Ha Ji-won

Ha Ji-won is a South Korean actress and singer, born Jeon Hae-rim on June 28, 1978, in Boryeong. With a career spanning over two decades, she is one of the most versatile and enduring actresses in Korean entertainment. She has starred in a wide range of genres, from romantic comedies to historical epics, earning critical acclaim and a massive fan following.

Known for her ability to embody physically demanding roles and emotionally complex characters, Ha Ji-won has headlined hits like Secret Garden (2010–2011) and Empress Ki (2013–2014). Her film work includes blockbusters such as Tidal Wave (2009), one of the highest-grossing Korean films of its time. As of 2026, she remains active, balancing acting with her role as founder of the fashion brand A.P.Y. [edit]

Ha Ji-won grew up in Boryeong, a coastal city in South Chungcheong Province, as one of six children. Details about her early life are private, but her large family shaped her grounded personality. She began her entertainment career in 1996, appearing in the second season of the TV series School in 1998.

Her first theater work came in 2000, where she won a best new actress award, marking the start of her professional acting journey. She adopted the stage name Ha Ji-won, and her early experiences in theater and television laid the foundation for her later film success. [edit]

Ha Ji-won's breakthrough came in 2002 with dual roles in the horror film Phone and the comedy Sex Is Zero, showcasing her range. She followed with the historical action drama Damo (2003) and the melodrama Something Happened in Bali (2004). The disaster film Tidal Wave (2009) became one of the highest-grossing Korean films, solidifying her box office appeal.

Her career reached new heights with Secret Garden (2010–2011), a fantasy romance that became a cultural phenomenon. She went on to star in The King 2 Hearts (2012) and the epic Empress Ki (2013–2014), where her portrayal of the titular empress earned widespread praise. Recent work includes the film Pawn (2020).

In July 2026, Ha Ji-won made history as the first South Korean actor to throw a ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Her pitch was a strike, and the Red Sox went on to match their franchise-record 15-game winning streak, with Korean media dubbing it “Ha Ji-won’s lucky pitch.” [edit]

Ha Ji-won is celebrated for her remarkable versatility, effortlessly moving between action, comedy, horror, and drama. Media and fans alike praise her dedication to physically demanding roles and her ability to portray complex emotions. She is known for her down-to-earth personality and strong work ethic, which have endeared her to audiences for over two decades. Her 2026 U.S. appearances, including the Fenway Park first pitch, have highlighted her international appeal and growing presence in American markets. [edit]

Ha Ji-won commands a sustained presence across global entertainment metrics, with her career trajectory tracked through comprehensive media and consumption data. In August 2026, she holds the position of the 28th most famous person in Dramas, a standing that has remained steady from the previous cycle. This placement reflects her enduring ability to anchor major productions within the genre. Her fanbase operates without a formalized official name, relying instead on organic engagement through personal social media channels rather than structured campaigns or designated rituals. While she maintains an active digital footprint with exclusive content updates, no specific moniker for her supporters has been documented in authoritative records. The absence of organized chart pushes or fan-funded projects distinguishes her audience from those of idol groups, suggesting a following built on long-term appreciation of her work rather than immediate promotional cycles.[edit]

Ha Ji-won is the founder of the fashion brand A.P.Y, which released a limited edition collection consisting of only 150 pieces. She is also an avid baseball fan, having attended multiple MLB games during her 2026 U.S. visit. Despite her fame, she has never publicly confirmed being in a relationship, keeping her personal life closely guarded. Her English name is Jeon Hae-rim, and she chose the stage name Ha Ji-won early in her career. She began her career in 1996, and her first theater role in 2000 earned her a best new actress award. In July 2026, she became the first South Korean actor to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park in Boston, pitching to the Red Sox in a historic milestone. During this appearance, reports noted she threw a lucky pitch that coincided with the team matching an 80-year-old winning streak. Later that year, she faced public discussion regarding age limits after questioning restrictions at a New York club in August 2026. Her filmography includes iconic early works such as Phone and Sex Is Zero, which cemented her status before her recent thriller projects alongside Ju Ji-hoon and Ha Jung-woo.[edit]

Ha Ji-won was born into a family of six children in Boryeong, South Korea. She has kept her family largely out of the spotlight, sharing few details about her parents and siblings. As of 2026, she is not married and has no publicly known children. She maintains a busy schedule between acting projects and her fashion brand, A.P.Y. [edit]

Byung-hyun Kim, a Korean baseball legend and former Red Sox pitcher, accompanied Ha Ji-won to Fenway Park for her historic first pitch. She also starred alongside Ji Chang-wook in the epic drama Empress Ki. [edit]

Ha Ji-won has kept her romantic life extremely private. There are no publicly confirmed relationships, marriages, or children as of 2026. She has never been linked to any high-profile partner in the media, and she appears to be single. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Ha Ji-won's net worth at $20 million, derived from her extensive acting career, endorsement deals, and her fashion brand A.P.Y. Her film and television roles have been consistently high-profile, and she has been a sought-after celebrity endorser in South Korea for years. In recent years, her net worth has grown steadily, supported by continued acting projects and the success of A.P.Y, which released a limited edition collection of 150 pieces. Her 2026 U.S. appearances, including the Fenway Park first pitch, have boosted her international profile, potentially opening new revenue streams.[edit]

Ha Ji-won has won numerous awards throughout her career, including Best New Actress for her theater work in 2000. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in Secret Garden and Empress Ki, earning multiple acting honors at Korean award ceremonies. [edit]