Interesting Facts You Need to Know About Queen of Tears Star Kim Ji Won

This year’s most hottest K-drama, Queen of Tears, has garnered widespread acclaim and captivated audiences around the world. Dubbed the next big thing after Crash Landing on You, the series is distinguished by its exceptional screenplay and remarkable performances from its lead actors, Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won.

In Queen of Tears, Kim Ji-won plays the complex role of Hong Hae-in, a chaebol heiress caught in a turbulent marriage crisis. Her portrayal of Hae-in has not only impressed fans but also solidified her position as a rising star in the Korean entertainment scene.

But what lies beneath Kim Ji-won’s icy exterior as Hong Hae-in? Here are interesting things you need to know about the actress.

Kim Ji-won Took Up Theater in College

After completing her secondary education at Paekahm High School, Kim Ji-won pursued a degree in Theater at Dongguk University. She continues to support the school’s drama program and attends student-led plays.

She Could’ve Debuted Under the Stage Name JessicaK

Back in 2007, Kim Ji-won was discovered on the streets by Younha’s label and was initially set to debut as a singer under the stage name JessicaK. Before diving into acting, she spent over three years honing her skills in singing and dancing, performing alongside Younha and even appearing in her music video for “Gossip Boy.” However, Kim chose the acting route after film director Jang Jin offered her a role in Romantic Heaven.

She shared in a 2018 interview, “I thought I had to give up singing. I believed it would be better to leave it to those more talented in music. Fortunately, I’m now focusing on acting and that’s where my heart lies.” Jiwon also revealed that if she hadn’t pursued acting, she would have become a kindergarten teacher due to her love for children.

The “Little Kim Tae-hee” Nickname

During her teenage years, Kim Ji-won earned the nickname “Little Kim Tae-hee” due to her resemblance to the beloved actress. Public comments often highlighted her “doll-like beauty,” likening her to Tae-hee’s delicate features.

From CF Princess to Leading Lady

Before making her acting debut, Kim Ji-won was a prominent figure in the commercial world, earning the title of “CF princess.” Her breakout came in 2010 with a commercial for LG Cyon’s Lollipop 2, where she appeared with K-pop group Big Bang and earned the nickname ‘Lollipop Girl.’ She further solidified her status as a sought-after model with a memorable role in a carbonated vitamin drink commercial, which earned her the title ‘Oran C Girl.’

Kim was also affectionately called ‘little Kim Tae-hee’ for her striking resemblance to the famed actress, known for her “doll-like beauty” and “big eyes.”

First Rose to Fame for Her Role in The Heirs

Kim Ji-won’s rise to fame began with her role in The Heirs (2013), where she played the wealthy and haughty Rachel Yoo. This role catapulted her into the spotlight, following her earlier work in lesser-known projects. Her star continued to shine with a leading role in the international hit series Descendants of the Sun.

How She’s Able to Speak English So Fluently

Kim Ji-won’s ability to speak English fluently, showcased in The Heirs (2013) and Queen of Tears (2024), can be traced back to her time living in Chicago during middle school. Immersed in an English-speaking environment and with a penchant for English books and movies, she developed impressive language skills. Kim continues to enhance her English proficiency through classes.

Cemented Herself as a Leading Lady in the 2017 Drama Fight for My Way

In 2017, Kim Ji-won cemented her status as a leading lady with her role as Choi Ae-ra in Fight for My Way, alongside Park Seo-joon. She mentioned in an interview that the role allowed her to reveal a different side of herself, contrasting her previously perceived image as “smart and somewhat unapproachable.”

She Fought and Overcame Her Worst Fear by Facing It Head-On

Kim Ji-won has bravely faced her phobia of water, known as aquaphobia. During the filming of Lovestruck in the City (2020), she was required to surf, an experience that challenged her deeply rooted fear.

In an interview, she revealed, “It was a huge challenge. I rarely go to the sea, but my character needed to surf. I wanted to overcome my fear and start a new chapter. I fell into the water repeatedly, but I managed to conquer my fear. Thanks to the drama, I’m no longer afraid of water.”

Being Active on Social Media Is Not One of Her Priorities

Despite boasting 11 million Instagram followers, Kim Ji-won maintains a low profile on social media. She prefers to keep her personal life separate from her public persona, focusing instead on her acting roles.

If She Didn’t Become an Actress, Kim Ji-won Would Have Become a Kindergarten Teacher

Asked two years ago what her career would have been if she weren’t an actress, Ji-won revealed that she would have become a kindergarten teacher. “I like little kids. I want to spend time with them and receive their good energy,” she said.

Make sure to catch her live this August 3, 2024 at the New Frontier theater for his Kim Ji Won Announces Fan Meeting ‘Be My One’ in Manila. Don’t miss it!