage,' the idol showcased her acting abilities, appearing very natural, flexible, and adorable. In subsequent films, Soo Young also received acclaim for her acting.

Birth Name: Im Yoon Ah
Year of Birth: May 30, 1990
Management Company: S.M. Entertainment.

Notable Works: You Are My Destiny, Cinderella Man, Võ Thần Triệu Tử Long, The K2, The King Loves, Exit, Hush,..

Yoona is the legendary 'center' and 'visual' of the Korean music industry, even to this day. Despite occasionally working with SNSD and releasing solo projects last year, Yoona is now more recognized as an actress. Although her acting prowess is not yet fully stable, Yoona has left a significant mark with The K2 and most recently, EXIT - a film that shattered Korean box office records with nearly 10 million tickets sold. The actress is set to collaborate with Hwang Jung Min - a leading figure in the Korean film industry - in the upcoming television project Hush, promising a new milestone in her career.

Birth Name: Im Jin-ah
Year of Birth: September 14, 1991
Management Company: Pledis Entertainment
Notable Works: The Good Wife, Fashion King, Kill It...

Nana is a beautiful member of the girl group After School. Nana made an impression with her acting abilities in the drama 'The Good Wife.' In the series, Nana portrayed Kim Dan, an investigator in a law firm. This was a challenging role, but Nana, with her limited acting experience, portrayed it very gracefully. Her performance surprised the audience. From initial criticism, the audience now showers her with praise for her acting prowess.

Birth Name: Bae Soo-ji

Year of Birth: October 10, 1994

Management Company: Management SOOP
Notable Works: Dream High 2, Uncontrollably Fond, While You Were Sleeping, Architecture 101,...

As the 'nation's first love' and former member of Miss A, Suzy ventured into acting early and garnered attention with Dream High and Gu Family Book in 2012-2013. However, her acting was often not highly regarded, frequently criticized as 'wooden' despite her television dramas being quite popular with international audiences and loved among the younger generation. Recently, reuniting with Lee Seung Gi after 6 years in Vagabond, the actress has received more positive reviews for her acting abilities. Upcoming, she will appear in the blockbuster film Wonderland, featuring a star-studded cast including Gong Yoo, Jung Yoo Mi, Choi Woo Shik, as well as portray the female lead in Start-Up alongside Nam Joo Hyuk.

Birth Name: Kim Yu Jin
Year of Birth: April 9, 1988
Management Company: Good Entertainment, Pledis Entertainment

Notable Works: Queen Seondeok, Birdie Buddy, Hogu's Love, High Society, Golden Rainbow,...

As one of the most prominent members of After School, UEE has also been proving her talent as an actress. With her natural acting style and the ability to choose good scripts, UEE is increasingly being embraced by audiences. Currently, the idol is actively involved in the film industry and is becoming more recognized as an actress.

Birth Name: Bang Minah
Year of Birth: May 13, 1993
Management Company: Dream Tea Entertainment

Notable Works: Beautiful Gong Shim, Dad for Rent, Beast's Beauty,...

Minah had appeared in a few dramas before, but it wasn't until 'Beautiful Gong Shim' that the idol's acting was recognized. Shedding her idol image, with her natural and energetic acting style, Minah successfully captivated the audience.