Im Se-mi

Im Se-mi is a South Korean actress known for her steady presence in television and film. Born on May 29, 1987, in Seoul, she has built a career over two decades, moving from supporting roles to leading parts in major dramas. Her breakout moment came with the 2023 web series The Worst of Evil, where her portrayal of a drug kingpin's wife won over international audiences and critics. That role put her on the radar of global streaming viewers and opened doors to bigger projects.

Today, Im Se-mi keeps a busy schedule. She stars in the rugby drama The Winning Try alongside Yoon Kye-sang, and she's set to lead the romance series Mi Ran of the Junkyard with Lee Si Woo. She also balances acting with a serious passion for running, even training for marathons. Fans know her for her grounded performances and her approachable, down-to-earth social media presence, where she shares glimpses of her daily life and training. [edit]

Im Se-mi grew up in Seoul, where she developed an early interest in acting. She attended a performing arts high school, though specific details about her training remain private. Her first on-screen appearance came in 2005 with the teen drama Sharp 2, a popular series that launched many young actors. That initial role gave her a taste of the industry, but steady work didn't come instantly.

For the next several years, she took on small parts in various dramas and films, building her resume. She appeared in the 2013 thriller Two Weeks, playing a supporting character, and then landed a role in the historical drama The King's Daughter, Soo Baek-hyang (2013-2014). These projects helped her refine her craft and gain recognition among casting directors. Before her breakthrough, she also worked in theater, which sharpened her acting skills and prepared her for more demanding roles.

In 2016, she got a notable supporting role in the romantic comedy Shopping King Louis, followed by a part in the crime comedy Two Cops (2017-2018). These appearances showcased her range, but she was still waiting for a role that would fully showcase her talent. That moment came later, with the dark crime series The Worst of Evil, which would change her career trajectory. [edit]

Im Se-mi's career took a significant turn in 2023 with The Worst of Evil, a crime action series set in the 1990s. She played the wife of a drug kingpin, a character caught between loyalty and survival. The show streamed globally on Disney+, and her performance drew praise for its emotional depth and intensity. Critics highlighted her ability to convey vulnerability and strength in equal measure, and the role brought her international recognition.

Following that success, she continued to diversify her portfolio. She appeared in the horror mystery Revenant (2023), which was well-received for its atmospheric storytelling. In 2024, she was cast as the lead in Mi Ran of the Junkyard, a romance drama about a woman who runs a junkyard and gets entangled with a younger man. The series generated buzz for its unique premise and her pairing with Lee Si Woo.

In 2025, she took on the rugby drama The Winning Try, starring opposite Yoon Kye-sang. The feel-good series premiered to positive reviews, with Im Se-mi playing a coach or team member (role details are limited). She also participated in the reality show Run for Your Life 2, which aired in November 2025, blending her love for running with her public persona. In April 2026, she was spotted filming an undisclosed K-drama in Singapore, hinting at more international projects on the horizon. [edit]

Im Se-mi is known for her intense, nuanced performances, often playing women with inner strength and complexity. Her role in The Worst of Evil cemented her reputation as a serious actress capable of carrying heavy material. On social media, she comes across as approachable and genuine, frequently sharing running updates and behind-the-scenes moments from sets. She has a loyal fanbase that appreciates her down-to-earth personality and her dedication to her craft.

Media coverage often highlights her versatility, noting her ability to move between genres, from romance to horror to crime. She is also seen as a fitness inspiration, with her marathon participation making headlines. Her public image is that of a hardworking actress who values authenticity, both in her roles and in her interactions with fans. [edit]

Im Se-mi has cultivated a dedicated following through her steady evolution from supporting roles to commanding leads in major Korean productions. Unlike the hyper-organized fanbases of K-pop idols, her supporters are primarily drama enthusiasts who appreciate her nuanced character work and authentic social media presence. While she maintains active accounts like @susemee and @imsemi_ya, there is no formal moniker for her fan community, nor are there documented campaigns or rituals specific to her name. Her audience engages with her marathon updates and behind-the-scenes content rather than orchestrating large-scale viral events or legendary folklore incidents. The narrative around her career remains grounded in professional merit, highlighted by her breakout performance in The Worst of Evil and her recent projects like The Winning Try. This reputation has established her as a respected figure in the industry without the chaotic energy of global superstardom. iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Im Se-mi, but she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. She is not listed among the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list at this time.[edit]

Im Se-mi is an avid runner who has completed multiple marathons and is scheduled to compete in the Gold Coast Marathon in Australia in July 2026. She frequently shares her training progress on Instagram, where she manages two accounts: @susemee and @imsemi_ya. Despite her rising profile, she keeps her personal life private, rarely discussing relationships or family in interviews. A background in theater underpins her strong character work in dramas, allowing her to transition seamlessly between villainous and heroic roles. She signed an exclusive contract with Noon Company on February 3, 2022, which helped stabilize her career trajectory. Fans often praise her down-to-earth personality and dedication to her craft, noting how she balances intense acting schedules with her passion for running. There are no widely retold legends or viral folklore moments associated with her career; her legacy is defined by consistent performances rather than sensational incidents. Her participation in Run for Your Life 2 showcased her resilience when dealing with ankle injuries during filming. While some fans created small personal accounts celebrating her appearances, such as a page referencing her 'Hula Girl' persona on The King of Mask Singer, these remain individual tributes rather than organized cultural phenomena.[edit]

Details about Im Se-mi's family are scarce, as she prefers to keep her personal life private. She has not publicly shared information about her parents or siblings. In interviews, she has occasionally mentioned her family's support for her acting career, but she rarely goes into specifics. As of 2026, she is not married and has no known children. She appears to live a focused, career-driven life, with her spare time devoted to running and training. Fans respect her privacy, and she maintains a clear boundary between her public persona and her personal relationships. [edit]

Im Se-mi has worked with several notable actors in recent projects. She co-starred with Kwon Sang Woo in the 2022 drama X of Crisis, playing a web novelist's wife. She is set to appear opposite Lee Si Woo in Mi Ran of the Junkyard, a romance that has generated interest for its unconventional premise. In The Winning Try, she stars alongside Yoon Kye-sang, a respected actor known for his own diverse roles. She was also recognized alongside Lee Sung-Wook at the 2025 SBS Drama Awards, though the nature of that recognition is not specified. [edit]

Im Se-mi has kept her romantic life out of the public eye. There are no confirmed reports of her dating anyone, and she has never been married. She has not been linked to any co-stars or public figures in the media, despite her growing fame. As of 2026, she appears to be single, focusing on her career and her passion for running. She rarely discusses relationships in interviews, preferring to keep that aspect of her life private. Fans respect her boundaries, and her relationship status remains a topic of curiosity but not speculation. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Im Se-mi's net worth at $2 Million as of 2026. Her financial success stems primarily from her extensive acting career spanning over two decades in television and film. Leading roles in high-profile series like The Worst of Evil and Revenant have secured substantial per-episode fees, while projects such as Mi Ran of the Junkyard and The Winning Try have further boosted her earnings. As a lead actress in Korean dramas, she commands significant compensation based on her growing fame and production budgets. Beyond acting, she generates income through brand endorsements and sponsored social media posts that leverage her image as a dedicated athlete. Her partnership with athletic and lifestyle brands capitalizes on her marathon-running public persona. Additional revenue comes from appearances on variety shows and reality programs like Run for Your Life 2. Since her international exposure in 2023, her net worth has grown steadily, reflecting her status as an in-demand actress with multiple upcoming projects.[edit]

Im Se-mi has not yet won any major acting awards, but her performance in The Worst of Evil has been widely praised and may earn her recognition in future award seasons. She was recognized at the 2025 SBS Drama Awards, though the specific award or nomination she received is not detailed in available sources. [edit]