Rising Star Hong Su-zu Shines Bright in Disney+ Hit “The Impossible Heir”: New It-Girl of K-Dramas?

Hong Su-zu, the actress turning heads in Disney+’s 2024 original series The Impossible Heir, is quickly becoming one of Korea’s most buzzworthy rising stars. From the moment she was cast in her first lead role, industry watchers were asking: “Who is she?”

Though she briefly appeared in Netflix’s Sweet Home 2 as the character “Jin-ah,” Hong Su-zu’s elevation to lead actress in a high-profile OTT series happened fast — and for good reason.

A Face Known Before Acting

Before her acting debut, Hong Su-zu gained attention in the advertising world for her ethereal beauty and clean-cut image. Working as a model for major fashion and beauty brands, she quickly built a fanbase on social media, becoming a recognizable name even before entering television.

Hong officially debuted in 2020 with the K-drama Lovestruck in the City, playing the role of first love “Hae-na.” Her nuanced emotional delivery impressed viewers and critics alike.

She followed this with a 2021 KBS drama special Between, where she played an indie film director, further expanding her range.

Then came Sweet Home 2 in 2023, where her performance as “Jin-ah” left a lasting impression despite limited screen time. Her ability to embody unique characters, even in short-form music videos for artists like Lee Hi and Sung Si-kyung, also showcased her striking screen presence.

Breakout Lead in The Impossible Heir

In 2024, Hong Su-zu stars as Na Hye-won, the lead character in The Impossible Heir, a Disney+ series that delves into ambition and betrayal within a chaebol (conglomerate) family. Na Hye-won is a determined underdog fighting to escape her poor background and claim her place among Korea’s elite.

Hong described the role as “a smart, proactive woman who doesn’t lose confidence even with a dark past.” Director Min Yeon-hong noted, “Hye-won’s ambition is bold, but her intellect and charm make her impossible to dislike. Hong Su-zu’s chic yet down-to-earth vibe was perfect for the role.”

Her performance goes beyond acting — she altered her voice tone and paid close attention to fashion and styling to mirror her character’s evolving emotional states.

As viewers discover her through her first major lead role, many are asking not “who is she?” — but “what will she do next?”