The Korean entertainment industry remains a powerhouse of beauty and a Hallyu stronghold, where actresses dominate not only the screens but also search rankings. In 2024, which names forced Google to “upgrade its bandwidth” due to overwhelming searches? Let’s dive into the Top 10 most Googled Korean actresses of the year!
1. IU (Lee Ji-eun) – The Muse That Overloaded Google
IU has a special superpower: everything she touches turns into a trend. If 2023 was her reign over the music charts, then 2024 marks her explosive comeback to acting with You Have Done Well, a poetic drama alongside Park Bo-gum. Even before discussing her performance, the trailer alone was enough to crash Google, according to KBS World.
Why is everyone searching for IU?
✅ First drama in five years, co-starring “national heartthrob” Park Bo-gum
✅ Written by the screenwriter of When the Camellia Blooms – a guarantee of quality
IU is far from just a singer-turned-actress—she’s a serious actress, and Google seems to agree.
2. Han So-hee – When Looks Can Kill
Need a face that perfectly balances “bad girl” energy and high-fashion elegance? Han So-hee is the ultimate choice. From the most hated mistress in The World of the Married to the fierce lead in My Name, she has a magnetic screen presence that keeps viewers glued.
What sent Google into a frenzy?
✅ Every photoshoot she does trends instantly – Ngôi Sao reported that a single Vogue shoot had social media buzzing for a full week
✅ Not just an actress—a luxury brand favorite, fronting campaigns for Bulgari and Balenciaga
Even without a drama release in 2024, Han So-hee remains unstoppable. Proof that you don’t always need a new project to stay viral!
3. Kim Ji-won – From “Second Lead Syndrome” to Leading Lady
Once pigeonholed as the ultimate second lead, Kim Ji-won completely transformed with Queen of Tears. This isn’t just a hit drama—it catapulted her into the Top 2 most beloved actresses of 2024, according to Gallup Korea.
Why is Kim Ji-won dominating searches?
✅ Queen of Tears broke rating records from its very first episode, predicted to become a legendary tvN drama
✅ Netizens call this her “Kim Ji-won 2.0 era”, thanks to her elevated acting skills
From underrated to celebrated, Kim Ji-won has officially entered the A-list.
4. Lim YoonA – The Evergreen “Visual Queen”
Despite nearly two decades in the industry, YoonA still rules trending charts. In 2024, she set the internet on fire with King the Land, a drama so hyped that it forced Google to update its algorithm due to the massive search volume on YoonA x Junho.
The numbers speak for themselves:
✅ KingChoice ranked YoonA among the most beautiful Korean actresses of 2024
✅ King the Land is one of the most searched Korean dramas of the year
While her acting remains a topic of debate, her star power is undeniable.
5. Jeon Jong-seo – When “Crazy” Becomes a Brand
If there were a ranking for actresses who never play it safe, Jeon Jong-seo would be at the top.
🔎 Why can’t Google stop buzzing about her?
✔️ Gained massive attention with Ballerina on Netflix
✔️ Even Hollywood is taking notice
According to Variety, her mesmerizing performance in Ballerina has cemented her as one of the most intriguing Asian talents.
6. Go Yoon-jung – The Face You Can’t Ignore
It’s no surprise that Go Yoon-jung made this list—her breathtaking visuals are constantly trending.
🔎 What made her a hot topic?
✔️ Stole the spotlight in Moving, praised for her mature performance
✔️ “The next-generation muse”, often compared to classic beauty icons
According to Namu Wiki, she was crowned “Korea’s most beautiful actress of 2024” by KingChoice, with her Google searches skyrocketing post-Moving.
7. Song Hye-kyo – The Undisputed Legend
Anyone who thought Song Hye-kyo would take a break after The Glory should check Google.
🔎 Why she’s still ranking high:
✔️ Remains in the Top 3 most beloved actresses of 2024
✔️ Still known as “the ageless beauty queen”
According to The Korea Times, even after 20+ years in the industry, Song Hye-kyo’s influence is unshakable.
8. Kim Go-eun – The “Good Girl” Who Takes Risks
Kim Go-eun proves that acting talent outweighs traditional beauty standards.
✔️ Exhuma sold 11.9 million tickets, setting box office records
✔️ The only actress in Gallup Korea’s Top 10 for 2024
According to Thethaovanhoa, despite not fitting the “idol beauty mold,” Kim Go-eun’s stellar performances continue to break barriers.
9. Bae Suzy – When Beauty Can’t Save a Weak Script
All Your Wishes Will Come True failed to silence the ongoing criticism of Suzy’s acting. According to IMDB, many viewers still find her line delivery and expressions lacking.
However, her visuals and screen presence kept her relevant in romantic scenes. While not explosive, Suzy’s name still dominates Google searches every time she drops a new project.
10. Jisoo (BLACKPINK) – Idol-Turned-Actress, But Is She There Yet?
Jisoo remains one of the most Googled actresses, despite having no new projects post-Snowdrop.
Rumors of her next drama sent netizens into a frenzy, keeping her trending.
While her Snowdrop performance was initially met with mixed reviews, IMDB notes that many viewers recognized her improvement. The question remains—will she break through in 2025, or stay “an idol who acts”?
🔥 Who will dominate Google in 2025?
From IU, Han So-hee, Kim Ji-won to Go Yoon-jung—who will continue their reign next year? Let’s wait and see! 🚀
This Top 10 ranking reflects the true power of Hallyu—a mix of acting prowess, visual impact, and internet-breaking charisma. Let us know who your favorite is!
