2024’s Best Korean Actresses: Discover the Romantic “Goddess” in 2nd Place and Unmatched Talent in 1st Place

The year 2024 has proven to be exceptionally significant for Korean entertainment, especially for female talent in the industry. Acclaimed actresses have played pivotal roles in elevating the status of Korean dramas and feature films both at home and internationally. Below, we highlight four of the most remarkable Korean actresses making waves this year.

4. Kim Tae-ri

Kim Tae-ri secures the fourth position with her captivating role in the drama “Jeong Nyeon.” At 34 years old, she impressed viewers as the determined lead character, even though the series did not particularly resonate in Vietnam. However, it garnered a robust 16.458% rating in South Korea.

Through her portrayal of Jeong Nyeon, a resilient young woman striving to conquer challenges stemming from her impoverished background, Kim Tae-ri not only touched hearts but also served as a source of inspiration to countless viewers.

Nevertheless, her cinematic ventures in 2024 did not mirror her drama success. “Alienoid 2: Return to the Future,” despite being part of a distinguished cast and featuring Kim Tae-ri, underperformed at the box office, amassing approximately $10.8 million.

3. Lee Ha-nee

In third place is Lee Ha-nee, who started the year on a high note with “Knight Flower.” Initially, this series garnered little anticipation, yet its gripping narrative coupled with Lee Ha-nee’s stellar portrayal of Cho Yeo-hwa earned her the coveted Best Actress honor at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards.

Lee Ha-nee continues to receive significant attention with the second season of “The Fiery Priest.” Following an immensely successful first season, the latest episodes have achieved impressive ratings, peaking at 11.3%—the highest in its broadcast slot.

Moreover, Lee Ha-nee also features in “Alienoid 2: Return to the Future,” sharing the screen with fellow actress Kim Tae-ri.

2. Kim Ji-won

Claiming the second spot is Kim Ji-won, often referred to as the “goddess of romantic Korean dramas” in 2024. Her mesmerizing performance in “Queen of Tears” drew widespread acclaim, achieving record-breaking ratings that peaked at an impressive 24.85% during its finale, averaging 15.671% over the season.

The drama has triumphed historically, dethroning “Crash Landing on You” as tvN’s top-rated show and now holding the third position among all cable dramas in Korea.

On a global scale, “Queen of Tears” also made waves, reaching the top of Netflix charts in 68 countries. Major media outlets, including Time Magazine, have lauded the series, highlighting its innovative approach to the romantic genre as a must-see production.

Kim Ji-won’s exponential rise can also be seen in her fan engagements, which have triggered significant discussions across social media platforms.

1. Kim Go-eun

Top of the list is the extraordinarily talented Kim Go-eun, who left a lasting impression with her dazzling performance in the hit film “Exhuma.” This film has emerged as one of Korea’s standout cinematic offerings in 2024, earning an impressive global gross of $98 million and winning widespread acclaim.

In “Exhuma,” Kim Go-eun portrays Lee Hwa-rim, a shaman confronting dark forces. Her exceptional portrayal has won her the Best Actress awards at both the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards—two of Korea’s most esteemed honors.

Notably, at the 2024 Blue Dragon Film Awards, Kim Go-eun received unanimous votes for Best Actress in Film, solidifying her status as a top-tier talent. Sport Chosun heralded “Exhuma” as a career-defining piece for the actress, praising her performance as truly exceptional.

In addition to her blockbuster role, Kim Go-eun also starred in “Love in the Big City,” a smaller film that, while modest in box office returns, received favorable reviews for its engaging storyline.

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