In Korean dramas, Seo Ye Ji has become a well-known and loved figure. With her strong presence on screen, natural charm, and clear talent, she quickly gained recognition among K-drama fans everywhere.
But what lies behind Seo Ye Ji’s success? What motivates her to pursue acting, and what inspires her to take on a variety of roles that push her limits as an artist? In this article, we will look at Seo Ye Ji’s life and career, exploring the highs and lows, successes and struggles that have shaped her into the talented actress she is now.
Seo Ye Ji’s path to stardom began in the early 2000s when she began taking small parts in different Korean dramas and films. Even though she faced rejection and disappointment at times, she kept going, fueled by her strong love for acting.
The Big Break
Her big break came in 2014 with the drama “My Lovely Girl,” which marked the start of her rise to fame, as she impressed viewers with her portrayal of a young woman navigating the challenges of love and relationships.
Since then, Seo Ye Ji has become one of Korea’s most in-demand actresses, starring in popular dramas like “Sungkyunkwan Scandal,” “Pussy Kat,” and “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.”
Her ability to take on various roles has shown her versatility, from funny leading ladies to serious heroines. But what makes Seo Ye Ji stand out from other actresses? What is it about her performances that connect with both audiences and critics?
Seo Ye Ji’s rise to fame can be credited to a combination of talent, hard work, and smart marketing. In an interview with Soompi, she shared how her agency played a big role in her success, offering her top-quality training and guidance.
Seo Ye Ji (Credits: Getty Images)
“I was very lucky to have an agency that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to develop my skills,” she said. “I also worked very hard to improve my craft, pouring my heart and soul into every role I took on.”
Before becoming a household name, Seo Ye Ji had already made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Some of her early career highlights include:
- “Wild Romance” (2012): a romantic comedy where she showed her comedic skills and charming presence on screen.
- “The Heirs” (2013): a high school drama that solidified her status as a rising star.
- “My Lovely Girl” (2014): a melodrama that launched her career and earned her praise from critics.
Seo Ye Ji’s career is impressive because of how versatile she is as an actress
She has played roles in many different genres, from comedy to drama to romance. In an interview with Koreaboo, she talked about how important it is to take on different kinds of roles: “I believe that acting is all about growth and self-discovery. The more I challenge myself, the more I learn and grow as an artist.”
Some of Seo Ye Ji’s most notable roles include:
- “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” (2018): a romantic comedy where she showcased her comedic timing and engaging on-screen presence.
- “Itaewon Class” (2020): a melodrama that displayed her dramatic abilities and emotional depth.
- “Space Sweepers” (2021): a science fiction film where she showed her versatility and willingness to take on unique roles.
Seo Ye Ji (Credits: Getty Images)
Despite her busy career, Seo Ye Ji is known for her grounded personality and love for nature
In an interview with Allkpop, she shared her passion for hiking and outdoor activities, saying, “I find solace in nature and love spending time outdoors. It helps me clear my mind and recharge my batteries.”
Seo Ye Ji is also dedicated to fitness and wellness. She has been seen at the gym and has talked about how important regular exercise is for her physical and mental well-being. “Exercise is essential for both body and mind,” she said in an interview with Koreaboo. “It helps me stay focused and energized, both on and off screen.”
Seo Ye Ji’s influence on the K-drama industry is significant. She has inspired a new generation of actresses and raised the bar for performances in K-dramas. Her impact goes beyond acting, as she has used her platform to support social causes and various charitable organizations.
Seo Ye Ji has been involved in several social initiatives, including:
- “Fashion for a Cause”: a charity event that raised funds for underprivileged children.
- “K-Drama Fans for Social Change”: a campaign that encourages social awareness and activism among K-drama fans.
- “Actors Without Borders”: an organization that offers support and resources to actors in need.
Achievements
Seo Ye Ji is one of the most talented actresses in South Korea’s entertainment industry. With her striking looks and amazing acting ability, she has won many hearts and built a large fanbase both in South Korea and around the world.
Seo Ye Ji (Credits: Getty Images)
In 2014, Seo Ye Ji worked on “Diary of a Night Watchman,” which made her much more popular and earned her a nomination for “Best New Actress” at the 2014 MBC Drama Awards. The following year, in 2015, she starred in tvN’s “Super Daddy Yeol” and “Last.”
Her debut on the big screen came with the film “The Throne,” released in 2015. Later that same year, she starred in another film, “Circle of Atonement.”
In 2016, Seo Ye Ji played the lead role in the KBS drama “Moorim School: Saga of the Brave.” She also starred in the movie “Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River,” which became a successful project in cinemas.
Her 2017 film “Another Way” marked her first major role in a movie. Later that year, her role in the drama series “Save Me” earned her praise, not only in South Korea but from viewers all around the world.
One of her next big projects, “Lawless Lawyer,” became a huge commercial hit and became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas on cable television.
In 2019, Seo Ye Ji appeared in films like “Warning: Do Not Play” and “By Quantum Physics: A Nightlife Venture.” Her mystery-thriller film “Recalled” was another success, topping the local box office during its opening weekend.
[Updated: 04/04/2025]
Hwang In-youp is a talented actor, singer, and model from South Korea. He began his career as a model before switching to acting. He made his acting debut in 2018 in the web series “Why,” where he played the lead role.
His performances in popular TV dramas like “The Tale of Nokdu” (2019), “18 Again” (2020), and “True Beauty” (2020–2021) earned him even more recognition.
Regarding his net worth, opinions vary. Some sources suggest that his net worth is between $1 million and $5 million, while others estimate it to be between $6 million and $8 million in 2025. These numbers may change depending on factors like new projects, sponsorships, and investments.
Who is Hwang In Yeop?
Hwang In-youp was born on January 19, 1991, in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He is the eldest of two brothers, with his younger brother, Hwang In-ho, being a producer and singer-songwriter who goes by the stage name Inof.
During his adolescence, Hwang lived in Davao City, Philippines, and attended the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School for high school. Later, he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in fashion design at the Philippine Women’s University.
Before starting his career in entertainment, Hwang fulfilled his required military duty. He began working in the fashion industry in 2017 as a runway model and made his acting debut in 2018 as Gi Jae-young, the lead character in the online series “Why.” He later signed with KeyEast, a South Korean agency.
Hwang In Yeop’s Career
Hwang In-Yeop began his career as a runway model. Before he started his modeling career, the 31-year-old completed his mandatory military service. He entered the entertainment industry in 2017 and was initially with YG KPlus, a model management company owned by YG Entertainment in Korea.
In 2018, Hwang expanded his skills by making his acting debut in the Naver TV web series “Why.” This role quickly made him popular. Hwang then signed a contract with KeyEast, a South Korean agency that is part of SM Entertainment.
Hwang In Yeop (Credits: Getty Images)
In 2019, Hwang appeared in the web series “Freshman” and made his television debut with a supporting role in the KBS2 historical series “The Tale of Nokdu.” By this time, Hwang had become a well-known name in Korea.
In 2020, Hwang gained major recognition for his role in the JTBC fantasy series “18 Again,” which was a remake of the 2009 American film “17 Again.” He played Goo Ja-sung, a school bully, the counterpart to the character of Stan, originally portrayed by Hunter Parrish in the film.
In the same year, Hwang became internationally famous for his role as Han Seo-jun in the romantic-comedy series “True Beauty” (2020–21), based on the Webtoon of the same name. He played a supporting role in the series.
Hwang also contributed to the soundtrack of the series with the song “It Starts Today.” To prepare for his role, he got his motorcycle license and trained at an acting school for action scenes.
In 2021, Hwang was cast in the Netflix series “The Sound of Magic,” alongside Ji Chang-Wook and Choi Sung-Eun. In the same year, on April 23, 2021, Keyeast announced that Hwang had signed with Japan’s Stream Media Corporation.
Hwang became internationally famous for playing Han Seo-jun in the popular series “True Beauty” (2020–2021). He continued to impress viewers with his roles in the legal drama “Why Her” (2022) and the Netflix series “The Sound of Magic” (2022).
Hwang was confirmed to play the lead role in the SBS drama “Why Her,” which was expected to air in the first half of 2022. This role would mark his first leading role on a major TV station and was expected to gain a great response from his fans.
For his outstanding performances in films and TV series, Hwang has received several awards. In 2021, he won the Brand Customer Loyalty Award for Best Male Rookie Actor.
In 2024, he starred in “Family by Choice,” further solidifying his position in the entertainment industry. His career, which transitioned from modeling to acting, highlights his dedication and versatility, making him a recognized figure in Korean entertainment today.
Hwang In Yeop’s Path to Fame
In Yeop has shared that he is an introvert by nature. He finds it difficult to open up and talk easily with others. This somewhat reserved nature, which shows on his face, helped him become one of Keyeast’s most valuable models.
Much of what is known about In Yeop comes from the interviews he has given. He has repeatedly said that it took him a long time to start acting because of his lack of self-confidence and insecurities. However, his father was able to help him gain the confidence he needed.
Hwang In Yeop (Credits: Getty Images)
He encouraged In Yeop to follow his dreams and truly believe in himself. Looking at In Yeop’s success today, it’s clear that his father was right about his potential. The records he’s set and the fame he’s achieved show how far he’s come!
In Yeop comes from a family of supportive individuals. His younger sibling is a producer and a rising content creator on YouTube, where he shares fun and engaging content. These are some of the values In Yeop and his brother grew up with. When he walks down the runway, he gives off an incredible presence.
After working as a model on many runways, Hwang In Yeop is now making his mark in the K-drama industry. He has appeared in several popular shows, such as “Why,” “18 Again,” and his well-known role as Han Seojun in “True Beauty.”
In the upcoming dramas “The Sound of Magic” and “Why Her?” he will play the main lead. Despite being shy, In Yeop’s personality is very lovable, and fans are excited to see the new qualities he will bring to his roles this year!
Family and Relationships
Like most South Korean celebrities, In-Yeop keeps his personal life separate from his professional career. Not much is known about his family, except that he has a brother, besides his parents.
His brother, Inof In-Yeop, is a popular YouTube star and just as good-looking as Hwang. Hwang’s parents have always supported his choice to pursue a career in the fashion industry and helped him get an education in a related field.
Hwang In Yeop (Credits: Getty Images)
From In-Yeop’s kind personality, it’s clear that he comes from a loving and supportive family.
When it comes to his dating life, there have been rumors about him being involved with some of his co-stars and women outside of the entertainment industry. However, he has never confirmed any of these rumors and has officially remained single until 2023.
Education
Even though In-Yeop was born in South Korea, he moved to the Philippines when he was a teenager. He had a strong interest in fashion and decided to study it. He attended the Philippine Women’s College of Davao, where he studied fashion design. He also went to the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School.
In-Yeop has a great sense of fashion and always looks great in his outfits. Even though he didn’t receive formal training in acting, he is still an incredible actor.
[Updated: 04/04/2025]
