Young Icons: Yoona, IU, and Suzy Carrying Forward a Timeless Legacy
Despite being on top for over 20 years, the impact of “Yoon Lee Ji” is equally impressive as that of “Tae Hye Ji”. Esteemed figures in the entertainment industry such as Yoona, IU, and Suzy are following in the footsteps of Korea’s finest, Kim Tae Hee, Song Hye Kyo, and Jun Ji Hyun.
Kim Tae Hee, Song Hye Kyo, and Jun Ji Hyun were adored by everyone during a time of significant transformations, and surprisingly, their popularity continues to thrive. They have firmly established themselves among the top celebrities, thanks to their inherent beauty and unquestionable talent.
Yoona, IU, and Suzy also possess these qualities and are often associated with the aforementioned stars. They have transcended generations and have become national icons, receiving widespread affection from the public and emerging as the next generation of respected stars.
Notably, Yoona, IU, and Suzy have a common trait: they excel in various fields. While they initially gained recognition as singers, their talents extended beyond the music industry. They have conquered the small and big screens alike, capturing audiences’ hearts as members of the Girls’ Generation, solo artists, and Miss A, respectively.
Yoona, IU, and Suzy have already established themselves as actors, transcending the label of idol performers, thanks to their remarkable works at a young age. They have created their own “legendary” paths, just like Kim Tae Hee, Song Hye Kyo, and Jun Ji Hyun. Despite being in their thirties, these three individuals have achieved remarkable success in their teens and twenties, proving their unique charm and continuing to shine alongside “Tae Hye Ji,” who is still thriving in her forties.
Yoona, the Rising Queen of Romcom
Yoona has solidified her status as the “visual center” within the renowned national girl group, Girls’ Generation. She embarked on her acting career with a remarkable achievement, starring in the daily drama “You Are My Destiny” (2008), which garnered the highest viewer rating of 43%.
Her debut film, “Confidential Assignment” (2017), attracted a staggering 7.81 million moviegoers, while her first leading role in “Exit” (2019) achieved remarkable success with an audience count of 9.42 million moviegoers.
In previous years, Yoona delivered outstanding performances on both the big and small screens. She captivated audiences with “Confidential Assignment 2: International” (6.98 million viewers) and the drama “Big Mouth,” earning her the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 58th Daejong Film Festival and the Popular Star Award for two consecutive years at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Furthermore, she won the Women’s Best Acting Award in the mini-series category at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards.
In 2023, Yoona proved to be a Romcom Queen through the JTBC Saturday-Sunday drama series, “King the Land.” Yoona has received an overwhelming response throughout the drama.
Fans can also anticipate Yoona’s appearance in the upcoming film, “2 O’Clock Date,” where she portrays Jeong Seon-ji, a character with a captivating secret. This project reunites her with director Lee Sang Geun, who previously worked with her on “Exit.”
IU, the Singer-Songwriter Actress
Singer-songwriter IU has been making waves in the acting realm as well. With her profound acting skills that resonate like her own music, she has captivated audiences on the small screen. Her notable appearances include dramas like “Producer” (2015), “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016), and “Hotel Del Luna” (2019). However, it was her performance in the 2018 drama “My Mister” that truly left a lasting impression on the Korean audience. IU consistently proves her ability to gather a dedicated fan base with each project she undertakes.
IU has also made a name for herself in the film industry. She made her screen debut in Hirokazu Koreeda’s film “Broker,” earning her the opportunity to participate in the esteemed 75th Cannes International Film Festival. This achievement marked her as the first singer-turned-actor to enter the competition category.
In the comedy genre film “Dream,” released in 2023, IU collaborated with renowned director Lee Byung-hun, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In 2025, her talent will be showcased in the upcoming drama featuring writer Lim Sang-chun from the acclaimed series “When the Camellia Blooms” and Park Bo Gum, promising a grand tv-comeback for IU.
Suzy, from Top Idol to Top Actress
Her acting journey began on a unique note, with initial doubts surrounding her skills in the drama “Dream High” in 2010. However, she still managed to make a remarkable start, establishing herself as the nation’s sweetheart through her debut film “Architecture 101” in 2012, which garnered massive public adoration.
Since then, Suzy has built an impressive filmography, including notable works like “The Sound of a Flower” (2015), “Ashfall” (2019), the drama “Gu Family Book” (2013), “Lovely” (2016), “While You Were Sleeping” (2017), “Vagabond” (2019), and “Start Ip” (2020). She did not confine herself to the label of “People’s First Love” and consistently took on diverse genres such as historical dramas, modern dramas, fantasy, and melodrama. In 2022, she portrayed the compelling character of Anna in Coupang’s original series, “Anna,” showcasing a newfound darker side and earning both viewer and critical acclaim.
Having reached the pinnacle of her acting skills, Suzy has secured successive projects, signaling her expansion in the industry. In 2023, Suzy starred in Netflix’s original series “Doona!,” She played the character of Lee Doona, a retired idol, she delivered yet another captivating transformation following her role as Anna.
Source (1)
