Han Ji-min (한지민)

When you're a social welfare major and an acclaimed actress, you tend to use the power of your celebrity status to get massive good done for the world. Such is the case of actress Han Ji-min, who seems to have the uncanny ability to work for remote villages in the Philippines, be a goodwill ambassador of the UN Environment Programme, and win a Baeksang Arts Award for her movie performance at the same time.

With a face like hers, Han Ji-min could have simply coasted on her timeless looks to propel herself to fame. Yet relying on her looks is the last thing this actress does; taking on easy roles is not her cup of tea. In fact, it's difficult to confine Han Ji-min’s talent to a single genre. From crazy comedies like "Behind Your Touch” to hard-hitting social movies like "Miss Baek," she has demonstrated an astonishing breadth of talent. She can make you laugh till you can't breathe and cry till you run out of tissues—all in the span of a two-hour movie or a 16-episode drama.

First attracting attention when she joined the 2003 K-drama monolith "Jewel in the Palace," she went on to break through in the 2005 drama "Resurrection," then in 2007's "Yi San." Tired of being typecast as a sweet and fragile female, she went on to star as a femme fatale in 2011's "Detective K: The Secret of the Virtuous Widow," then as a cynical vet in "Padam Padam," and then tried her hand at comedy in the popular "Rooftop Prince." She also worked with Hyun Bin twice: in "Fatal Encounter," and "Hyde, Jekyll, and Me." Later, she would join box office hits "The Age of Shadows" with Gong Yoo before her solo star turn in 2018's lauded "Miss Baek."

In 2019, she appeared in the K-drama "One Spring Night" as the object of Jung Hae-in's character's affection. Then she followed it up with the star-studded Noh Hee-Kyung drama "Our Blues" alongside Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-ah, and Kim Woo-bin. Then she appeared with another roaring talent, Shin Ha-kyun, in the Lee Joon-ik sci-fi- drama "Yonder." And in a total 180-degree turn, she's now a butt-touching psychic vet in the hilarious "Behind Your Touch."

Tired of being typecast as a sweet and fragile female, she went on to star as a femme fatale in 2011's "Detective K: The Secret of the Virtuous Widow," then as a cynical vet in "Padam Padam," and then tried her hand at comedy in the popular "Rooftop Prince."

Later, she would join box office hits "The Age of Shadows" with Gong Yoo before her solo star turn in 2018's lauded "Miss Baek." She also starred in the popular drama, "Familiar Wife," in the same year.

In 2019, she led the noona k-drama "One Spring Night" with Jung Hae-in. Continuing her noona appeal, she then starred as the love interest of a much younger Nam Joo-hyuk in the remake of the Japanese film, "Josee."

Some of her more notable works include:

“Yonder” (2022)

Watch on Paramount Plus

Han Ji-min and Shin Ha-kyun (“Beyond Evil) star as a couple teetering between life and death in TVING’s “Yonder.’ Part love story, part examination of existential terror, this 6-episode K-drama is gorgeous sci-fi that grapples with questions about life (and love) without death.

One of the underrated gems of 2022. Read our review here.

“One Spring Night” (2019)

Watch on Netflix

Han Ji-min is Lee Jung-in, a librarian who finds herself at a crossroads when she begins questioning her long-term relationship with her boyfriend. As the series unfolds, she navigates the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations, ultimately exploring her feelings for another man she meets. The show delves into themes of personal growth, societal (and gender) norms, and the challenges of making difficult adult choices.

“Hyde, Jekyll, and Me” (2015)

Watch on Viki

Han Ji-min plays the role of Jang Ha-na, a woman who works at the circus and eventually falls for Gu Seo-jin (Hyun Bin), a man with a split personality – one being Seo-jin and the other being Robin. The Seo-jin side is cold and serious, while the Robin side is warm and compassionate. As Jang Ha-na witnesses his transformations, she becomes emotionally entangled with both personalities, forming a rather interesting love triangle.

“Our Blues” (2022)

Watch on Netflix

Han Ji-min plays the gorgeous Lee Young-ok in the 2022 ensemble drama "Our Blues." As a single woman who just moved to Jeju Island and lives alone, she quickly becomes the target of intrigue and suspicion of the locals. She also captures the fancy of Park Jeong-jun, a kindly and handsome boat captain, a man everyone is protective of. It also doesn't help that Young-ok has been hiding a secret since she came to the island.

Lee Young-ok soon finds herself navigating the challenges of hiding a family secret, nurturing a blossoming love, and overcoming the prejudices of her new community on Jeju Island.

“Josee” (film, 2020)

Watch on Viki

There is something about a well-told love story that still makes suckers of us all, and "Josee" is one fine example: gorgeously shot, gently told, and lovingly made.

In this film, Han Ji-min portrays the titular character, Josee, a young woman who has spent most of her life confined to a wheelchair due to a physical disability. She is introverted and often escapes into the world of books and her imagination. One day, she meets a university student named Young-seok (Nam Joo-hyuk, who she previously worked with in the K-drama "The Light in Your Eyes").

As Young-seok spends time with Josee, he learns about her dreams and aspirations, which she has been unable to fulfill due to her physical limitations. The two develop a deep and meaningful connection, and Young-seok helps Josee experience the world beyond her books. Their relationship blossoms into a heartwarming romance as they find inspiration and grow in each other's company.

“Behind Your Touch” (2023)

Watch on Netflix

We don’t know how this crazy show was pitched, but we’re just grateful it got made!🤣 Han Ji-min plays a veterinarian who can read an animal’s (and person’s!) memories simply by touching their rear end. In contrast, Lee Min-ki ("My Liberation Notes") plays a maverick detective who uses her ability to return to his Seoulite career. This hilarious series also stars Suho of the K-pop group EXO as a part-time worker.

But while her talent in front of the camera is undeniable, what sets her apart is her philanthropic efforts. When you're a social welfare major and an acclaimed actress, you tend to use the power of your celebrity status to get massive good done for the world.

Such is the case of Han Ji-min, who has the impressive ability to work for remote villages in the Philippines, be a goodwill ambassador of the UN Environment Programme, and win a Baeksang Arts Award for her movie performance at the same time. It's almost as if her roles on screen have taught her the importance of playing a meaningful part in the grander scheme of life.