In 1999, all eyes in South Korea weren’t on a drama premiere but on a surprisingly ordinary event: Song Hye Kyo arriving to take her university entrance exam. At just 18 years old, her appearance at the exam center turned into a media frenzy—foreshadowing the legendary career she would go on to have.
Unlike typical students, Song Hye Kyo’s presence at the exam hall created an overwhelming stir. Though she wore a simple outfit, had no makeup, and let her hair fall naturally, her natural beauty captivated the press and public alike. Her youthful elegance, soft features, and pure aura stood out so much that clips from that day are now considered historic footage—resurfacing online with every university exam season in Korea.
The scene was nothing short of spectacular. Fans had arrived early with banners, gifts, and cheers, lining the campus just to catch a glimpse of her. Even reporters flocked to document the moment. As gifts were slipped into her hands one after another, Song Hye Kyo continuously bowed and thanked everyone, gracefully acknowledging their support.
That one morning in 1999 spoke volumes: an 18-year-old with an aura that could command national attention was destined for stardom. And so it was. Over the decades, Song Hye Kyo has faced her share of ups and downs, but she has remained the “goddess of beauty” in Korean entertainment.
Born in 1981, Song Hye Kyo rose from teenage modeling to becoming one of the most iconic actresses in Korea. Known as the “ageless beauty” and “queen of Asian dramas,” she became a Hallyu symbol through mega-hit series like Autumn in My Heart (2000), Full House (2004), That Winter, The Wind Blows (2013), Descendants of the Sun (2016), and the critically acclaimed The Glory (2022–2023). With refined acting and an unmatched screen presence, she captivated not only Korea but fans worldwide.
Her personal life, too, was often under the spotlight. Her high-profile relationship and subsequent marriage to Song Joong Ki, her co-star in Descendants of the Sun, was dubbed the “wedding of the century.” However, the marriage ended in less than two years, with the 2019 divorce making headlines across Asia. Despite the media frenzy, Song Hye Kyo maintained her poise, kept a low profile, and shifted focus back to her craft—delivering emotionally rich performances that further solidified her place as an acting powerhouse.
Today, whether on screen or remembered in candid moments from decades past, Song Hye Kyo continues to embody timeless beauty, resilience, and star power—just as she did the day she walked into her university exam hall and stole the nation’s breath away.
Sources: kenh14