Kim Ji-won is a celebrated South Korean actress in great demand for her emotional strength, charm, and ability to adapt to many and very different roles. Since the early days of doing commercials and starring in international drama productions, she has grown into one of the most respected figures in the Korean entertainment industry.
Early Life and Background
Born on October 19, 1992, in Seoul, South Korea, she first dreamed of entering the world as a singer. She trained in music and was a backup vocalist of Younha before fate finally decided larger things for her in the realm of acting. With bright young looks capturing attention, Kim first gained fame after acting in television commercials, earning herself the moniker “Oran C Girl” after an orange drink commercial soared in popularity.
It was in 2008 that she formally debuted as an actress, starring in Mrs. Saigon; by the year 2010, the drama High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged was another show that displayed her promising ability.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Kim Ji-won quickly became popular after starring in The Heirs (2013) alongside the stars Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye. However, it was her portrayal of Yoon Myung-joo, a resilient military doctor, in Descendants of the Sun (2016) that made her a household name globally.
She and other roles showed her great versatility, further evidenced in projects like Fight for My Way (2017), where she portrayed the fiery Choi Ae-ra, and in Arthdal Chronicles (2019), which pushed her into the fantasy epic genre. In 2024, she grabbed the limelight with praise from all quarters for her almost flawless performance in Queen of Tears.
Personal Life
Full Name: Kim Ji-Won
Nickname: Oran C Girl
Date of Birth: October 19, 1992
Age (in 2025): 32 years
Height & Weight: 164cm, 45 kg
Education: Dongguk University (Theater & Film)
Family: Parents and an elder brother
Marital Status: Single
Religion: Christian
In some ways, Kim has guarded her personal life in the limelight and has stayed away from public controversies. Although rumors about her dating life occasionally surface, none have been officially confirmed.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Kim Ji-won has earned nominations and awards for her acting, especially for her roles in Descendants of the Sun, Fight for My Way, and Queen of Tears. Often, critics praise her for the ability to bring emotional power to vulnerability and grace to what is perceived as an unnatural screen presence.
Net Worth and Career Status
As of the year 2025, Kim Ji-won earns a reputed sum of $30,000 for each episode of the drama, whose total net worth is believed to be about $5 million USD. She is actively reviewing new scripts and is rumored to be preparing for a significant film project later this year.
Interesting Facts
Kim Ji-won once trained to become a K-pop idol.
She speaks fluent English and studied abroad.
She earned the nickname “Little Kim Tae-hee” early in her career.
Despite her fame, she rarely appears on variety shows.
She is ambidextrous and loves cats, particularly her Scottish Fold pet.
