Kim Tae-ri Shines Again in New K-Drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born”

Korean actress Kim Tae-ri has returned to screens this autumn in her fourth K-drama series, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born. This period music drama is yet another exciting project in Kim’s impressive career, which has firmly placed her among Korea’s top A-list actors. Though she’s a household name now, Kim was a complete unknown just under a decade ago.

Kim Tae-ri’s Rise to Fame

Kim Tae-ri first caught the world’s attention when she was cast in Park Chan-wook’s 2016 thriller The Handmaiden. The role was a game-changer for Kim, who was selected out of 1,500 hopefuls. Her bold and captivating performance as a working-class girl in 1930s Korea, recruited in a con to swindle a wealthy heiress, showed her incredible talent.

What stood out about Kim from the start was her fearless approach to challenging roles, even while working with experienced actors like Kim Min-hee and Ha Jung-woo. Her on-screen charisma and determination to perfect her craft quickly made her a rising star.

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Early Acting Journey

Born in Seoul in 1990, Kim’s path to acting was not straightforward. After graduating from Youngshin Nursing Business High School, she studied journalism and communications at Kyung Hee University. Her interest in acting was sparked when she joined a university theatre club. Following her passion, Kim later joined a theatre troupe in Seoul’s Daehak-ro district, where she gained experience on stage and in short films.

Kim’s first screen appearance was in the 43-minute film Moon Young, which debuted at the Seoul Independent Film Festival in 2015. Although the film was shot in 2013, it was released after Kim’s rise to fame from The Handmaiden. Her success paved the way for an extended version of the movie, which hit cinemas in 2017.

A Growing Film Career

Following The Handmaiden, Kim’s career soared. She quickly landed roles in major films like 1987: When the Day Comes, where she played a student activist during the 1987 Seoul protests. The film, based on real-life events, showcased Kim’s ability to handle serious, impactful roles.

In 2018, Kim charmed audiences in Little Forest, where she played a young woman who escapes the pressures of city life to return to the countryside. The film highlighted her down-to-earth and relatable persona, further endearing her to viewers

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Success in K-Dramas

While Kim made a cameo in the Korean remake of Entourage, her first major K-drama role came in the 2018 hit Mr. Sunshine. In this sweeping period drama, she portrayed a young noblewoman who secretly works as a sharpshooter for Korean independence fighters during the Japanese colonial era. Her powerful performance solidified her as one of the most versatile actresses in Korea.

Kim continued to take on challenging roles, including the youth drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One, where she played a high school fencer dealing with the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Her portrayal of Na Hee-do, a determined athlete who refuses to give up despite many setbacks, earned her widespread praise.

More recently, she starred in the 2023 occult horror drama Revenant, written by the acclaimed Kim Eun-hee, the mind behind K-dramas Kingdom and Signal. In Revenant, Kim played a young woman possessed by a malevolent spirit. Her emotionally intense performance captured the attention of critics and audiences alike.

Exploring New Genres

Kim Tae-ri isn’t afraid to experiment with different genres. She ventured into science fiction with Space Sweepers alongside Song Joong-ki. Originally intended for a theatrical release, the film ended up premiering on Netflix due to the pandemic. Kim then starred in the sci-fi epic Alienoid, released in two parts. While the films didn’t get as much attention due to the pandemic, Kim’s performances in both were highly praised.

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Kim Tae-ri in Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

Kim Tae-ri’s latest project, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, is a period music drama that continues to showcase her range as an actress. The series is set in a historical time period and focuses on music, blending two of Kim’s passions. This is her fourth K-drama, and fans are eagerly tuning in to watch her bring yet another vibrant character to life.

Kim has never shied away from roles that require intense preparation. Known for her dedication, she constantly takes acting classes and immerses herself fully in each character she plays. Her hard work has clearly paid off, as she continues to dominate both the big and small screens.

What’s Next for Kim Tae-ri?

While Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born is set to air until November 17, Kim has already lined up her next project. She and her Revenant co-star Hong Kyung will lend their voices to Lost in Starlight, Netflix Korea’s first animated feature film. Though she hasn’t officially announced her next live-action project, fans are excited to see what Kim Tae-ri will do next.

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Final Thoughts

Kim Tae-ri’s journey from an unknown actress to one of Korea’s biggest stars is nothing short of inspiring. With her talent, hard work, and versatility, she continues to captivate audiences around the world. As Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born airs, there’s no doubt that Kim Tae-ri will once again shine in her latest role. Keep an eye out for her upcoming projects as she continues to push boundaries and explore new genres.