Kim Tae-hee, Jun Ji-hyun, and the Early Days of Korea’s ‘Visual Geniuses’ on Netflix
On April 21, Netflix Korea shared a nostalgic update on its official social media with the caption, “Throwback to the rookie days of the original visual geniuses, shining through low-res screens.” The post featured stills from popular dramas of the late 1990s and early 2000s, capturing Korea’s top stars in their early years.
The photos include early appearances of Jun Ji-hyun from “Happy Together,” Shin Min-a from “Beautiful Days,” Jo In-sung and Go Soo from “Piano,” and Kim Tae-hee from “Love Story in Harvard.” Despite the pixelated quality of old footage, their timeless beauty and charisma are evident.
The first image is from the 1999 drama “Happy Together,” showing Jun Ji-hyun at just 17 years old, playing Seo Yoon-joo, the youngest of five siblings battling kidney disease. Her breakout role earned her a Best New Actress award and launched her “visual genius” reputation.
Next is Shin Min-a in SBS’s 2001 drama “Beautiful Days,” where she played Min-ji, the feisty younger sister of Lee Byung-hun’s character. The star-studded cast, including Choi Ji-woo and Ryu Si-won, drew major buzz at the time.
Jo In-sung appears in the third photo from SBS’s “Piano” (2001), portraying Kyung-ho, a rebellious teen with a piercing stare and visible bruises—a role that helped cement his status as a youth icon.
Also from “Piano” is Go Soo, who played Jae-soo, the emotionally tormented stepbrother of Kim Ha-neul’s character. Their heart-wrenching melodrama captivated viewers, and the series recorded peak ratings of 40%.
The final shot features Kim Tae-hee in “Love Story in Harvard” (2004), showcasing her pristine beauty and clear features. As Lee Soo-in, a Harvard Law student, she charmed audiences with her intelligence and warmth. Her elite Seoul National University background and dazzling visuals earned her the title of “visual genius,” dominating both the ad and drama industries.
These throwback photos not only spotlight the stars’ early charm but also evoke nostalgia for a generation of fans who grew up watching them rise to fame. Even decades later, their looks and presence continue to captivate.