Cho Yi-hyun is one of South Korea’s most promising young actresses, captivating audiences with her charm, nuanced performances, and striking on-screen presence. Rising to prominence through standout roles in K-dramas like Hospital Playlist (2020–2021) and the globally successful zombie thriller All of Us Are Dead (2022), Cho has quickly carved out a space for herself in the competitive world of Korean entertainment.
Born on December 8, 1999, in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, Cho Yi-hyun did not originally set out to be an actress. Her early aspirations leaned toward the performing arts, particularly ballet, before shifting to acting—a decision that would define her future. She studied acting at the prestigious Korea National University of Arts, known for producing some of Korea’s finest talent.
Cho debuted in 2017 under JYP Entertainment before moving to Artist Company in 2019, a label founded by veteran actors Jung Woo-sung and Lee Jung-jae. Her breakout moment came with the youth medical drama Hospital Playlist, where she played a recurring but emotionally resonant role. However, it was Netflix’s All of Us Are Dead that catapulted her to international fame. As Choi Nam-ra, a cold and intelligent class president navigating a zombie apocalypse, she showed depth and range that earned her critical acclaim and a global fanbase.
Despite her rising stardom, Cho Yi-hyun maintains a grounded personality and is known for her humility and work ethic. As she balances between mainstream K-dramas and experimental roles, the actress continues to be one of the brightest young faces of Hallyu, the Korean Wave.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Cho Yi-hyun (조이현) |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | Yi-hyun |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 25 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1999 |
| Hometown | Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do |
| Caste/Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Sagittarius |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 160 cm (5’3”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 45–48 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not known |
| Mother’s name | Not known |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status Affairs Boyfriends Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | None publicly confirmed |
|---|---|
| Dating | No official relationships |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Hanlim Multi Art School |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Korea National University of Arts |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Acting |
Controversies
Cho Yi-hyun has maintained a clean public image and has not been involved in any major controversies. She is widely respected for her professionalism on set and low-profile lifestyle.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Tteokbokki, ramen, strawberries |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | Not publicly disclosed |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Kim Hye-soo |
| Favorite Color | Pastel tones, especially pink |
| Favorite Designer | Not disclosed |
| Favorite Destination | Jeju Island |
| Favorite Cafe | Likes quiet cafes in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Often wears minimalist Korean fashion brands |
| Favorite Book | Enjoys poetry and fiction |
| Favorite Athlete | Not publicly known |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Estimated per project basis |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Approx. $1–2 million (USD) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not disclosed |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea (Not publicly disclosed) |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Cho Yi-hyun |
|---|---|
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @cho.yihyun |
Personal quote:
“I want to be remembered as an actress who can move people’s hearts.”
Early Life and Career
Cho Yi-hyun was born and raised in Gwangmyeong, a city near Seoul. From a young age, she showed a strong inclination toward the performing arts, originally training in ballet before transitioning to acting in her teens. Her determination led her to enroll in the Korea National University of Arts, one of South Korea’s top institutions for aspiring actors.
She made her screen debut in 2017 with minor roles before landing more substantial parts in the web drama Real Life Love Story: Season 3. Her fresh face and natural acting caught the attention of casting directors, earning her roles in Less Than Evil and How to Buy a Friend.
Her big break came with Hospital Playlist, one of Korea’s highest-rated series, where she played a warm, relatable character that earned her widespread praise. She followed that with a star-making turn in All of Us Are Dead, where she played Choi Nam-ra, a high school class president who becomes a half-zombie. The series became a global hit on Netflix, ranking in the platform’s Top 10 in over 90 countries.
Current Life/Events
Following her international breakout, Cho Yi-hyun has been actively pursuing roles that challenge her range and showcase her depth as an actress. In 2023, she starred in the youth romance series Ditto and is set to headline an upcoming thriller K-drama expected to release in 2025.
She has also been invited to global fashion events and brand endorsements, signaling her growing influence not just as an actress but as a style icon in the Korean entertainment scene.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Cho Yi-hyun
- She originally trained in ballet before switching to acting.
- Cho Yi-hyun signed with Artist Company, co-founded by actor Jung Woo-sung.
- She is close friends with some of her Hospital Playlist co-stars in real life.
- Her favorite comfort food is tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
- Despite her quiet public persona, she has a goofy and playful side off-camera.
- Cho Yi-hyun can speak basic English and is working to improve her fluency for global roles.
- She was praised for doing many of her own stunts in All of Us Are Dead.
- She prefers minimalist fashion and is often spotted in casual chic outfits.
- Her role as Nam-ra earned her several newcomer and popularity awards.
- She enjoys reading poetry and frequently shares quotes on her private social media.
