Defying age is not a surprising trait in Korean dramas. In the industry filled with swoon-worthy leads, gripping story lines, and heart-stopping cliffhangers, we often get carried away with their face cards and forget that they are not the teenagers we picture in our heads. Today, we will be focusing on the queens who have been gracing our screens with their incredible talent and jaw-dropping beauty for decades.

Older female K-drama actresses seem to have cracked the code to eternal youth because age seems to have nothing on them. From porcelain skin and boundless energy to the blinding charisma they exude on the screen, these women have proven themselves that they are nothing short of phenomenal.

Kim Hye-Soo – The Boss Lady

The Under the Queen’s Umbrella’s lead actress struts around our screen with her elegant face laced with the confidence of a CEO who just sealed a billion-dollar deal. Her excellent role in Juvenile Justice, where she played a judge, brought out her no-nonsense side. The beauty didn’t stop there; she was a vicious and cunning lawyer in “Hyena,” where she wore her crown for queen of power suits and sharp retorts. Owning a youthful charisma is her forte. Even though she joked about staying active in order to prevent falling apart too soon, we can all agree that time is the one on the losing end here. 

Ha Ji-Won – Action Queen with a Smile

Show me a more badass queen. From her roles in Secret Garden and Empress Ki, Ha Ji Won has been tagged as the force of nature. A woman doing her own stunts, tackling demanding roles, and still maintaining composure is surely not what we usually see in the K-drama scene. Somehow, she keeps aging backward and has attributed her young look to hiking and meditation, which helps keep her mind and body in sync. Maybe this is a cue to take our meditation sessions seriously too?

Lee Young-Ae – The Graceful Enigma

From the days of Jewel in the Palace, we have Lee Young Ae still serving regal realness. Even in her 50s, she hasn’t aged much. Her beauty keeps getting elevated even with her status as a mother of two. Juggling family life and acting career without breaking a wrinkle is her charm. She claimed simplicity; staying away from unnecessary drama aside from the one on TV and continuous intake of healthy green tea has made her mind and body fresh. Can this simplicity also pay for our skincare bills? If you know the answer, please tell us. We are asking for the entire Hamkke community.

Kim Hee-Ae – The Timeless Femme Fatale

The World of the Married left our mouths hanging with the crazy tension and twists. We still haven’t forgotten the agenda to have the husband beaten to a pulp and make a paper placard for cheating awareness out of him. Kim Hee Ae embodies the role of a strong woman with her piercing and undeniable poise. Her youthful glow is supported by a balanced diet and curiosity about life, coupled with gratitude. Well, our happiness comes from binge-watching her slay on our screens, so a win is a win after all.

Bonus Mention:

Choi Ji-Woo – Queen of First Loves

Our Winter Sonata fairy goes around radiating warmth that made her the queen of first loves. The 49-year-old actress recently made a cameo in Crash Landing on You; she left us yelping about how she hadn’t aged a day! She claimed staying cheerful is the hidden spice, as well as her new entry into motherhood, which has given her a new sense of purpose. Maybe it’s time to watch more of her dramas so we can share in the cheerfulness.

With these women, beauty isn’t just about flawless skin and perfect hair, which they have in abundance, but also a blend of confidence and passion, with a sprinkle of staying true to yourself. It starts from a mindset; maybe it’s time to start that journey today.