Korean stars born in the Year of the Horse: From a 60-year-old MC to a member of a national girl group.

Hoàng PhúcFeb 18, 2026 at 14:57

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In the Korean entertainment industry, there are stars born in the Year of the Horse (according to the lunar calendar) who have made a deep impression on the public thanks to their talent, perseverance, and diverse on-screen personas.

Each of them has their own unique journey, but all have contributed to enriching the landscape of the Hallyu wave.

One of the most prominent figures is Ji Suk Jin, whose name is synonymous with the popular reality TV show. Born in 1966 in Jeongseon, Gangwon, Ji Suk Jin initially studied Business Administration at Ajou University. He debuted as a singer with the album "Smile on a Gloomy Afternoon" in 1992, but later decided to switch to comedy in 1993 on the advice of friends and colleagues. His career truly exploded when he joined the reality show Running Man in 2010, making Ji Suk Jin one of the most beloved MCs and artists in South Korea. Besides his artistic career, he has built a happy family with his wife, Ryu Su Jung, and his story is an example of perseverance in pursuing one's passion despite starting later than many others.

Korean stars born in the Year of the Horse: From a 60-year-old MC to a member of a national girl group. - Photo 1

Next is Ha Jung Woo, whose real name is Kim Sung Hoon, born in 1978 in Seoul. He was born into an artistic family – his father is actor Kim Yong Gun, and his older brother is also an actor, Cha Hyun Woo – but he chose the challenging path of acting, and his beginnings were not easy. Debuting in 2003, he initially only received supporting roles, but gradually gained widespread public recognition thanks to the film The Chaser in 2008. Films like Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds not only solidified his reputation but also made him one of the highest-grossing actors in South Korea. Notably, he also ventured into directing with the film Lobby , further solidifying his widespread influence in the industry.

Korean stars born in the Year of the Horse: From a 60-year-old MC to a member of a national girl group. - Photo 2

Among the prominent actresses born in the Year of the Horse, Ha Ji Won – real name Jeon Hae Rim – can be considered a symbol of perseverance. Born in 1978 in Seoul and a graduate of the Film Department at Dankook University, she went through a difficult journey with over 100 auditions before achieving stardom. That year, her role in Sex Is Zero brought her closer to the public. Her stage name, Ha Ji Won, was taken from the name of her first boyfriend, her manager, and from there she gradually established herself through famous projects such as Secret Garden and Empress Ki , earning her numerous awards and widespread fame throughout Asia. She also earned the admiration of audiences for her resilience in overcoming a serious car accident in 2003.

Korean stars born in the Year of the Horse: From a 60-year-old MC to a member of a national girl group. - Photo 3

It's impossible not to mention Yoona, whose real name is Im Yoon Ah, born in 1990 in Seoul, dubbed the "Nation's First Love Goddess." She's a member of the legendary girl group Girls' Generation (SNSD), having trained for seven years at SM Entertainment before her debut. Besides her singing career, Yoona successfully transitioned into acting, making her debut in Two Outs in the Ninth Inning in 2007 and gaining popularity thanks to her attractive appearance, diverse talents, and innocent image. Her nickname, "Deer Yoona," comes from her large, doe-like eyes, and she's often considered the ideal girlfriend by many Korean celebrities. Yoona's story is also a testament to the relentless effort put into developing a career in both music and film.

Korean stars born in the Year of the Horse: From a 60-year-old MC to a member of a national girl group. - Photo 4

In the same generation as Yoona is Park Shin Hye, born in 1990 in Gwangju, famous for her role in Stairway to Heaven (2003). Like Ha Ji Won, Shin Hye auditioned hundreds of times before finding her place in the industry. Her ability to transform from a girl disguised as a boy in You're Beautiful to a doctor in The Doctors has made her one of the highest-grossing actresses in South Korea. In 2022, she married and founded the Starlight Angel charity to support the community, further enhancing her public image.

Korean stars born in the Year of the Horse: From a 60-year-old MC to a member of a national girl group. - Photo 5

Finally, Lee Jun Ho, born in 1990 in Seoul, is a member of the boy group 2PM. He debuted in 2008 and is known for his singing, dancing, and songwriting abilities. Beyond his musical success, Lee Jun Ho also made his mark with his acting role in The Red Sleeve Cuff and won the "Best Actor" award at the Baeksang Awards – one of the most prestigious awards in South Korea. His combination of musical and acting talents has made him one of the most popular and versatile stars today.

Korean stars born in the Year of the Horse: From a 60-year-old MC to a member of a national girl group. - Photo 6

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