Before they were lighting up the screen with dramatic monologues and perfect crying scenes, these Korean actresses were lighting up magazine covers and ad campaigns. From gliding down runways to striking fierce poses for high-end editorials, they started their careers in the fashion world — where facial expressions are minimal, but cheekbones are mandatory.

Whether they were walking fashion week or gracing billboards in head-to-toe couture, these style icons eventually traded model numbers for script pages. And surprise: they didn’t just bring their photogenic faces to the set — they brought serious acting chops, too. Turns out, looking flawless under harsh lighting is excellent training for a camera close-up.

Modeling Debut:
Lee Sung-kyung made her modeling debut by placing in the top five of the 2008 SBS Supermodel Contest, becoming the first Asian finalist in the international competition. She quickly gained recognition on runways and in high-fashion editorials.

Acting Transition:
She debuted as an actress in It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014), gradually building a reputation with scene-stealing supporting roles. Her breakout came with Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, where she showcased her versatility and comedic timing.

Signature Works:

• Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)
• Dr. Romantic 2 & 3 (2020, 2023)
• Call It Love (2023)

Lee Sung-kyung is admired for seamlessly combining a model’s poise with approachable charm, carving a space for herself in romantic dramas and medical series alike.  She is currently starring in the K-drama The Nice Guy (2025; JTBC and Netflix) with Lee Dong-wook. 

Modeling Debut:
Jang Yoon-ju entered the modeling industry in 1997 and quickly rose to become one of Korea’s most respected runway and editorial models. Her bold features and confident stride made her a staple at Seoul Fashion Week and international campaigns.

Acting Transition:
She made her acting debut in the action film Veteran (2015), where her strong presence and charisma stood out. She has since expanded into hosting, music, and film, showcasing a multi-faceted career.

Signature Works:
• Veteran (2015)
• Three Sisters (2020)
• Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (2022)
• Kill Boksoon (2023)

Known for her fierce on-screen aura and grounded acting style, Jang Yoon-ju is a true powerhouse who proves that supermodels can own the big screen, too.

Modeling Debut:
Jung Ho-yeon began modeling in her teens and gained prominence after finishing as runner-up in Korea’s Next Top Model Season 4 in 2013. With her fiery red hair and bold runway walk, she became a global fashion name, walking for Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Marc Jacobs.

Acting Transition:
She made her acting debut in “Squid Game” (2021) as Kang Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector. The role — her very first on screen — skyrocketed her to global stardom. Her performance earned her a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award, a Primetime Emmy nomination, and a spot on TIME’s 100 Next list.

Signature Works:

• Squid Game (2021)

Jung’s success is unprecedented — from supermodel to Emmy-nominated actress in one leap. She now stands at the intersection of Korean drama and international cinema.

Not every model needs a runway to shine. The following actresses got their start posing for glossy magazines, beauty ads, and fashion campaigns — proving that a killer gaze and a camera-ready face can be just as powerful as a catwalk strut. These fashion models may not have stomped down Seoul Fashion Week, but they mastered the art of selling a look — and now, they’re selling every scene they’re in.

Modeling Debut:
Shin Min-a began her modeling career as a teenager in the late 1990s, becoming a household name through KiKi magazine. Her youthful image and photogenic charm made her a favorite in fashion editorials and advertisements.

Acting Transition:
Her acting debut came in 2001 with Beautiful Days, and she steadily built her career through a mix of film and TV. She found her niche in romantic and quirky roles, often portraying lovable, strong-willed characters with a comedic touch.

Signature Works:
• My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho (2010)
• Oh My Venus (2015–2016)
• Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

Shin Min-a’s girl-next-door appeal, combined with her expressive performances, have made her a beloved fixture in Korean dramas. Her transition from teen model to leading lady has been seamless and enduring.

Modeling Debut:
Jun Ji-hyun began her career as a model in the late 1990s. Her fresh look and statuesque presence caught attention early, especially through magazine shoots and commercial work. She quickly became one of Korea’s top commercial models, appearing in high-profile campaigns and print media.

Acting Transition:
She transitioned into acting with the 1999 drama Happy Together, but it was her role in the blockbuster rom-com My Sassy Girl (2001) that skyrocketed her to fame. Her bold and quirky performance became iconic and helped establish her as a top-tier actress in both Korea and across Asia.

Signature Works:
• My Sassy Girl (2001)
• My Love from the Star (2013–2014)
• Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021)

With her commanding presence and elegance, Jun Ji-hyun became one of Korea’s first true Hallyu stars. Her fashion background remains evident in her striking on-screen visuals, while her acting range continues to earn praise in dramas and films alike.

Modeling Debut:
Esom entered the modeling scene in the mid-2000s, working primarily in print ads and commercial campaigns. Her sharp features and confident aura made her an unconventional but highly sought-after figure in editorial fashion.

Acting Transition:
She began acting in small film roles before her breakthrough in the 2014 indie romance “Scarlet Innocence,” which earned her multiple newcomer awards. Her grounded, no-nonsense screen persona made her a favorite for both indie films and edgy TV dramas.

Signature Works:

• Because This Is My First Life (2017)
• Taxi Driver (2021)
• Samjin Company English Class (2020 – film)

Known for tackling bold and complex female roles, Esom is critically acclaimed for her ability to blend vulnerability with strength, often bringing feminist themes to the forefront of her work.

Modeling Debut:
Go Joon-hee, born Kim Eun-joo, started as a fashion model in the early 2000s, appearing in magazines, TV commercials, and beauty campaigns. Her sleek bob haircut and cool-girl aura made her a standout in both fashion and entertainment.

Acting Transition:
She transitioned to acting in 2003, but her breakthrough didn’t come until a decade later with the popular romantic comedy “She Was Pretty” (2015), where she played the fashionable and confident second lead. She also starred in “Untouchable” (2017), showing she could take on edgier, more dramatic roles.

Signature Works:

• She Was Pretty (2015)
• Untouchable (2017)
• Can You Hear My Heart? (2011)

Although she appears less frequently in recent years, Go Joon-hee remains a memorable figure from K-drama’s golden romantic comedy era and continues to influence style trends and beauty endorsements.

Modeling Debut:
Stephanie Lee began her modeling career in the U.S. before moving to South Korea. Fluent in English and Korean, she gained attention through global campaigns and local advertisements, quickly becoming a face for brands like Chanel and Estée Lauder.

Acting Transition:
She entered acting in 2014 through the drama Seonam Girls High School Investigators, drawing praise for her natural acting and screen charm. With her multicultural appeal and effortless cool, she’s been a scene-stealer in dramas ever since.

Signature Works:
• Yong-pal (2015)
• The Second Last Love (2016)
• Start-Up (2020)

Stephanie Lee balances fashion credibility with acting versatility, playing everything from romantic rivals to businesswomen. Her background in international modeling gives her a distinct flair in both modern and period pieces.

So the next time you’re watching a drama and catch yourself thinking, “She looks like she belongs in a fashion magazine,” there’s a good chance she’s already been on the cover — multiple times. These models-turned-actresses have shown that transitioning from editorial spreads and fashion shoots to gripping dramas is not just possible — it’s fabulous.

They’ve proven that it takes more than a perfect pose to win over viewers — it takes depth, range, and the occasional dramatic rooftop scene in the rain. And while fashion may have discovered them, it’s film and TV that helped them truly shine. One thing’s for sure: they’re not just pretty faces — they’re the full glossy package.