
Im Ye-jin, born Im Ki-hee, is a veteran South Korean actress celebrated as the original “Nation’s Little Sister.” She rose to fame in the 1970s as a teenage star embodying youthful innocence and charm in hit youth films and dramas. With a career spanning over five decades, she has successfully transitioned from leading teen roles to beloved supporting characters as mothers and aunts in contemporary television.
Born on January 24, 1960, in Seoul, South Korea, Im Ye-jin is 66 years old as Her zodiac sign is Aquarius. She began modeling for teen magazines while in junior high school, which opened the door to acting.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Im Ki-hee (stage name: Im Ye-jin) |
| Nickname | Nation’s Little Sister (original) |
| Profession | Actress |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1960 |
| Age | 66 |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Friends | Yoon Hae-young (윤해영) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Current Residence | South Korea |
| Qualification | Dongguk University (Theater and Film) |
Career
Im Ye-jin made her acting debut in 1974 with the film Transgression directed by Kim Ki-young. She quickly gained attention for playing high school roles, winning Best New Actress at the Grand Bell Awards for Graduating School Girls (1975).
Her breakthrough came with the “Really Really” film trilogy in 1976–1977 (Never Forget Me, I Am Really Sorry, and I Really Really Like You), which became massive box office successes and captured the teenage audience during a challenging period for Korean cinema. These films established her as a major youth icon, often paired with actors like Lee Deok-hwa.
As she entered adulthood, Im shifted focus to television in the 1980s and beyond, starring in writer Kim Soo-hyun’s popular dramas such as Love and Truth and Farewell. She took on diverse roles, including a villainous character that surprised audiences. In recent years, she has continued appearing in supporting roles in series like Boys Over Flowers, The Producers, My Only One, and Beauty and Mr. Romantic (2024) as So Geum-ja. She has also served as a panelist and MC on variety shows.
Im Ye-jin Husband
Im Ye-jin married Choi Chang-wook, a TV director and producer at MBC, in 1989. The couple has one child. She has generally kept family matters private while maintaining a long and stable personal life alongside her career.
Physical Appearance
| Height | Not publicly detailed (estimated average) |
| Weight | Not publicly detailed |
| Eye Color | Dark (estimated) |
| Hair Color | Dark (varies by role) |
| Body Type | Slim / Gracefu |
Drama List
Selected Films:
- Transgression (1974)
- Graduating School Girls (1975)
- Really Really Don’t Forget (1976)
- I Am Really Sorry (1976)
- I Really Really Like You (1977)
- A Fine, Windy Day (1980)
- The Classic (2003) – cameo/support
- Trade Your Love (2019)
Selected Television Dramas:
- Full House (2004)
- Princess Hours (2006)
- Boys Over Flowers (2009) – Na Gong-joo
- Queen Seondeok (2009)
- The Producers (2015)
- My Only One (2018)
- Young Lady and Gentleman (2021)
- Beauty and Mr. Romantic (2024) – So Geum-ja
FAQs
How old is Im Ye-jin?
She was born in 1960 and is 66 years old in 2026.
Is Im Ye-jin married?
Yes, she has been married to Choi Chang-wook since 1989.
What is Im Ye-jin known for?
Her iconic teenage roles in the 1970s “Really Really” trilogy and long television career.
What dramas has Im Ye-jin been in recently?
She appeared in Beauty and Mr. Romantic (2024).