Then And Now: Former K-Drama Child Actresses We've Watched Grow Up Before Our Eyes

You know you’re old when that kid from that drama is now a prominent — or leading — actress of your new favorite K-drama or movie.

Here are 12 Korean actresses that we’ve watched grow up before our eyes.

1. Kim Sae Ron (18)

Born: July 31, 2000

Kim Sae Ron debuted at the age of nine in the 2009 film “A Brand New Life,” for which she attended the Cannes Film Festival. She then followed up with her most well-known child role in the 2010 film “The Man From Nowhere” alongside Won Bin. She has since appeared in television dramas “The Queen’s Classroom,” “Hi! School – Love On,” and “Mirror of the Witch.”

2. Kim Hyun Soo (18)

Born: June 23, 2000

Kim Hyun Soo made her debut through the 2011 film “The Crucible.” She was 11 at the time. She has since appeared in dramas like “My Love From the Star,” “Solomon’s Perjury,” and “Mother.”

3. Kim Yoo Jung (19)

Born: September 22, 1999

Kim Yoo Jung debuted in a CF when she was five years old and has continued to build her career as an actress, first with many memorable child roles in dramas such as “The Great Queen Seon Deok” and “The Moon Embracing the Sun,” and now as a leading drama actress with young actresses to play her childhood counterparts. She is currently starring in “Clean With Passion For Now” alongside Yoon Kyun Sang.

4. Kim So Hyun (19)

Born: June 4, 1999

Kim So Hyun’s career began when she was seven, with a role in the 2006 drama special “Ten Minute Minor.” One of her most memorable childhood roles was in “The Moon Embracing the Sun,” and after a long list of works as a child actress, Kim So Hyun has since taken the lead in numerous dramas, including “Who Are You,” “Bring It On, Ghost,” “Ruler: Master of the Mask,” and “Radio Romance.”

5. Seo Shin Ae (20)

Born: October 20, 1998

Seo Shin Ae also debuted in a CF, when she was 6. Her more memorable child roles were in 2007’s “Thank You,” 2009’s “High Kick Through the Roof,” and 2010’s “Grudge: The Revolt of Gumiho.” Most recently, she has appeared in “Nightmare Teacher” and “Solomon’s Perjury.”

6. Lee Young Yoo (20)

Born: July 10, 1998

Lee Young Yoo started acting in 2003 when she was five, and was also part of the children’s K-pop group 7 Princess for a brief time from 2004 to 2005. The star most recently appeared in the 2016 drama “The Love Is Coming,” and also appeared in Mnet’s “Idol School.”

7. Jin Ji Hee (20)

Born: March 25, 1998

Jin Ji Hee made her debut through the 2003 drama “Yellow Handkerchief” and is best known for her young role in the 2009 drama “High Kick Through the Roof.” The actress most recently appeared in the 2017 dramas “Fight My Way” and “Sister Is Alive.”

8. Nam Ji Hyun (23)

Born: September 17, 1995

Nam Ji Hyun’s first foray into the acting world was through the 2004 drama “Say You Love Me.” She has a prolific career as a child actress, appearing dramas such as “East of Eden,” “The Great Queen Seon Deok,” and “Giant.” She has since transitioned to adult roles as a leading actress in “Suspicious Partner” alongside Ji Chang Wook and “100 Days My Prince” alongside EXO’s D.O.

9. Shim Eun Kyung (24)

Born: May 31, 1994

Shim Eun Kyung’s acting debut came when she was 10, in the 2004 film “The Woman Who Wants to Marry.” She has since appeared in many dramas and films, among them dramas “Hwang Jin Yi” and “Bad Guy,” and films “Sunny” and “Fabricated City.” Most recently, Shim Eun Kyung was led the 2018 film “The Princess and the Matchmaker” alongside Lee Seung Gi.

10. Lee Se Young (26)

Born: December 20, 1992

Lee Se Young’s first drama experience was in the 1997 drama “The Brothers’ River,” but is more well known for the 2004 films “When I Turned Nine” and “Lovely Rivals.” She has an extensive drama record, most recently appearing in the 2017 drama “Hwayugi.”

11. Jung In Sun (27)

Born: April 25, 1991

Jung In Sun started her career at the age of six with the 1996 drama “You” and has many films and dramas to her name since. Most recently, Jung In Sun starred in “Terius Behind Me” alongside So Ji Sub.

12. Park Shin Hye (28)

Born: February 18, 1990

Park Shin Hye debuted when she was 13 with the 2003 drama “Stairway to Heaven,” following up with another memorable role in the 2006 drama “Tree of Heaven.” Park Shin Hye is now a popular leading actress, with roles in the dramas “Flower Boy Next Door,” “Heirs,” “Pinocchio,” and “Doctors” to name a few. She is currently starring in “Memories of The Alhambra” alongside Hyun Bin.

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