Rising actress Choi Hee Jin, who gained widespread attention for her unforgettable role in JTBC’s Heavenly Ever After, has joined the cast of ENA’s new drama Idol Kid, continuing her streak of buzzworthy appearances.
As reported by TenAsia on May 17, Choi Hee-jin has been confirmed for a role in Idol Kid, a legal suspense romantic comedy centered on a passionate K-pop fan turned top-tier lawyer and an idol who despises obsessive fans. The series stars Sooyoung of Girls’ Generation and Kim Jae-young.
Born in 1996 and a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, Choi Hee-jin first debuted in 2017 via a Lotteria commercial. She gradually built a solid acting resume with supporting roles in Snowdrop, Behind Your Touch, and Strong Girl Nam-soon. Earlier this year, she starred in Motel California as a veterinarian, then quickly followed up with a breakout performance as “Sonya” in Heavenly Ever After.
In episode 2 of Heavenly Ever After, Choi plays the human incarnation of Kim Hye-ja’s beloved cat in the afterlife. The surreal and emotional reunion between pet and owner drew praise from viewers and critics alike, with international viewers calling Choi’s portrayal a perfect embodiment of a cat turned human. The performance propelled her into the spotlight as one of the most intriguing rising talents of the year.
Beyond dramas, Choi has also appeared in numerous music videos. Most notably, she starred alongside Yoo Seung-ho in DAY6’s “Welcome to the Show,” a casting she revealed came through a direct social media message when she had no agency. She’s also appeared in videos for GroovyRoom and Giriboy, reinforcing her visual and emotional range.
An industry representative shared, Choi Hee-jin’s training, striking visuals, and emotional expressiveness make her an ideal fit for modern screen roles. With her distinct charm and grounded performances, she’s quickly becoming one of the most in-demand young actresses in Korean entertainment.
With Idol Kid on the horizon, Choi Hee-jin looks poised to continue her upward trajectory—offering both strong performances and a fresh presence to the screen.
