Did you know that several top K-drama actresses have studied overseas? Their international education not only broadened their horizons but also infused their performances with depth and authenticity. By experiencing different cultures and perspectives, these actresses have grown both personally and artistically, setting them apart in the entertainment industry.
Here are 10 South Korean actresses who studied abroad and how those experiences shaped their paths to stardom.
Lee Da Hae
Known for her roles in dramas like ‘Heaven’s Fate’ and ‘IRIS 2,’ Lee Da Hae was born in Seoul but moved to Australia with her family in the fifth grade. Her education overseas helped her achieve fluency in English and embrace diverse cultures. In her junior year at Burwood Girls High School, Lee and her mother moved back to Seoul to pursue her acting career following a pageant win.
Park Min Young
Known for her elegance and versatility, K-drama star Park Min Young once studied abroad as an exchange student at an American high school. During her time overseas, she immersed herself in the local culture, became fluent in English, and developed a strong sense of global awareness. She even went by her English name, Rachel, while studying in the United States.
Moon Ga Young
Moon Ga Young, beloved for ‘True Beauty’ and ‘The Interest of Love,’ actually grew up in Germany. She was born there and lived overseas until her family moved back to South Korea when she was in third grade of elementary school. Her early exposure to Western culture and language gave her an open-minded outlook that’s often reflected in her mature acting choices.
Jung Eun Chae
Known for her roles in ‘The King: Eternal Monarch’ and ‘Jeongyeon: The Star Is Born,’ Jung Eun Chae moved to London at 15 and spent eight years there. She went on to study art at the renowned Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design. Influenced by her older brother, who works at a production company, she became interested in pursuing an acting career in Korea.
Seo Ye Ji
Known for her commanding presence in ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’ and ‘Eve,’ Seo Ye Ji stated in various interviews and entertainment shows that she studied in Spain for three years. She initially planned to become a TV news anchor before pursuing acting. Her years abroad helped her learn Spanish and build the self-discipline that now defines her acting career.
Han Ye Seul
Han Ye Seul was born in Los Angeles, California, and spent most of her life in the United States before moving to South Korea. A fluent English speaker, she attended Cerritos High School and graduated from Cerritos College with a degree in Computer Graphics. Her international background gave her a cosmopolitan charm that has always set her apart in the industry.
Kim So Hyun
Although she began her acting career at a young age, Kim So Hyun was born in Australia and spent part of her childhood there. She moved to South Korea in 2003, when she was four years old. She is fluent in English thanks to her education and living experience in Australia. She has an impressive evolution from a child star to a leading actress in ‘Love Alarm’ and ‘My Lovely Liar.’
Ko Sung Hee
Ko Sung Hee was born in the United States. After returning to Korea at the age of four, she spent her middle and high school years traveling between the United States and Korea alone. Fluent in English, she is celebrated for her roles in dramas like ‘Gaus Electronics,’ ‘Suits,’ and ‘My Holo Love.’ Her overseas education helped her connect with international audiences naturally.
Cha Joo Young
Best known for ‘The Glory’ and ‘My ID Is Gangnam Beauty,’ Cha Joo Young studied in Malaysia during middle school before moving to the United States, where she earned a degree from the University of Utah in Business Administration. It was only after returning to Korea post-graduation that she pursued acting.
Jung Ryeo Won
Born in Seoul but raised in Australia, Jung Ryeo Won emigrated with her family when she was young. She did her education in Australia and studied international business at Griffith University before returning to Korea to pursue her career. From ‘Wok of Love’ to ‘Diary of a Prosecutor,’ her performances carry both warmth and sophistication.
These South Korean actresses who studied abroad remind us that talent knows no borders. Their global education and life experiences have helped them bring authenticity, emotional depth, and versatility to every role they play.
SEE ALSO: Ten South Korean Actresses Who Studied Abroad Before Fame
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