1. Song Ji Hyo – Jumong
In the hit historical drama Jumong, Song Ji Hyo played Ye So Ya, the wife of the titular character. However, she was widely regarded as unable to portray emotional depth or the gravitas required for such a significant political-historical role. Viewers felt she was too inexperienced to stand alongside seasoned actors like Song Il Gook. Her lackluster facial expressions and weak vocal delivery made her character forgettable. While the role was a stepping stone, it also exposed her limitations in epic drama genres.
2. Park Min Young – Sungkyunkwan Scandal
Park Min Young starred as Kim Yoon-hee, a girl disguised as a male student, in this wildly popular drama. Despite the series’ success, many felt Park Min Young was miscast. Her overtly feminine appearance and gentle acting style made it hard to believe she could convincingly pass as a boy. Surrounded by strong male leads like Yoo Ah In and Song Joong Ki, she was often overshadowed. Although this role boosted her fame, it also revealed her limited range.
3. Go Ara – Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
Go Ara was expected to elevate idol-driven historical dramas through Hwarang, but instead, she was overshadowed by the male cast in both looks and acting. Her character lacked impact and emotional intensity, making the female lead feel underwhelming. While co-stars like Park Seo Joon captivated viewers, Go Ara struggled to form compelling emotional or romantic chemistry.
4. Im Yoon Ah – The K2
Im Yoona‘s performance as the emotionally burdened daughter of a president in The K2 was seen as a misstep. While Ji Chang Wook dazzled with action scenes and solid acting, Yoona’s limited emotional expression fell flat. Her inner conflict scenes were often described as stiff or expressionless, marking this role as a setback in her acting career.
5. Jeon Do Yeon – Crash Course in Romance
A highly respected film actress, Jeon Do Yeon‘s return to TV through Crash Course in Romance sparked high expectations. However, the noticeable age and visual gap between her and co-star Jung Kyung Ho made their romance feel unconvincing. Many viewers felt she appeared too mature to play a sweet yet clumsy mother in her 30s. Despite decent acting, the lack of chemistry between the leads made the story feel unnatural.
6. Krystal Jung – Crazy Love
Krystal‘s transition from idol to actress drew attention, but her lead role in Crazy Love exposed her limitations. Playing a terminally ill secretary required a broad emotional range, but her performance was overly cautious and lacked intensity. Her romantic scenes with Kim Jae Wook fell flat due to weak chemistry. While Krystal has an elegant appearance, she struggled to deliver in a complex role.
7. Kim Yoo Jung – My Demon
Known as a child acting prodigy, Kim Yoo Jung faced mixed reactions as the lead in My Demon. While visually fitting for the fantasy genre, critics argued she lacked the emotional maturity to portray a sharp, sophisticated woman as required. Her performance was seen as one-note and failed to convey the emotional progression of her relationship with co-star Song Kang. Many felt she hadn’t yet outgrown her child star image.
8. BoA – Marry My Husband
BoA‘s comeback as villain Yu-ra in Marry My Husband generated curiosity, but her acting was criticized as forced and shallow. In a revenge drama demanding intense emotions, BoA couldn’t deliver the jealousy and malice the character required. Though stylish, she was seen as a miscast for the lead antagonist, weakening the impact of the overall narrative.
9. Kim Hee Sun – Bittersweet Hell
Though once a beauty icon and established actress, Kim Hee Sun‘s performance in Bittersweet Hell left viewers disappointed. Her role as a psychologist caught in a twisted family plot felt lifeless. Critics noted that she lacked the facial flexibility of her prime, which hampered emotional resonance. Her overly safe acting choice made the character and thus the series less compelling.
10. Hong Su Zu – The Impossible Heir
In her first lead role in The Impossible Heir, Hong Su Zu faced backlash for her bland, emotionless performance. Despite her visuals, she couldn’t convey the character’s inner turmoil amidst a narrative filled with power struggles and ambition. Viewers felt she was too inexperienced for such a psychologically complex role. Her casting was viewed as a failed gamble that diminished the potential of an otherwise promising supporting cast.
These ten actresses, despite their star status or visual appeal, highlight that compelling performances—especially in lead roles—require more than fame or beauty.
