Top 4 Most Outstanding Korean Actresses of 2024: A Romantic “Goddess” at #2 and an Unparalleled Talent at #1
2024 has been a remarkable year for Korean entertainment, with many female stars making extraordinary strides. These actresses have contributed significantly to the success of Korean dramas and films, both domestically and internationally. Here are the top 4 most outstanding Korean actresses of the year.
4. Kim Tae-ri
Coming in at fourth place is Kim Tae-ri. The 34-year-old actress captivated audiences with her exceptional performance as the titular character in the drama “Jeong Nyeon”. While the series did not gain much traction in Vietnam, it was warmly received in Korea, closing with an impressive 16.458% rating.
Kim Tae-ri flawlessly portrayed Jeong Nyeon, a strong-willed young woman from a poor background who relentlessly pursued her dreams. Her journey, as brought to life by Kim Tae-ri, not only evoked a wealth of emotions but also served as an inspiration to many.
However, her film endeavors in 2024 were less fruitful. “Alienoid 2: Return to the Future”, despite featuring a talented cast and solid performances, including Kim Tae-ri’s, only managed to earn a modest $10.8 million in box office revenue.
3. Lee Ha-nee
Ranked third is Lee Ha-nee, who had a stellar start to the year with “Knight Flower”. Initially, the series was not highly anticipated, but its unexpectedly captivating narrative and Lee Ha-nee’s outstanding portrayal of the lead character, Cho Yeo-hwa, won her the prestigious Best Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
Currently, Lee Ha-nee continues to generate buzz with the second season of “The Fiery Priest”. The first season was a massive success, and the latest installment is proving just as popular, with the newest episode achieving an 11.3% rating, the highest in its time slot.
In addition to her television success, Lee Ha-nee also appeared in “Alienoid 2: Return to the Future”, sharing the screen with Kim Tae-ri.
2. Kim Ji-won
Securing second place is Kim Ji-won, who has emerged as the “goddess of romantic Korean dramas” in 2024. Her impeccable performance in “Queen of Tears” earned her widespread acclaim. The drama achieved record-breaking ratings, peaking at 24.85% in its finale and averaging 15.671%.
Beyond Korea, the show also created a global sensation, at one point ranking #1 on Netflix in 68 countries. Prominent media outlets, including Time Magazine, praised the series for its fresh take on the romantic genre, describing it as a must-watch that breaks traditional molds.
Kim Ji-won’s rising popularity following the success of “Queen of Tears” is evident, with her fan meetings drawing immense attention and generating widespread discussion on social media.
1. Kim Go-eun
At the very top is Kim Go-eun, who shone brilliantly in the blockbuster film “Exhuma”, one of Korea’s standout cinematic achievements in 2024. The film, which garnered critical acclaim and massive audience admiration, grossed an impressive $98 million globally.
Kim Go-eun played Lee Hwa-rim, a shaman battling malevolent forces, delivering a performance so extraordinary that she won the Best Actress award at both the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Korea’s two most prestigious honors.
At the 2024 Blue Dragon Film Awards, Kim Go-eun received unanimous votes (9/9) for Best Actress in Film. Sport Chosun lauded “Exhuma” as showcasing the pinnacle of her career, while judges described her performance as “unparalleled.” Fans and critics alike agree that the accolades are well-deserved.
In addition to “Exhuma”, Kim Go-eun also starred in “Love in the Big City”, a smaller-scale project praised for its compelling narrative despite modest box office returns.
