Korean dramas have long celebrated the allure of elite heiresses—blending charisma, style, and emotional depth. In early 2025, several leading women have captured hearts with portrayals that ooze luxury and nuanced strength. Here’s a deeper look at the ten characters that define heiress royalty, beginning with the irreplaceable icon.
1. Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri in Crash Landing on You
Son Ye-jin tops the list with her portrayal of Yoon Se-ri, a chaebol heiress turned fashion entrepreneur. Se-ri starts her own brand and heads it with finesse, delivering looks that are classy from head to toe. Even when crash-landed in North Korea, her impeccable taste—from elegant loungewear to regal dining posture—never falters. She’s the standard-bearer for screen heiress chic.
2. Kim Ji won as Hong Hae-in in Queen of Tears
Next in line is Kim Ji-won, who plays Hong Hae-in, heir to the prestigious Queens Mall empire. From the moment she walks on screen, viewers are struck by Kim Ji-won’s effortless presence—she radiates unassuming wealth, authority, and elegance. She makes high fashion feel mundane and intrinsic.
3. Kim Yoo Jung as Do Do-hee in My Demon
Kim Yoo-jung brings youthful defiance and high-society flair to Detective-Heiress Do Do-hee. Her wardrobe sets trends, and her charm captures that special combination of indie heiress and feisty rebel. It’s a fresh twist on the spoiled rich-girl trope.
4. Lim Ji Yeon as Yeon-jin in The Glory
As the chilling antagonist Yeon-jin, Lim Ji-yeon brings bone-chilling elegance. She plays a privileged woman who uses money to manipulate and dominate. Her cool composure and sharp attire are hauntingly captivating—even viewers who hate her can’t ignore her style.
5. Seo Ye Ji as Ko Moon-young in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
A modern take on heiress glamour, Seo Ye-ji’s Ko Moon-young is eccentric, emotionally complex, and generously wealthy. Her avant-garde handbags, quirky dresses, and fierce attitude create an unforgettable image of independent, chaotic luxury.
6. Hyeri as Yoo Jae-yi in Friendly Rivalry
In contrast, Hyeri’s Yoo Jae-yi is a warm-hearted heiress. Though not over-the-top glamorous, she exudes a refined sense of ease and confidence that makes her clearly part of the elite. The character’s combination of warmth, responsibility, and social grace makes her a beloved “national heiress.“
7. Lee bo young as Ji Sun-woo in Mine
Lee Bo-young embodies the quintessential matriarchal heiress in Mine. Her character balances domestic poise with unflinching corporate strength. Whether delivering a commanding look or a tender moment, Lee Bo-young’s controlled elegance always dominates.
8. Seol in ah as Jin Young-seo in A Business Proposal
Seol In-ah’s Jin Young-seo is the textbook modern heiress: wealthy, witty, and down-to-earth. She’s not defined by high-end miles, but by charm and integrity. Many viewers responded, “If I met someone like this in real life, I’d definitely fall for her.”
9. Roh Jeong-eui as Jung Jae-yi in Hierarchy
Striking with minimal dialogue, Roh Jeong-eui portrays Jung Jae-yi, a cold yet deeply wounded heir of a major conglomerate. Her silent dominance is visceral—her mere presence changes the dynamics in any scene. She’s a compelling vision of young wealth with an emotional core.
10. Jang Da Ah as Baek Hae-rin in Pyramid Game
Lastly, Jang Da-ah, real-life sister of Jang Wonyoung, plays Baek Hae-rin, an unflappable school-caste heiress. She speaks little, but her poise, icy glare, and strategic presence in school politics reveal a disciplined heiress bound for power.
These heiress roles reflect both the glamour and complexity of wealth—in wardrobes, backgrounds, and personal challenge. While Son Ye-jin’s Yoon Se-ri remains unmatched in legacy, Kim Ji-won continues the tradition of regal heiress roles with an effortless grace that challenges expectations.
In 2025, leading Korean actresses keep reinventing heiress archetypes—from emotional depth and modern relevance to silent power and authentic relatability—ensuring this genre remains riveting in the dynamic world of K-drama.
