Three of Korea’s Biggest Actresses Are Returning at the Same Time

A new generation of leading Korean actresses is preparing to take over the small screen this spring. Referred to as “Go–Youn–Lee” Kim Go-eun, Go Youn-jung, and IU the three stars are set to headline major television dramas arriving in April. People say they represent the new hottest trio of Korean television following the footsteps of “Tae-Hye-Ji” (Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-kyo, and Jun Ji-hyun).

Promotional poster for a drama featuring IU and Byeon Woo-seok.I U in a white halter neck dress stands close to Byeon Woo-seok in a white suit, both looking serious and poised against a dark, textured background. Text in Korean is displayed on the side with the show's title and air date.
Perfect Crown poster / MBC

The first drama to premiere will be MBC’s “Perfect Crown” starring IU. Scheduled to debut April 10, the series is one of the most anticipated dramas of the year. Directed by Park Joon-hwa (What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Alchemy of Souls), the story imagines a modern South Korea that still operates under a constitutional monarchy.

IU plays Seong Hee-ju, a wealthy conglomerate heiress who enters a contract marriage with Prince Ian, the king’s second son, played by rising star Byeon Woo-seok. Although the pair appears to have everything, the story explores the hidden emotional struggles behind their privileged lives.

A scene at night featuring Go Youn- jung and Koo kyo-hwan standing near a barrier with a 'STOP' sign, illuminated by streetlights, conveying a sense of tension.
We Are All Trying Here poster / JTBC

A week later, Go Youn-jung will return to television through JTBC’s new weekend drama “We Are All Trying Here” In the series, she plays Byeon Eun-ah, a film company producer known in the industry for her brutally honest script reviews. While trying to maintain composure in a competitive and often unforgiving industry, the character struggles with emotional trauma that surfaces in unexpected ways.

The drama has attracted attention for its creative team. Writer Park Hae-young, known for My Mister and My Liberation Notes, is returning with what many expect to be the final chapter of his trilogy about modern life and loneliness.

A promotional poster for Yumi's Cells Season 3 featuring a smiling Kim Go-eun with short hair in a yellow top, surrounded by colorful character figures and pastel-colored books. The background is purple, and the text includes Korean characters and details about the show's release.
Yumi’s Cells Season 3 poster / TVING

Meanwhile, Kim Go-eun will lead “Yumi’s Cells Season 3” which premieres April 13 on tvN. Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, the series blends live-action storytelling with 3D animation, portraying the thoughts and emotions inside the mind of its protagonist. Season 3 follows Yumi, now a successful writer, as her life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of a new person.

Returning director Lee Sang-yeob noted that the new season will show a more mature version of Yumi while maintaining the humor and emotional warmth that made the series popular.