A new wave of generational change is sweeping across the Korean entertainment industry, with emerging actresses taking leading roles across film, television and OTT platforms. Among them, Won Ji-an, Shin Si-a and Roh Jeong-eui are gaining great attention for their recent success at the box office and ratings. earning recognition as an up-and-coming trio of twenty-something actresses.
Now approaching their twenties, the three actresses have secured major roles in multiple genres, expanding their filmographies with stable acting skills and versatile performances. Although they began their careers following different paths, their steady growth has positioned them as promising leading stars of their generation.
Won Ji-an Transitions to Lead Roles After “Squid Game 2”
For Won Ji-an, 2025 marked a turning point in his career. Born in 1999, she first gained recognition in the 2021 Netflix series DPwhere she played Moon Young-ok, the girlfriend of a deserter soldier. Her popularity increased significantly after appearing as Semi in The Squid Game Season 2 in 2024. Won Ji-an attracted viewers with his innocent imagery paired with a charismatic, low-toned voiceleading to multiple casting offers.
She solidified her status as a leading actress on JTBC’s romantic drama Definitely tomorrowreleased in December last year, where she starred alongside Park Seo-joon. Despite their 11-year age difference, Won Ji-an received praise offering natural emotional performances and strong on-screen chemistry.
Most recently, he has expanded his acting range through the Disney+ original series Made in Koreadepicting the powerful Yakuza figure Ikeda Yuji. His restrained yet intense performance highlighted his versatilityand will return in the show’s second season later this year.
Shin Si-a gains momentum with consecutive successful projects
Born in 1998, Shin Si-a has steadily built her career in both film and television. He debuted in the 2022 film The witch: part 2. The otherattracting attention after being selected a highly competitive 1,408 to 1 audition process.
After a three-year hiatus, he resumed his acting activities last year with a special appearance in the film out and his television debut in tvN’s medical drama Manual for residents. Shin Si-a, who plays first-year obstetrics and gynecology resident Pyo Nam-kyung, received positive reviews despite it being his first dramatic role.
He continued his successful run by starring in the romantic film Even if this love disappears from the world tonightreleased in December 2025. The film surpassed the break-even point within two weeks, further cementing its reputation as a growing box office attraction.
Shin Si-a has since picked up Netflix’s next series Hotel Gran Galassia as his next project. The fantasy series tells the story of a mysterious hotel that comforts wandering souls, where he plays the courageous human hotel manager Go Sang, soon to star alongside Lee Do-hyun.
Roh Jeong-eui transforms from child actress to romantic comedy star
Roh Jeong-eui, born in 2001, has also established a strong presence in the industry after transitioning from being a child actress. She started her acting career in 2010 with OCN God’s Quizsteadily gaining experience through supporting roles in independent films and dramas.
Its popularity increased thanks to JTBC 18 Again in 2020, followed by his breakthrough role in Our beloved summer in 2021. Playing Top NJ Idol in the series, Roh Jeong-eui won Best New Actress at the SBS Drama Awards, firmly establishing herself as a leading young actress.
Since then, he has expanded his career across OTT and broadcast platforms through projects such as Netflix HierarchyChannel A The witchand MBC Crusology 101successfully tackling genres ranging from youth dramas to mystery thrills.
Roh Jeong-eui is currently starring in tvN’s romantic comedy Our universetogether with Bae In-hyuk. The series follows two in-laws whose complicated first meeting leads them to unexpectedly raise a 20-month-old baby together. The series airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:40 PM KST.
With distinct acting styles and expanding filmographies, Won Ji-an, Shin Si-a and Roh Jeong-eui are emerging as key figures in the next generation of Korean leading actresses. Their ability to adapt to different genres and media platforms reflects the ever-evolving Korean entertainment landscapeattracting more and more attention to their future projects.
Sources: Daum
