From Jun Ji-hyun to Lee Young-ae: 'Mysterious' Actresses Break Down Walls with Fans Through YouTube & SNS

Actresses who were once known for their 'mysterious' image, only seen through their work, are now actively bridging the gap with the public by revealing their human side through various platforms like vlogs, social media, and YouTube appearances.

Actress Jun Ji-hyun, in her first-ever YouTube variety show appearance after 28 years since her debut, garnered significant attention for her candid and witty remarks on Hong Jin-kyung's channel. She openly shared stories from her early career, her marriage, and her daily routines, stating, “It wasn't a spontaneous meeting; we met through an introduction,” and humorously revealing her husband’s nickname as ‘Euljiro Jang Dong-gun.’

Choi Ji-woo and Ko So-young, icons of the 90s 'mysterious' persona, are also showing a changed demeanor. Choi Ji-woo appeared on radio shows and variety programs, sharing heartfelt maternal stories about her child and admitting, “There are times when I lose my temper while raising a child, but I reflect and grow from it,” resonating with many parents.

Meanwhile, Ko So-young has shed her mysterious image entirely through social media. She shares glimpses of her daily life, including moments at her home overlooking the Han River, family birthday parties, and vacation photos, maintaining consistent communication with her fans. She is also actively engaging with fans by launching a YouTube channel, teasing upcoming content.

Actresses like Kim Nam-joo, Han Ga-in, and Lee Min-jung have also embraced YouTube as a new stage. Kim Nam-joo appeared on a YouTube variety program for the first time in 31 years, sharing photos of her daughter and insights into her home. Han Ga-in and Lee Min-jung have revealed their realistic lives as mothers on their personal YouTube channels, with Lee Min-jung even showing her son’s face in her first video, leading to a surge in subscribers.

Even iconic actresses known for their elusive image, Lee Young-ae and Go Hyun-jung, are showing changes. Lee Young-ae’s Milan travel vlog on Vogue Korea’s YouTube channel showcased her simple lifestyle, including eating boiled vegetables and enjoying instant jjajangmyeon, surprising fans with her down-to-earth persona.

Go Hyun-jung recently opened a personal Instagram account, sharing her initial hesitation, “I’m shy, I might regret it,” alongside everyday posts like, “What are you having for dinner tonight? I’m having soy sauce and egg rice!” This has been met with enthusiastic responses from fans, celebrating her openness. The era of 'mysterious' celebrity is fading, replaced by stars who share their genuine selves, making them feel more like approachable 'neighbors' rather than unattainable stars.

During her appearance on the YouTube channel 'King of Study' (공부왕찐천재), Jun Ji-hyun playfully mentioned her husband's nickname, 'Euljiro Jang Dong-gun,' humorously remarking on his good looks. She also shared a candid anecdote about marriage: 'Before getting married, my wish was to live without fighting, but after marrying my husband, I realized that living without fighting is impossible,' which elicited laughter from viewers. Netizens reacted with surprise at her unexpected wit, calling her charmingly candid and relatable, and expressing hopes to see her more often on YouTube and variety shows.