Ha Ji-won

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Ha Ji-won

Role / Field:

Acclaimed South Korean actress known for versatility across drama, film, and genre.

Born:

1978-06-28

Century / Era:

1978s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Jeon Hae-rim (Korean: 전해림; born 28 June 1978), better known by her stage name Ha Ji-won (하지원) is a South Korean actress. She is best known for the films Phone (2002), Sex Is Zero (2002), Miracle on 1st Street (2007), Tidal Wave (2009), Closer to Heaven (2009), and Pawn (2020), as well as the television series Damo (2003), Something Happened in Bali (2004), Hwang Jini (2006), Secret Garden (2010–2011), The King 2 Hearts (2012), and Empress Ki (2013–2014). She is one of South Korea's most critically acclaimed actresses, particularly known for acting in various genres such as action, comedy, horror, drama, sports and medical. Jeon Hae-rim was scouted by an agency when she was a senior high school student. The actress stated, "Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of becoming an actress.

Career & Major Achievements

When I was a senior in high school, an agency contacted me after seeing my picture at a photography studio." She later graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Film and Television (BFTV) from Dankook University. In 2012, the actress revealed that she had failed over 100 auditions before her debut, "I passed my college entrance and written exams and was accepted to the department of theater and film. Before my debut, I auditioned for 100 or so projects but didn't get the roles." Jeon candidly revealed that she adopted "Ha Ji-won" as her stage name as a favor for her previous manager as it was the name of his first love. "When I was about to debut, the first love of my manager's name was Ha Ji-won. I think he wanted to at least use the name of his love that was not fulfilled.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The first time I heard the name Ha Ji-won, I thought it was pretty and also bold." Ha Ji-won made her TV debut in the 1996 teen drama, New Generation Report: Adults Don't Understand Us. She continued playing supporting roles in dramas, Dragon's Tears and Dangerous Lullaby in 1998 and 1999 respectively. But it was through the popular high school drama School 2, in which she played the role of a troubled teen, that she started to gain fame as an actress. In 2000, Ha made her film debut in the thriller, Truth Game, alongside Ahn Sung-ki, where she was chosen for the role from a pool of 1,500 prospective candidates. For her portrayal of a bipolar character, Ha was awarded Best New Actress at the 37th Grand Bell Awards and 1st Busan Film Critics Awards.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1978 (1978-06-28): Birth of Ha Ji-won — Acclaimed South Korean actress known for versatility across drama, film, and genre.
2. 1996: 1996 Milestone — " Ha Ji-won made her TV debut in the 1996 teen drama, New Generation Report: Adults Don't Understand Us.
3. 1998: 1998 Milestone — She continued playing supporting roles in dramas, Dragon's Tears and Dangerous Lullaby in 1998 and 1999 respectively.
4. 2000: 2000 Milestone — In 2000, Ha made her film debut in the thriller, Truth Game, alongside Ahn Sung-ki, where she was chosen for the role from a pool of 1,500 prospective candidates.
5. 2002: 2002 Milestone — She is best known for the films Phone (2002), Sex Is Zero (2002), Miracle on 1st Street (2007), Tidal Wave (2009), Closer to Heaven (2009), and Pawn (2020), as well as the television series Damo (2003), Something Happened in Bali (2004), Hwang Jini (2006), Secret Garden (2010–2011), The King 2 Hearts (2012), and Empress Ki (2013–2014).
6. 2012: 2012 Milestone — In 2012, the actress revealed that she had failed over 100 auditions before her debut, "I passed my college entrance and written exams and was accepted to the department of theater and film.

Notable Quotes by Ha Ji-won

“Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of becoming an actress.”

“An actor never stops learning.” (2004)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ha Ji-won

True or False: “Ha Ji-won's stage name was chosen because it was the first love of her manager's name, which is a true fact.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text states she adopted the name as a favor for her previous manager because it was the name of his first love.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolf Dassler — Contemporary (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• Aldo Moro — Contemporary (Died in 1978) (1978): Italian statesman who served as Prime Minister multiple times, championing the modern Italian centre-left.
• Anastas Mikoyan — Contemporary (Died in 1978) (1978): Long-serving Soviet statesman, diplomat, and Bolshevik revolutionary from Armenia.
• Abraham Ortelius — Shared historical date (06-28 · Died) (1598): Pioneering cartographer, creator of the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.
• Alboin — Shared historical date (06-28 · Died) (572): King of the Lombards, whose rule marked the beginning of Lombard dominance in Italy.
• Ani Lorak — Historical peer (Born in 1978) (1978): Iconic Ukrainian-born Russian singer, celebrated for her powerful vocal style.
• Aram Khachaturian — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Leading Soviet Armenian composer, known for vibrant ballet scores and captivating melodies.
• Abba Eban — Historical peer (Died in 2002) (2002): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Died in 2002) (2002): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.
• Al Oerter — Historical peer (Died in 2007) (2007): Four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw, pioneering athletic consistency.
• 1978 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1978
• June 28 (06-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 28

Frequently Asked Questions about Ha Ji-won