Biography
In the vibrant constellation of South Korean entertainment, Ahn Eun-jin shines as a star whose trajectory is marked by versatility, emotional depth, and a rapidly growing international presence. While audiences worldwide may recognize her from compelling performances in hit series like “Hospital Playlist” and the historical epic “My Dearest,” her journey to stardom is a compelling narrative woven from dedicated stagecraft, strategic screen transitions, and an undeniable connection with viewers.
Her path began not under the bright lights of television studios, but on the intimate stages of musical theatre, laying a foundation of performance skill that continues to inform her captivating screen presence.
Profile
- Name: Ahn Eun-jin
- Birth name: Ahn Eun-jin
- Birthday: May 6, 1991
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Height: 168 cm
- Instagram: @eunjin___a
- Twitter: N/A
Career
Treading the Boards: Honing Her Craft in Theatre
Ahn Eun-jin’s professional journey began firmly rooted in theatre. She made her official debut in 2012, stepping onto the stage in the musical “The Sorrows of Young Werther.” This debut production notably connected her with director Kim Min-jung, a relationship she would revisit years later in her return to the stage.
Even while completing her studies at K-Arts, Ahn Eun-jin actively built her stage experience. In 2015, she participated in “The Story of Tail Cotton,” a play directed by her professor, Lee Sang-woo, for the Chaimu Troupe’s 20th anniversary. Although she later recalled feeling her performance was lacking at the time, she received valuable encouragement from fellow actor Lee Joong-ok. That same year, she took on the role of Kim Sol in the musical “Infinite Energy,” directed by Park Hee-soon. Running from September 2015 to January 2016, her performance garnered positive reviews, with critics praising her versatility, comedic timing, and clear vocal abilities. Her stage work continued with roles in productions like the musical “Judo Boy” in 2017. Her background in musical theatre is evident, and glimpses of her singing talent have occasionally surfaced in her screen work or related appearances.
After establishing a successful screen career, Ahn Eun-jin made a significant return to her theatrical roots in late 2024. Following a seven-year break from the stage, she starred as the pioneering female astronomer Henrietta Leavitt in the National Theater Company’s production of “Silent Sky.” Her decision to take on this demanding role was influenced by several factors: her deep trust in director Kim Min-jung (from her “Werther” debut), the powerful story of the play itself, and the personal significance of performing at the Myeongdong Theater, a venue she had dreamed of gracing as a student. Her commitment was palpable; reports described her becoming deeply immersed in the role during rehearsals, sometimes moved to tears by the emotional weight of the character.
This commitment to theatre, demonstrated both early in her career and through her recent return after achieving screen fame, suggests that the stage is more than just a starting point for Ahn Eun-jin; it represents a foundational pillar of her artistic identity. Her return to a major production at a prestigious venue underscores a dedication to the craft of live performance that transcends the pursuit of mainstream popularity. This enduring connection to theatre likely shapes her approach to character development and performance, contributing to the emotional resonance and versatility praised in her screen roles.
Transition to Screen: Building a Diverse Television and Film Portfolio
In 2018, Ahn Eun-jin transitioned from the stage to the screen, marking her television debut with a supporting role in the JTBC medical drama “Life.” This initial step opened the door to a remarkably prolific period the following year.
2019 proved to be a pivotal year for establishing her presence on television. Ahn Eun-jin appeared in supporting roles across six different dramas, showcasing her adaptability across various genres and networks. This rapid succession of roles included:
- Playing a royal concubine in tvN’s historical drama The Crowned Clown.
- Portraying Choi Yeon-hee in OCN’s supernatural thriller Possessed.
- Appearing as Park Gwi-nam in KBS2’s political comedy My Fellow Citizens!.
- Taking on the role of police officer So Jeong-hwa in OCN’s psychological thriller Hell Is Other People (also known as Strangers From Hell). Her performance in this series earned her “The Unexpected Award” at the 2019 OCN Awards.
- Playing prosecutor Sung Mi-ran in JTBC’s legal drama Diary of a Prosecutor.
- Appearing as Mu-yeong’s wife in the globally popular Netflix historical zombie series Kingdom (Seasons 1-2).
The sheer volume and diversity of these roles within a single year suggest a deliberate effort to gain wide-ranging experience and exposure rapidly after entering the television industry. By taking on varied characters across different broadcasting platforms (tvN, OCN, KBS2, JTBC, Netflix), she effectively demonstrated her versatility to casting directors and audiences alike, avoiding early typecasting. This intensive period of building her screen credits was instrumental in gaining industry recognition and laying the groundwork for the more prominent roles that would soon follow.
Her momentum continued into 2020 and 2021 with further notable supporting roles. She played Kim Young-hee in the JTBC romance drama “More Than Friends” and made memorable cameo appearances as Jin Sun-mi in the TVING fantasy series “The Witch’s Diner” and reprised her “Hell Is Other People” character So Jeong-hwa briefly in OCN’s “Dark Hole.”
Breakthrough Roles and Ascending to Leading Lady Status
While her early screen work built a solid foundation, specific roles propelled Ahn Eun-jin into the spotlight, marking her ascent to leading lady status.
Hospital Playlist (tvN, 2020-2021): This slice-of-life medical drama is widely regarded as Ahn Eun-jin’s breakout project. She played Chu Min-ha, an enthusiastic and diligent second-year obstetrics and gynecology resident at Yulje Medical Center. Her portrayal, particularly her endearing pursuit of the reserved Professor Yang Seok-hyeong (played by Kim Dae-myung), resonated deeply with viewers, making the “Gom-gom (Bear-Bear) Couple” a fan favorite. Interestingly, securing the role involved a degree of serendipity; after initially auditioning for an unspecified part and waiting months without news, she was called back for another audition and cast as Chu Min-ha relatively late in the process, an outcome she felt fortunate to achieve. Her performance earned her a nomination for Best New Actress at the 7th APAN Star Awards.
The One and Only (JTBC, 2021-2022): Following her success in Hospital Playlist, Ahn Eun-jin secured her first leading television role in this JTBC melodrama. She portrayed Pyo In-sook, a terminally ill woman described as having an insensitive personality, whose life becomes entangled with another struggling individual through a murder case.
The Night Owl (Film, 2022): Ahn Eun Jin made a significant impact on the big screen with her role as Royal Consort Jo So-yong in this critically acclaimed historical thriller. The film’s success brought her considerable recognition, leading to nominations for Best Supporting Actress at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards and Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Buil Film Awards, and Grand Bell Awards. This role firmly established her capabilities in cinema.
The Good Bad Mother (JTBC, 2023): Starring alongside Ra Mi-ran and Lee Do-hyun, Ahn Eun Jin played Lee Mi-joo, a nail artist and Choi Kang-ho’s childhood friend and former lover. This drama further cemented her position as a capable leading actress and contributed significantly to her growing international recognition. The series was well-received by fans.
My Dearest (MBC, 2023): This historical romance drama marked a major milestone in Ahn Eun-jin’s career. She starred as Yoo Gil-chae, a confident noblewoman from a privileged background who undergoes significant personal growth amidst the turmoil of the Qing invasion of Joseon, particularly through her complex relationship with the mysterious Lee Jang-hyun (Nam Goong-min). The series was a massive success, achieving high ratings and earning widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally. Her powerful performance and compelling chemistry with co-star Nam Goong-min were central to the drama’s appeal. My Dearest brought Ahn Eun-jin numerous accolades, including the Top Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries and the Best Couple Award (with Nam Goong-min) at the 2023 MBC Drama Awards, as well as the Best Actress award at the Grimae Awards. She also received a nomination for Best Actress in Television at the 2024 Baeksang Arts Awards for this role.
The success of My Dearest was particularly significant given the initial online discussion regarding her casting. Ahn Eun-jin later candidly addressed this “miscasting” controversy, expressing her relief that the drama concluded successfully and acknowledging the immense love it received. She also shared that she had faced health challenges, including facial paralysis, prior to filming, which made the physically demanding production even more difficult. Her perseverance through these challenges, coupled with the drama’s eventual triumph, adds a layer of resilience to her success story. The show’s impact extended beyond critical acclaim; she noted it significantly improved her financial situation. Thus, My Dearest represents more than just a hit drama; it stands as a defining moment that solidified her status as a top-tier leading actress, showcased her ability to carry a major historical series, highlighted her perseverance, and demonstrably elevated her standing in the industry.
Personal Life
Early Life
Before captivating audiences on screen, Ahn Eun-jin’s story began in Seoul, South Korea. Her artistic inclinations led her to one of South Korea’s most prestigious arts institutions. In 2010, Ahn Eun-jin enrolled at the Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts), a national university established in 1993 specifically to cultivate leading artists across disciplines like theatre, music, film, and dance. K-Arts is renowned for its rigorous training and for producing a significant number of successful talents who shape the Korean cultural landscape.
Significantly, Ahn Eun-jin was part of the K-Arts ‘Class of 2010’, a cohort that includes several other actors who have achieved considerable success, such as Kim Go-eun, Lee Yoo-young, Lim Ji-yeon, Park So-dam, Lee Sang-yi, and Kim Sung-cheol.
Belonging to this specific group places her within a generation of highly regarded performers who emerged from the same demanding, creative environment. This shared educational background signifies more than just a line on a resume; it points to her immersion in a competitive yet collaborative atmosphere known for fostering exceptional talent. The collective success of this “Class of 2010” highlights the caliber of artists nurtured at K-Arts, suggesting a strong network of peers and a shared foundation of artistic training that likely provided support, inspiration, and perhaps early career connections. Her K-Arts pedigree lends artistic credibility and connects her to a respected lineage within the Korean acting community.
Her path towards acting solidified in her late teens. Around the age of 17, she decided she wanted to pursue acting, a choice that initially met with resistance from her mother. However, her determination prevailed, setting her on the course to eventually grace both stage and screen.
Relationships
In the realm of personal life, particularly relationships and finances, Ahn Eun-jin maintains a level of privacy while occasionally addressing public curiosity.
Based on publicly available information and her own statements, Ahn Eun-jin appears to be currently single. There has been no official confirmation of her being in a relationship or having a boyfriend. Like many popular actors whose on-screen chemistry captivates audiences, she has faced dating rumors involving co-stars, which she has addressed directly.
Speculation arose about a real-life romance with her “My Dearest” co-star Nam Goong-min, fueled by their convincing portrayal of lovers. Ahn Eun-jin clarified the situation, firmly denying the rumors (and noting Nam Goong-min is married) and attributing the gossip purely to their strong on-screen dynamic. She shared with amusement that even her own mother had inquired about the rumors after seeing fabricated news videos online.
Similarly, after appearing on the variety show “Fresh Off The Sea,” the easy camaraderie and bickering chemistry between her and castmate Dex sparked questions from friends and fans about whether they were dating. She acknowledged these frequent inquiries, laughing them off with Dex on his interview show.
Her approach demonstrates a professional boundary, acknowledging the public’s interest generated by on-screen interactions while maintaining clarity about her off-screen reality.
Net Worth
Regarding her financial status, while specific figures like net worth estimations are unavailable, Ahn Eun-jin provided a relatable and tangible indicator of her career’s positive trajectory.
Following the immense success of My Dearest, she shared that her financial situation had improved significantly. She expressed this newfound comfort in everyday terms, mentioning being able to use her heater freely during winter without worry and having the freedom to purchase items she wants, rather than solely focusing on discounts when shopping. This candid comment reflects her elevated status within the industry, translating her critical and popular success into increased market value and, presumably, better compensation for her work. It underscores how a hit project can tangibly impact an actor’s life and standing.
Filmography
Film
- The Night Owl (2022)
- Citizen of a Kind (2024)
Television Series
- Life (2018)
- The Crowned Clown (2019)
- Possessed (2019)
- My Fellow Citizens! (2019)
- Hell Is Other People (2019)
- Diary of a Prosecutor (2019–2020)
- More Than Friends (2020)
- Hospital Playlist (2020–2021)
- Dark Hole (2021)
- The One and Only (2021–2022)
- The Good Bad Mother (2023)
- My Dearest (2023)
- Resident Playbook (2025)
- Kissing for Nothing (2025)
Web Series
- Number Woman Gye Sook-ja (2018)
- Kingdom (2019–2020)
- The Witch’s Diner (2021)
- Goodbye Earth (2024)
- Genie, Make a Wish (2025)
Facts
- Her MBTI self-description suggests a blend of meticulous planning (“J-type”) with an engaging, extroverted (“E-type”) nature that allows her to connect warmly with colleagues.
- She has shared a fondness for listening to music, citing specific songs that provide motivation and strength.
- Fashion-wise, she enjoys comfortable tracksuits (‘chu-ri-ning’ in Korean) for daily wear, especially when prepping for work, but also expressed enjoyment in exploring more varied outfits from her wardrobe during her recent theatre rehearsals.
- She candidly revealed experiencing significant health issues, including facial paralysis, before embarking on the demanding filming schedule for “My Dearest.”
- She has rarely had long hair, and there’s only one known photo of her with long hair.
- She has mentioned Jeon Mi-do, Kim So-jin, and Kim Ji-hyun as her favorite actresses.
- Her all-time favorite musical is Notre-Dame de Paris.
- In a 2020 survey of ideal female celebrities by 26 male psychiatry residents at university hospitals in Incheon, she ranked first.
- If she could be reborn, she’d like to come back as a turtle—to witness how the world changes over a long time.
