Still stunning after 20 years: Korea’s legendary trio Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-kyo and Jun Ji-hyun remain icons in their 40s
From left, Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-kyo and Jun Ji-hyun / Xportsnews
The enduring star power of Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-kyo and Jun Ji-hyun — dubbed the “Tae-Hye-Ji” trio of the 2000s — remains as strong as ever, with each actress drawing headlines for her beauty, poise and career longevity well into their 40s.
Kim Tae-hee recently made waves through a new commercial for a Taiwanese medical beauty brand, marking her first major public appearance since the 2023 drama “Lies Hidden in My Garden” and a cameo in “Welcome to Samdal-ri” in early 2024. Despite her unchanged appearance, Kim spoke candidly in a local Taiwanese interview released June 13 about her insecurities regarding aging.
Kim Tae-hee / Captured from YouTube
“I started to feel a little uneasy after turning 35,” she said. “Marriage, giving birth and raising children kept me busy.”
Now in her 40s, Kim added that she has learned to embrace change. “I’ve come to accept there are things I can’t control. By doing my best, I began to discover new sides of myself and now embrace my calm and composed aura. I want to continue cultivating that beauty and charm.”
Although Kim doesn’t use social media, she recently appeared on her sister-in-law and professional golfer Lee Bo-mee’s YouTube channel. Lee shared a photo of Kim in a striking red skirt, calling her “effortlessly photogenic, like a fashion shoot every time.”
In contrast, Song Hye-kyo actively updates fans via Instagram. Since the global success of Netflix’s “The Glory” in 2022, she has resumed full-scale activities, including appearances on TV and in fashion campaigns.
Song Hye-kyo / Captured from social media
She remains a prominent ambassador for luxury fashion and jewelry brands, frequently praised for her “nation-representing beauty.” However, Song has a grounded attitude about her appearance, once saying, “I let go of those concerns long ago. This isn’t the age to rely on looks anymore.”
Jun Ji-hyun, who has been on a drama hiatus since 2021’s “Jirisan,” is set to return later this year in the Disney+ original “Polaris.” The much-anticipated series will see her star opposite Kang Dong-won, a pairing fans have long hoped for. She recently completed filming for the movie “Gunche” (Korean title), her first big-screen project since “Assassination” in 2015, which drew over 10 million viewers.
Jun Ji-hyun / Xportsnews, captured from social media
Even during her hiatus, Jun maintained visibility as a brand ambassador, showcasing her timeless beauty at events both in Korea and abroad. She also drew attention last year when she was spotted at a European football stadium with her family, who are avid fans of the sport.
The continued relevance of these three actresses more than 20 years after their debuts speaks volumes. Their discipline, evolving beauty and professional consistency show why the term “Tae-Hye-Ji” remains synonymous with Korean elegance and star quality.
This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.