Kim Go Eun is poised to become one of the most talked about stars in Korean entertainment. An accomplished actress who was directly recruited from her college drama program, Kim currently stars in the period film, "Memories of the Sword."
Her noteworthy performance in the sword fighting film has drawn attention from audiences who were familiar with the actress, who previously starred in acclaimed movies like "Monster" and "Coin Locker Girl."
In 2016, she will lead the cast of the highly anticipated drama, "Cheese in the Trap." While she is virtually unknown by international drama fans, she is set to make her mark with television audiences through "Cheese in the Trap." Until then, here are more facts about one of the brightest rising stars in Korean entertainment, Kim Go Eun.
1. She is not afraid to appear in controversial roles.
The 24-year-old actress has taken on controversial film roles, including her critically-acclaimed debut in "A Muse." For "A Muse," the then 21-year-old ingenue embraced the role of a 17-year-old high schooler who tempts a 70-year-old author and his adult student.
2. Kim Go Eun has starred with top actors like Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Ki.
Kim followed "A Muse" with a two-year hiatus before portraying a developmentally delayed woman in "Monster." In "Monster," she appeared opposite Lee Min Ki, whose bone-chilling portrayal of a serial killer added depth to her nuanced acting. She currently stars with Lee Byung Hun in "Memories of the Sword."
3. Her last film, "Coin Locker Girl," was recognized at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
She followed "Monster" with the critically-acclaimed film, "Coin Locker Girl." "Coin Locker Girl" was recognized by industry leaders at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, where it screened as part of International Critic's Week.
For the role, Kim Go Eun abandoned her conventional beauty to embrace Il Young, a tomboy who was charged with the task of performing horrific jobs at the order of her adoptive mother.
4. Her breakout role led to several Best New Actress Awards.
Kim Go Eun was the recipient of several top awards for "A Muse" including Best New Actress at the 32nd Korean Association of Film Critics Awards and the Star Asia Rising Star Award at the 2013 New York Asian Film Festival.
5. Kim Go Eun beat out top actresses and acting idols including Suzy for the role of Hong Seol in "Cheese in the Trap."
The role of Hong Seol in "Cheese in the Trap" was highly debated by both K-Drama and webtoon fans. Following several disappointing webtoon adaptations, audiences took to social media to criticize the potential casting of top stars like Suzy in "Cheese in the Trap." However, the final casting of Kim Go Eun was met with praise by those who were critical of previous choices for the beloved character, Hong Seol.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramaStars. She is also a contributing writer for KpopStarz, MTV Iggy, Viki and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing, she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
