Actress Kim Ji Won became one of the most talked-about stars of the 2025 SBS Drama Awards, held on the evening of December 31, closing out a vibrant year for Korean television.
The annual ceremony brought together many of the industry’s biggest names, including Lee Je Hoon, Jang Ki Yong, Ahn Eun Jin, Han Ji Min, Park Hyung Sik, Choi Woo Sik, Jung So Min, and more, drawing massive attention from domestic and international audiences alike.
However, anticipation surrounding Kim Ji Won had been building for weeks. After her name appeared on the presenter list, viewers waited over three and a half hours for her appearance making her entrance all the more impactful.
When she finally stepped onto the stage, Kim Ji Won appeared in a minimalist black suit, exuding elegance and composure. Her calm, mature aura reminded many fans of Hong Hae In, her iconic character from Queen of Tears, but in a more seasoned and restrained form.
Although Kim Ji Won has never disappointed in terms of visuals, this appearance felt distinctly different. Fans quickly noticed her short bob haircut, a rare and bold change from her signature long hair, sparking heated online discussion.
Some viewers pointed out her slightly swollen eyes, giving her a softer, more natural look, while others admitted the transformation initially felt unfamiliar. Still, the overwhelming consensus praised her youthful appearance, noting that she looks little different from her Descendants of the Sun era nearly a decade ago.
Online reactions ranged from surprise to admiration:
- I haven’t seen her with short hair in so long.
- She looked unfamiliar at first then I realized it was Kim Ji Won.
- She’s already in her mid-30s but still looks like she’s in her early 20s.
- Short hair is unexpected, but she’s still stunning.
It was later revealed that the look was part of her transformation for the upcoming drama Doctor X: Era of the White Mafia, a dark medical thriller scheduled to premiere soon.
In the series, Kim Ji Won stars as Gye Soo Jung, a genius surgeon who takes on a corrupt medical power structure using nothing but her surgical skills. Known as a “doctor who treats doctors,” her character exposes the darker side of authority within the healthcare system often directly on the operating table.
With her bold visual change and a challenging new role ahead, Kim Ji Won has once again proven her ability to reinvent herself both as an actress and as a style icon cementing her status as one of Korea’s most captivating stars.
Sources: K14
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