While most fans long for a romance that emulates their favorite K-Drama, for one popular actress, her own drama’s plot became her real-life romance.
Actress Han Ji Hye debuted in the entertainment industry in 2001 as a model at the age of 17. But her official acting debut didn’t happen until 2003, with the KBS drama Summer Scent. Her popularity rose to its peak in 2004 with the hit drama Sweet 18.
Sweet 18 tells the story of a lively 18-year-old Yoon Jung Sook (played by Han Ji Hye) and a 28-year-old prosecutor, Kwon Hyuk Joon (Lee Dong Gun). The two’s love-hate relationship became a hot topic during the show’s run.
After Sweet 18, Han starred in multiple successful shows, including Likeable or Not and East of Eden. She also ventured into singing for a while before turning to shoemaking and design, followed by writing.
Han got married in 2010 at 26 years of age. After romancing an on-screen prosecutor, she married a real-life prosecutor. Even more astonishingly, her husband’s name is Hyuk Joon as well, the same as her Sweet 18 love interest! This surreal connection created quite the buzz when the two tied the knot. Han continued her career even after her marriage, cementing her position as a respected actress. She also gave birth to a daughter in 2021, putting her acting career on pause except for special appearances.
While Han has not shared any specific plans for her return to acting, fans are eagerly anticipating what new K-Drama trope her life will unfold next!
