Yoo Sun (born Wang Yoo-sun on February 11, 1976) is a South Korean actress recognized for her versatile performances in television dramas and films.[1][2] She gained prominence through leading roles in popular family-oriented series and supporting parts in acclaimed thrillers, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry since the late 1990s.[3]A graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, Yoo Sun made her film debut in the 1999 feature Mayonnaise and steadily built her profile with appearances in notable works such as The Big Swindle (2004), the horror film The Wig (2005), and the psychological thriller Black House (2007), for which she received critical attention.[3] Her television career took off with roles in dramas like That Woman Is Scary (2007) and reached a peak with her portrayal of Kim Bok-shil in the hit KBS series My Too Perfect Sons (2009), which showcased her ability to embody strong, relatable maternal figures.[1] She continued to diversify her filmography with standout performances in Moss (2010), a mysterythriller film that earned praise for its atmospheric tension, and Don't Cry, Mommy (2012), a harrowing revenge thriller.[3][4]In recent years, Yoo Sun has maintained her momentum in television, taking on complex leading roles such as Han So-ra in the revenge drama Eve (2022), Yoon Hae-mi in the mystery series Queen of Masks (2023), Ryu Ga-eul in the mystery drama Pale Moon (2023), and a supporting role as Shin Ji-hye in Gangnam B-Side (2024), demonstrating her range in intense, character-driven narratives.[4] Throughout her career, she has been honored with multiple awards, including excellence recognitions at the SBS Drama Awards for her serial drama work.
Early life and education
Family background
Yoo Sun was born Wang Yoo-sun on February 11, 1976, in South Korea.[2][5]Public information regarding her family background remains limited, with no verified details available about her parents or any siblings.[2]
Academic pursuits
Yoo Sun attended the Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts), South Korea's premier institution for creative arts. She majored in Theatre Studies within the School of Drama, a program designed to cultivate deep insights into theatrical forms and practices. She graduated from the university, laying the groundwork for her transition into professional acting.[3][6]The Theatre Studies curriculum at K-Arts integrates theoretical and practical components, focusing on four key streams: theatre criticism, history of theatre, theatre practicum, and dramaturgy. Students explore dramatic theory and criticism through specialized courses, alongside hands-on workshops in stage adaptation and dramaturgy that emphasize the creation and analysis of theatrical narratives. This approach prioritizes artistic insight and practical skills, enabling participants to engage directly in school productions and industry collaborations.[6][7]
Career
Debut and early roles (1999–2006)
Yoo Sun entered the entertainment industry in 1999, marking her professional debut with a minor role in the independent film Mayonnaise, directed by Jang Jin, which provided her first opportunity to showcase her acting on screen. That same year, she made her television debut in an episode titled "Sang-sa-yo" from the anthology seriesHometown of Legends on KBS2, portraying a supporting character in a supernatural narrative. These initial appearances laid the foundation for her career, drawing on her formal training in theatre studies at Korea National University of Arts, where she honed skills in performance and character development that facilitated her shift to film and television.[3][1][8]From 2000 to 2002, Yoo Sun took on limited but notable supporting roles in television dramas, including Choi Joon-hee in the MBC family series The Shining Sunlight and Dan Ja-yeon in the SBS historical dramaThe Great Ambition, which allowed her to build versatility across genres while establishing a steady screen presence amid a competitive industry landscape. Her film work during this period remained sparse, with no major releases until 2003, reflecting the challenges of transitioning from stage to cinema where opportunities for newcomers were often constrained to peripheral parts. This phase emphasized her growth through consistent television exposure rather than lead positions.[1][4]In 2003, Yoo Sun gained recognition for her portrayal of Lee Min-joo in the SBS romantic drama South of the Sun, earning her first major accolade: the Best Supporting Actress award at the 11th SBS Drama Awards, highlighting her emotional depth and reliability in ensemble casts. She followed this with a role in the psychological horror film The Uninvited, directed by Lee Su-yeon, further diversifying her portfolio into genre filmmaking. By 2004 and 2005, she appeared in Choi Dong-hoon's crime comedy The Big Swindle and the horror thriller The Wig, respectively, where she tackled complex supporting characters, though lead roles continued to elude her during these formative years, underscoring her gradual ascent in the industry.[1][3][4]
Breakthrough and mid-career highlights (2007–2019)
Yoo Sun's breakthrough came in 2007 with her supporting role as E-hwa in the horror thriller Black House, directed by Park Jung-hyun, where she portrayed the wife of a man suspected of murdering his son for insurance money, delivering a performance noted for its emotional restraint amid the film's tense atmosphere.[9] Her work in the film earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 28th Blue Dragon Film Awards, marking a significant step in her transition from early supporting roles to more prominent dramatic parts.[10] This role highlighted her ability to convey subtle psychological depth in thriller genres, contributing to the film's commercial success with over 1.1 million admissions.Building on this momentum, Yoo Sun expanded into television with her lead role as Kim Bok-shil, a devoted nurse entangled in a complex family saga, in the 2009 KBS2 family drama My Too Perfect Sons (also known as The Sons of Sol Pharmacy House), which drew high ratings averaging 25.6% nationwide.[11] Her portrayal of the resilient, heartfelt character in this multi-generational story of adopted brothers and family secrets won her the Excellence Award for Actress in a Serial Drama at the 2009 KBS Drama Awards, as well as the Best Couple award alongside co-star Lee Pil-mo. The series' popularity solidified her reputation in family dramas, showcasing her versatility in handling warm, relational dynamics that resonated with audiences.In the early 2010s, Yoo Sun continued her ascent in cinema with roles that emphasized her range in intense, character-driven narratives. She played Lee Young-ji, the devoted wife of a reclusive pastor, in the 2010 mystery thriller Moss, directed by Woo Min-ho, earning praise for her nuanced depiction of isolation and loyalty in a film that explored rural secrets and garnered critical attention at international festivals. This performance secured her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 31st Blue Dragon Film Awards.[12] The following year, in GLove (2011), she took on the role of Na Joo-won, a music teacher and baseball coach for hearing-impaired students, for which she intensively studied sign language to authentically convey protective determination and emotional support in this sports drama about redemption. Her efforts contributed to another Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 32nd Blue Dragon Film Awards, underscoring her growing command of multifaceted supporting leads.[13]Yoo Sun's mid-career phase peaked in 2012 with the lead role of Yoo-lim, a grieving mother seeking vigilante justice after her daughter's rape and suicide, in the crime drama Don't Cry, Mommy, directed by Kim Yong-han, where her intense portrayal of maternal rage and despair was central to the film's raw exploration of trauma and retribution. That same year, she returned to television as Choi Ji-won, a senior pilot haunted by a past accident, in the SBS romantic drama Take Care of Us, Captain, blending professional ambition with personal vulnerability in a story of aviation training and romance that averaged 10.2% ratings. These projects exemplified her shift toward complex, psychologically demanding characters across thrillers and family-oriented stories, enhancing her industry standing through nominations and acclaim for dramatic intensity.[14] Her versatility during this era allowed her to navigate diverse genres, from horror-tinged mysteries to heartfelt ensemble dramas, establishing her as a reliable performer in South Korean cinema and television.
Recent projects (2020–present)
In the 2020s, Yoo Sun has continued to diversify her portfolio by taking on roles in both traditional films and streaming platforms, showcasing her versatility in dramatic and thriller genres. Her film appearances during this period include a supporting role as the CEO of Samyoung Architecture Co. in the romantic comedySweet & Sour (2021), directed by Lee Kyoung-young, where she portrayed a key figure in the protagonist's professional life.[2][15] In 2022, she starred as Seo-jin, a compassionate hospice nurse who mentors a troubled teenager, in the heartfelt film Good Morning, directed by Cha Bong-ju, earning praise for her nuanced performance in exploring themes of loss and human connection.On television and web series, Yoo Sun made a guest appearance as news anchor Kang Eun-jeong in episode 9 of the Netflix original Move to Heaven (2021), a poignant drama about trauma cleaners uncovering personal stories of the deceased.[16] She gained significant recognition for her role in the revenge thriller Eve (2022), where she embodied a complex antagonist, winning the Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries at the 8th APAN Star Awards.[17] This was followed by lead roles as Ryu Ga-eul, a manipulative office worker entangled in embezzlement schemes, in the suspense series Pale Moon (2023), adapted from Mitsuyo Kakuta's novel and aired on ENA.[18] In the same year, she portrayed the ambitious hotel executive Yoon Hae-mi in Queen of Masks (2023), a Channel A drama delving into themes of friendship, betrayal, and power among women.[19] Most recently, in 2024, Yoo Sun appeared as Shin Ji-hye, a supporting character in the Disney+ crime thriller Gangnam B-Side, which examines corruption and disappearances in Seoul's nightlife scene. In 2025, she took on a cameo role in the film Love Barista, directed by Kim Sung-hoon.[20][21][22]Yoo Sun's recent work reflects her embrace of over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix and Disney+, allowing her to tackle intricate anti-heroine characters that blend vulnerability with moral ambiguity, building on her established dramatic range. Her 2022 APAN Star Awards accolade underscores this evolution, highlighting her impact in contemporary Korean media.[17] As of November 2025, she remains active across diverse genres, continuing to select projects that challenge conventional portrayals of female leads in thrillers and dramas.[2]
Personal life
Marriage and family
Yoo Sun married non-celebrity businessman Cha Hyo-joo on May 4, 2011, following a decade-long relationship that began during her university years.[23][24] The private ceremony at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul was attended by close industry friends, including actors like Kim Rae-won and Uhm Jung-hwa.[24]The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, on January 29, 2014, at a maternity hospital in Seoul.[25] Yoo Sun has consistently kept her family life out of the public eye, avoiding disclosures about her daughter's upbringing or daily routines.[26]Post-marriage, Yoo Sun's husband has taken on significant household duties, including childcare, to support her ongoing acting commitments.[27] This arrangement enabled her to resume work shortly after childbirth, with roles such as the lead in the 2017 drama Our Gap-sooni, which she described as fulfilling her long-held desire for both artistic expression and audience connection.[28] Her project selections in subsequent years reflect a focus on versatile characters that align with her established career trajectory while accommodating family priorities.[28]
Philanthropy and interests
Yoo Sun has demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy through her support for children's welfare and education, often maintaining a low-profile approach to her contributions. Since 2016, she has served as a promotional ambassador for World Share, a nonprofit organization focused on aiding vulnerable children, where she has participated in hands-on volunteer activities such as delivering coal briquettes to low-income families and organizing charity bazaars to benefit children with illnesses.[29]In July 2025, Yoo Sun was appointed as the inaugural goodwill ambassador for World Share's "By Children's Side" program, which provides direct support to children living in poverty by offering educational opportunities and essential resources. During the announcement, she emphasized her dedication, stating, "Although my contribution may be small, I will listen to the stories of children in need and do my best, together with World Share, to offer opportunities in life to children who have nowhere else to turn." In September 2025, she visited Languna, a child supported by the program, and shared, "It broke my heart to see Languna living bravely in an environment without clean water or electricity."[29][30] Her involvement reflects a broader pattern of subtle, ongoing engagement with social causes, motivated in part by her family experiences.[29]Beyond philanthropy, Yoo Sun maintains a private personal life, prioritizing family while occasionally revealing interests in cultural pursuits like theatre arts through her professional background. She has no recorded involvement in major public scandals as of 2025, underscoring her emphasis on discretion and positive societal contributions.
Filmography
Feature films
Yoo Sun made her feature film debut in Mayonnaise (1999), portraying a supporting role in this drama about family dynamics and personal struggles.[3]In The Uninvited (2003), she played Hee-eun, the fiancée of the protagonist who becomes entangled in supernatural events surrounding orphaned children.[31]She appeared in a guest role as Jung In-sook in the heist thriller The Big Swindle (2004), contributing to the ensemble cast of con artists executing a major bank fraud.[4]In the horror filmThe Wig (2005), Yoo Sun took on the lead role of Ji-hyeon, the devoted sister who gifts a mysterious wig to her terminally ill sibling, leading to terrifying consequences.[32]Her performance as Ye-hwa, the supportive wife of an insurance investigator, provided emotional depth in the suspenseful Black House (2007).[2]In Moss (2010), she portrayed Lee Young-ji, a resident of a secluded mountain village central to the film's mystery and corruption plot.[2]Yoo Sun starred as Na Ju-won, the dedicated music teacher and manager of a deaf high school baseball team, in the sports drama GLove (2011).[33]She led Don't Cry Mommy (2012) as Yoo-lim, a grieving mother driven to extreme vengeance after her daughter's suicide following a school assault.[34]In The Preparation (2017), Yoo Sun played Mun-gyeong (Moon-kyung), a colleague offering quiet support in this poignant story of a mother preparing her disabled son for her death from cancer.[35]In The Discloser (2018), she appeared in a guest role as Catherine, adding to the thriller's ensemble of whistleblowers exposing corporate corruption.[4]For My First Client (2019), she depicted Ji-sook, the determined mother fighting for justice for her son in this legal drama based on real events.[36]In The Master (2019), Yoo Sun served as the narrator, framing the documentary-style exploration of taekwondohistory and leadership.[37]She appeared as Jeong Da-yeon, the wife of a man accused of murdering his best friend's wife, who works with the victim's husband to uncover the truth, in the thriller The Culprit (2019).[36]In The Divine Move 2: The Wrathful (2019), Yoo Sun portrayed Madame Hong, a key figure in the underground world of baduk (Go) gambling.[2]Her supporting role as the CEO of an architecture firm in the romantic comedy Sweet & Sour (2021) highlighted workplace dynamics in a love triangle narrative.[2]Yoo Sun starred as Seo-jin, a compassionate hospice volunteer aiding a suicidal teen, in the heartfelt drama Good Morning (2022).[38]In 2025, she made a cameo appearance in Love Barista, a lighthearted film centered on coffee shop romance and personal growth.[4]
Television dramas
Yoo Sun made her television debut in 1999 with an appearance in the anthology series Hometown of Legends, specifically in the episode "Sang-sa-yo."[1]In 2003, she starred as Lee Min Joo in the romantic drama South of the Sun, which consisted of 16 episodes.[4]Her breakthrough role came in 2009 as the lead character Kim Bok Shil in the family drama My Too Perfect Sons, a 54-episode series that highlighted her versatility in portraying complex familial dynamics.[4]In 2012, Yoo Sun played Choi Ji Won in the romantic comedyTake Care of Us, Captain, spanning 20 episodes and focusing on themes of love and career in the aviation industry.[4]She took on a main role as Han So-ra in the 2022 revenge thriller Eve, a 16-episode drama where her character drives the intricate web of corporate intrigue and personal vendettas.[4]In 2023, Yoo Sun appeared as Ryu Ga-eul in the mystery drama Pale Moon, a concise 10-episode series exploring psychological suspense.[4] She also portrayed Yoon Hae-mi in the same year's romantic drama Queen of Masks, which ran for 16 episodes and delved into identity and deception in high society.[4]
Web series and specials
Yoo Sun has ventured into digital platforms with select supporting roles in streaming originals, marking her adaptation to web-based storytelling formats that emphasize compact narratives and global accessibility.In the 2021 Netflix series Move to Heaven, directed by Kim Sung-ho, she portrayed Kang Eun-jeong, a news anchor in episode 9, contributing to the drama's exploration of grief and human connections through trauma cleaning services.[39]She took on the role of Shin Ji-hye, a key member of the antagonist Yoon Gil-ho's group in the 2024 Disney+ thriller Gangnam B-Side, a crime drama delving into Seoul's underworld of disappearances and corruption, where her character aids in the shadowy operations driving the plot's tension.[40]
Theatre work
Early stage appearances
Yoo Sun entered the professional theatre world shortly after graduating from the Korea National University of Arts' Department of Acting in 2000. Her stage debut occurred that year in the play Moskito, a small-scale production that introduced her to experimental theatre formats and ensemble dynamics.[41]In the same year, she took on another early role in Going Together, performing in a supporting capacity within an intimate, innovative stage setting that emphasized character interplay and minimalistic staging.[41]These initial appearances in the early 2000s, primarily featuring supporting or ensemble parts in experimental plays, allowed Yoo Sun to refine her expressive range and stage presence through rigorous rehearsals and live audience interactions. This foundational theatre training proved essential in sharpening her craft, enabling a seamless shift toward leading roles in film and television by the mid-2000s.[41]
Selected later productions
Following her early stage work, Yoo Sun returned to theatre in 2008 with lead roles in two notable productions. In The Shape of Things, directed by Lee Hae-je, she portrayed the enigmatic art student Se-kyung, whose manipulative relationship with a shy classmate drives the play's exploration of love, art, and transformation; the production ran from August to October at Dongsung Art Center's small theater, drawing praise for its sharp dialogue and her versatile performance.[42][43] Later that year, she appeared in a revival of Come and See Me, Kim Kwang-rim's acclaimed drama inspired by the Hwaseong serial murders, contributing to its tense portrayal of investigative frustration and moral ambiguity during its run at a local venue.[41]Yoo Sun's theatre engagements became more sporadic in the ensuing decades, reflecting her primary focus on film and television while demonstrating her enduring affinity for the stage. In 2021, she took on the role of Libby Quinn, a provocative journalist grappling with artistic integrity and personal scandal, in the Korean premiere of Mouthpiece by Kieran Lynn; the two-hander, co-starring Lee Hwi-jong in some performances, examined themes of truth and media ethics over a 100-minute runtime at Art One Theater, earning acclaim for her intense, dialogue-driven delivery.[44][45]She continued this selective return in 2024 with Love Letters by A.R. Gurney, a two-person play about lifelong correspondents reflecting on love and loss; paired with Park Hyuk-kwon as Andy to her Melissa, Yoo Sun's nuanced portrayal of evolving emotional intimacy contributed to sold-out runs at LG Art Center Seoul from April to late spring, highlighting her skill in intimate, memory-laden narratives.[46][47] The production's success underscored her ability to balance subtle vulnerability with dramatic depth in a format demanding precise timing.[48]In early 2025, Yoo Sun starred in the domestic premiere of David Eldridge's Beginning, a contemporary two-hander depicting the awkward sparks of a late-night encounter between strangers; as Laura opposite Lee Jong-hyuk's Danny, she captured the blend of humor, anxiety, and hope in modern romance during its March run at Sejong Cultural Center's S Theater, which resonated with audiences for its relatable take on singledom and connection.[49][50] This engagement affirmed her ongoing commitment to theatre amid a screen-heavy career, with critics noting her chemistry and comedic timing as highlights.[51]In late 2025, she appeared in the comedy Mrs. Macam at Daehakro The Good Theater, starting November 21, alongside Lee Chung-koo and Song Jae-hee.[52]
Awards and nominations
Television and drama awards
Yoo Sun has earned notable recognition for her television drama performances through awards from prominent South Korean ceremonies, including the SBS Drama Awards, KBS Drama Awards, and APAN Star Awards, highlighting her versatility in supporting and leading roles across serial and miniseries formats.[1]Her wins include the Best Supporting Actress award at the 11th SBS Drama Awards in 2003 for her role in South of the Sun.[1] In 2004, she received the Excellence Award for Actress in a Serial Drama at the 12th SBS Drama Awards for Into the Storm.[1] She again won the Excellence Award for Actress in a Serial Drama at the 15th SBS Drama Awards in 2007 for That Woman Is Scary.[53] In 2005, she received the Special Award in MC category at the 13th SBS Drama Awards for Million Dollar Mystery.[54] At the 2009 KBS Drama Awards, Yoo Sun was honored with the Excellence Award for Actress in a Serial Drama for My Too Perfect Sons (also known as The Sons of Sol Pharmacy House) and the Best Couple Award alongside Lee Pil-mo for their chemistry in the same series.[55] More recently, she secured the Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries at the 8th APAN Star Awards in 2022 for her portrayal in Eve.[17]In addition to these victories, Yoo Sun garnered various nominations at the SBS and KBS Drama Awards during the 2000s and 2010s for her supporting roles in multiple dramas, reflecting consistent industry acclaim for her contributions to the genre. Specific nods include a nomination for Excellence Actress in a Drama Special at the 2012 SBS Drama Awards for Take Care of Us, Captain, as well as a Netizen Award nomination at the 2009 KBS Drama Awards for My Too Perfect Sons.[12]
Film and other recognitions
Yoo Sun has been recognized for her film performances through nominations at prestigious awards such as the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Grand Bell Awards, South Korea's oldest and most esteemed film honors, organized annually by Sports Chosun since 1965.[12] Her breakthrough in genre films led to multiple nominations in the Best Supporting Actress category during the 2000s and 2010s, highlighting her versatility in thriller and drama roles.[1]
Beyond film-specific accolades, Yoo Sun has received honors for her broader entertainment contributions, including hosting and popularity in the industry. In 2010, she was awarded the BBF Popular Star Award at the 5th Asia Model Festival Awards, recognizing her appeal across acting and public-facing roles.[56] No major theatre awards or streaming platform-specific recognitions have been documented as of 2025.