Han So-hee
Han So-hee (born Lee So-hee; November 18, 1993) is a South Korean actress who rose to prominence through her versatile performances in television dramas and films.[1] Born in Ulsan, she is best known for portraying complex characters in hit series such as the adulterous Yeo Da-kyung in The World of the Married (2020) and the vengeful undercover cop Yoon Ji-woo in My Name (2021).[2] Managed by 9ato Entertainment, her career spans supporting roles to leading parts in acclaimed projects, earning her nominations at major awards like the Baeksang Arts Awards.[3][4] Raised primarily by her grandmother in Ulsan after her parents' divorce when she was five, Han attended Ulsan High School of Arts, initially majoring in fine arts before shifting her focus to acting.[5] At age 19, she moved to Seoul with limited funds—approximately 300,000 South Korean won (about US$270)—to pursue her dreams, taking on part-time jobs at barbecue restaurants, bars, and cosmetics stores while auditioning.[5] She legally changed her surname from Lee to Han to distance herself from family-related controversies, including her mother's past fraud allegations.[3] Standing at 164 cm with blood type AB, Han has often credited her grandmother as her greatest influence, even getting a tattoo of her grandmother's birth flower as a tribute.[6][5] Han entered the entertainment industry in 2016 as a model, appearing in the music video for SHINee's "Tell Me What to Do" after being scouted via social media.[2] Her acting debut came in 2017 with a minor role in the fantasy drama Reunited Worlds, followed by supporting parts in series like Money Flower and 100 Days My Prince.[2] Her breakthrough arrived with The World of the Married, a remake of the British series Doctor Foster, which became South Korea's highest-rated cable drama with peak viewership of 28.4 percent and garnered her a Best New Actress nomination at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards.[2][4] Building on her success, Han starred in lead roles across diverse genres, including the romantic Nevertheless (2021), the action-thriller My Name (2021)—for which she trained extensively in martial arts and gained 10 kg of muscle—and the period horror Gyeongseong Creature (2023–2024).[2][7] Her film debut was in the indie drama Heavy Snow (2023), which premiered at the Jeonju International Film Festival and was theatrically released in October 2024, followed by Dream (2023).[2] In recognition of her work, she won the Best Artist (Television/Film) award at the 2021 Asia Artist Awards for My Name.[4] As of November 2025, she is filming the Korean remake of The Intern opposite Choi Min-sik for Warner Bros., marking her entry into international co-productions.[8]Early life and education
Childhood and family background
Han So-hee was born Lee So-hee on November 18, 1993, in Ulsan, South Korea.[9][3] Her parents divorced when she was around five years old, after which she was primarily raised by her maternal grandmother.[9][10] This family structure shaped her early years, with limited involvement from her mother due to ongoing personal and legal challenges.[11][12] Around the age of nine, as she prepared to enter the fourth grade, Han was compelled to relocate within South Korea to Ulsan amid her mother's legal issues, including an arrest warrant.[3][1] This sudden move disrupted her education, leading to a year of homeschooling or no formal schooling before she resumed studies.[13][14] This year without schooling caused her to repeat a grade, resulting in her graduating high school with the class of 1994 and previously being reported as born that year until clarified in 2024.[12][3] Following her mother's detention, Han returned to her previous location in Wonju to re-enroll in school, but the experience marked a period of instability in her formative childhood.[13][15] These early relocations and family dynamics contributed to Han spending much of her pre-teen years in Ulsan, where she navigated a challenging home environment under her grandmother's care.[9][11]Schooling and early interests
Han So-hee initially attended Ulsan Girls' High School before transferring to the art department at Ulsan Arts High School, where she majored in fine arts and developed her passion for drawing and creative expression.[16] During her time there, she honed skills in brush pen illustrations, reflecting her early artistic inclinations that were supported by her family's encouragement of creative pursuits.[16] After graduating high school, Han moved to Seoul to pursue a career in modeling, working part-time jobs to support herself.[16] This period marked her shift from visual arts toward the entertainment industry, though she briefly considered further artistic education abroad. In a 2025 interview, Han expressed regret over missing the opportunity to attend a prestigious French art university, to which she had been accepted but could not enroll due to financial constraints and stringent visa requirements demanding proof of substantial funds.[16] She reflected on this career pivot in the YouTube show Na Young-seok's Nabull Nabull, noting how her ambitions in art influenced her early decisions despite the unfulfilled path.[16]Career
2017–2019: Debut and supporting roles
Han So-hee entered the acting industry in 2017 after a brief stint in modeling, marking the beginning of her professional career following years of financial hardship in Seoul. Having moved to the city at age 19 with limited funds, she supported herself through odd jobs, including working at a bar in Gangnam, while pursuing her passion for the arts. These early struggles honed her resilience, allowing her to focus on acting auditions despite initial rejections and the competitive nature of the K-drama landscape.[17] Her acting debut came in July 2017 with a minor supporting role as the fashion journalist Lee Seo-won in the SBS fantasy romance drama Reunited Worlds, a 40-episode series centered on themes of fate and reunion among friends from different timelines. In this role, Han portrayed a secondary character entangled in the protagonists' emotional journeys, providing her first on-screen experience in a high-profile ensemble cast alongside actors like Yeo Jin-goo and Lee Yeon-hee. The part, though brief, allowed her to gain visibility in the industry and build foundational skills in dramatic timing and ensemble dynamics.[18] Later that year, in November 2017, Han secured a supporting role as Yoon Seo-won in the MBC revenge thriller Money Flower, a 24-episode weekend drama exploring corporate greed and family betrayals. As the ambitious daughter of a powerful family, she delivered a performance that showcased her ability to convey vulnerability and cunning, earning praise for holding her own against veteran actors like Jang Hyuk and Park Se-young. This opportunity represented a significant step up, transitioning her from obscurity to a more prominent position and helping her refine her emotional range in intense narrative arcs.[19] In 2018, Han continued building her portfolio with a supporting role as Crown Princess Kim So-hye in the tvN historical romance 100 Days My Prince, a 16-episode sageuk blending comedy and drama around a prince's amnesia and rural life. Her character, trapped in a politically motivated loveless marriage, added layers of quiet suffering and subtle intrigue to the story, opposite leads Do Kyung-soo and Nam Ji-hyun. The role challenged her to adapt to period costumes and dialogue, further developing her versatility in romantic and courtly settings.[20] By 2019, Han took on another supporting part in the tvN fantasy mystery Abyss, playing the dual role of Jang Hee-jin and Oh Su-jin, the enigmatic fiancée of a key character in a tale of resurrection via mysterious orbs. In this 16-episode series, her performance contributed to the plot's twists involving identity and betrayal, working alongside Park Bo-young and Ahn Hyo-seop. These early supporting roles collectively served as a skill-building phase, where Han navigated typecasting risks and on-set pressures as a newcomer, gradually establishing her reputation for nuanced portrayals amid the fast-paced demands of Korean television production.[21]2020–2021: Breakthrough with leading parts
In 2020, Han So-hee achieved her breakthrough with the leading role of Yeo Da-kyung, a complex and controversial character as the younger mistress entangled in an extramarital affair, in the JTBC drama The World of the Married, a Korean adaptation of the BBC series Doctor Foster.[2] Her portrayal of the ambitious Pilates instructor, who navigates moral ambiguity and emotional turmoil, garnered widespread acclaim for its depth and nuance, earning her praise as a rising talent capable of handling multifaceted dramatic roles.[22] The series became a massive hit, propelling Han from supporting parts in earlier projects to stardom and transforming her public profile overnight.[23] For her performance, Han received her first major award recognition, including a nomination for Best New Actress at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards and a win for Rookie of the Year at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards.[24][25] These accolades solidified her transition to leading actress status, highlighting her ability to command attention in high-stakes narratives. In 2021, she also starred as Park Jae-eon in the romantic drama Nevertheless, exploring complex relationships among art students.) Building on this momentum, Han ventured into the action genre in 2021 with the Netflix series My Name, where she starred as Yoon Ji-woo, a grieving woman infiltrating a drug cartel for revenge against her father's killer.[26] Her intense physical preparation, including rigorous martial arts training, marked her entry into demanding action roles and delivered a raw, athletic performance that blended vulnerability with ferocity.[27] The series' global release on Netflix amplified her international exposure, with critics noting her commanding presence in the thriller's high-octane sequences.[28] The role earned her the Best Artist (Television/Film) award at the 2021 Asia Artist Awards, further affirming her elevated status.[4] Media coverage during this period buzzed about Han's versatile evolution from a former model to a dramatic powerhouse, emphasizing her rapid shift across genres and her skill in embodying emotionally layered characters.[29]2022–present: International projects and expansion
In 2023, Han So-hee ventured into historical action with the lead role of Yoon Chae-ok in Netflix's Gyeongseong Creature, a two-part series released in December 2023 and January 2024, set against the backdrop of 1945 Japanese-occupied Korea. As a resilient terminal inspector fighting supernatural threats alongside Park Seo-jun's character, her performance emphasized fierce determination and physical intensity, marking a significant step in her collaboration with international streaming services and appealing to audiences beyond South Korea. This project solidified her transition to high-profile global platforms, blending action with historical drama. Han So-hee's film career advanced with her debut in Heavy Snow (2023–2024), which premiered at the Jeonju International Film Festival in 2023 and was theatrically released on October 23, 2024, where she played Seol I, a young woman navigating loss and connection in a poignant drama. Directed by Yoon Yook-young, the film explored themes of grief and human bonds through subtle emotional layers, earning praise for her nuanced acting in her first big-screen lead.[30] In 2025, she starred in a lead role alongside Jeon Jong-seo in Project Y, a noir crime thriller that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, portraying characters entangled in urban intrigue. With a domestic release pending as of November 2025, the film further showcased her range in genre-driven narratives aimed at international festivals and markets.) In 2025, Han began filming the Korean remake of The Intern opposite Choi Min-sik for Warner Bros., portraying the CEO in this international co-production.[8] Under 9ato Entertainment, Han So-hee has prioritized international expansion, including projects tailored for streaming audiences and her first world tour fan meeting announced in January 2025.[31] Titled 2025 Han So-hee 1st Fanmeeting World Tour [Xohee Loved Ones], the tour kicked off in July 2025 in Asian cities like Bangkok and Tokyo, extending to Europe and the Americas before concluding in Seoul in October 2025, drawing thousands and underscoring her broadening fanbase across continents.[32] This initiative, combined with her Netflix and festival engagements, reflects a strategic shift toward global accessibility and diverse storytelling.[33]Commercial work
Endorsements and brand ambassadorships
Han So-hee's rising prominence following her breakthrough roles in the early 2020s has positioned her as a sought-after ambassador for international luxury brands, leveraging her versatile appeal in fashion and beauty campaigns. Since 2020, she has secured numerous high-profile partnerships that align with her image of sophisticated elegance and modern charisma.[23] In 2021, Han was named the first Korean model for British cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, marking her entry into global beauty endorsements. The following year, 2022, saw her appointed as the inaugural Korean celebrity ambassador for Spanish luxury fashion house Balenciaga, where she featured in their Fall/Winter 2023 campaign, and as a global ambassador for Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega SA, the first South Korean female actress in that role. By 2023, her portfolio expanded significantly with ambassadorships for French high jewelry maison Boucheron (as their first Korean global ambassador), sportswear brand Fila (global ambassador), Singaporean fashion label Charles & Keith (global ambassador), and French luxury house Dior (ASPAC ambassador for La Collection Privée and face of Dior Beauty). In 2024, amid a public dating controversy with actor Ryu Jun-yeol, several endorsements were not renewed, including those with Chum Churum soju, NH Bank, and Hey Dealer sportswear, though her agency denied any direct connection to the relationship.[34][35] More recently, in 2025, she became the global ambassador for Korean fashion brand Musinsa Standard, focusing on their women's line campaigns, signaling continued growth. Other notable Korean and international collaborations include Banila Co. cosmetics, Eider sportswear, and L’Oréal personal care products.[23][36][37][38][39][40][23][41] These endorsements have substantially bolstered her financial standing, with her estimated net worth reaching USD 10-15 million as of 2024, a significant portion derived from brand deals alongside her acting income.[23][42] Han's involvement in luxury fashion campaigns often emphasizes her bold yet refined aesthetic, portraying her as a "Dior Woman" who embodies sophistication and daring, which has helped elevate brand visibility in Asian markets. For instance, her appearances in Dior's Cruise collections and Boucheron's high jewelry visuals highlight a resilient, elegant persona that resonates with consumers, contributing to the brands' appeal among younger demographics.[43][44][38]Music videos and other appearances
Han So-hee entered the entertainment industry through modeling and music video appearances before transitioning to acting. Her music video roles often highlighted her expressive presence and contributed to her early visibility in K-pop visuals.[45] She has featured in several prominent music videos across genres, portraying romantic interests and narrative leads. Key appearances include:| Year | Artist | Song Title | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | SHINee | "Tell Me What To Do" | Girlfriend of Minho's character; marked her breakout visual entry.[46] |
| 2017 | Jung Yong-hwa feat. Loco | "That Girl" | Romantic lead in urban narrative.[46] |
| 2018 | Urban Zakapa | "The Rain After the Rain" | Emotional supporting role in ballad video.[46] |
| 2018 | Roy Kim | "The Hardest Part" | Central figure in heartbreak storyline.[46] |
| 2019 | Melomance | "You & I" | Lead in tender romance; her last pre-breakthrough MV until 2023.[45] |
| 2023 | BTS Jungkook feat. Latto | "Seven" | International romantic lead; filmed in Los Angeles, boosting her global profile after a four-year hiatus from MVs.[47] |
Personal life
Relationships and privacy
Han So-hee has long prioritized her privacy, maintaining a limited online presence for much of her career to shield her personal life from public scrutiny. Prior to 2023, she avoided active social media engagement, relying instead on occasional blog posts for direct communication when necessary. This approach changed when she launched her official Instagram account in January 2023, allowing for more controlled sharing of professional updates and glimpses into her daily life, though she has since used it sparingly to avoid overexposure.[53] In March 2024, Han So-hee became the center of intense dating rumors with actor Ryu Jun-yeol, sparked by photos of the pair vacationing together in Hawaii earlier that month. The speculation intensified due to Ryu's recent breakup with longtime girlfriend Hyeri, whose cryptic Instagram story appeared to allude to the situation, leading to public accusations of overlap and infidelity. On March 16, 2024, Han So-hee confirmed the relationship via a detailed post on her personal blog, stating that she and Ryu had begun dating in early 2024 after his previous relationship had ended, and emphasizing her respect for Hyeri.[54] Ryu's agency also verified the romance the following day.[55][56][57] The confirmation only fueled further controversy, with netizens criticizing Han So-hee for her perceived insensitivity and "transit relationship" involvement, prompting widespread backlash and boycott calls against her projects. She issued an apology on March 17, 2024, for her "irritable" responses during the initial rumors, expressing regret over the hurt caused to Hyeri and others. The relationship ended abruptly, with reports of their breakup emerging on March 30, 2024 amid the ongoing public outcry.[58][59][60] The scandal profoundly impacted Han So-hee's public image throughout 2024 and into 2025, resulting in a sharp decline in fan support, project delays, and heightened media scrutiny. She maintained a period of relative silence following the breakup, deleting social media posts and stepping back from public appearances to focus on reflection. In January 2025, she reopened her personal blog after nearly a year, addressing the controversies candidly, admitting to personal mistakes, and expressing a desire for growth amid the emotional toll. In September 2024, her mother was arrested on charges of operating an illegal gambling den, adding to ongoing family-related scrutiny.[61] Additional rumors in late 2024 and 2025, including unconfirmed sightings with Ryu in Paris and separate speculation linking her to other figures, further complicated her privacy efforts, while her agency repeatedly denied involvement in related online harassment allegations to mitigate the damage.[62][63][64]Artistic pursuits and philanthropy
Beyond her acting career, Han So-hee has demonstrated a deep passion for visual arts, particularly painting, which she has pursued as a personal creative outlet. She frequently shares her brush pen drawings on social media, showcasing intricate and expressive works that highlight her artistic talent. This interest stems from her early education at Ulsan Arts High School, where she developed foundational skills in fine arts. In 2025 interviews, she revealed that her love for art nearly led her to a different path, as she was accepted into a prestigious French art university but ultimately could not attend due to financial constraints and stringent visa requirements demanding substantial proof of funds, estimated at 60 million KRW including living expenses.[16][65][66] Han So-hee's philanthropic efforts reflect her commitment to supporting emerging artists and education. In July 2024, she quietly donated 43 laptops valued at 50 million KRW (approximately $38,000) to students at the Seoul Institute of the Arts during an action acting workshop she led, personally funding the gifts to aid their creative studies after noticing many lacked essential equipment. This act, kept confidential at her request until revealed a year later, underscores her dedication to fostering the next generation in the arts.[66][67][68] Among her hobbies, Han So-hee enjoys travel, which aligned with her planning and execution of the 2025 Han So-hee 1st FanMeeting World Tour titled "Xohee Loved Ones." The tour spanned cities including Bangkok, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and Seoul from July to October, concluding successfully on October 26 in Seoul, and allowed her to explore new destinations while engaging in intimate fan interactions, such as sharing behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes to create heartfelt connections with supporters worldwide.[69][70][32][71]Filmography
Films
Han So-hee transitioned to feature films in 2024 after establishing her career in television dramas, beginning with her screen debut in the independent queer drama Heavy Snow. Directed by Yun Su-ik, the film explores the evolving friendship and romance between two young women facing societal judgments on beauty and identity, with Han portraying Seol-yi, a striking teenage model who forms a deep bond with an aspiring actress played by Han Hae-in. It premiered at the Jeonju International Film Festival on April 29, 2023, and was released theatrically in South Korea on October 23, 2024, on 113 screens, earning a modest box office with 5,361 admissions.[72][73] In 2025, Han took on a leading role in the neo-noir heist thriller Project Y, directed by Lee Hwan, co-starring Jeon Jong-seo as her character's longtime friend. She played Mi-seon, a woman working in Seoul's adult entertainment district who devises a daring plan to steal 8 billion won in gold bars amid themes of desperation, loyalty, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Gangnam. The film world-premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2025, receiving praise for the leads' chemistry and later winning the best film award in the competition section at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival on November 3, 2025.[74][75]Television series
Han So-hee began her acting career in television with supporting roles in 2017, gradually transitioning to leading parts in various genres including melodrama, historical romance, and action thrillers.[50] Her notable television appearances include:- Reunited Worlds (2017): She portrayed Lee Seo-won, a supporting character in this SBS fantasy romance drama consisting of 32 episodes.
- Money Flower (2017): Han played the supporting role of Yoon Seo-won in the MBC melodrama series, which ran for 24 episodes.
- 100 Days My Prince (2018): As Kim So-hye, the Crown Princess, she took on a supporting yet pivotal role in the tvN historical romance drama with 16 episodes.
- Abyss (2019): Han appeared as Jang Hee-jin / Oh Soo-jin (Cha Min's fiancée) in a supporting capacity in the JTBC fantasy drama, spanning 16 episodes.
- The World of the Married (2020): She starred as the main antagonist Yeo Da-kyung in the JTBC remake of Doctor Foster, a dramatic series with 16 episodes that highlighted her ability to play complex, controversial characters.[76]
- Nevertheless (2021): In this JTBC and Netflix romance drama, Han led as Yoo Na-bi, exploring themes of casual relationships over 10 episodes.
- My Name (2021): Han took the lead role of Yoon Ji-woo, a vengeful undercover agent, in the Netflix action crime thriller limited to 8 episodes.[77]
- Soundtrack #1 (2022): She played Lee Eun-soo, a lyricist navigating friendship and love, in the Disney+ music romance miniseries with 4 episodes.[78]
- Gyeongseong Creature (2023): Han starred as Yoon Chae-ok, a fierce bodyguard in 1940s Seoul, in this Netflix historical thriller divided into two parts totaling 14 episodes.
Music videos
Han So-hee made her acting debut in the music video for SHINee's "Tell Me What to Do," released on November 15, 2016, where she portrayed Minho's girlfriend and became the object of Taemin's obsession in a narrative exploring themes of desire and pursuit.[79] In 2017, she appeared as the love interest in Jung Yong-hwa's "That Girl (feat. Loco)," dressed in a white gown to evoke a sense of ethereal romance in the video's storyline.[45] She took on the role of an estranged lover in Roy Kim's "The Hardest Part" music video, released in 2018, opposite the singer as the male lead in a poignant depiction of heartbreak and reconciliation.[45] In 2019, Han So-hee starred as the wife in MeloMance's "You & I," portraying a couple reminiscing about their childhood romance through flashbacks that highlighted emotional intimacy and nostalgia.[45] For the 2022 Disney+ series Soundtrack #1, in which she played the lead role of Lee Eun-soo, Han So-hee featured in promotional OST music videos alongside co-star Park Hyung-sik to showcase their on-screen chemistry; these included Kyuhyun's "Love Beyond Words" and Park Bo Ram's "Want to Be Happy," aligning with the drama's music-themed narrative.[80] Her most recent music video appearance was in 2023 as the leading lady in BTS member Jungkook's solo single "Seven (feat. Latto)," where she embodied a elusive romantic interest in a visually striking, week-long serenade concept that garnered praise for their on-screen rapport.[81]Awards and nominations
Major awards won
Han So-hee first gained significant recognition for her role as Yeo Da-kyung in the 2020 JTBC drama The World of the Married, which led to her winning the Rising Star Actress award at the 2020 Brand of the Year Awards, held on September 27, 2020.[82] This accolade highlighted her rapid ascent following the series' massive success as one of the highest-rated cable dramas in Korean history. She continued to earn accolades at the Asia Artist Awards, a prominent ceremony celebrating achievements across Asian entertainment. In 2020, she received the Rookie of the Year – Actor award for The World of the Married, presented on November 28, 2020.[25] The following year, on December 2, 2021, she won the Best Artist – Actor award, honoring her versatile performances in Netflix's action thriller My Name and the romantic drama Nevertheless.[83] In 2022, she secured the same Best Artist – Actor honor at the event held on December 13, 2022, reflecting her growing influence in both television and film projects like Soundtrack #1.[84] Additionally, at the 2021 Korea First Brand Awards, announced on December 22, 2020, Han So-hee was awarded the Rising Star Actress title, further cementing her status as a leading newcomer in the industry.[85]| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Project(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Brand of the Year Awards | Rising Star Actress | The World of the Married |
| 2020 | Asia Artist Awards | Rookie of the Year – Actor | The World of the Married |
| 2021 | Korea First Brand Awards | Rising Star Actress | The World of the Married |
| 2021 | Asia Artist Awards | Best Artist – Actor | My Name, Nevertheless |
| 2022 | Asia Artist Awards | Best Artist – Actor | Soundtrack #1 |
Nominations and honors
Han So-hee has garnered multiple nominations at prestigious South Korean award ceremonies, primarily recognizing her breakout roles in television dramas from 2020 to 2022. These nominations span categories such as Best New Actress and Best Actress, underscoring her rapid ascent in the industry despite not securing wins in these instances. Her recognitions highlight the critical acclaim for her versatile portrayals, particularly in intense and emotionally demanding characters. Early in her career, Han received her first major nomination at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2020 for Best New Actress for her role as Yeo Da-kyung in the JTBC series The World of the Married, a remake of the British series Doctor Foster that became one of the highest-rated cable dramas in Korean history.[86] Her performance in the 2021 Netflix action thriller My Name, where she played a dual role as a grieving daughter turned undercover agent, led to a series of high-profile nominations in 2022. These included Best New Actress at the 1st Blue Dragon Series Awards, Best Actress in the TV category at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards, and Excellence Award for Actress in an OTT Drama at the 8th APAN Star Awards.[87][88][89]| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Nominated For | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 56th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actress (TV) | The World of the Married | Nominated |
| 2022 | 1st Blue Dragon Series Awards | Best New Actress | My Name | Nominated |
| 2022 | 58th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actress (TV) | My Name | Nominated |
| 2022 | 8th APAN Star Awards | Excellence Award, Actress in an OTT Drama | My Name | Nominated |