Korea’s legendary trio Kim Tae-hee, Jun Ji-hyun, and Song Hye-kyo open up about aging and beauty

From left, Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-kyo, and Jun Ji-hyun / Xportsnews

The three leading actresses who defined Korean beauty standards in the 2000s are now in their 40s and opening up about their changing looks, shifting priorities, and evolving self-image.

Kim Tae-hee returns to TV and Hollywood

Kim Tae-hee, 45, is set to make her small-screen comeback after two years with the tvN drama “Butterfly,” which premiered Aug. 22, while also debuting in an American drama.

At a recent press conference, Kim said her role in “Butterfly” is her “most ordinary” yet, revealing she kept her makeup light and styling simple.

“I appeared on camera looking the most like myself, which was surprisingly comfortable,” she said. “It felt new to stand in front of the camera without much setting or styling, but I’m not sure how viewers will perceive it.”

Kim Tae-hee / Xportsnews

Kim also discussed aging and beauty during her appearance on tvN’s talk show “You Quiz on the Block,” Aug. 20 — her first talk show appearance in 15 years. Reflecting on her iconic role in the 2009 drama “Iris,” she said, “That was probably my favorite look. As we age, there are more things we may not like about ourselves, but we have to accept them. I hope people see the wrinkles that come from smiling as something beautiful.”

Jun Ji-hyun talks about identity and aging

Jun Ji-hyun, 43, will return to the screen Sept. 10 with the Disney+ original series “Tempest,” her first drama since “Mount Jiri” in 2021. Known for her enduring popularity as a luxury brand ambassador, she recently discussed her mindset in a magazine interview.

Jun Ji-hyun / Xportsnews

“Sometimes I wonder, ‘Is it okay to be this indifferent?’” Jun said. “I think I’m just trying to look away, but the closer I get to a comeback, the more nervous I feel.”

Jun added that she often contemplates her future, both personally and professionally. “‘What will actress Jun Ji-hyun be like when she gets older?’ I think about that endlessly,” she said. “I also wonder about my kids — how they’ll grow up and what they’ll do. I guess it’s a sign of aging. I just want to live authentically and never have a day when I’m not myself.”

Song Hye-kyo / Xportsnews

Song Hye-kyo embraces new perspectives

Song Hye-kyo, 43, also opened up about her evolving outlook earlier this year during her appearance on “You Quiz on the Block,” marking her first talk show appearance in 23 years.

“Now that I’m in my 40s, I can clearly see the differences between myself and younger actresses,” she said. “‘I really need to focus on acting now. I’m past the stage where looks alone can carry me.’”

Still, Song admitted she enjoys compliments about her appearance. “‘I love hearing ‘you’re beautiful’ every day,’” she joked, adding, “I even put in extra effort today to look my best.”

Son Ye-jin set for big-screen return

Meanwhile, actress Son Ye-jin, 42, is preparing for her comeback in director Park Chan-wook’s upcoming film “No Other Choice” after a three-year hiatus following childbirth.

With Kim, Jun, Song, and Son — collectively dubbed the “Tae-Hye-Ji” generation — returning to the spotlight, their candid approach to aging marks a cultural shift. Once admired as symbols of beauty, these actresses are now drawing attention for their openness, confidence, and inner strength.

This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.