If there's one adjective that can be used to describe Nam Ji Hyun as an actress, it's "consistent." A child star who has now moved on to take leading roles in some of South Korea's most successful TV shows, Ji Hyun continues to shine with her talents and undeniable girl-next-door charm that makes her stand out as a leading lady.
She first caught attention when she headlined the MBC-produced romantic comedy Shopaholic Louis, but it was not until she starred in the 2018 historical romance drama 100 Days My Prince with EXO's D.O. (Do Kyungsoo) that she became a household name. Ji Hyun currently stars as Oh In Kyung in the K-drama Little Women, loosely based on the novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott.
Want to get to know Nam Ji Hyun more? Here are eight facts that will keep you up to speed with K-dramaland's budding leading lady:
1. Nam Ji Hyun was born on September 17, 1995.
Which makes her a Virgo! Virgos are known to be highly perfectionist people, something that Ji Hyun shows in her body of work and the numerous awards that she earned from them. She is born in Incheon, South Korea.
2. She started as a child actress.
Ji Hyun is one of the successful child actors on South Korean TV who have successfully transitioned to being a household name. She made her debut in the drama East Of Eden where she played the younger version of Han Ji Hye's character in the show. The stint was followed by Queen Seondeok where she once again played the younger character of Lee Yo Won who was playing the queen in the drama. Other projects that she took on are Will It Snow For Christmas, Angel Eyes, and What Happens To My Family?.
3. Nam Ji Hyun is under the same agency as other K-drama A-listers.
She is under Management SOOP, which is a subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment. The agency, which was established in 2011, has a strong roster of actors that includes Bae Suzy, Gong Yoo, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Choi Woo Shik.
4. She has a college degree.
In 2014, Ji Hyun enrolled in Sogang University where she majored in Psychology. She continued being active as an actress while studying and finally earned her degree in 2020.
5. She's an amazing leading lady!
Ji Hyun first impressed viewers with her acting in Shopaholic Louis which she headlined with Seo In Guk. A year after, she was paired with Ji Chang Wook in the legal drama Suspicious Partner which lead popularity and brand reputation charts against its competitor during its run.
In 2018, she was cast to star opposite EXO's D.O in the historical romantic comedy drama 100 Days My Prince which enjoyed huge commercial success in South Korea. The show holds the position of being the 12th highest-rated Korean drama in the history of cable television in the country. Ji Hyun then starred in the mystery thriller 365: Repeat The Year, and in the currently airing Little Women together with Kim Go Eun.
6. Nam Ji Hyun has raked in some serious awards.
Ji Hyun definitely has the receipts for her talents! Some of the recognitions she received are the Actress Popularity Award in The Seoul Awards, Best Young Actress for My Love, Best New Actress for Shopaholic Louis, and Best Entertainer Award for Actress for the same show.
7. She seems to be a nature lover.
Just take a look at her Instagram account where she posts a lot of cute shots of her enjoying nature. Girl definitely knows how to curate a feed!
8. Her ideal type is ~*someone like*~ Ji Chang Wook.
Specifically the character he played in Suspicious Partner, Noh Ji Wook. The character, who is a prosecutor turned private attorney in the show, is a very righteous and upright person who always fights for justice.
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