Son Ye-jin, South Korean actress
Son Ye-jin, born Son Eon-jin on January 11, 1982, stands as an iconic and highly acclaimed South Korean actress, celebrated globally for her exceptional versatility and profound ability to portray a diverse range of characters across both film and television. With a career spanning over two decades, she has solidified her position as one of South Korea's most beloved and respected figures in entertainment, often recognized as a leading force in the Hallyu wave.
Her definitive rise to prominence began in 2003 with her captivating performances in the emotionally resonant film The Classic and the popular romantic television drama Summer Scent. These early portrayals, often characterized by a blend of innocence, purity, and profound emotional depth, deeply resonated with the South Korean public. It was these romantic and endearing roles, particularly in her filmography during this period, that affectionately earned her the beloved title of "Nation's First Love" in Korea. This moniker signifies her wholesome and cherished public image. Her momentum continued with commercially successful features like A Moment to Remember (2004), a tear-jerking melodrama that achieved significant box office success and remains one of the highest-grossing Korean melodramas to date. This was followed by the critically noted romantic drama April Snow (2005), which further showcased her versatility.
Son Ye-jin's Acclaimed Film Career
Throughout her distinguished career, Son Ye-jin has garnered numerous prestigious acting recognitions, solidifying her reputation as one of South Korea's most versatile and acclaimed actresses. Her filmography boasts an impressive array of high-profile projects spanning diverse genres, showcasing her remarkable ability to inhabit complex characters:
Alone in Love (2006): A critically acclaimed romantic drama that earned her significant praise for her nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of post-divorce life. This role cemented her as a serious dramatic actress.
My Wife Got Married (2008): A groundbreaking romantic comedy where her performance as a woman seeking a polyamorous relationship earned her several major awards, including Best Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Baeksang Arts Awards, highlighting her willingness to tackle unconventional roles.
The Pirates (2014): A high-stakes action-adventure blockbuster that showcased her physical prowess and comedic timing, proving her capability to lead a major commercial film, which was a significant box office success.
The Truth Beneath (2016): A critically lauded thriller that saw her deliver a powerful and transformative performance as a mother desperately searching for her missing daughter, earning her Best Actress accolades at the Buil Film Awards and the Korea Association of Film Critics Awards.
The Last Princess (2016): A poignant historical drama where she brilliantly portrayed Princess Deokhye, the last princess of the Joseon Dynasty. This demanding role, often considered one of her career-defining performances, earned her widespread critical acclaim and several Best Actress awards, including at the Grand Bell Awards.
The Negotiation (2018): A gripping crime thriller where she starred opposite Hyun Bin, marking their first on-screen collaboration before their globally celebrated pairing in a later drama. Her intense portrayal of a crisis negotiator showcased her dramatic range.
Impactful Television Dramas
Beyond her remarkable film career, Son Ye-jin has also left an indelible mark on television, starring in several highly successful dramas that have captivated audiences both domestically and internationally, contributing significantly to the global Hallyu phenomenon:
Personal Taste (2010): A popular romantic comedy where she demonstrated her flair for lighthearted roles, endearing her to a broader audience.
Something in the Rain (2018): A realistic and critically praised romance drama that explored the dynamics of an older woman-younger man relationship, resonating deeply with viewers worldwide and initiating a new wave of interest in her work.
Crash Landing on You (2019–2020): This global sensation became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history and a cultural phenomenon across Asia and beyond. Her portrayal of Yoon Se-ri, a South Korean heiress who crash-lands in North Korea, earned her immense international fame and solidified her status as a global Hallyu star. The drama's immense popularity was further amplified by her real-life romance with co-star Hyun Bin, culminating in their marriage in 2022.
Thirty-Nine (2022): A heartfelt melodrama exploring the lives and friendships of three women approaching their fortieth birthdays, showcasing her continued ability to lead compelling narratives with emotional depth.
Public Recognition and Influence
Son Ye-jin's consistent success and immense popularity are further underscored by her remarkable inclusion in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 for three consecutive years, from 2019 to 2021. This prestigious annual list recognizes the most influential and powerful figures in South Korean entertainment based on factors such as income, influence, popularity, and professionalism, highlighting her sustained impact and top-tier status within the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Son Ye-jin
- When was Son Ye-jin born?
- Son Ye-jin was born Son Eon-jin on January 11, 1982.
- What is Son Ye-jin's most famous drama?
- While she has starred in many successful dramas, Crash Landing on You (2019–2020) is widely considered her most famous and globally impactful drama, achieving widespread international acclaim and becoming a major Hallyu phenomenon.
- Why is Son Ye-jin called "Nation's First Love"?
- She earned the affectionate title "Nation's First Love" early in her career due to her innocent, pure, and emotionally captivating portrayals in romantic films and dramas, which deeply resonated with the South Korean public.
- Has Son Ye-jin won any acting awards?
- Yes, Son Ye-jin has won numerous prestigious acting awards throughout her career, including Best Actress accolades at major ceremonies like the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, and Grand Bell Awards, recognizing her versatile performances in both films and television dramas.
- What is the significance of her inclusion in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40?
- Her consecutive inclusion in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list from 2019 to 2021 signifies her sustained influence, high income, immense popularity, and respected professionalism within the South Korean entertainment industry, affirming her status as a top-tier celebrity.