Ra Mi-ran
Ra Mi-ran (born March 6, 1975) is a South Korean actress and television personality recognized for her dynamic range in supporting and leading roles across film, television, and variety shows.[1] After training in theater, she debuted on screen in Park Chan-wook's acclaimed revenge thriller Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005), marking the start of a prolific career that has spanned over 40 films and numerous dramas by 2023.[2] Her breakthrough performances include the emotionally intense role of a rape victim's mother in Lee Joon-ik's Hope (2013), which earned her nominations including for Best Supporting Actress at the Grand Bell Awards, and her portrayal of a boisterous neighborhood figure in the hit series Reply 1988 (2015), solidifying her status as a scene-stealing character actress.[3] Ra Mi-ran's career gained further momentum in the mid-2010s with versatile roles in commercial successes like Ode to My Father (2014) and The Himalayas (2015), where her comedic timing and emotional depth were highlighted by critics. She transitioned to leading roles with the political satire Honest Candidate (2020), playing an ambitious politician in a box-office hit that won her the Best Actress award at the 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2021, a milestone after years of acclaimed supporting work.[4] Beyond acting, she ventured into music as a member of the project girl group Unnies, formed during the variety show Sister's Slam Dunk (2016), where her energetic presence contributed to the group's chart-topping single "Shut Up."[5] In recent years, Ra Mi-ran has continued to diversify her portfolio with prominent roles in high-profile projects, including the maternal lead in Netflix's family drama The Good Bad Mother (2023), praised for its heartfelt exploration of redemption and loss.[2] Her 2024 action-comedy Citizen of a Kind featured her as a determined single mother seeking justice, earning her the Film Artist of the Year award from Women in Film Korea for embodying themes of solidarity and resilience. Continuing to take on diverse roles in recent projects like Hi-Five (2025), she showcases her enduring appeal in the industry as of 2025.[6]Early years
Early life
Ra Mi-ran was born on March 6, 1975, in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, South Korea. Her father died when she was two years old, leaving her mother to raise her and her three siblings in a coal mining village in Gangwon Province amid significant hardships.[7][8] Ra spent her childhood in this mining town until middle school, where the local river ran black from coal residue and the air was thick with dark dust that blanketed everything.[9][10] She attended middle school in Gohan-eup, Jeongseon County, a remote mountainous area where heavy snowfall frequently caused school closures; she kept her hair short and commuted from a distant home.[11] As a young girl, Ra was deeply influenced by television, which she viewed as her entire world, sparking an early dream of becoming a singer through watching performers on screen.[12] One vivid childhood memory involves a trip to a relative's home in a rural part of Gangwon Province, where she marveled at a clear mountain stream for the first time, repeatedly pointing it out to her mother in awe—"Mom, look at the water"—struck by its purity compared to the polluted waters back home.[13][14] Ra Mi-ran's mother, who raised the family through hardships, passed away on October 1, 2025.[15]Education
Ra Mi-ran pursued her formal training in the performing arts at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, where she studied theater and developed foundational skills in acting and stage performance.[16] Her education emphasized comprehensive instruction in theater techniques, including character interpretation and ensemble work, preparing her for professional roles in drama and film.[16] During her time at the institute, Ra Mi-ran was an active member of the mask dance club, known as the Yedae Folk Research Association, which focused on traditional Korean performing arts.[17] Participation in this club allowed her to explore expressive physicality and rhythmic movement, key elements that enhanced her versatility as an actress.[17] The school's club system, or dongari, provided practical opportunities through workshops and collaborative projects, contributing significantly to her artistic growth.[18]Career
Early career
Ra Mi-ran began her professional acting career in the theater scene during the late 1990s, shortly after graduating from the theater department at Seoul Institute of the Arts, where she had enrolled as a freshman in 1993.[19] She trained extensively under various theater troupes in Seoul, taking on minor roles in local stage productions to build her skills and stage presence. These early experiences in experimental and musical theater helped her develop a strong foundation in character work and improvisation, though opportunities were limited for newcomers without major agency backing.[16][20] Transitioning to screen acting proved challenging, as Ra faced financial instability and typecasting in supporting comedic parts during her initial years. Married at age 28 and pregnant soon after, she experienced a two-year career gap due to childbirth and childcare, during which her family struggled with no steady income—her husband was also between jobs, leading her to sell goods on the street at seven months pregnant to make ends meet.[17][21] Despite these hardships, she persisted without formal early agency affiliation, relying on theater networks for auditions. Her perseverance paid off with her film debut in 2005 as Oh Soo-hee in Park Chan-wook's Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, a small but memorable role that marked her entry into cinema at age 30.[22][16] Ra's first television appearance came in 2009 with a supporting role as Velvet Lee in MBC's Cinderella Man, where she played a quirky side character in the romantic comedy-drama. This debut on the small screen highlighted her comedic timing but reinforced early typecasting as the reliable "ajumma" or comic relief figure, limiting her to brief, ensemble parts amid ongoing economic pressures. Her educational background in theater provided the resilience needed to navigate these initial barriers, setting the stage for gradual recognition.[23][24]Breakthrough and rise to prominence
Ra Mi-ran's breakthrough came with her role as the wife of the perpetrator in the 2013 film Hope, directed by Lee Joon-ik, where she portrayed a grieving spouse grappling with the aftermath of her husband's crime in this emotional drama based on a real-life child abuse case. Her performance, marked by raw vulnerability and restraint, earned widespread critical acclaim for capturing the complexities of familial guilt and societal judgment, culminating in her first major award win for Best Supporting Actress at the 34th Blue Dragon Film Awards.[2] This role marked a significant shift from her earlier minor supporting parts, highlighting her ability to convey profound emotional nuance in family-centered narratives. Building on this momentum, Ra Mi-ran took on the role of Jung-hwan's tough yet affectionate mother in the 2015 tvN series Reply 1988, a nostalgic ensemble drama set in 1980s Seoul that became one of the highest-rated cable shows in Korean television history. Her portrayal of the resilient "Cheetah Lady," a street-smart matriarch who balances humor and heartfelt support within a tight-knit neighborhood, was praised for its naturalistic authenticity and scene-stealing energy, resonating deeply with audiences and significantly expanding her fanbase.[25] The series' massive popularity, drawing over 18% viewership ratings in its finale, propelled her into the spotlight as a beloved supporting actress, earning her the Scene Stealer Actress award at the 2016 tvN10 Awards.[25] In the intervening years, she continued to secure notable supporting roles in high-profile films, such as Deok-soo's paternal aunt in the 2014 epic Ode to My Father, where her depiction of familial endurance amid Korea's turbulent history added emotional depth to the generational saga.[26] These performances, alongside the media buzz from Reply 1988, fostered rapid growth in her public recognition, with critics lauding her unforced, relatable acting style that brought everyday realism to dramatic roles, solidifying her reputation as a versatile talent in the 2010s Korean entertainment landscape.[16]Transition to leading roles
In 2017, Ra Mi-ran took on her first main television role as the complex family matriarch in the KBS2 drama My Golden Life, portraying a resilient and multifaceted parent navigating family secrets and social pressures. The series became a massive hit, achieving nationwide viewership ratings approaching 40% and ranking as the highest-rated drama of the year. This role allowed her to delve into melodrama, highlighting emotional depth and family dynamics in a way that expanded her range beyond previous supporting characters. Building on this momentum, Ra Mi-ran starred in her first leading film role in Exit (2019), directed by Lee Sang-geun, where she played a resilient mother protecting her son amid a chaotic high-rise building collapse in an action-comedy scenario. The film blended high-stakes action with comedic elements, grossing approximately $64 million at the box office and becoming the third highest-grossing Korean film of 2019. Her performance contributed to the movie's success, showcasing her versatility in a genre that combined physical demands with emotional intensity. These late 2010s projects marked Ra Mi-ran's shift toward leading roles across diverse genres, moving from the emotional melodrama of My Golden Life to the action-comedy of Exit, while gradually stepping away from stereotypical maternal supporting parts. The popularity from her earlier work in Reply 1988 had paved the way for these opportunities. The critical and commercial success of these endeavors elevated her profile, resulting in greater industry recognition and a surge in high-profile script offers during the period.Recent work and versatility
In the early 2020s, Ra Mi-ran continued to expand her repertoire with lead roles that highlighted her ability to portray complex, multifaceted characters. In the 2022 comedy film Honest Candidate 2, she reprised her role as the truth-telling politician Joo Sang-sook, navigating political intrigue and personal ambition with a mix of sharp wit and vulnerability, demonstrating her skill in blending humor with deeper emotional layers.[22] This performance built on her earlier successes in leading roles, further solidifying her transition from supporting to central figures in ensemble narratives. Ra Mi-ran's dramatic prowess was particularly evident in the 2023 television series The Good Bad Mother, where she portrayed Young-soon, a resilient single mother and pig farmer grappling with loss and redemption. Her portrayal earned widespread acclaim for capturing the raw emotional spectrum of a "bad" mother seeking forgiveness, blending intense drama with tender familial moments and showcasing her nuanced understanding of maternal sacrifice.[2] The series' success underscored her capacity to anchor heartfelt stories, drawing from personal insights into parenting challenges.[27] Extending into 2024, Ra took on the titular role of Deok-hee in the film Citizen of a Kind, an ordinary laundromat worker turned reluctant avenger against voice phishing scammers. This character-driven thriller allowed her to explore themes of justice and empowerment, infusing the role with a steely determination that highlighted her dramatic depth amid high-stakes action sequences.[28] Critics praised her transformative performance, which combined vulnerability with fierce resolve, earning her recognition as a versatile force in Korean cinema.[29] In 2025, Ra demonstrated her ongoing range by appearing in the superhero action-comedy Hi-Five as Sun-nyeo, a middle-aged woman who unexpectedly gains superpowers and joins an unlikely team of misfits. Her comedic timing and physicality in the ensemble added levity to the film's blend of humor and spectacle, emphasizing her adaptability across genres.[30] Later that year, she took on a key supporting role as Kang Eun-sang in the romantic comedy series To the Moon, playing a pragmatic office worker entangled in whimsical matchmaking schemes, further illustrating her ease in lighter, character-rich narratives.[31] Ra Mi-ran's recent projects reflect her remarkable versatility, seamlessly shifting between intense dramas, political satires, action thrillers, and romantic comedies, often infusing roles with authentic emotional authenticity drawn from her own life experiences. Industry observers have noted her enduring appeal stems from this chameleon-like quality, allowing her to humanize diverse archetypes—from flawed parents to everyday heroes—while maintaining a magnetic screen presence that resonates across media.[32] Her ability to excel in both solo leads and collaborative ensembles has cemented her status as one of South Korea's most reliable and innovative performers.Public activities
Endorsements
Ra Mi-ran's rise to prominence following her role in the 2015–2016 drama Reply 1988 led to her first major endorsement deal in early 2016, where she was selected as a model for a cosmetics brand, breaking traditional beauty stereotypes with her distinctive and relatable image.[33] This partnership highlighted her transition from supporting actress to a commercial figure, capitalizing on her "Cheetah Ajumma" persona from the series to appeal to everyday consumers.[34] Subsequent campaigns expanded into food and beverage products, including a 2016 advertisement for Lotte Chilsung Beverage's Baekhwasubok soju, where she portrayed a vibrant, everyday character enjoying the product in family settings.[35] She also endorsed household goods, such as the Glasslock cookware line in 2016, emphasizing practicality and home life in promotions that aligned with her down-to-earth appeal.[36] These deals, along with earlier ones like Baskin-Robbins ice cream in 2016, reinforced her image as an approachable figure representing ordinary joys.[34] In recent years, Ra Mi-ran has continued securing diverse endorsements that reflect her versatile and authentic persona. In 2023–2024, she collaborated on an apparel line with Lovlov Seoul, creating comfortable, personal-style clothing inspired by her own preferences, which further solidified her as a relatable style icon.[37] By 2025, she became the first model for the premium detergent brand L:MOT, promoting easy household solutions in ads that played on her humorous, no-nonsense approach to daily chores.[38] Additionally, her role as the CEO in the 2025 tvN variety show Perfect Glow positioned her as an ambassador for K-beauty products through Olive Young, showcasing Korean skincare and makeup to international audiences in New York.[39] These endorsements have significantly boosted Ra Mi-ran's career, enhancing her public visibility and providing financial stability estimated to contribute substantially to her income diversification beyond acting, while amplifying her reputation as an everyday heroine in commercial spaces.[40]Philanthropy
Ra Mi-ran has actively participated in charitable initiatives, focusing on support for vulnerable children, the entertainment industry during crises, and environmental causes. In 2022, she collaborated on the "Jal Project," a music initiative by VIVO and Wave to uplift the public during challenging times, releasing the single "Ramirani" featuring rapper Mirani. The project generated revenue of 129,666,683 won, of which 50,000,000 won was donated to the Purme Foundation to fund rehabilitation treatment for children with disabilities affected by COVID-19.[41][42] Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Ra Mi-ran contributed her appearance fee from a commemorative commercial for Shinhan Credit Union's 60th anniversary to aid film and theater workers facing economic hardship. The ad's production involved multiple actors donating their fees entirely, channeling funds to support the struggling arts sector.[43] In 2017, she joined an environmental awareness campaign organized by Allure Korea, collaborating with celebrities and designer Yoon Chun-ho on artwork sales; all proceeds were donated to promote sustainability and green initiatives.[44] Her involvement in philanthropy is influenced by roles depicting family hardships and social challenges, motivating her advocacy for related issues like child welfare and community support. Ra Mi-ran has been married to Kim Jin-gu, a former manager, since 2002.[45] They have one son, Kim Geun-woo (born February 10, 2004), who is a cyclist and has competed nationally for South Korea.[46] Her mother, Kim Hye-su, passed away on October 1, 2025.[15]Works
Film
Ra Mi-ran's film career began in 2005 with supporting roles in several notable Korean productions. She has appeared in over 40 films, often portraying strong, relatable women in supporting or leading capacities. Her performances have contributed to the success of various genres, from drama to comedy and action.| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Sympathy for Lady Vengeance | Myung-Sook | Park Chan-wook | Supporting role in the third installment of Park's Vengeance Trilogy. |
| 2005 | Crying Fist | Gangster’s Wife | Ryoo Seung-wan | Minor supporting role in the sports drama. |
| 2006 | Bloody Tie | Yeo-Jin | Cha Dong-min | Supporting role. |
| 2006 | Radio Star | Yeo-Jin | Lee Jun-ik | Supporting role in the comedy about a faded singer. |
| 2007 | The Showdown | Yeo-Jin | Kim Jin-min | Supporting role in the action film. |
| 2007 | Epitaph | Kim Eun-Hye | Jung Sik, Jung Bum-sik | Supporting role in the horror anthology. |
| 2008 | A Light in the Dark | Yeong-Ja | N/A | Supporting role. |
| 2009 | Running Turtle | Gwang-Ho’s Mother | Lee Sun-dong | Supporting role. |
| 2010 | The Neighbor Zombie | Eun-Sil | N/A | Supporting role in the horror film. |
| 2010 | A Little Pond | Gwang-Ho’s Mother | Lee Daewoo | Supporting role in the war drama. |
| 2010 | Harmony | Mother | Kang Dae-gyu | Supporting role. |
| 2011 | A Reason to Live | Yeong-Ja | Lee Jeong-ho | Supporting role. |
| 2011 | Leafie, A Hen into the Wild | Wanderer (voice) | Oh Sung-yoon | Voice role in the animated film. |
| 2012 | Helpless | Ji-Hye | Byun Young-joo | Supporting role. |
| 2012 | R2B: Return to Base | Hye-Ran | Woo-cheol Park | Supporting role in the action film. |
| 2012 | A Millionaire On The Run | Seon-Hwa | N/A | Supporting role. |
| 2013 | Hope | So-Won's Mother | Lee Joon-ik | Portrayed the mother of a rape victim; won Best Supporting Actress at the 34th Blue Dragon Film Awards; the film was a box office success with over 1.2 million admissions.[47] |
| 2013 | Fasten Your Seatbelt | Jung-Hwa | Cha Dong-min | Supporting role. |
| 2014 | A Hard Day | Detective Yang | Kim Seong-hun | Supporting role in the thriller. |
| 2015 | Inside Men | Yeon-Hwa | Woo Min-ho | Supporting role; the film grossed over 11 million admissions. |
| 2015 | Perfect Proposal | Jung-Hee | N/A | Supporting role in the thriller. |
| 2016 | The Himalayas | Jo Myeong-Ae | Lee Seok-hoon | Supporting role; nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards. |
| 2016 | The Last Princess | Court Lady Jo | Hur Jin-ho | Supporting role. |
| 2016 | Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River | Mak Soon | Park Young-seok | Supporting role. |
| 2016 | The World of Us | Mom | Yoon Ga-eun | Supporting role in the drama. |
| 2017 | The Mayor | Go Eun-Ji | Park Jeong-hyun | Supporting role. |
| 2017 | Ordinary Person | Soon-Ae | Kim Jong-hwan | Supporting role. |
| 2018 | Intimate Strangers | Kim Soo-Jung | Lee Yoon-taek | Supporting role in the remake of Perfect Strangers. |
| 2018 | One Day, Don't Leave Me | Hye-Jin | N/A | Supporting role. |
| 2019 | Miss & Mrs. Cops | Ji Hwa-Young | Jung Da-wun | Supporting role; the film grossed over 4 million admissions. |
| 2019 | The Dude in Me | Oh Mi-Sun | Kang Hyo-jin | Main role as a mother whose body is swapped with her son's bully. |
| 2019 | Exit | Kim Seong-Jin | Lee Sang-ho | Lead role as a former activist; box office hit grossing $69.5 million worldwide, third highest-grossing Korean film of 2019.[48] |
| 2020 | Forbidden Dream | Court Lady Han | Lee Jang-hoon | Supporting role. |
| 2021 | 30 Days | Hye-Jin | Nam Dae-jung | Lead role as a woman searching for her missing daughter. |
| 2022 | Honest Candidate 2 | Joo Sang-Sook | Jang Jin | Lead role; sequel to the 2020 comedy, grossed over 1.1 million admissions. |
| 2022 | Come Back Home | Yeong-Sim | N/A | Lead role. |
| 2022 | Highway Family | Young-Sun | N/A | Lead role. |
| 2024 | Citizen of a Kind | Deok-Hee | Park Young-joo | Lead role as a scam victim turned investigator; praised for her comedic performance. |
| 2025 | Hi-Five | Sun-Nyeo | Kang Hyeong-cheol | Lead role as a yogurt salesperson gaining superpowers; released May 30, 2025.[49] |
Television
Ra Mi-ran made her television debut in 2013 with a guest appearance in the historical drama Jang Ok Jung, Living by Love on SBS, portraying Dong-ja in episode 24.[6] Over the following years, she took on supporting roles in various genres, showcasing her versatility in family-oriented and romantic comedies. Her breakthrough in television came with the role of Jung-hwan's tough yet loving mother in the ensemble slice-of-life series Reply 1988 (tvN, 2015), which aired for 20 episodes and highlighted her ability to portray relatable, no-nonsense maternal figures. This performance marked a turning point, leading to more prominent parts, including lead roles in later series. She continued to build her reputation with supporting and leading roles in popular dramas, often playing strong-willed women or mothers. Notable among these is her portrayal of the resilient lead character Young-soon, a single mother, in the 2023 JTBC series The Good Bad Mother, which spanned 14 episodes and earned her critical acclaim for its emotional depth. By 2025, Ra had expanded into web series and continued with key roles in medical and family dramas, distinguishing her work in traditional broadcast series from streaming formats where applicable. The following table lists her major television drama roles chronologically, including network, year, character, and notes on appearances or episode counts where relevant. All entries are from broadcast or cable TV dramas unless noted as web series.| Year | Title | Network | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Jang Ok Jung, Living by Love | SBS | Dong-ja | Guest role (Ep. 24) |
| 2014 | Witch's Romance | tvN | Ban Ji-yeon | Supporting role, 16 episodes |
| 2014 | Blade Man | KBS2 | Park E-ri-sa | Supporting role, 18 episodes |
| 2014 | Steal Heart | SBS | Kkang-soon | Supporting role, 50 episodes |
| 2015 | Reply 1988 | tvN | Jung-hwan's mother (Ra Mi-ran character) | Supporting role, 20 episodes; highlight for popularity boost |
| 2016 | Laurel Tree Tailors | KBS2 | Bok Sun-nyeo | Supporting role, 50 episodes |
| 2017 | Avengers Social Club | tvN | Hong Soon-hee | Lead role, 12 episodes; transition to leading roles |
| 2017 | Drama Special: The Last Week of Madam Jung | KBS2 | Madam Jung | Lead role, single episode special[6] |
| 2018 | The Miracle We Met | KBS2 | Jo Gwang-soon | Lead role, 24 episodes |
| 2018 | The Beauty Inside | JTBC | Na Moon-sook | Supporting role, 14 episodes; brief cameo elements noted in some episodes |
| 2019 | The Fiery Priest | SBS | Park Sun-hee | Supporting role, 40 episodes |
| 2019 | Black Dog | tvN | Park Keun-suk | Supporting role, 16 episodes |
| 2021 | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | tvN | Mi-seon | Supporting role, Hong Du-sik's sister, 16 episodes |
| 2021 | Bossam: Steal the Fate | MBN | Widow | Guest role (Ep. 1) |
| 2021 | The Red Sleeve | MBC | Deok-im's mother | Supporting role, 17 episodes |
| 2021 | The Witch's Diner (web series) | TVING | Jo Hee-ra | Lead role, 8 episodes; streaming platform |
| 2022 | Again My Life | SBS | Kim Hee-ah | Supporting role, 16 episodes |
| 2022 | Thirty-Nine | JTBC | Jeong Chan-young's mother | Guest/special appearance, 12 episodes |
| 2023 | The Good Bad Mother | JTBC | Young-soon | Lead role, mother figure; 14 episodes; major highlight |
| 2024 | A Virtuous Business | JTBC | Mae-ari | Supporting role, 12 episodes |
| 2024 | Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born | tvN | Hong Sa-bok | Supporting role, 12 episodes |
| 2025 | Resident Playbook | tvN | Doctor | Cameo appearance[50] |
| 2025 | To the Moon | MBC | Kang Eun-Sang | Lead role, 12 episodes, aired September 19–October 31, 2025 |
Music and variety shows
Ra Mi-ran has ventured into music primarily through original soundtrack contributions and collaborative singles tied to her acting projects and variety appearances. Her discography includes the single "Show Time," a duet with Lee Sung-kyoung featured on the Miss & Mrs. Cops original motion picture soundtrack, released in 2019 to promote the film's themes of empowerment and camaraderie.[51] In 2021, she released "RAMIRANI," a collaboration with rapper Mirani under the same title, blending hip-hop elements with personal storytelling about resilience during challenging times.[52] More recently, in 2025, Ra contributed to the To the Moon original soundtrack with "To the Moon, Pt. 5," a reflective track that aligns with the series' emotional narrative.[51] A significant portion of her music output stems from her involvement in variety programming, particularly the girl group formation on Sister's Slam Dunk. As a regular cast member on the show's first season in 2016, Ra joined fellow participants—including Min Hyo-rin, Jessi, Tiffany, Kim Sook, and Hong Jin-kyung—to form the temporary group Unnies, debuting with the single "Shut Up." The upbeat track, produced by GroovyRoom, peaked at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart and showcased Ra's vocal contributions in the chorus, highlighting her shift from acting to performative music. This experience marked her most prominent music-related activity, with Unnies performing the song on platforms like KBS's Music Bank.[53] In variety shows, Ra Mi-ran has been recognized for her candid humor and relatable persona, often bringing authenticity to ensemble casts. She gained widespread popularity as a fixed member of Sister's Slam Dunk Season 1 on KBS2, where the program followed middle-aged women pursuing dreams, including musical training and group performances, from May to November 2016.[5] Her role emphasized vocal challenges and group dynamics, contributing to the show's high ratings and cultural impact on female-led variety content. In 2024, Ra joined Europe Outside Your Tent Season 5 on tvN as a camping expert, traveling to Italy's Adriatic Sea with Kwak Sun-young, Lee Joo-bin, and Lee Se-young; the series, which premiered in October, focused on outdoor adventures and personal reflections, marking her first on-screen camping endeavor.[54] Ra has made select guest appearances on other programs, including episodes of SBS's Running Man between 2017 and 2020, where her quick wit shone in physical challenges and team games.[55] In June 2025, she was confirmed for the CJ ENM beauty variety show Perfect Glow alongside Park Min-young, exploring salon experiences in New York; the series premiered on November 8, 2025.[56] These appearances have solidified her status as a versatile television personality beyond scripted roles.Stage performances
Ra Mi-ran began her professional acting career on the theater stage in 1994 while studying at Seoul Institute of the Arts, where she built her foundation through live performances before her screen debut in 2005.[57] Her early stage work emphasized ensemble and supporting roles, often portraying everyday women, mothers, and quirky characters that highlighted her comedic timing and emotional depth in intimate theater settings. Over the next decade, she appeared in a mix of straight plays and musicals, primarily in Seoul venues, contributing to small-scale productions that allowed her to explore character-driven narratives. By the late 2000s, her stage activity tapered as she gained prominence in film and television, though she occasionally referenced her theater roots as essential to her versatile acting style.[58] No major stage revivals or new productions involving Ra Mi-ran have been reported as of 2025.[16]Theater Credits
Ra Mi-ran's theater roles frequently involved relatable, grounded female characters in contemporary or comedic dramas, reflecting her training in realistic portrayals.| Year | Production | Role | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | A Midsummer Night's Dream (한 여름밤의 악몽) | Supporting | Art Center CJ Towol Theater | June 20–28, 2006[59] |
| 2006–2007 | Five Sketches on Love (사랑에 관한 다섯개의 소묘) | Supporting | Hansung Art Hall 2 | December 13, 2006–July 15, 2007[59] |
| 2007–2008 | Donkey Show (동키쇼) | Helen | H Theater | April 25, 2007–January 6, 2008[59] |
| 2008 | When I Was the Prettiest (내가 가장 예뻤을 때) | Mom | Hansung Art Hall 2 | March 13–June 15, 2008[59] |
| 2009 | My First Time (마이 퍼스트 타임) | Supporting | JTN Art Hall 3 | January 3–May 10, 2009[59] |
| 2009 | Yeontan Alley (연탄길) | Woman 1 | Myungbo Art Hall Haram Hall | 2009[60] |
| 2009 | Blockheads (막무가내들) | Virgin Ghost Kim Ok-bin | Happy Theater / Small Theater Mugak | September 4–October 2, 2009 (Mugak run)[59] |
| Undated (pre-2016) | Kokoschka's Chalk Circle (코카서스의 백묵원) | Supporting | Not specified | Not specified[58] |
Musical Theater Credits
In musicals, Ra Mi-ran often took on ensemble or secondary roles that blended song, dance, and dialogue, drawing on her vocal abilities developed during university training. Her performances contributed to the ensemble energy in adaptations of Western works.| Year | Production | Role | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Dracula (드라큘라) | Ensemble | Not specified | July 7–30, 2000[61] |
| 2000 | Shall We Dance? (춤추실래요?) | Supporting | Not specified | 2000 (specific dates not detailed)[62] |
Accolades
Major awards and nominations
Ra Mi-ran has garnered significant recognition for her performances in both film and television, accumulating 10 wins and 19 nominations across major South Korean award ceremonies as of 2024.[3] Her early accolades highlighted her strength in supporting roles, particularly in emotionally charged dramas, while later honors reflect her transition to leading characters in comedies and family stories, marking a career evolution from character actress to versatile lead.[2] She first broke through with her portrayal of a resilient mother in the 2013 film Hope, earning the Best Supporting Actress award at the 34th Blue Dragon Film Awards. In 2016, her supporting turn as a determined wife in The Himalayas secured her the Best Supporting Actress win at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards, solidifying her reputation in the industry.[2] Ra Mi-ran's shift to lead roles brought further acclaim. For her comedic performance as a novice politician in the 2020 film Honest Candidate, she won Best Actress at the 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards.[4] In television, her role in the 2018 fantasy drama The Miracle We Met earned her the Excellence Award for Actress in a Mid-length Drama at the 32nd KBS Drama Awards. Her starring role as a strict yet loving single mother in the 2023 series The Good Bad Mother resulted in a Best Actress nomination at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2024.[63]| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Blue Dragon Film Awards (34th) | Best Supporting Actress | Hope | Won |
| 2016 | Baeksang Arts Awards (52nd) | Best Supporting Actress | The Himalayas | Won[2] |
| 2018 | KBS Drama Awards (32nd) | Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama | The Miracle We Met | Won |
| 2020 | Blue Dragon Film Awards (41st) | Best Actress | Honest Candidate | Won[4] |
| 2024 | Baeksang Arts Awards (60th) | Best Actress | The Good Bad Mother | Nominated[63] |