8 Successful K-Drama Actresses In Their 40s, From Yoo InNa To Jun JiHyun

We reckon you’ve enjoyed more than a handful of these Korean actresses' dramas over the years.

Nessie, Staff Writer
5 min to read · Published : Jun 22, 2023 · Updated : Aug 11, 2023

8 Successful K-Drama Actresses In Their 40s, From Yoo InNa To Jun JiHyun

Song HyeKyo's Instagram / Kim SoYeon's Instagram

We can all agree that the Hallyu wave has made Korean dramas and movies develop something of a cult following over the years. Of course, with the dedication to the lightheartedness and flavorful nature of these dramas comes the interest in the actors and actresses in them.

Recently, we’ve seen a spike in the interest in K-Drama actresses especially, regardless of age. Admittedly, some of these actresses are more well-known and critically acclaimed than the others. Like in our previous articles of K-Drama actresses in their 20s and 30s, in this article, we’ll be discussing 8 successful K-Drama actresses in their 40s. We reckon you’ve enjoyed more than a handful of their dramas over the years.

1. Han JiMin

Han JiMin's Instagram

This emotive actress might have just clocked 40 last year, but her portfolio is nothing short of impressive. With her appearance in emotional and raw Korean movies such as “Miss Baek” and “Josée”, she proved just how deep of a character she can really play. Fans may be more acquainted with her drama appearances in series like “Resurrection”, “Our Blues” and “One Spring Night”, and they will agree that she is quite captivating onscreen. More of Han JiMin, please!

Check out the trailer for “Miss Baek” here:

2. Song HyeKyo

Song HyeKyo's Instagram

A veteran through and through, Song HyeKyo is that one actress you always have the most expectations for. The beautiful thing is, she does not, never, disappoints. Even with roles that seem more mentally challenging, she still delivers. We know of her famous and widely popular roles in dramas such as “Full House”, “Now, We Are Breaking Up”, “Descendants of the Sun”, and most recently, “The Glory”. In each and every one of these dramas, there was something to remember with each character she played, and fans adore her hard work and ingenuity in all of her characters. We can’t wait to explore what she plays next, for sure.

Check out the trailer for “The Glory” here:

3. Kim HeeSeon

Kim HeeSeon's Instagram

Most fans may know Kim HeeSun from her role in the hit drama “Faith”, but just so you know, that was far from her first rodeo. She had played more leading roles in dramas released in the 1990s! If that doesn’t surprise you, maybe her roles in series such as “Propose”, “Wedding Dress” and “Men of the Bath House” will. What we love about Kim HeeSun is her ability to adapt into any role and make the audience care about the character she plays. Just as she showed her multiple charms of many varieties in “Alice”, “Tomorrow” and “Remarriage & Desires”, she’s sure to continue doing so.

Check out the trailer for “Remarriage & Desires” here:

4. Yoo InNa

YG STAGE's Naver

A lot of drama fans know that Yoo InNa has quite the following. And who can blame her? With her breakthrough roles in dramas such as “Queen and I”, “Bo-ra! Deborah”, and a fan favorite, “Touch Your Heart”, a fanbase like hers is a given. The best thing about this stunning actress is her irresistible charms, both off and onscreen. Her characters are always so loveable, it’s hard not to wish the best for them. We’re wishing the best for Yoo InNa too, in every of her projects to come!

Check out the trailer for “Bo-ra! Deborah” here:

5. Lee JiAh

Lee JiAh's Instagram

You’ve probably wondered about Lee JiAh after you saw “The Penthouse: War in Life”, and we totally understand. With her playing such a thrilling character in a successful series, it’s very natural to be curious. Well, she has played roles in dramas such as “Sea of Hope”, “Athena: Goddess of War” and “Pandora: Beneath the Paradise”. Her talent for nailing characters that are just as exciting as they are fierce makes her very successful in our books.

Check out the trailer for “Pandora: Beneath the Paradise” here:

6. Son YeJin

Son YeJin's Instagram

Much like the actresses on this list, Son YeJin has amassed quite the number of incredible roles, and has dutifully aced them as well. We all know her from shows such as “Personal Taste”, “A Moment to Remember”, “Something in the Rain” and “Thirty Nine”. There are also these shows, “The Negotiation” and “Crash Landing on You”, where she co-starred alongside her now-husband Hyun Bin. In all these dramas, there’s the element of laughter, sadness, strength and love, and fans have always been here for it. Our biggest wish now though, is that she be healthy and happy with her newborn son… and of course, get back to blowing our minds on television.

Check out the trailer for “Thirty Nine” here:

7. Jun JiHyun

W Korea

Known to be part of ‘The Troika’ alongside top Korean film stars Kim TaeHee and Song HyeKyo, Jun JiHyun is very well established in her still bustling career. Her breakout role in the drama “My Sassy Girl” made waves all across Asia and internationally as well, cementing her status as a Hallyu film star. Her other notable roles are in dramas like “My Love from the Star”, “The Legend of the Blue Sea”, “Jirisan” and “Kingdom”. The allure that each of her characters carries is unparalleled, and fans agree that seeing her dramas and the roles she plays instills a rare kind of fangirl attitude. We get it, really. There truly is none like Jun JiHyun in the industry.

Check out the trailer for “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” here:

8. Kim SoYeon

Kim SoYeon's Instagram

It may seem that most K-Drama fans knew Kim SoYeon from her mind-blowing and utterly mesmerizing role in all three seasons of “The Penthouse: War in Life”, but she didn’t start slaying there. In her earlier roles in “All About Eve” and “Prosecutor Princess”, she has shown just how intense she is as an actress. Also in her most recent role in “Tail of the Nine Tailed 1938”, we can see yet again Kim SoYeon’s undeniable ability to completely captivate her audience. It’s honestly a rare talent, and we’re so glad she is using it to bless our screens.

Check out the trailer for “Tail of the Nine Tailed 1938” here:

There might be some of your favorite seasoned actresses in their 40s that we missed. If yes, do let us know who they are in the comments. If no, then tell us your favorites on this list!