It would be amiss to discuss today's best K-drama leading ladies without mentioning Oh Yeon Seo. An actress who's been honing her skills since the early aughts, Yeon Seo is a pro at simultaneously tugging at her viewers' heartstrings and making them swoon with her visuals. You can presently catch her work her magic in Cafe Minamdang, her latest series opposite Seo In Guk. Oh, and did we mention she was once a K-pop idol, too? Read away for more facts you'd love to learn about her!
10 facts about K-drama actress Oh Yeon Seo
1. She's a Cancer
A native of the South Gyeongsang Province in Korea, Yeon Seo was born on June 22, 1987.
2. She debuted in a K-pop group
At 15 years old, Yeon Seo stepped into the spotlight as a member of the girl group Luv. Joined by Jo Eun Byul and Jeon Hye Bin, the trio released their debut album titled Story - Orange Girl in 2002. Sadly, the band only lasted for six months before parting ways.
Even if that may be the case, Yeon Seo still became a part of the world of K-pop by way of music video roles. Some of her appearances include Big Bang's With U and 2AM's You Wouldn't Answer My Call.
3. Oh Yeon Seo wasn't her birth name
Yup, before making a name for herself, the actress actually had to change the one she was born with. In the brief time she was with Luv, she went by the nickname Haetnim, derived from her birth name Oh Haet Nim. Upon consulting with a shaman, her mom had her name legally switched to Oh Yeon Seo.
4. She went to the same college as Jun Ji Hyun
After graduating from the Anyang Arts High School, Yeon Seo enrolled into the theater and film department of Dongguk University. She walked the same hallways as other Hallyu powerhouses such as Jun Ji Hyun, Park Min Young, and Lee Seung Gi.
5. She shares her current management agency with Seo In Guk
With a degree in tow, Yeon Seo dove into the industry under the guidance of SidusHQ, the same agency that launched her as a K-pop idol. She officially made her small screen debut in the 2003 high school drama Sharp. In 2019, she switched gears and moved to Story J Company, which also houses her Cafe Minamdang co-star Seo In Guk.
6. Her breakthrough role was in Jang Bo-ri is Here!
Nearly 12 years after debuting, Yeon Seo finally got her big break after fronting the MBC series Jang Bo-ri is Here! Playing the titular role, her endearing performance bagged her several Best Actress nods, two of which were from from the Korea Drama Awards, and the MBC Drama Awards. The latter ceremony also honored the show as the Drama of the Year.
7. She starred in a remake of My Sassy Girl
The internationally-acclaimed 2001 film My Sassy Girl (which, coincidentally, starred Yeon Seo's fellow Dongguk University alumna, Jun Ji Hyun) got an historical drama makeover in 2017. The actress took on the role of Princess Hye-myung, who was based around "The Girl" in the original version. Thanks to their undeniable chemistry, Yeon Soo and her leading man, Joo Won, were nominated for a Best Couple Award at the SBS Drama Awards of that year.
8. Her dream is to work with Leonardo DiCaprio
As the face of L'Officiel Malaysia in November 2019, Yeon Seo got candid about her strides in the industry. She cited Kim Hye Soo as her ultimate idol, gushing that, "she is one of the veteran actresses who have been paving the way for younger female actors to star in bigger and more important roles. I want to be someone like her for my juniors as well."
When asked to shoot for the moon for a potential co-star, no one else came to Yeon Soo's mind but Leonardo DiCaprio himself. Universe, make it happen!
9. She's a Red Cross ambassador
Beneath all of Yeon Soo's success is a passion for helping those on the other side of the screen. In 2013, before she even skyrocketed to fame, she was appointed as a Red Cross Ambassador alongside actor Ryu Soo Young. A year later, it was reported that she donated 10 million Won towards the relief efforts of the Sewol ferry disaster in 2014.
10. You can follow her on Instagram
Give the buzz-worthy actress some double taps by followering her Instagram account here. Be prepared for a slew of BTS shots from her projects, as well as many mirror selfies and OOTD pics!
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