In the fast-paced and highly competitive world of South Korean entertainment, certain new talents emerge with an undeniable presence, capturing attention and leaving a lasting impression. Won Ji-an is one such actress.
Since her striking debut in 2021, she has quickly navigated from impactful supporting roles in critically acclaimed series to headlining dramas and securing a coveted spot in the global phenomenon, Squid Game’s second season. Born Kim In-seon, this rising star has demonstrated a compelling range and a quiet intensity that promises a significant career ahead.
Biography
Name: Won Ji-an
Birth Name: Kim In-sun (김인선)
Birthday: August 17, 1999
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Height: 170 cm (5 ft 7 in)
Instagram: @wonjianolive
Twitter: N/A
Fun Facts
- The stage name Won Ji-an was given to her by her grandmother.
- Influenced by her grandmother, who was a teacher, she was a book-loving literature girl who read a lot up until middle school.
- She was admitted to the Department of Acting at the Korea National University of Arts as part of the 2018 class, but is currently on a leave of absence due to her acting career.
- She holds a 3rd-degree black belt in judo, making her quite skilled in action scenes involving techniques like breakfalls and shoulder throws.
- She has two pet cats named Taeyang (Sun) and Bam (Night)—both are Korean Shorthairs with tuxedo markings.
- She’s often complimented for having very long and elegant hands and feet.
- For her role in “Squid Game 2,” she cut her hair into a short style for the first time since she was a baby marking her first time with short hair since debut.
- She has beauty marks on her left cheek, chin, collarbone, and neck.
- Despite her usually calm appearance, she is actually quite timid—evident from her fear of bugs and horror films.
- Unlike the stoic characters she often plays in dramas, behind-the-scenes and interview videos reveal that she’s a cheerful, soft-spoken person who laughs a lot and often becomes the target of playful teasing.
Career
Won Ji-an made her official acting debut in 2021, not with a minor part in a daily drama, but with a memorable guest role in the critically lauded Netflix original series, “D.P..” In Episode 3 of the first season, titled “That Woman,” Won Ji-an portrayed Mun Yeong-ok, the girlfriend of a deserter being pursued by the D.P. unit. Though her screen time was limited, her performance resonated strongly with viewers and critics. She convincingly portrayed a character initially perceived as an obedient girlfriend, only to reveal a shocking twist later in the episode.
The significance of debuting in a high-profile, internationally recognized, and critically acclaimed series like D.P. cannot be overstated. Her performance earned her a nomination for Best New Actress (TV) at the 2022 Director’s Cut Awards, further cementing the impact of her debut.
Following her impactful debut in “D.P.,” Won Ji-an swiftly moved to solidify her position as a promising newcomer. Before 2021 concluded, she took on her first film role in the star-studded holiday ensemble movie, “A Year-End Medley.” Portraying Lim Ah-young, a talented figure skater caught in a youthful romance storyline with Jo Joon-young’s character Park Se-jik, she demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside a cast brimming with established Korean stars like Han Ji-min, Lee Dong-wook, and Kang Ha-neul.
The year 2022 marked Won Ji-an’s transition into leading roles. She was cast as the female lead, Kyung Da-jung, in the Seezn original web series “Juvenile Delinquency.” Playing an 18-year-old girl used by her parents as a drug mule who subsequently hides in the countryside and discovers a marijuana field with local teens, Won Ji-an tackled a complex, dark character. Her performance garnered significant recognition, earning her a nomination for Best New Actress at the 2022 Blue Dragon Series Awards.
Simultaneously, Won Ji-an expanded her presence on terrestrial television with a key supporting role in the KBS2 drama “If You Wish Upon Me” (2022). She played Ha Joon-kyung, described as a woman deeply obsessed with the male lead Yoon Gyeo-ree (played by Ji Chang-wook), adding another layer of intense, somewhat troubled characters to her repertoire. Her portrayal earned her another major nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actress at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards.
In 2023, Won Ji-an took another significant step by landing her first lead role in a terrestrial broadcast drama, starring opposite 2PM’s Ok Taec-yeon in the KBS2 fantasy rom-com “Heartbeat.” While the role marked a major milestone, her performance in “Heartbeat” drew mixed reactions, particularly contrasting with the praise she received for her previous, often darker, roles. Some viewers and critics found her portrayal less suited to the lighter, comedic demands of the genre.
Regardless of the mixed reception for Heartbeat, Won Ji-an’s career trajectory took a monumental leap forward with her casting in the second season of the global Netflix sensation, “Squid Game.” Joining the established universe of the most-watched Netflix series of all time instantly placed her on an international stage. In the series, she plays Se-mi, identified as Player 380.
Looking ahead, Won Ji-an’s schedule remains busy, demonstrating continued industry demand. She is confirmed for roles in several upcoming dramas: “Pleasant Bullying” (as Soo Hyun), “Waiting for Kyungdo” (as Seo Ji-woo), and “Made in Korea” (as Choi Yoo-ji).
Personal Life
Early Life
Won Ji-an entered the world as Kim In-seon on August 17, 1999, in Bucheon, a city neighbouring Seoul in South Korea. Her path towards acting appears rooted in formal training rather than the more common idol-turned-actor trajectory.
Won Ji-an is currently pursuing her studies at the prestigious Korea National University of Arts (KNUA). KNUA is widely regarded as one of South Korea’s premier arts institutions, known for producing highly skilled performers across various disciplines.
Relationship
While Won Ji-an’s professional career has rapidly gained momentum and visibility, her personal life remains notably private. Based on the available information gathered, there are no public, confirmed details regarding her relationship status or dating history.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Type (Format) | Notes |
| 2021 | A Year-End Medley | Lim Ah-young | Film | |
| 2021–2023 | D.P. | Mun Yeong-ok | TV Series (Netflix) | Debut Role; Season 1 (Ep. 3), Season 2 (Cameo) |
| 2022 | Hope or Dope | Kyung Da-jung | Web Series (Seezn) | Lead Role; Season 1 & 2 |
| 2022 | If You Wish Upon Me | Ha Joon-kyung | TV Series (KBS2) | Supporting Role |
| 2022 | One Dollar Lawyer | Juror 15 | TV Series (SBS) | Guest Role (Ep. 11-12) |
| 2023 | Heartbeat | Joo In-hae | TV Series (KBS2) | Lead Role |
| 2024 | Squid Game (Season 2) | Se-mi (Player 380) | TV Series (Netflix) | Recurring Role |
| 2024 | “The Story Behind” | Lead Actress | Music Video | Kyuhyun MV |
| TBA | Pleasant Bullying | Soo Hyun | TV Series | |
| TBA | Waiting for Kyungdo | Seo Ji-woo | TV Series (JTBC) | |
| TBA | Made in Korea | Choi Yoo-ji | TV Series (Disney+) |
As she continues to take on diverse roles, Won Ji-an is undoubtedly an actress to watch, poised for continued success both domestically and on the global entertainment scene.
