Ever wonder what happened to your favorite korean child actress from early 2000s K-dramas? Well, they didn’t just disappear—they grew up, honed their craft, and are now leading some of the hottest dramas in 2025!
Some have been consistently in the spotlight, while others are making epic comebacks after a short break. Either way, they’re proving that childhood stardom was just the beginning. From heart-fluttering romances to intense thrillers, here are six former korean child actress who are dominating the Korean drama scene this year!
1. Lee Se Young – The Motel California Romance We Didn’t Know We Needed
If you’ve been watching K-dramas for a while, you definitely recognize Lee Se Young. This girl has been in the industry since she was five years old—yeah, FIVE! Over the years, she’s racked up an impressive list of dramas, proving her range in everything from historical sagas to modern rom-coms.
And in 2025, she’s blessing us with another hit: Motel California!
What’s the drama about?
Lee Se Young plays Ji Kang Hee, the daughter of a motel owner who left her small hometown 12 years ago to chase success in Seoul. But just when she thought she had everything figured out, she finds herself back home, face-to-face with her childhood best friend and first love, Cheon Yeon Soo (played by Na In Woo).
Old flames rekindling in a cozy little town? We’re already hooked.
2. Roh Jeong Eui – A Witch You Won’t Forget in The Witch
If you loved Roh Jeong Eui in Hierarchy (2024), get ready to see her in a whole new light. This former child star, who’s been acting since 2011, has taken on a spine-chilling role in The Witch, a fantasy-thriller based on a webtoon by Kang Full.
What’s the drama about?
Roh Jeong Eui plays Park Mi Jeong, a woman cursed with a terrifying fate—every man who falls in love with her ends up dead. Yep, you read that right.
Desperate to stop the cycle, Mi Jeong isolates herself from the world. But as we all know, secrets like these never stay buried for long. With a gripping mystery and an eerie atmosphere, The Witch has been pulling in impressive ratings. If you love suspenseful dramas with a touch of the supernatural, this one’s a must-watch.
3. Moon Ga Young – A Chaotic Workplace Romance in My Dearest Nemesis
Moon Ga Young’s career has been thriving since her days as a child model-turned-actress. Born in Germany in 1996, she started playing younger versions of lead characters before eventually taking center stage herself.
Now, after a three-year break, she’s making a highly anticipated comeback with My Dearest Nemesis—a rom-com that’s already winning over audiences.
What’s the drama about?
Moon Ga Young plays Baek Soo Jung, the head of the strategic planning team at Yongseong Department Store. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it gets complicated when she finds herself clashing with her boss, played by Choi Hyun Wook.
Think office politics, witty banter, and unexpected romance—the perfect recipe for a feel-good drama with just the right amount of drama (pun intended).
4. Park Eun Bin – The Genius Surgeon in Hyper Knife
Park Eun Bin needs no introduction. If you watched Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), you already know she’s an acting powerhouse. But did you know she’s been in the game since she was six years old?
Now, she’s switching things up with a medical thriller, and trust me—you’re not ready for this.
What’s the drama about?
In Hyper Knife, Park Eun Bin plays Jeong Se Ok, a brilliant but outcast neurosurgeon. Once at the top of her game, her world crumbles when her mentor betrays her, leading to the loss of her medical license. Forced into the shadows, she becomes a mysterious underground doctor with a thirst for justice.
With a stacked cast and high-stakes drama, Hyper Knife is already shaping up to be one of 2025’s most intense and gripping series.
📅 Premiere Date: March 19, exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.
5. Kim So Hyun – A Gold Medalist Turned Detective in Good Boy
Kim So Hyun has been acting since she was seven, making her one of the most recognizable faces in K-drama. You probably remember her from The Moon Embracing The Sun (2012) or I Can Hear Your Voice (2013), where she played younger versions of the leads.
Fast forward to 2025, and she’s back with an action-packed drama: Good Boy.
What’s the drama about?
Kim So Hyun stars as Ji Ha Na, a former Olympic gold medalist in shooting. But after an unexpected tragedy, she walks away from her athletic career and decides to follow in her father’s footsteps—by becoming a detective.
Throw in an elite team of crime-fighters, plus big names like Park Bo Gum and Lee Sang Yi, and you’ve got a crime thriller that’s bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
📅 Release Window: First half of 2025.
6. Kim Hyang Gi – A Superhero With a Twist in Cashero
Last but not least, we have Kim Hyang Gi, who made her debut in 2006 with Hearty Paws. While she’s spent most of her career in movies (Along With the Gods, anyone?), she’s finally making a return to dramas with Cashero—a superhero series with a unique twist.
What’s the drama about?
Kim Hyang Gi plays Bang Eun Mi, a young woman with an unusual power: her abilities are fueled by calories. Yep, the more she eats, the stronger she gets.
This drama is based on a webtoon and is shaping up to be a fun mix of action, comedy, and heart. Plus, she’s starring alongside Kim Byung Chul and Lee Jun Ho, so you know the casting is top-tier.
📅 Release Window: Late 2025.
Which Drama Are You Most Excited For?
From small-town romances to high-stakes thrillers, 2025 is looking stacked with incredible dramas starring our favorite former korean child actress.
Which of these dramas are you adding to your watchlist? Let’s talk in the comments—because we all know nothing beats fangirling over K-dramas with friends! 🎬🍿✨