Lim Ji-yeon is one of South Korea’s most dynamic and talented actresses, known for her fearless acting choices and emotional depth on screen. Born and raised in Seoul, Ji-yeon first captured public attention with her bold debut in the critically acclaimed erotic drama Obsessed (2014), where she starred opposite Song Seung-heon. Since then, she has consistently proven her versatility through a wide range of roles, from intense thrillers to romantic dramas and psychological series.
Her rise to fame wasn’t meteoric but rather a steady climb, grounded in a strong academic background and sheer dedication to her craft. A graduate of the prestigious Korea National University of Arts, Lim Ji-yeon was already being recognized in the theatre world before stepping into film and television. Her refined acting skills, combined with her girl-next-door charm, have made her both a critical darling and a fan favorite.
In recent years, Ji-yeon has made headlines for her chilling performance in the Netflix revenge-thriller The Glory (2022–2023), where she portrayed the cruel and complex villain Park Yeon-jin. The role marked a transformative moment in her career, drawing widespread acclaim and earning her the Best Supporting Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. Off-screen, she maintains a relatively low-key public presence, allowing her performances to speak louder than any tabloid buzz.
Let’s explore more about the captivating journey of Lim Ji-yeon!
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Lim Ji-yeon |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 35 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | June 23, 1990 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A (Generally not disclosed in Korean public profiles) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Cancer |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 166 cm (5’5″) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 48 kg |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-33 |
| 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 | Lee Do-hyun (confirmed in 2023) |
|---|---|
| Dating | Lee Do-hyun |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Local school in Seoul (undisclosed) |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Korea National University of Arts |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Acting/Theater |
Controversies
- Lim Ji-yeon has maintained a clean and professional public image throughout her career.
- While her role in The Glory stirred social media debates for its intense bullying theme, her performance was widely praised and did not attract negative controversy personally.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Tteokbokki |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | In the Mood for Love |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Jeon Do-yeon |
| Favorite Color | White |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Paris, France |
| Favorite Cafe | Hidden cafes in Itaewon |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Gentle Monster (for accessories) |
| Favorite Book | The Little Prince |
| Favorite Athlete | Son Heung-min |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Varies by project |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $3-5 million USD (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not known |
| Phone Number | Not known |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Lim Ji-yeon |
|---|---|
| Not active publicly | |
| Not active publicly | |
| @limjjy2 |
Personal Quote:
“I want to become an actress who is always remembered through her characters.”
Early Life and Career:
Lim Ji-yeon was born on June 23, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea. From an early age, she was fascinated by the performing arts. Her passion led her to study at Korea National University of Arts, where she trained extensively in theatre. Unlike many of her peers who jumped into the entertainment industry through idol training or modeling, Ji-yeon honed her craft on stage before transitioning to film and television.
Her film debut in Obsessed (2014) was nothing short of audacious, playing a complex female lead in a period romance that pushed boundaries. The film was controversial, but Lim Ji-yeon’s performance was widely praised and earned her multiple newcomer awards, including Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
Over the years, she starred in a variety of projects such as The Treacherous (2015), High Society (2015), Blow Breeze (2016), and Welcome 2 Life (2019), building a reputation for nuanced acting and genre versatility. However, it was her portrayal of the antagonist Park Yeon-jin in The Glory that marked a major turning point in her career, transforming her image and earning her new levels of respect as an actress.
Current life/Events:
As of 2025, Lim Ji-yeon remains at the top of her game. Her relationship with fellow actor Lee Do-hyun continues to be a subject of affectionate interest among fans. Professionally, she is actively pursuing challenging and diverse roles, with upcoming projects rumored in both South Korea and international productions.
She recently wrapped up shooting for a new psychological thriller series expected to air in early 2026, further proving her willingness to explore darker, more layered characters. She’s also becoming a favorite among high-end brands and is frequently seen gracing the covers of fashion magazines.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Lim Ji-yeon
- She made her acting debut at the relatively late age of 24, after years of theatrical training.
- Lim Ji-yeon is fluent in both Korean and English.
- She’s an introvert in real life, despite playing some of the boldest roles in K-dramas.
- Ji-yeon is known among co-stars for her quirky sense of humor and love for pranks on set.
- Before fame, she considered becoming a writer or journalist.
- Her breakout role in Obsessed was offered to her after a rigorous audition process involving over 200 candidates.
- She loves traveling solo and often plans short trips between shoots.
- She’s a trained classical dancer and often incorporates movement-based acting in her roles.
- Her favorite skincare tip? “Less is more” – she believes in minimal makeup and natural beauty.
- Ji-yeon is a big fan of Studio Ghibli films and collects Ghibli merchandise.
