Three actresses born in 1996, Go Youn-jung, Kim Hye-yoon, and Moon Ga-young, are emerging as an untouchable trio in the Korean entertainment industry, commanding attention across television and film as they enter their 30s.
Despite different debut timelines and career trajectories, the three actresses now share a common position as leading figures shaping the current landscape of Korean dramas and movies. With consecutive successful projects and multiple upcoming works confirmed, their influence continues to expand in 2026.
Go Youn-jung: Continuous High-Profile Casting
Go Youn-jung began 2026 with the Netflix drama Can This Love Be Translated? , where she portrayed top star Cha Mu-hee, a character with a dual identity. Her performance showcased both emotional depth and versatility, marking her first project centered primarily on romance.
Following her collaboration with the Hong Sisters on Alchemy of Souls and Can This Love Be Translated? , Go is set to appear in April in Everyone Is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness (tentative title) , written by Park Hae-young, known for My Mister and My Liberation Notes.
Since her 2019 debut in He Is Psychometric , Go Youn-jung has steadily built her career through works such as The School Nurse Files , Sweet Home , Law School , Moving , and Resident Playbook , establishing herself as a consistently sought-after actress.
Kim Hye-yoon: A Proven Romantic Lead
Kim Hye-yoon has earned a reputation for strong on-screen chemistry through roles in Extraordinary You and Lovely Runner. Her acting foundation was built through years of auditions and supporting roles before her breakthrough in 2018 with SKY Castle , where she played Kang Ye-seo, a role that earned her the Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actress.
Currently, Kim stars in SBS’s No Tail to Tell , portraying Eun-ho, a modern gumiho uninterested in becoming human. She is also confirmed to return in Season 2 of Good Partner , scheduled for broadcast in November.
Kim debuted as a child actress in 2013 and has since progressed through a wide range of roles, eventually securing her place as one of the most reliable leads of her generation.
Moon Ga-young: A Leading Name in Melodrama
Moon Ga-young, who debuted in 2006, has built a long-standing career across film and television. She gained widespread popularity with True Beauty and later demonstrated emotional maturity in melodramas such as Find Me in Your Memory and The Interest of Love.
Her 2025 film Once We Were Us surpassed 2 million admissions and maintained the No.1 box office position for 15 consecutive days, becoming the first Korean melodrama in seven years to reach that milestone. Moon is scheduled to return to television in 2027 with tvN’s Whale Star (tentative title) and has also been cast in director Lee Eung-bok’s upcoming drama Scent of the Night , signaling continued momentum in her career.
As they reach the age of 30, Go Youn-jung, Kim Hye-yoon, and Moon Ga-young exemplify how steady career-building, genre diversity, and consistent performances can lead to lasting success. With confirmed projects already lined up, the trio is poised to further strengthen their presence as leading actresses in the years ahead.
Sources: Daum