8 Korean Actresses Who Started Booming in the 2000s, Now Become the Queens of K-Drama

Kapanlagi.com - Korean dramas always make it hard to move on. Besides presenting unique stories, the presence of famous stars who can 'bring to life' various characters in K-dramas is indeed one of the things that catches the attention of fans. Let's admit it, who gets really excited when seeing their favorite actor or actress make a comeback in a drama or film production?

These famous Korean stars actually started booming and gaining the love of fans since the 2000s. Now they have transformed into the queens of K-drama who regularly participate in new projects almost every year. Who are they?

1. Song Hye Kyo

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Talking about the booming Korean actress in the 2000s, the name Song Hye Kyo must be included in the list. Through the classic drama AUTUMN IN MY HEART with Song Seung Hoon and Won Bin in 2000, her presence immediately became popular along with the Korean dramas that were broadcasted in various countries. Her popularity continued to rise through HOTELIER, and reached its peak when she starred in FULL HOUSE with Rain.

Until now, the dramas starring Song Hye Kyo are always trending. Just mention DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN, ENCOUNTER, and her latest drama starring with Jang Ki Yong, NOW WE'RE BREAKING UP, which are eagerly awaited by fans. Are you excited too?

2. Ha Ji Won

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Ha Ji Won started gaining popularity since her involvement in the film project SEX IS ZERO in 2002. But, she managed to break the hearts of fans when they witnessed her acting in MEMORIES OF BALI, with Jo In Sung and So Ji Sub. Who also couldn't handle the ending of this drama?

Years passed, Ha Ji Won proved herself worthy of being the queen of Korean dramas through various drama titles she starred in. From HWANG JIN YI, SECRET GARDEN, to EMPRESS KI which received praise and high ratings. She is also still actively involved in various film and drama projects until now. Just mention the film PAWN and the drama CHOCOLATE released in 2020.

3. Shin Min Ah

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Try to remember, what was the first drama or film of Shin Min Ah that you watched? Starting her debut as a model, Shin Min Ah has been acting in dramas since 2001. But, her name became popular when she starred in A LOVE TO KILL alongside Rain.

Since then, Shin Min Ah has continued to star in dramas and films, such as the film THE BEAST AND THE BEAUTY with Ryoo Seung Beum, the drama MY GIRLFRIEND IS A GUMIHO with Lee Seung Gi, OH MY VENUS which brought her together with So Ji Sub, and the upcoming HOMETOWN CHA CHA CHA with Kim Seon Ho. The various trending drama titles she has starred in make Shin Min Ah worthy of being called the queen of K-dramas.

4. Kim Tae Hee

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Flashback to the early days of her appearance, Kim Tae Hee started gaining popularity as a cunning second lead in the drama STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN starring alongside Choi Ji Woo and Kwon Sang Woo in 2004. Who here was impressed by her acting back then?

After that, Kim Tae Hee transformed into a beloved female lead through a series of dramas she starred in. Such as LOVE STORY IN HARVARD, IRIS, MY PRINCESS, and the most recent one HI BYE MAMA which was aired in 2020. No wonder Rain's wife deserves the title of the queen of Korean dramas!

5. Gong Hyo Jin

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Which Korean drama lover doesn't know Gong Hyo Jin? This actress made her film debut in 1999. But, Gong Hyo Jin's name became more popular since she starred in the drama PASTA alongside Lee Sun Kyun in 2010. She became even more booming through various other booming dramas she starred in, and even earned the title of the queen of romantic comedy dramas!

It's absolutely fitting for Gong Hyo Jin to receive that title. Whether you rewatch THE GREATEST LOVE, THE MASTER'S SUN, JEALOUSY INCARNATE, or WHEN THE CAMELIA BLOOMS, she always delivers her characters well. In your opinion, which Gong Hyo Jin drama is the most heartwarming?

6. Song Ji Hyo

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Starting as a hated second lead in the drama PRINCESS HOUR in 2006, this moment is what skyrocketed Song Ji Hyo's name. Since then, she has proven her acting quality through a series of drama and film projects that demanded her to try various characters.

For example, her role as a doctor in the drama EMERGENCY COUPLE, a cheating wife in the drama LISTEN TO LOVE, a single working mother in WAS IT LOVE, and most recently, an iconic witch in THE WITCH'S DINER. Which Song Ji Hyo character is your favorite?

7. Kim So Yeon

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When it comes to the title of the queen of Korean dramas, Kim So Yeon is definitely on the list. Especially with her dedication in PENTHOUSE, Kim So Yeon successfully won the Best Actress award in the drama category at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards 2021.

This beautiful actress actually started her acting debut in 1993. However, her name became booming when she starred in the drama ALL ABOUT EVE alongside Jang Dong Gun and Chae Rim in 2002. She challenged herself with various roles in dramas such as IRIS, PRINCESS PROSECUTOR, SECRET MOTHER, MOTHER OF MINE, and reached the peak of her popularity as Cheon Seo Jin in 3 seasons of PENTHOUSE.

8. Jun Ji Hyun

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The actress known internationally as Gianna Jun indeed has acting quality that needs no further questioning. Throughout her career, the actress who made her debut in 1999 has mostly appeared in film projects. Take for example MY SASSY GIRL which she starred alongside Cha Tae Hyun became one of the films that skyrocketed her name. Furthermore, various other films have also caught attention, such as WINDSTRUCK, DAISY, and THE BERLIN FILE.

Although she rarely stars in dramas, every project that Jun Ji Hyun stars in always becomes a hit and beloved by K-drama fans. Take for example MY LOVE FROM ANOTHER STAR which made viewers have a hard time moving on until now, THE LEGEND OF THE BLUE SEA, and the most anticipated one is the drama JIRISAN which is planned to air this year. Not to mention her action in the prequel KINGDOM: ASHIN OF THE NORTH which received praise.

As a senior figure who deserves the title of the queen of K-dramas, it cannot be denied that their presence always brings a unique color to the dramas they play in. Which one is your favorite, KLovers?

(kpl/wri)