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Actress Kim Hye-in: From Beauty Pageant Winner to Scene-Stealing ‘Villain’ in “Resident Playbook”

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Actress Kim Hye-in has captured viewers’ attention with her standout performance as Myung Eun-won, a notoriously unlikeable character in the “Hospital Playlist” spin-off series “Resident Playbook.”

Known for her sharp delivery and convincing portrayal of passive-aggressive manipulation, Kim Hye-in is quickly becoming a rising name in K-drama thanks to her ability to bring nuance to a “hate-to-love” role.

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But behind this expertly played on-screen villain is a surprising backstory: Kim Hye-in is a former beauty pageant contestant and winner of the ‘Jihee (智)’ Award at the 26th Miss University Korea pageant.

A Surprising Beginning: From Dance Major to Actress

Kim Hye-in graduated from Ewha Womans University, majoring in dance. Originally pursuing a career in the performing arts, she shifted into acting following a casting proposal. In early interviews, Kim Hye-in admitted to struggling with her self-confidence, feeling she lacked distinctive features or strong acting skills.

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“I didn’t think I had any particular strengths as an actress,” she once shared. “But I focused on each role with sincerity, and the support from my agency helped me stay grounded.”

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Her persistence paid off. Over time, she honed her skills and gradually built a strong résumé across both film and television.

On Screen: A Steady Climb

Kim Hye-in made her acting debut in the historical film “The Throne” and appeared in the drama “Entourage,” followed by the thriller “The Chase.” However, her breakthrough came in 2020 with a role in “Hospital Playlist,” where she played a minor but memorable antagonist—foreshadowing her current success.

Now, in “Resident Playbook,” Kim Hye-in reprises a similarly abrasive character, but with added depth and comedic timing that has fans buzzing.

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From Miss University Korea to “Scene-Stealing Villain”

Before she began acting, Kim Hye-in represented Korea at the World Miss University competition in 2012, a pageant that emphasizes not just appearance but intellect, volunteerism, and health. Her elegance, poise, and natural charm earned her the “Jihee” (wisdom) award—a distinction given to contestants who embody grace and intelligence.

Images from that period show a softer, more refined image—far from the cunning persona she now portrays on screen, underscoring her impressive range as an actress.

A Rising Star with Versatile Potential

While “Resident Playbook” may not have yet achieved the cultural status of its predecessor “Hospital Playlist,” Kim Hye-in’s performance has emerged as a highlight. Viewers find themselves simultaneously irritated and entertained by Myung Eun-won’s antics a testament to Kim Hye-in’s ability to turn an unlikeable character into a compelling presence.

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With her background in dance, her poise as a pageant titleholder, and now her breakthrough as a versatile actress, Kim Hye-in is proving that behind every good villain is a dedicated, multi-talented performer.

As the drama progresses, it remains to be seen whether her character will face redemption or continue to stir up chaos. But one thing is clear: Kim Hye-in’s career is just getting started.

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