Lim Ji-yeon (affectionately referred to as Lim) is a South Korean actress. Lim has appeared in a number of short films, television series, and stage productions, but is best known for her role in the film ‘Obsessed’. She is a natural actress, and her commitment to her work is admirable. This is demonstrated by the fact that she analyzes and conducts extensive research in order to fully inhabit her character. For Lim, the character’s portrayal is more important than the script. Lim, who was born with sharp but innocent facial features, has demonstrated a range of character shades and has never succumbed to typecasting. Lim has already won several prestigious awards for her outstanding works during her brief career.
Childhood & Adolescence
Lim was born in South Korea on June 23, 1990. Due to her inexperience in the industry, little information about her family and childhood is available.
She is a graduate of Korea National University of Arts, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts. Lim has always aspired to be an actress and participated in numerous modeling assignments during her college years.
Modeling and stage productions helped her break into the film industry, and she was consequently offered several short films during this time period.
Career of Lim
Lim began her acting career with short films and television series before making her feature film debut in ‘Obsessed.’ The period between 2010 and 2013 can be considered her struggle period, as her subsequent appearances on screen in short films and television series failed to bring her the much-deserved attention.
Lim also worked in theatre during this time period, with works such as ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Sea Fog,’ and ‘La Culotte’. She was also featured in a music video for Lee Ho-song suk’s ‘The Season.’
Her first commercial feature film came about as a result of a meeting with director Kim Dae-woo. Kim, who directed several blockbusters, was completely taken with Lim’s charm and charisma. He immediately hired her for his next project, and Lim starred in the erotic thriller ‘Obsessed,’ which was released in 2014.
Critics initially questioned her inexperience, as the script demanded methodical acting. However, Lim appeared so natural, even in the most daring scenes, that her inexperience became irrelevant.
‘Obsessed’ was a critical and commercial success, fulfilling Lim’s dream of becoming a mainstream actress. Both the audience and the critics lauded her performance.
Her following project was a period film titled ‘The Treacherous,’ which was released in 2015. She further established herself as an actress with this film. Lim was blown away by the script and the characters’ charisma.
Lim appeared in television series such as ‘High Society’ and ‘Jackpot’ following her back-to-back big screen successes.
Lim also starred in two reality shows, ‘Law of the Jungle’ and ‘Running Man,’ which aired in 2015 and 2016.
When September Comes to an End – This is one of the numerous short films Lim appeared in during her early acting career. Lim starred as Ji-yeon in this romantic drama. Obsessed – Lim’s first commercial film was released in 2014.
Lim was cast opposite South Korean actor Song Seung-heon in the erotic thriller romantic film. She portrayed Ga-heun, an army officer’s wife. Lim had a few naked scenes with the male lead in this film, which initially alarmed critics. The film was a box office smash, and Lim became an overnight celebrity.
The Treacherous – Lim’s second feature film was released on May 21, 2015. This film depicts an oppressive king who sexually exploits all of his country’s women for his own amusement. Dan-hee, played by Lim, is a stunning woman from the lower cast who works as a butcher. This film, too, featured several audacious scenes that established Lim as a serious and mature actress. The film was a box office smash, grossing $8.09 million dollars.
Law of the Jungle on Television – This adventure reality show was a first for South Korean television. Although the show premiered on October 21, 2011, Lim appeared in episodes from March 27 to May 22, 2015. Her group’s theme was a family relocating to the jungle. Due to its unique content, the show was a huge success, winning nearly every award in the reality-show category.
The Privileged – This was a sixteen-episode television series that premiered on June 8, 2015. Originally titled ‘High Society,’ the series was renamed. Lim portrayed Lee Ji-yi, the female lead’s best friend. She starred alongside actor Park Hyung-sik. Lim’s performance was well received by critics and the young audience. The series, however, received a mixed reception and was later broadcast internationally in Vietnam.
Jackpot – This was a 24-episode period television drama that premiered on March 28, 2016. Also known as ‘The Royal Gambler,’ the series follows a king who excludes his son from the beneficiaries of his estate due to his prowess in gambling. The prince is then compelled to live in the manner of a commoner. Lim portrayed Dam-seo, a woman seeking vengeance. The series’s ratings fluctuated throughout its first season. This drama was also broadcast internationally on a Los Angeles television station.
Doctor Crush – This South Korean television series premiered in 2016 and featured Lim in two episodes. She portrayed an Olympic gold medalist archer.
Blow Breeze – This is a 2016 family television drama. Lim portrayed Kim Mi-poong, a happy-go-lucky young woman who becomes embroiled in family legal inheritance disputes. Additionally, this series was broadcast internationally in Taiwan and Vietnam.
Awards and Accomplishments
Lim won her first Best New Actress award at the 34th Korean Association of Film Critics’ Awards (2014) for her outstanding performance in her debut film ‘Obsessed’.
Lim received the Best New Actress award for ‘Obsessed’ at the 51st Daejong Film Awards (2104) on November 21, 2014.
51st Grand Bell Awards (2014) – This was Lim’s third consecutive Best Newcomer award, which she received for her song ‘Obsessed’.
Lim received the New Star Award for ‘High Society’ at the 2015 SBS Drama Awards on December 31, 2015.
Lim was once again named Excellent Actress of the Year at the MBC Drama Awards on December 30, 2016 for her performance in the drama ‘Blow Breeze.
Private Life
Lim was previously linked to ‘High Society’ co-star Park Hyung Sik. The rumour was based entirely on the fact that their on-screen chemistry worked wonders.
From their first meeting, the director of Lim’s debut film ‘Obsessed’ is said to have been in love with her.
Lim stated in an interview that she prefers younger men over older men for dating.
Estimated Net worth
Lim Ji-yeon is one of the wealthiest and most popular Movie Actresses. Lim Ji-net yeon’s worth is estimated to be between $1-5 million, based on our analysis of Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.