January is a month filled with the birthdays of many talented Korean actors and actresses who have brought unforgettable characters to life. Their contributions to the world of entertainment continue to captivate audiences globally. Here’s a list of notable figures born in January, along with a deeper look into their careers and achievements.
January 1
Lee Won Jong
January 1, 1966
A versatile actor known for his roles in historical dramas like The Great Queen Seondeok and crime thrillers such as The Chaser. Lee Won Jong has built a reputation for his ability to portray complex characters, making him a respected figure in the Korean entertainment industry.
January 2
Yoon Se-ah
January 2, 1978
Yoon Se-ah is a seasoned actress celebrated for her versatility and depth in acting. She rose to prominence with her role as the elegant yet sharp-minded No Seung-hye in the hit drama Sky Castle, a series that delved into the competitive world of elite education. She also impressed audiences in Stranger 2, where she showcased her ability to adapt to complex and intense roles.
January 3
Kim Seol-hyun
January 3,1995
Known for her dual career as an actress and singer, Kim Seol-hyun initially gained fame as a member of the popular K-pop girl group AOA. Transitioning into acting, she has earned acclaim for her performance in My Country: The New Age, where she portrayed a determined and courageous woman navigating the chaos of the late Goryeo era. Her ability to balance emotional depth with physical intensity makes her a standout talent.
Z. Hera
January 3, 1996
A singer and actress who appeared in the historical drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Z.Hera, originally known for her music career, has successfully transitioned into acting, showcasing her talent in various genres.
January 4
Kang Hye Jung
January 4, 1982
An actress known for her role in the internationally acclaimed film Oldboy and the drama Miss Ripley. Kang Hye Jung’s intense and captivating performances have earned her critical acclaim and a strong following.
January 5
Jang Gwang
January 5, 1952
A veteran actor known for his roles in the harrowing film Silenced and the historical drama The Crowned Clown. Jang Gwang’s powerful performances and extensive career have made him a respected figure in Korean cinema.
Yu In Young
January 5, 1984
An actress recognized for her roles in the historical drama Empress Ki and the fantasy romance My Love from the Star. Yu In Young’s ability to portray both strong and vulnerable characters has made her a versatile and respected actress.
Park Kyung Hye
January 5, 1993
Known for her supporting roles in the fantasy drama Goblin and the psychological series It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. Park Kyung Hye’s unique charm and acting skills have made her a memorable presence in the industry.
January 6
Seo Hyo Rim
January 6, 1985
An actress known for her roles in the historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal and the romantic comedy Beautiful Gong Shim. Seo Hyo Rim’s lively and engaging performances have made her a favorite among drama fans.
January 7
Park Won Sang
January 7, 1970
Known for his roles in the legal drama The Attorney and the mystery thriller Missing. Park Won Sang’s ability to bring depth to his characters has made him a respected actor in both film and television.
Lim Ju Eun
January 7, 1988
An actress recognized for her roles in the melodrama Uncontrollably Fond and the teen series The Heirs. Lim Ju Eun’s emotional performances have made her a standout in the industry.
Lee Sun-bin
January 7, 1994
Lee Sun-bin is a rising star in the Korean entertainment industry, known for her charm and acting range. She captivated audiences in the action-packed drama Sketch, where she played a determined detective unraveling mysterious crimes. Her role in The Great Show, as a struggling young woman seeking her estranged father’s help, further cemented her position as a versatile actress.
January 8
Park Jin Hee
January 8, 1978
An actress known for her roles in the epic drama Giant and the medical series Doctor Detective. Park Jin Hee’s strong screen presence and acting skills have made her a respected figure in the industry.
Lee Yi Kyung
January 8, 1989
An actress known for her roles in the epic drama Giant and the medical series Doctor Detective. Park Jin Hee’s strong screen presence and acting skills have made her a respected figure in the industry.
Kim Ga Eun
January 8, 1989
Known for her roles in the romantic drama Because This Is My First Life and the time-travel series The Light in Your Eyes. Kim Ga Eun’s relatable and heartfelt performances have endeared her to audiences.
January 9
Park Seong Woong
January 9, 1973
An actor known for his roles in the crime thriller New World and the sci-fi series Life on Mars. Park Seong Woong’s intense and charismatic performances have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
January 10
Kim Hee Won
January 10, 1971
An actor recognized for his roles in the dark comedy Vincenzo and the action film The Man from Nowhere. Kim Hee Won’s unique charm and acting skills have made him a standout in the industry.
Choi Won Young
January 10, 1976
Known for his roles in the satirical drama Sky Castle and the fantasy series Mystic Pop-up Bar. Choi Won Young’s ability to portray a wide range of characters has made him a versatile and respected actor.
January 11
Son Ye-jin
January 11, 1982
Son Ye-jin is a household name in Korea and beyond, often hailed as the Nation’s First Love for her natural beauty and emotional depth. Her iconic role as Yoon Se-ri in the global hit Crash Landing on You showcased her impeccable comedic timing and heartfelt performance as a South Korean heiress who finds love in North Korea. From romantic comedies like Something in the Rain to intense thrillers like The Truth Beneath, Son Ye-jin continues to redefine her career with diverse projects.
Kim Young Kwang
January 11, 1987
An actor known for his roles in the romantic drama Pinocchio and the office comedy The Secret Life of My Secretary. Kim Young Kwang’s good looks and acting talent have earned him a strong following.
January 12
DO Kyung Soo
January 12, 1993
A member of EXO and an actor known for his roles in the historical drama 100 Days My Prince and the musical film Swing Kids. D.O.’s talent in both singing and acting has made him a multi-faceted entertainer.
Lee Bo-young
January 12, 1979
Lee Bo-young is known for her compelling performances and ability to convey complex emotions. Her portrayal of Jang Hye-sung in I Can Hear Your Voice earned her widespread acclaim and awards, as she flawlessly captured the journey of a jaded public defender finding her passion again. In Mother, she took on a challenging role as a woman protecting an abused child, showcasing her dedication to socially meaningful stories.
January 13
Lee Seung-gi
January 13, 1987
A multi-talented entertainer, Lee Seung-gi is a beloved actor, singer, and variety show host. In dramas like My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho, he charmed viewers with his portrayal of a naive and kind-hearted man who falls in love with a mythical creature. His performance in Vagabond demonstrated his ability to handle action-packed and emotionally charged roles, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and bankable star.
Jung Moon Sung
January 13, 1981
Known for his roles in the medical drama Hospital Playlist and the comedy series The Fiery Priest. Jung Moon Sung’s ability to bring depth to his characters has made him a respected actor.
January 14
Dong Ha
January 14, 1992
An actor known for his roles in the office comedy Chief Kim and the legal thriller Suspicious Partner. Dong Ha’s dynamic performances and versatility have made him a rising star in the industry.
Choi Byung Mo
January 14, 1972
Known for his roles in the historical comedy Mr. Queen and the action series The Fiery Priest. Choi Byung Mo’s unique charm and acting skills have made him a standout in the industry.
January 15
Kwak Si Yang
January 15, 1987
An actor known for his roles in the fantasy drama Chicago Typewriter and the sci-fi series Alice. Kwak Si Yang’s good looks and acting talent have earned him a strong following.
January 16
Lee Min Ki
January 16, 1985
An actor known for his roles in the romantic drama Because This Is My First Life and the fantasy film The Beauty Inside. Lee Min Ki’s versatility and charm have made him a beloved figure in Korean entertainment.
January 17
Kang Chan Hee
January 17, 2000
An actor and member of SF9, known for his role in the satirical drama Sky Castle. Kang Chan Hee’s talent in both singing and acting has made him a rising star in the industry.
Jang Shin Young
January 17, 1984
Known for her roles in the historical drama The Empress and the crime series Bad Thief, Good Thief. Jang Shin Young’s strong screen presence and acting skills have made her a respected figure in the industry.
January 18
Park Chul Min
January 18, 1967
An actor known for his roles in the historical drama The Great Queen Seondeok and the comedy series The Fiery Priest. Park Chul Min’s ability to bring humor and depth to his characters has made him a beloved figure in Korean entertainment.
Jung Yu-mi
January 18, 1983
Jung Yu-mi is celebrated for her authentic and emotionally resonant performances. In the blockbuster Train to Busan, she played a selfless pregnant woman navigating a zombie apocalypse, earning praise for her vulnerability and strength. Her role in Kim Ji-young: Born 1982, a film addressing societal pressures on women, highlighted her ability to tackle thought-provoking themes with grace and nuance.
Hyun Woo
January 18, 1985
Known for his roles in the culinary drama Pasta and the family series The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop. Hyun Woo’s versatility and charm have earned him a dedicated fan base.
Shin Ye Eun
January 18, 1998
An actress known for her roles in the fantasy romance He Is Psychometric and the romantic drama More Than Friends. Shin Ye Eun’s fresh and engaging performances have quickly made her a rising star in the industry.
January 19
Park Won Suk
January 19, 1944
A veteran actress known for her roles in the family drama Dear My Friends and the weekend series My Golden Life. Park Won Suk’s extensive career and powerful performances have made her a respected figure in Korean cinema.
January 20
Jung Woong In
January 20, 1971
An actor known for his roles in the legal drama I Can Hear Your Voice and the prison series Prison Playbook. Jung Woong In’s intense and charismatic performances have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
January 21
Jung Ryeo Won
January 21, 1981
An actress known for her roles in the legal drama Witch’s Court and the satirical series History of a Salaryman. Jung Ryeo Won’s ability to portray strong and complex characters has made her a standout in the industry.
January 24
Kim Min Suk
January 24, 1990
An actor known for his roles in the military drama Descendants of the Sun and the medical series Doctors. Kim Min Suk’s relatable and heartfelt performances have endeared him to audiences.
January 25
Lee Junho
January 25, 1990
A member of 2PM and an actor known for his roles in the romantic drama Just Between Lovers and the historical series The Red Sleeve. Junho’s talent in both singing and acting has made him a multi-faceted entertainer.
January 26
Kim Jae Joong
January 26, 1986
A singer and actor known for his roles in the romantic comedy Protect the Boss and the crime series Triangle. Kim Jae Joong’s talent in both music and acting has made him a beloved figure in Korean entertainment.
Jin Ki Joo
January 26, 1989
An actress known for her roles in the romantic drama Come and Hug Me and the office series The Secret Life of My Secretary. Jin Ki Joo’s warm and relatable performances have made her a rising star in the industry.
January 27
Lee Byung Joon
January 27, 1964
An actor known for his roles in the musical drama Dream High and the political series The King 2 Hearts. Lee Byung Joon’s versatility and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in both television and film.
January 28
Lee Yoo-ri
January 28, 1980
Lee Yoo-ri is a veteran actress known for her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from villains to protagonists. She gained immense popularity for her role as the manipulative Yeon Min-jung in Jang Bo-ri Is Here!, a performance that earned her a Grand Prize (Daesang) at the MBC Drama Awards. In Hide and Seek, she continued to impress with her intense and emotional acting in a gripping family drama.
Jang So Yeon
January 28, 1980
An actress known for her roles in the romantic drama Something in the Rain and the action series Crash Landing on You. Jang So Yeon’s emotional and powerful performances have earned her critical acclaim.
January 29
Lee Il Hwa
January 29, 1971
Known for her roles in the nostalgic series Reply 1988 and the romantic comedy My ID is Gangnam Beauty. Lee Il Hwa’s warm and relatable performances have endeared her to audiences, making her a staple in Korean dramas.
An Se Ha
January 29, 1986
An actor known for his roles in the comedy series The Fiery Priest and the romantic drama The Secret Life of My Secretary. An Se Ha’s unique charm and acting skills have made him a standout in the industry.
January 30
Lee Seo Jin
January 30, 1971
An actor known for his roles in the historical drama Damo and the romantic series Marriage Contract. Lee Seo Jin’s strong screen presence and acting skills have made him a respected figure in the industry.
Baek Sung Hyun
January 30, 1989
An actor known for his roles in the melodrama Stairway to Heaven and the crime series Voice. Baek Sung Hyun’s emotional and powerful performances have earned him critical acclaim.
Esom
January 30, 1990
An actress known for her roles in the romantic drama Because This Is My First Life and the action series Taxi Driver. Esom’s dynamic performances and versatility have made her a rising star in the industry.
January 31
Lee Young Ae
January 31, 1971
A top actress known for her roles in the historical drama Dae Jang Geum and the biographical series Saimdang, Memoir of Colors. Lee Young Ae’s captivating performances and beauty have made her one of the most beloved actresses in Korea.
These talented actors and actresses, born in January, have left indelible marks on the Korean entertainment industry. From heartwarming dramas to thrilling films, they continue to inspire and entertain fans worldwide. Let’s celebrate their contributions and look forward to the incredible performances they have in store for the future!
