In an era where traditional media is in retreat, many veteran actresses in their 40s and 50s are shifting to YouTube a platform that allows them to share their personal narratives directly.
The latest example is Kim Nam Joo, who launched her personal YouTube channel after 31 years in the entertainment industry. Through the channel bearing her name, she shares glimpses of her everyday life.
“The world has changed a lot. In an age where everything interesting is just a phone away, I realized I also watch YouTube often. I wanted to connect more closely with people in this space, so I created this channel to show a more authentic, unfiltered version of myself,” Kim Nam Joo explained in her first video.
Content from her channel is also featured on SBS Life’s new show “Queen of Taste”, marking her first personal variety show appearance since her debut in 1994.
Previously, Han Ga In launched her YouTube channel in September 2024, followed by Ko Hyun Joung, Lee Min Jung and Ko So Young. Han Ga In and Lee Min Jung struck a chord with viewers by discussing motherhood, while Ko Hyun Joung drew attention with her skincare content. Meanwhile, Ko So Young charmed viewers with her down-to-earth and relatable daily life.
A particularly notable case is 79-year-old veteran actress Sunwoo Yong-yeo star of the legendary sitcom “Soonpoong Clinic” who has seen significant success on YouTube. Her channel “Soonpoong Sunwoo Yong-yeo” gained over 200,000 subscribers within a month of its April launch.
“My life is really just beginning now,” she declared in her introductory video. As of Thursday, the channel had posted six full-length videos, each garnering an average of 2 million views. The most viewed video has surpassed 3.4 million views.
In her everyday life videos, she drives a Mercedes, eats breakfast at hotels, and openly shares her experiences with malnutrition and stroke.
“What’s the point of saving money if it costs you your health? You can’t take anything with you when you go. Spending tens of millions of won on clothes and eating like a beggar what’s the point? Eat well. Clean clothes are good enough,” she said.
Viewers responded positively, “Feels like watching a sitcom about a wealthy grandma—so fun!” and “Seeing a healthy, joyful elder is so inspiring.”
Actress Lee Mi Sook has also joined the YouTube wave, stating, “Now I want to show more of my true self.” In one video, she appears barefaced with graying hair, surrounded by stacks of luxury handbag boxes, but reveals she prefers using eco-friendly fabric totes. That video alone surpassed 1 million views in just four days.
This move toward YouTube comes amid a sharp decline in traditional TV and film content—especially stories centered around middle-aged women. According to experts, actresses over 40 are increasingly pushed out of the spotlight.
One of YouTube’s biggest advantages is flexibility—they’re free from rigid schedules and can share their lives on their own terms.
“Unlike the past, when retirement was expected, now these women are speaking up and sharing their own stories. They’re turning everyday life into compelling content. Especially for those who’ve been private until now, public curiosity is even higher,” said culture critic Jung Duk-hyun.
Critic Kim Sung Soo added that the everyday lives of formerly elusive stars offer valuable content. “For famous celebrities, the easiest way to maintain visibility is through entertainment content. But to retain long-term viewer interest, they need more than just their fame,” he noted.
This trend of veteran actresses embracing YouTube reflects a broader shift in the entertainment industry, where personal storytelling and direct fan engagement are becoming increasingly valued. By sharing their lives beyond traditional media, these actresses are not only redefining their careers but also inspiring audiences with their resilience and authenticity.