1. Overview
Han Hye-jin is a prominent South Korean actress who gained widespread recognition for her role as a young widow and hairdresser in the popular 2005 daily drama Be Strong, Geum-soon!. Her career is marked by several notable leading roles, including Soseono in the historical epic Jumong, Korea's first female doctor of Western medicine in Jejungwon, and a sharpshooter in the manhwa film adaptation 26 Years. Beyond acting, Han Hye-jin has also made a significant impact as a television host, notably for the popular talk show Healing Camp, Aren't You Happy from 2011 to 2013.
2. Early Life and Education
Han Hye-jin's early life and educational journey laid the foundation for her successful career in the entertainment industry.
2.1. Birth and Family
Han Hye-jin was born on October 27, 1981, in Damyang County, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Her family includes her parents, her two older sisters, and her younger brother. Her older sister, Han Moo-young, is married to actor Kim Kang-woo, who she thanked for being part of her family. Her second older sister, Han Ga-young, married chef Jo Jae-bum on October 12, 2015. Han Hye-jin herself married South Korean footballer Ki Sung-yueng in 2013 and they have one daughter.
2.2. Education
Han Hye-jin attended Eunkwang Girls' High School. During her high school years, she pursued acting and film martial arts at an acting academy, actively participating in numerous auditions. She later enrolled at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, majoring in Film. While a second-year student at the university, she took a leave of absence to gain practical experience by performing in several plays, which further honed her acting skills.
3. Career
Han Hye-jin's career spans various facets of the entertainment industry, from her acting debut to her work as a television host and her involvement in advertising and public relations.
3.1. Debut and Major Works
Han Hye-jin officially debuted as an actress in 2002 through the Korean-Japanese collaborative drama Friends after successfully passing an audition while still attending Seoul Institute of the Arts. In the same year, she took on supporting roles as a friend to the protagonists in Romance and I Love You Hyun-jung. By 2003, she starred as one of the four main characters in Something About 1%. Her breakthrough came in 2004 when she was cast in her first leading role in the morning TV novel KBS TV Novel: You Are a Star, which achieved an exceptional viewership rating of over 20% for a morning drama. This success earned her the Best New Actress award at the KBS Drama Awards that year. In 2005, she expanded her activities to theater, taking on the role of Agnes in the play Agnes of God. She further solidified her status with her starring role in the drama Be Strong, Geum-soon!, for which she received the Top Excellence Award for Actress at the MBC Drama Awards. In 2006, she was cast as the heroine Soseono in the historical drama Jumong, earning her the Top Excellence Award for Actress at the MBC Drama Awards for the second consecutive year. Her notable roles also include Korea's first female doctor of Western medicine in Jejungwon (2010), for which she received the Producers' Award at the SBS Drama Awards, and a sharpshooter in the 2012 film adaptation of the manhwa 26 Years.
3.1.1. Television Dramas
Han Hye-jin has appeared in numerous television dramas throughout her career, showcasing her versatility in various genres and roles.
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Season of Love | KBS2 | ||
| 2002 | Friends | Park Hye-jin | MBC / TBS | Korean-Japanese drama |
| Romance | Yoon Ji-soo | MBC | ||
| I Love You Hyun-jung | Hwang Joo-yeon | |||
| Inspector Park Mun-su | So Hwa-ryeon | |||
| 2003 | Something About 1% | Yoo Hyun-jin | ||
| I Love You (내가 사랑하는 너Naega Saranghaneun NeoKorean) | Jo Hong | |||
| 2004 | New Human Market | Jang Yeon-hee | SBS | |
| KBS TV Novel: You Are a Star | Ha In-kyung | KBS1 | ||
| The Age of Heroes | Cheon Tae-hee | MBC | ||
| 2005 | Be Strong, Geum-soon! | Na Geum-soon | ||
| 2006 | Jumong | So Seo-no | ||
| 2008 | Terroir | Lee Woo-joo | SBS | |
| 2010 | Jejungwon | Yoo Seok-ran | ||
| 2011 | The Thorn Birds | Seo Jeong-eun | KBS2 | |
| 2012 | Syndrome | Lee Hae-jo | JTBC | |
| 2013 | One Warm Word | Na Eun-jin | SBS | |
| 2016 | The Doctors | Jo Soo-ji | Special appearance (episodes 11-12) | |
| 2018 | Hold Me Tight | Nam Hyun-joo | MBC | |
| 2020 | Mothers (외출OechulKorean) | Han Jung-eun | tvN | Special drama |
| 2023 | Divorce Attorney Shin | Lee Seo-jin | JTBC |
3.1.2. Films
Han Hye-jin has also appeared in several films, including short films and voice acting roles.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Magic Thumping (두근두근 쿵쿵Dugeundugeun KungkungKorean) | Yoon Mi-ji | Short film |
| 2002 | R. U. Ready? (아 유 레디?A Yu Redi?Korean) | Soo-ra | Cameo |
| 2004 | Hi! Dharma 2: Showdown in Seoul | Hong Mi-sun | Cameo |
| 2010 | No Mercy | Min Seo-young | |
| 2012 | 26 Years | Shim Mi-jin | |
| Rise of the Guardians | Tooth | Animation / Korean dubbing | |
| 2014 | Man in Love | Joo Ho-jeong | |
| Late Spring | Female missionary | Cameo |
3.1.3. Theater
Han Hye-jin has extended her acting prowess to the stage, participating in theatrical productions.
| Year | Title | Role | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Agnes of God | Agnes | ||
| 2023 | Our Little Sister (바닷마을 다이어리Badatmaeul DaieoriKorean) | Sachi | Seoul Arts Center | October 8 to November 19 |
3.2. Broadcasting Activities
Beyond her acting roles, Han Hye-jin has actively participated in various broadcasting activities, including hosting, appearing on variety shows, and narrating documentaries.
3.2.1. Hosting and Variety Shows
Han Hye-jin is well-known for her work as a television host, particularly for talk shows. She served as the first entertainment show MC for Healing Camp, Aren't You Happy from July 18, 2011, to August 12, 2013. Her hosting duties also include the 2011 KBS Drama Awards alongside Joo Won and Jun Hyun-moo. She was also a host for My Little Old Boy (also known as Mom's Diary: My Ugly Duckling) from July 26, 2016, to February 13, 2017, alongside Shin Dong-yup and Seo Jang-hoon.
She has made guest appearances on various popular variety shows, including:
- Running Man (SBS):
- Episode 136, "Secret of the Nine Swords Prequel" (March 10, 2013) with Lee Dong-wook.
- Episode 174, "The Number 14357" (December 1, 2014) with Lee Seung-gi and Bora.
- She also appeared in episodes 133, 134, and 198.
- Happy Together (KBS): "Star's Hometown" (February 2, 2013).
- Let's Eat Dinner Together (JTBC): Episode 88 (July 11, 2018).
- Bob Bless You 2 (Olive): Episode 18 (2020).
- One Meal After Work (JTBC): From March 30 to April 20, 2023, with Kim Gu-ra and Sam Hammington.
- Story of the Day When You Bite Your Tail (SBS) (꼬리에 꼬리를 무는 그날 이야기Kkorie Kkorireul Muneun Geunal IyagiKorean): Episode 85 (June 29, 2023).
- Fun-staurant (KBS2) (신상출시 편스토랑Sinsangchulsi PyeonseutorangKorean): Episode 183 (July 7, 2023), appearing in a video with Park Tam-hee.
- Problem Child in House (KBS2) (옥탑방의 문제아들Oktapbangui MunjeadeulKorean): Episode 247 (October 18, 2023), as a guest.
- Please Take Care of My Grades, Teachers (Channel A): Host (November 5, 2023).
- My Little Old Boy (SBS): Special MC (December 24 to December 31, 2023).
- National Interference Trial (SBS): MC (February 22 to February 29, 2024).
- The Magic Star (SBS): Judge (June 1, 2024).
3.2.2. Narration and Documentaries
Han Hye-jin has lent her voice to various documentaries and special broadcast projects, demonstrating her versatility beyond acting. Her narration work includes:
- Documentary 3 Days (KBS): "Mangol's Summer Beyond the Land's End" episode.
- Special 50th Anniversary Documentary (MBC): "Do You Know Korea, The Scene of Public Diplomacy" episode.
- 2012 Hope Road Expedition (KBS): Tanzania episode.
- Rio Olympics Special (MBC): "Park Se-ri, The Best Moment of My Life" episode.
- Song for My Beloved (KBS1): Special program for the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement (2020).
- Docu Insight - Aerin or Uryeong (KBS1): Narration (2023).
3.3. Other Activities
Han Hye-jin's influence extends to the commercial and public spheres through her work in advertising and as a public relations ambassador.
3.3.1. Advertising and Public Relations
Han Hye-jin has been a sought-after model for various brands, including Ongoljin, Punggyeongchae, SK Telecom JUNE, BBQ, KFC, Lotte Hi-Mart, Coway, Kumkang Shoes, Dongyang Life, Hyundai Sungwoo Apartments, The Day, Shiseido Cosmetics, Coreana Cosmetics, The K Non-Life Insurance Educar, Anthem, Sajo Haepyo Sunchang-gung New Rice Gochujang, Paldo Namjalaramen, Maim Cosmetics, Daerimsun Eomuk, Blackmores, and Pulmuone Danone Activia. She also appeared in a commercial for Ildong Pharmaceutical's Aronaamin C Plus.
She has also served as a public relations ambassador for several organizations:
- Seoul Metropolitan Government (March 2007)
- World Vision (May 2007)
- CGNTV (March 2008)
- Seoul International Super Short Film Festival (August 2009)
4. Personal Life
Han Hye-jin's personal life has garnered public interest, particularly her relationships and marriage, as well as her family connections.
4.1. Relationships and Marriage
Han Hye-jin was in a long-term relationship with singer Naul of the R&B group Brown Eyed Soul from 2003 until their separation in 2012. In March 2013, she publicly confirmed her relationship with South Korean national football team midfielder Ki Sung-yueng. Two months later, in May 2013, the couple announced their engagement. They are both devout Christians. Han Hye-jin and Ki Sung-yueng officially registered their marriage on June 25, 2013, and held their wedding ceremony on July 1, 2013, at the Hotel Intercontinental Seoul. Their daughter, Ki Si-on, was born on September 13, 2015, in Seoul.
4.2. Family
Han Hye-jin's immediate family includes her husband, footballer Ki Sung-yueng, and their daughter, Ki Si-on. She has two older sisters. Her eldest sister, Han Moo-young, is married to actor Kim Kang-woo. Her second older sister, Han Ga-young, is married to chef Jo Jae-bum.
5. Beliefs
5.1. Religion
Han Hye-jin is a devout Christian. Her faith is an important aspect of her personal life, and she has participated in Christian outreach events, such as the LOVE SONATA mission gatherings held in Japan and other locations since 2007.
6. Awards and Nominations
Han Hye-jin has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to acting, hosting, and public activities.
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated Work(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | KBS Drama Awards | Best New Actress | You Are a Star | Won |
| 2005 | Korea Visual Arts Festival | Photogenic Award, Drama Category | Be Strong, Geum-soon! | Won |
| MBC Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actress | Be Strong, Geum-soon! | Won | |
| 2006 | MBC Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actress | Jumong | Won |
| 2007 | Korea International Jewelry & Watch Fair | Best Jewelry Lady | - | Won |
| 2010 | SBS Drama Awards | Producers' Award | Jejungwon | Won |
| 2011 | SBS Entertainment Awards | Best New MC, Talk Show category | Healing Camp | Won |
| SBS Entertainment Awards | Netizen Popularity Award | Healing Camp | Won | |
| KBS Drama Awards | Popularity Award | The Thorn Birds | Won | |
| 2012 | Mnet 20's Choice Awards | 20's Variety Star | Healing Camp | Won |
| Korean Womenlink | Green Media Award (Language Award) | Healing Camp | Won | |
| SBS Program Evaluation and Review Special Award (First Half of 2012) | Special Award | Healing Camp | Won | |
| SBS Entertainment Awards | Excellence Award in a Talk Show | Healing Camp | Won |
7. Impact and Evaluation
Han Hye-jin has established herself as a respected figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, recognized for her consistent acting performances and her engaging presence as a television host. Her roles in hit dramas like Be Strong, Geum-soon! and Jumong solidified her status as a leading actress, earning her multiple top acting awards. Her transition into hosting with Healing Camp further showcased her ability to connect with audiences, earning her awards in the variety show category as well. She is also noted for her activities as an advertising model and public relations ambassador, reflecting her broad appeal and influence. Her dedication to her craft and her public image have contributed to her enduring recognition and positive public perception throughout her career.