If there is one of the most successful idol-to-actress transitions in the Korean entertainment industry as of 2026, Kang Hye Won is undoubtedly at the top of the list. With her glowing skin and signature long, layered haircut flowing effortlessly over her shoulders, she has firmly established herself not as a former idol, but as a “Kang Hye Won actress.”
Yet behind today’s spotlight lies a painful past marked by harsh criticism and tears. During the audition days, she was labeled as “lacking skills” and even received the lowest F grade as an intern.
Kang Hye Won’s rocky start in the industry dates back to 2018, when she appeared in Produce 48. Due to her short training period, she struggled with both singing and dancing, ending up being placed in the lowest performance tier. One of his biggest challenges came when he had to prepare for BLACKPINK’s “Boombayah” stage, taking on the rapper’s position for a song that many contestants avoided. Her visible tears and shaky performance aired on national television, sparking a wave of criticism from viewers who questioned whether she was ready to debut.
However, the breakthrough came not from technical capabilities, but from his undeniable visual presence and warm personality. Her caring attitude towards contestant Sato Minami, which earned her the nickname “Mother Hye-resa”, and her pure, camera-dominating beauty won over domestic producers. Criticism of his abilities also gradually transformed into a “coming-of-age narrative” fandom, with supporters believing he had potential worth cultivating.
Against all odds, Kang Hye Won was selected as the final member of IZ*ONE, proving that star quality goes beyond technical perfection.
After IZ*ONE concluded its operations, he began his acting journey in earnest. She first showed promise through the web drama Best Mistake 3, but it was the original Coupang Play series Boyhood that marked a real turning point in her career. Playing Kang Seon Hwa, nicknamed “Buyeo Sophie Marceau” and known as the ultimate beauty of the ’80s, seemed like a role tailor-made for her.
Her style in Boyhood further cemented her reputation as a beauty icon. The long, softly layered hairstyle that frames the delicate shoulder line has become one of the most sought-after looks among Gen Z audiences. Rather than relying on heavy cosmetic procedures or dramatic transformations, Kang emphasized her natural, clean image, a choice that resonated strongly with younger fans.
As he took on more roles, his once-criticized vocal performance and emotional expression gradually stabilized. Viewers started asking in surprise, “Was Kang Hye Won always this good at acting?” The narrative moved from doubt to praise.
Her success isn’t simply a matter of being “pretty.” Determined to shed the label of lacking talent, she reportedly spent countless hours honing her diction, analyzing scripts and carefully selecting roles that aligned with her strengths. Removing the idol’s glamorous makeup and presenting a more sober, actress-like image proved to be a strategic and effective decision.
Ultimately, Kang Hye Won endured skepticism with her striking visuals, and during that time, she silently developed her skills. In 2026, the gaze turned towards her is no longer full of doubts, but of expectation. As her long hair sways in front of the camera, the audience no longer sees the F-level intern in tears. Instead they see a confident leading actress, capable of carrying an entire project on her shoulders.
Sources: Daum
