From humble beginnings to international acclaim, this South Korean actor has captivated audiences worldwide. Her journey is a testament to raw talent and unwavering determination.
Born Lee So-hee in Ulsan, she adopted her stage name upon entering the entertainment industry. This decision marked the start of a remarkable transformation. Her career began in 2016, and each year since has brought new challenges and triumphs.
Her story is not just about fame. It is about survival and the courage to pursue a dream. She represents a new generation of performers who blend vulnerability with incredible strength.
This profile explores her path from Ulsan to Seoul. We will look at her breakthrough roles and the personal struggles that shaped her artistic identity. Her craft resonates across cultures, offering performances that feel both authentic and powerful.
Early Life and Journey to Stardom
At nineteen, armed with artistic training but little else, she boarded a bus to Seoul with her future hanging in the balance. This move marked a pivotal year in her life.
From Ulsan to Seoul: Early Beginnings
Han So-hee’s journey began with shattered dreams. She had secured admission to a French university but couldn’t afford the required visa deposit. Financial barriers forced a complete redirection of her path.
Survival meant taking multiple part-time jobs. She worked grueling bar shifts and modeling gigs. These jobs taught her discipline and humility.
Living with her grandmother in Seoul, she carried minimal savings. The struggle shaped her perspective on life. People around her noticed her raw presence and encouraged acting.
Artistic Influences and Inspirations
Her creative foundation extended beyond acting. Han So-hee maintained diverse interests that informed her craft. She painted regularly and enjoyed anime like Death Note.
Competitive gaming and handwritten journaling provided balance. This blend of high and low culture revealed an artist who values reflection. Her early years forged a philosophy of moving forward authentically.
The past taught her to accept imperfection. These experiences became the bedrock of her artistic identity.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Moments
The screen first noticed her presence in 2016, not through spoken lines but through a compelling visual performance. This quiet entry set the stage for a gradual yet determined climb.
Debut Roles and Early Challenges
Her official acting debut came the following year with a minor part in the series Reunited Worlds. It was a small but crucial first step.
Substantial roles soon followed in dramas like Money Flower and 100 Days My Prince. These projects allowed her to refine her skills across different genres. She built a solid foundation with each new television role.
A supporting part in the 2019 series Abyss further honed her craft. The industry was watching a promising talent develop.
The World of the Married: A Game-Changer
Everything shifted in 2020. The drama The World of the Married became a national phenomenon. It shattered records to become the highest-rated series in Korean cable television history.
Han So-hee’s portrayal of Yeo Da-kyung was a revelation. The role demanded a raw complexity she delivered with stunning precision. Her performance sparked widespread conversation and catapulted her to fame.
The series’ success earned her a Baeksang Arts Award nomination for Best New Actress. It was a definitive moment that validated her risk-taking and established her as a leading force.
Notable TV Series, Films, and Music Videos
Rather than repeating her success formula, Han So-hee embarked on a journey through different storytelling formats. She deliberately chose roles that challenged her range and expanded her artistic identity.
Signature Drama Performances
In 2021’s “Nevertheless,” she played an art student navigating modern romance. The role showcased quiet vulnerability and relatable hesitation.
“My Name” that same year revealed her action capabilities. She transformed into a vengeful woman hunting her father’s killer. This performance earned a Baeksang Arts Award nomination.
The 2022 mini-series “Soundtrack #1” returned her to romance. She portrayed a lyricist falling for her longtime friend.
Film Appearances and Music Video Highlights
Her 2023 independent film “Heavy Snow” demonstrated commitment to artistic risk. She also appeared in BTS Jungkook’s “Seven” music video.
The Netflix series “Gyeongseong Creature” represents her most ambitious project. Spanning two seasons across different timelines, it blends horror and romance.
| Project | Year | Platform | Genre | Character Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevertheless | 2021 | JTBC | Romance Drama | Vulnerable Student |
| My Name | 2021 | Netflix | Crime Action | Vengeful Woman |
| Gyeongseong Creature | 2023-2024 | Netflix | Historical Horror | Immortal Sleuth |
| Heavy Snow | 2023 | Independent | Drama | Complex Lead |
Each role reveals a different facet of Han So-hee’s talent. From romantic leads to action heroes, she never plays the same character twice.
Endorsements and Global Brand Collaborations
Her appeal transcends acting roles, making her one of Korea’s most influential faces in global fashion and beauty campaigns. The commercial landscape recognizes her distinctive presence and cultural impact.
Major brands across multiple sectors have secured her for high-profile endorsement deals. This commercial work mirrors the versatility she demonstrates on screen.
Luxury Fashion and Beauty Endorsements
Her face represents both aspiration and accessibility in the competitive cosmetics industry. She has worked with Charlotte Tilbury Beauty and L’Oréal, establishing herself as a beauty icon.
The fashion industry embraced her unique aesthetic early in her career. Since 2016, she has modeled for brands like J.Estina, Eider, and Giordano International.
Global Ambassadorships in the Industry
In 2022, Balenciaga named Han So-hee their first Korean global brand ambassador. This landmark moment signaled her arrival on the international fashion stage.
The same year, Omega SA tapped her as a global ambassador. She represented Swiss precision at their “Her Time” exhibition in Bangkok.
2023 brought ambassadorships with Boucheron, Charles & Keith, and Fila. Each brand leverages the trust her audience places in her name and choices.
Her work extends beyond traditional categories. In 2024, Shark home appliances made her their global ambassador, underscoring her broad commercial appeal.
Personal Life Insights and Resilience
Resilience often reveals itself not in triumph but in quiet moments of reflection after public storms. The actor’s personal journey through controversy became a testament to this truth.
Life Lessons from Early Struggles
In 2024, Han So-hee’s relationship with actor Ryu Jun-yeol sparked intense public debate. The brief connection lasted only two weeks in the public eye.
Criticism emerged from Ryu’s former partner, singer Hyeri. She suggested the timeline between relationships felt uncomfortably short. Han defended her position through social media posts.
Her transparency sometimes backfired. People accused her of sharing private matters too openly. The experience highlighted the difficult position women face in the spotlight.
| Date | Event | Platform | Key Message |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Relationship Begins | Public News | Controversy Timeline |
| April 2025 | Reflective Blog Post | Joong Ang | Learning from Past |
| 2024-2025 | Social Media Defense | Personal Account | |
| Ongoing | Vlog Reflections | Personal Channel | Finding Happiness |
A year later, Han shared profound thoughts on her Joong Ang account. She wrote about ugly moments from her past that shaped her present.
“It’s O.K. not to be awesome,” she concluded. This philosophy embraces imperfect existence. Her vlog reinforced this message about accepting given happiness.
These reflections show quiet strength. Han So-hee demonstrates that moving forward matters more than perfect moments. People learn from difficult days and grow.
Han So-hee: Versatile Actress and Cultural Icon
Her ability to disappear into diverse characters has earned her a reputation as one of Korea’s most versatile actors. The industry recognizes this talent through consistent awards and critical praise.
Diverse Roles Across Genres
Han So-hee’s career shows remarkable range. She moves between romance, action, and historical drama with ease. Each role reveals new dimensions of her craft.
Critics and publications have taken notice. Cine21 ranked her first among actresses to watch in 2022. Forbes included her in their Power Celebrity list for two consecutive years.
Her work ethic matches her talent. She trains intensely for action sequences and studies character psychology deeply. This commitment shows in every performance.
| Publication/Award | Year | Recognition | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Artist Awards | 2020 | Rookie of the Year | Winner |
| Cine21 | 2022 | Actress to Watch | 1st Place |
| Forbes Korea | 2022 | Power Celebrity | 28th |
| Vogue Korea | 2021 | Notable Actress | Top 4 |
This consistent recognition across different industry sectors demonstrates her broad appeal. From television drama to fashion influence, her name carries weight.
The actress represents a new era of Korean entertainment. She chooses complex women over simple characters. Her performances linger in memory long after the series ends.
Final Reflections and What Lies Ahead
Completion brings reflection, and for Han So-hee, finishing a major project like ‘Gyeongseong Creature’ offered a moment to pause. Filming spanned two intense years of her life. She chose not to cry at the end, seeing it not as a final goodbye but as a transition.
Her mindset focuses on growth. She plans to watch the series as a viewer, learning from her own performance. This commitment to improvement defines her approach as a South Korean actor.
The Asia Artist Awards, which honored her in her rookie year and beyond, validated this relentless drive. Now, she thinks deeply about working efficiently without cutting corners. She has released the pressure to please everyone, focusing instead on repaying genuine support.
Looking forward, projects like ‘Solo Leveling’ ensure her presence on television for years to come. Her legacy is one of versatility and honest living. Han So-hee’s story teaches that happiness is found by embracing the present and the work itself.
