Kim Ji-eun
Kim Ji-eun (born October 9, 1993) is a South Korean actress known for her versatile roles in television dramas and films.[1] She first garnered significant attention for her portrayal of Yoo Je Yi, an elite and highly regarded National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent, in the 2021 MBC espionage thriller The Veil, where she starred opposite Namgoong Min as his skilled partner in a high-stakes investigation.[2] Her performance in the series, which explored themes of loyalty and deception within the intelligence community, earned her the Best New Actress award at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards.[3] Building on this breakthrough, Kim took on the role of Kim Hee Ah, a brilliant and principled chaebol heiress, in the 2022 SBS legal fantasy drama Again My Life, co-starring with Lee Joon-gi as she allied with the protagonist in a quest for justice against corruption.[4] In 2023, she portrayed a violent crime prosecutor in the ENA mystery-thriller Longing for You. She continued to showcase her range in 2024 with the character of Jeong Mo-eum, a quirky and resilient paramedic navigating family dynamics and romance, in the JTBC romantic comedy Love Next Door.[5] That same year, on November 14, Kim signed an exclusive contract with the agency Namoo Actors, marking a new chapter in her career alongside established talents like Park Eun-bin and Song Kang.[6] In addition to her television work, Kim has appeared in films such as the 2019 action drama Long Live the King, where she played a supporting role in a story of survival and revenge set in 1940s Korea.[1] She starred as Hong Deok Soo, a resourceful woman disguising herself as a man in Joseon-era society, in the 2024–2025 historical romance Check in Hanyang opposite Bae In-hyuk.[7][8]Early life
Family background
Kim Ji-eun was born on October 9, 1993, in Incheon, South Korea.[9] She has an older sister and an older brother.[10] Public information regarding her parents remains limited, as she has consistently maintained a private stance on her family life. Raised in the urban setting of Incheon, her early years reflect a typical middle-class South Korean upbringing, with no specific privileges or hardships publicly discussed in available profiles or statements.Education
Kim Ji-eun attended high school in Incheon, South Korea, during which time she began developing an interest in acting and dreaming of a career in the field.[10] Following high school, she enrolled in the Department of Theater at Cheongju University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in theater studies.[11][3] Through her university experience in the theater department, she built a foundation for her professional aspirations.[12] Upon graduating, she committed to pursuing acting as a full-time profession.[3]Career
Early roles (2014–2020)
Kim Ji-eun made her acting debut in 2014 with a supporting role in the coming-of-age film Hot Young Bloods, marking her entry into the entertainment industry as a newcomer. Her theater education from Cheongju University provided a foundational background that aided her early auditions and performances.[3] From 2015 to 2018, Kim's roles remained sparse, primarily in independent films and minor parts across various projects, reflecting the challenges typical for emerging actors in South Korea's competitive industry. She appeared as a girlfriend in the 2015 drama Tattoo and had a small role in the period action film Gangnam Blues that same year, alongside a lead in the independent short film Sketch Love. In 2016 and 2017, she began appearing in commercials before taking on the supporting role of Hyeoni in the web drama The Best Moment to Quit the Company. By 2018, she secured a minor role as Choi Jin-pil's wife in the crime drama The Drug King. These limited opportunities highlighted her persistence amid infrequent casting.[13] As a newcomer during this period, Kim faced significant financial and professional hurdles, often balancing acting pursuits with multiple part-time jobs to sustain herself in Seoul. She worked at cafes and fast food restaurants, at times surviving on minimal meals, and eventually relocated to her family home in Incheon to reduce living costs while continuing to audition. In 2019, she signed with HB Entertainment, which led to roles as Joon in the action film Long Live the King and in Rosebud, but following these projects, she entered a one-and-a-half-year hiatus with no major works until 2021.[14][15][13][16][3]Breakthrough year (2021)
In 2021, Kim Ji-eun achieved her breakthrough with the role of Yoo Je-yi in the MBC spy thriller drama The Veil (검은 태양), which aired from September 19 to October 24. The series, directed by Kim Sung-yong and written by Park Seok-ho, follows elite National Intelligence Service (NIS) agents navigating betrayal and conspiracy; Kim portrayed a brilliant, quick-witted field agent who graduated early from KAIST and joined the agency driven by a personal vendetta, serving as the partner to the protagonist Han Ji-hyuk (played by Namgoong Min). This marked her first prominent supporting role after years of minor appearances, earning her the casting through a rigorous audition process that highlighted her ability to embody a resilient yet vulnerable operative.[17] To prepare for the demanding action-oriented character, Kim underwent intensive training focused on physical stunts and emotional depth, including consultations with her co-star Namgoong Min, who provided guidance on executing high-stakes scenes. She expressed initial concerns about the action elements, as it was her debut in such a genre, but the preparation involved detailed rehearsals to capture Yoo Je-yi's blend of intellect and toughness, such as scenes involving surveillance and combat. Behind-the-scenes accounts reveal the cast's dedication during pre-production, with Kim immersing herself in the script to convey the agent's hidden motivations and growth.[2][17] Kim's performance received widespread critical acclaim for bringing humanity and warmth to the intense thriller, with viewers praising her as "amazing" and perfectly suited to the role's complexity, which helped propel the drama to an average viewership of over 10 percent. This portrayal significantly expanded her fanbase, as her visuals and charismatic delivery went viral online, transitioning her from supporting parts to mainstream recognition. The role's success directly influenced her career trajectory, culminating in her first major accolade: the Best New Actress award at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards on December 30.[18][19][20]Rising prominence (2022–2025)
Following the success of her breakthrough role in The Veil, Kim Ji-eun continued her ascent in 2022 with a lead role in the SBS drama Again My Life, portraying Kim Hee-ah, a brilliant law student who becomes a prosecutor entangled in a tale of revenge and reincarnation. Her nuanced performance, particularly in scenes exploring the character's internal conflicts and relationships, drew acclaim from viewers and critics for its emotional authenticity and chemistry with co-star Lee Joon-gi. In 2023, Kim expanded her portfolio with a main role as the tenacious prosecutor Go Young-joo in the ENA mystery-thriller Longing for You, where she depicted a determined investigator navigating a small-town murder case. This was followed by a series of diverse supporting and lead roles in 2024 projects, showcasing her versatility across genres. In the romantic comedy Love Next Door on tvN, she played Jeong Mo-eum, a quirky paramedic and childhood friend caught in a web of neighborhood romances. She then led as the ambitious, workaholic team leader Kang Na-eon in the body-swap romance Branding in Seongsu on U+ Mobile TV, highlighting her ability to blend humor and intensity in a modern marketing world setting. Culminating the year, Kim took on the historical role of Hong Deok-soo (also known as Hong Jae-on) in the Channel A series Check-in Hanyang (2024–2025), portraying a resourceful woman disguising herself as a man to survive in Joseon-era Hanyang as a guesthouse worker. These roles—from sharp professionals to historical survivors—demonstrated her strategic pivot toward multifaceted characters in high-profile productions.[5][21][22] In November 2024, Kim signed an exclusive contract with Namoo Actors, a prominent agency representing established talents like Park Eun-bin and Song Kang, which has enabled her to pursue ambitious, genre-spanning opportunities as of 2025. This affiliation underscores her deliberate career trajectory, emphasizing roles that challenge her range and broaden her appeal. In interviews, Kim has reflected on her rigorous work ethic, recounting how she once balanced three part-time jobs on just two hours of sleep nightly to fund her acting dreams, a testament to her perseverance. Looking ahead, she has voiced aspirations for global expansion, including plans to learn English to facilitate involvement in international projects.[6][23][22]Filmography
Films
Kim Ji-eun's film career consists of supporting and cameo roles in various genres, complementing her television work.[3] She made her acting debut in the romantic comedy Hot Young Bloods, directed by Lee Yeon-woo and released on January 23, 2014. Set against the backdrop of 1980s rural Korea, the film explores youthful rivalries, friendships, and crushes among high school students in a small town; Kim portrayed Yeong-sook's classmate, a lively village girl whose brief appearances capture the communal spirit and everyday antics of the era without a central arc.[24][25] In 2015, Kim appeared in the period action film Gangnam Blues, directed by Yoo Ha and released on January 8, 2015. Set in 1970s Seoul, the film depicts gang conflicts and political intrigue; she played a waitress in a minor role.[26] Also in 2015, she featured in the thriller Tattoo, directed by Kim Hong-sun and released on December 10, 2015. The story follows a tattoo artist entangled in a murder mystery; Kim portrayed the girlfriend of a key character in a supporting role.[27] In 2018, Kim had a supporting role in the crime drama The Drug King, directed by Woo Min-ho and released on December 25, 2018. Based on true events, the film chronicles a drug smuggler's rise; she played Choi Jin-pil's wife.[28] In 2019, Kim appeared in the drama Rosebud, directed by Park Ri-sun and released on November 6, 2019. The film follows a documentary director's encounter with an elderly woman; Kim had a cameo as a Renoir guest.[29] That same year, Kim appeared in the action drama Long Live the King, directed by Kang Yoon-sung and released on June 19, 2019. This period piece, set in 1947 Mokpo during post-liberation turmoil, depicts gang power struggles and personal vendettas; she played the role of Joon, daughter of gangster Hwang Bo-yoon, whose subtle presence underscores familial loyalties and the human cost of criminal life through understated emotional layers. The film earned acclaim at the 24th Busan International Film Festival for its blend of humor and historical grit, though Kim's contribution remained in the supporting ensemble.[30][31][32]Television dramas
Kim Ji-eun's television career includes early supporting roles before her breakthrough in 2021, evolving to lead and prominent supporting parts in diverse genres such as thrillers, legal dramas, romances, and historical series. She first appeared in dramas with a supporting role in Strangers from Hell (2019), portraying Min Ji-eun, the girlfriend of the protagonist in the OCN psychological thriller about a mysterious apartment complex; the 10-episode series co-starred Im Si-wan and Lee Dong-wook.[33] Her first notable lead role came in The Veil (2021), where she played Yoo Je-yi, a skilled rookie agent at the National Intelligence Service navigating high-stakes espionage, co-starring with Namgoong Min and Park Ha-sun; the series aired on MBC for 12 episodes.[18][34] This performance earned her the Best New Actress award at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards, solidifying her as a rising talent in thrillers. In 2022, Kim starred as Baek Ma-ri, a tech company executive and antagonist in the legal comedy One Dollar Lawyer, opposite Namgoong Min as she engages in corporate schemes; the series ran for 12 episodes on SBS.[35] Also in 2022, she took the lead in the fantasy-legal drama Again My Life, portraying Kim Hee-ah, a determined prosecutor and ally to the time-traveling protagonist in a corruption investigation, alongside Lee Joon-gi, Lee Kyung-young, and Jung Sang-hoon; it ran for 16 episodes on SBS.[36][37] The role highlighted her ability to blend emotional depth with action in genre-bending narratives. Shifting to a supporting role in the 2023 mystery-thriller Longing for You on ENA, Kim portrayed Go Young-joo, a sharp prosecutor entangled in a rural murder case, co-starring with Na In-woo, Kwon Yul, and Bae Jong-ok across 14 episodes.[38][39] This project showcased her versatility in intense, character-driven thrillers while reuniting her with the director from Again My Life. Kim continued in supporting capacities with Love Next Door (2024), a romantic comedy-drama on tvN, where she played Jeong Mo-eum, the confident best friend of the female lead and a paramedic offering witty support in matters of love and career; the 16-episode series featured Jung Hae-in, Jung So-min, and Yoon Ji-on.[40] In the historical drama Check-in Hanyang (2024–2025), which aired on Channel A from December 21, 2024, to February 9, 2025, Kim led as Hong Deok-su, a resilient woman disguising herself as a man to infiltrate a Joseon-era guesthouse and pursue justice, co-starring with Bae In-hyuk, Jung Gun-joo, and Park Jae-chan in this 16-episode series blending romance and revenge.[41][42] Her portrayal emphasizes themes of identity and empowerment in period settings.Variety and web shows
Kim Ji-eun began appearing on variety shows following her rising popularity from dramatic roles, allowing her to showcase a more casual and humorous side to audiences. In November 2022, she guest-starred on Running Man in episode 630 alongside comedian Jo Se-ho, participating in physical challenges and games that highlighted her energetic and competitive personality.[43] This appearance, aired on SBS, contributed to her image as an approachable celebrity by revealing her playful interactions with the cast. In 2023, she also joined My Little Old Boy as a guest in episode 372 (aired December 17, 2023), discussing personal anecdotes in a lighthearted talk format that endeared her to viewers seeking relatable celebrity insights.[44] In 2023, Kim Ji-eun expanded into hosting with a prominent role as MC on SBS's music program Inkigayo, co-hosting from April 9 to July 16 alongside Monsta X's Hyungwon.[45] During her tenure, she demonstrated poise in introducing performances and engaging with idols, which helped solidify her versatile public persona beyond acting. These variety engagements, often tied to her drama success, fostered a connection with fans through unscripted moments that contrasted her intense on-screen characters. Transitioning to web formats, Kim Ji-eun starred as the lead in the 2024 romantic comedy web series Branding in Seongsu, portraying ambitious marketing team leader Kang Na-eon in a story involving a body-swap with colleague Kwon Seong-jun (played by Lomon).[21] Released on U+ Mobile TV from February 5 to March 14, the fashion-themed series explored workplace dynamics and romance in Seoul's trendy Seongsu-dong neighborhood, earning praise for her portrayal of a driven yet vulnerable professional.[46] This role in the lighter, serialized web content further built her relatable image by blending career humor with personal growth themes, appealing to younger online audiences.Awards and nominations
Awards won
Kim Ji-eun received her first major acting accolade at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards, where she won the Best New Actress award for her role as NIS agent Yoo Je-yi in the spy thriller The Veil. The ceremony, held on December 30, 2021, at MBC Dream Center in Ilsan, recognized her breakout performance after a hiatus from acting, marking a pivotal moment in her career resurgence. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "This year was really special. Until the first starring and the first award ceremony. Thank you for leaving the end of the year as a special memory. I will work harder," highlighting her dedication following years of balancing multiple jobs before fully committing to acting.[47][48] In 2022, she earned the Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries Romance/Comedy at the SBS Drama Awards for portraying Baek Ma-ri, a confident and ambitious rookie prosecutor's assistant, in the legal comedy One Dollar Lawyer. The event took place on December 31, 2022, at SBS Open Hall in Deungchon-dong, Seoul, where her win underscored her versatility in lighter genres following her dramatic debut. During the ceremony, she acknowledged the supportive set environment, crediting senior actors for easing her transition into lead roles, which reflected her rigorous preparation amid a busy year with multiple projects.[49][50] Kim Ji-eun's third award came in 2023 at the 14th Korea Drama Awards, winning the Excellence Award for Actress for her portrayal of Go Young-joo, a complex figure entangled in a rural mystery, in the ENA thriller Longing for You. Presented on October 9, 2023, at Incheon International Airport's Grand Hall, the honor celebrated her ability to convey emotional depth in suspenseful narratives, building on her growing reputation for intense character work. The award highlighted her preparation, including immersive research into provincial dialects and psychological profiles to authentically capture the role's nuances.[16][51]| Year | Award | Ceremony | Work Recognized |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Best New Actress | MBC Drama Awards | The Veil |
| 2022 | Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Romance/Comedy | SBS Drama Awards | One Dollar Lawyer |
| 2023 | Excellence Award, Actress | Korea Drama Awards | Longing for You |