Chae Seo-jin: The Versatile Journey of a South Korean Actress
From her early beginnings as a child actress to her establishment as a prominent figure in South Korean television and film, Chae Seo-jin has built a career defined by versatility and growth. Born Kim Ko-woon on April 30, 1994, in Gwangyang, South Korea, she has navigated the competitive entertainment industry with grace, eventually adopting her professional stage name in May 2016.
Known for her ability to transition between musical theater, web dramas, and major motion pictures, Chae has become a recognizable face for fans of Korean media. She is also notably the sister of the well-known actress Kim Ok-vin.
Key Facts
- Birth Name: Kim Ko-woon
- Professional Name: Chae Seo-jin
- Born: April 30, 1994
- Occupation: Actress
- Years Active: 2006–present
- Education: School of Performing Arts Seoul; Korea National University of Arts
- Notable Relatives: Kim Ok-vin (sister)
Career Evolution
Early Beginnings and Musical Roots
Chae's journey in the spotlight began in 2006 when she played the young version of the character Jung Hee-soo in Over the Rainbow. Unlike many who focus solely on screen acting, Chae also explored the world of musical theater, making her musical debut in 2011 with the production Catch a Timid Man, where she played the role of Lee Sang-hae.
Transition to Film and Web Dramas
Her presence on the big screen expanded significantly in 2014 with her debut in My Brilliant Life. By 2015, she had secured a lead role in the film Overman, a project that gained recognition at the 20th Busan International Film Festival. The following year proved to be a prolific period, with appearances in films such as Write or Dance, Curtain Call, and Will You Be There?.
Chae also embraced the rising medium of web dramas—short-form digital series—starring alongside EXO's Do Kyung-soo in Be Positive in 2016. This period marked her transition from a supporting talent to a leading lady in the digital space.
Television Success and Leading Roles
In recent years, Chae has solidified her status through various television roles. She starred in the teen drama Girls' Generation 1979 (2017) and the romantic comedy Coffee, Do Me a Favor (2018). In 2019, she showcased her range in the romantic fantasy drama Melting Me Softly and took on a lead role in the romantic drama Yeonnam Family alongside Na In Woo.
Personal Life
In early 2024, Chae Seo-jin shared significant personal news. Her agency, Ghost Studio, announced her upcoming marriage to her non-celebrity partner. The couple celebrated their union in a private ceremony on April 7, 2024.
Filmography Summary
| Year | Title | Type | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Over the Rainbow | TV Series | Young Jung Hee-soo |
| 2011 | Catch a Timid Man | Musical | Lee Sang-hae |
| 2014 | My Brilliant Life | Film | Lee Seo-ha |
| 2015 | Overman | Film | Soo-hyeon / Se Young |
| 2016 | Be Positive | Web Drama | Bang Hye-jung |
| 2018 | Coffee, Do Me a Favor | TV Series | Main Lead |
| 2019 | Yeonnam Family | TV Series | Main Lead |
| 2022 | Late Night Cafe: Missing Honey | Film | Namgoong Yoon |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chae Seo-jin's real name?
Her birth name is Kim Ko-woon. She decided to use the stage name Chae Seo-jin in May 2016.
Is Chae Seo-jin related to any other famous actors?
Yes, she is the sister of the well-known South Korean actress Kim Ok-vin.
When did Chae Seo-jin get married?
Chae Seo-jin married her non-celebrity boyfriend in a private ceremony on April 7, 2024.
What was her debut project?
She began her acting career in 2006, playing the young version of Jung Hee-soo in the production Over the Rainbow.
Has she performed in musicals?
Yes, she made her musical debut in 2011 in the production Catch a Timid Man.