The 10 Most Beloved K-drama Actresses of 2025

K-dramas would not be the same without strong, charismatic, and emotionally compelling female leads. Over the years, these actresses have won over audiences not only with their beauty, but also with memorable performances, inspiring careers, and characters that stay with viewers long after the story ends.

In this list, we gathered the 10 most beloved K-drama actresses of 2025!

10 - Lee Sung Kyung

Lee Sung Kyung is a South Korean actress and model whose career began on the runway after she participated in the Super Model Contest in 2008. Her transition into acting came naturally, with her debut in the K-drama It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014), making her the first actress to emerge from the partnership between YG Entertainment and K-Plus.

She earned widespread affection from audiences with her first leading role in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, where she won fans over with a sweet, playful, and deeply human character. Lee Sung Kyung is admired for her authenticity and for breaking away from traditional female lead stereotypes.

9 - Kim Go Eun

Kim Go Eun is one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Her debut made an immediate impact with the film A Muse (2012), where she drew attention for her mature and intense performance. Since then, she has built a solid career, moving seamlessly between film and television.

Beyond acting, Kim Go Eun is also known for her social engagement. In 2019, she became a Chanel ambassador in South Korea and began actively participating in environmental campaigns and social initiatives. This combination of artistic talent and social awareness has made her even more admired by the public.

8 - Jung So Min

Jung So Min, born Kim Yoon Ji, is known for her versatility and natural charm. After gaining attention with her debut in the K-drama Bad Guy, she won the Best New Actress award in 2010, firmly establishing her name in the industry.

Throughout her career, she has moved effortlessly between drama and comedy, earning another major award for Standby. In 2018, she fulfilled a personal dream by hosting her own radio show. Jung So Min is beloved for her approachable image and the genuine way she connects with audiences.

7 - Kim So Hyun

Kim So Hyun is a prime example of an actress who grew up in front of the camera. Born in Australia and raised in South Korea, she began acting as a child in 2006 and quickly stood out for her remarkable maturity at a young age.

Her first leading role came with Ma Boy (2012), and since then she has accumulated numerous awards and successful lead performances. Over the years, Kim So Hyun has built a reputation as a reliable actress capable of carrying emotionally intense K-dramas with sensitivity and depth.

6 - Bae Suzy

Bae Suzy is one of the most popular figures in South Korean entertainment. She debuted as an idol in the group MISS A and achieved instant success with the hit Bad Girl Good Girl. Shortly after, she surprised audiences by transitioning into acting.

Her first acting role in Dream High earned her the Best New Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards, marking the beginning of a strong acting career. Today, Suzy is admired for her versatility, moving effortlessly between music, television, film, and advertising.

5 - Park Bo Young

Park Bo Young is synonymous with sweetness, charisma, and talent. She began acting at a very young age and gained national recognition with the film Scandal Makers (2008), which earned her major awards, including a Baeksang.

Despite facing a long hiatus due to legal disputes with her former agency, her return was met with overwhelming affection from the public. Park Bo Young is especially loved for portraying warm, relatable characters that create a strong emotional connection with viewers.

4 - Park Min Young

Park Min Young is widely known as the “queen of romantic comedies.” Since her debut in commercials, she has built a career defined by charismatic, elegant, and intelligent leading roles.

With a background in theater, Park Min Young is praised for her consistency and professionalism. Even when facing personal challenges that were publicly scrutinized, she maintained a strong and respected image, ending her contract with Hook Entertainment in 2024 and opening the door to new directions in her career.

3 - Park Shin Hye

Park Shin Hye began her career very early in the entertainment industry, appearing in music videos before officially becoming an actress. Over time, she grew into one of the most recognizable actresses in South Korea.

She successfully balanced her university studies with acting and accumulated several major awards, including recent recognition for her performance in The Judge from Hell. Her personal life also drew attention after her marriage to actor Choi Tae Joon and the birth of their child.

2 - Zhao Lu Si

Zhao Lu Si is one of the most popular Chinese actresses today and has gained widespread recognition among fans of Asian dramas. She debuted in 2017 and quickly stood out in historical dramas and lighthearted romances.

Her performances in The Romance of Tiger and Rose and Love Like the Galaxy earned her multiple Best Actress awards and international recognition. Her natural charm and expressiveness have made her especially beloved by younger audiences.

1 - IU (Lee Ji Eun)

At the top of the list is IU, a truly well-rounded artist. A singer, songwriter, and actress, she first captured the public’s attention through music, then proved her acting talent with her debut in Dream High (2011).

Known for deeply emotional performances and carefully chosen roles, IU is respected by both critics and fans. Her sensitive, mature, and authentic image, combined with success across multiple areas of entertainment, makes her one of the most beloved figures in South Korea. She is currently in a relationship with actor Lee Jong Suk, forming one of the most cherished celebrity couples among fans.

These actresses have shaped generations of K-dramas with unforgettable characters, emotional stories, and inspiring journeys. Each of them, in her own way, has helped strengthen female representation in Asian entertainment and win fans around the world.

Who is your favorite K-drama actress? Let us know in the comments, and see you next time!