K-dramas in 2023 had a diverse array of remarkable actresses, all of them made a lasting impression with their striking performances. The year saw a galaxy of talent, ranging from Song Hye Kyo’s seasoned expertise to Han So Hee’s dynamic flare and Park So Dam, Jeon Yo Been, Lee Sung Kyung, Bae Suzy, Lee Young Ae, Kim Yoo Jung, Park Gyu Young, and Shin Hye Sun’s nuanced performances. Their enthralling depictions gave a variety of stories depth and meaning, enthralling viewers everywhere.
These standout performances from K-dramas in 2023 are listed below.
1. Song Hye Kyo
Song Hye Kyo, who played Moon Dong Eun in The Glory in 2022, showed off her flexibility with a powerful performance. Her depiction of a person seeking revenge for previous pain struck a deep chord with viewers and critics alike, winning praise. Song was able to demonstrate her depth and talent in the series, which was a moving examination of high school bullying and its long-lasting ramifications. This culminated in Song winning Best Actress at the esteemed 59th Baeksang Arts Awards.
2. Han So Hee
Han So Hee has demonstrated her ability across multiple mediums in her latest endeavors. She demonstrated her versatility in roles ranging from Princess Kayena in a live-action teaser for The Villainess is a Marionette to a Disney+ mini-series Soundtrack#1. Especially, her presence went beyond acting when she was included in BTS Jungkook’s music video for Seven. Her dedication to diverse storytelling is further demonstrated by her parts in upcoming television series Gyeongseong Creature and movies like Heavy Snow.
3. Park So Dam
Park So Dam made her big-screen comeback in 2022 with the crime action picture Special Delivery, which showcased her skills as a skilled delivery driver. This was her third big-screen appearance in three years. She played a historical character as a Korean secretary in 1933 in Lee Hae Young’s spy action movie Phantom the following year, in 2023. Her participation in the most recent production Death’s Game in 2023 also implies a sustained dedication to interesting and demanding parts.
4. Jeon Yo Been
Based on her previous ventures, it is clear that Jeon Yeo Been’s career is taking off. She shot to fame after her critically lauded performance in After My Death, thanks to her parts in the wildly successful TV series Vincenzo and the suspenseful crime-action movie Night in Paradise. In 2023, she showcased her skills on the small screen once more with the TV show A Time Called You.
5. Lee Sung Kyung
Lee Sung Kyung’s varied roles never fail to enthrall audiences. She has proven to be incredibly versatile, as seen by her breakthrough roles in Cheese in the Trap and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo as well as her more recent roles in Dr. Romantic 2 and Dr. Romantic 3. Her roles in the medical drama series and the television show Shooting Stars demonstrate how talented she is becoming.
6. Bae Suzy
The amazing performer Bae Suzy is still a rising star in South Korea’s entertainment industry. She triumphantly made a comeback to singing in 2022 with the track Satellite. She also demonstrated her flexibility by working on Kang Seung Won’s album. Suzy’s acting abilities were highlighted in the Coupang Play series Anna, where she won praise for her interpretation of Lee Yumi/Lee Anna. After that, in 2023, Suzy starred as the lead role in the Netflix K-drama Doona!, which examined the nuances of a retired idol’s romantic journey.
7. Lee Young Ae
In 2023, Lee Young Ae, who is renowned for her iconic roles, will carry on her legacy in Maestra: Strings of Truth. The acclaimed actress, best known for her historical drama Dae Jang Geum, takes on a new role and captivates viewers. Lee Young Ae, who is well-known for her nuance and depth, gained recognition for her dedication to her roles—one of which was Lady Vengeance, played by Park Chan Wook. She’s back on television, and her role in Maestra promises an engaging performance.
8. Kim Yoo Jung
In 2023, Kim Yoo Jung will continue to expand her acting career by taking on significant roles. She defied expectations to follow her passion for theater and wowed audiences as Viola de Lesseps when she made her theatrical debut in Shakespeare in Love. Her onstage presence was cemented when her interpretation won critical acclaim. Her cameo in My Heart Puppy, where she played Ah Min as a sympathetic caregiver, further demonstrated her flexibility. Another captivating performance is anticipated in her major role as chaebol heiress Do Do Hee in the SBS series My Demon.
9. Park Gyu Young
Park Gyu Young makes a big impression in 2023 with his recent range of roles. Her remarkable portrayal in the Netflix series Celebrity won praise from all around the world and demonstrated her adaptability. Her co-starring role with Cha Eunwoo in A Good Day to Be a Dog further highlighted her versatility as a character. Gyu Young’s reputation as a sought-after talent is cemented by her skill in playing complex roles in a variety of genres.
10. Shin Hye Sun
In 2023, Shin Hye Sun will still enthrall audiences with her extraordinary versatility. Her performance as Ban Ji Eum in See You in My 19th Life demonstrated the breadth of her acting abilities as she portrayed a character with a complex relationship to her previous life. She also continues to play a role alongside Ji Chang Wook in Welcome to Samdalri, demonstrating her ability to fully inhabit a variety of personas.
