The journey of Girls’ Generation members from singers to actresses has been closely watched for over a decade. Some members managed to create strong careers in drama and film, while others focused on different paths.
The record shows both huge wins and steady efforts. Looking at box office results, ratings, and recognition, this ranking breaks down how each member has performed in acting.
4. Yuri
Yuri took a different path with action-heavy roles. Her drama Fashion King back in 2012 gave her first major exposure. Later she played strong roles in film like No Breathing, where she also sang.
Her recent show Parole Examiner Lee in 2024 casts her as a tough detective. Reports from the crew say she trained hard for fight scenes. She still remains with SM, balancing both acting and solo music projects.
3. Soo-Young
Sooyoung has been reliable but less flashy. Her early dramas like My Spring Days and Squad 38 were solid. Run On in 2021 helped her gain more recognition.
In 2022 she appeared in If You Wish Upon Me. Then came Not Others in 2023, where she played a mother-daughter drama role. Her recent project was Second Shot at Love.
She also pursued music again, debuting solo in Japan in 2024. While she has no giant ratings hit yet, she keeps working without long breaks.
2. Seohyun
Seohyun stands out for her range. She entered acting later than Yoona but chose complex roles. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo showed her ability to carry a heavy role in a historical setting.
She then moved into modern drama with Bad Thief, Good Thief. Critics often note that she experiments more than the others. Her Netflix series Song of the Bandits scored well with viewers. Her recent drama was The First Night with the Duke also did fine, showing steady ratings.
Her film work is interesting too. Love and Leashes in 2022 was risky in theme, but she handled it with maturity. Another project, Holy Night: Demon Hunters, released in 2025 with Ma Dong-Seok.
After leaving SM in 2017, she joined Namoo Actors, a company known for strong actors. That choice gave her freedom and better roles.
1. Yoona
Yoona comes first without question. She entered dramas early, and she proved she was more than an idol face. Her first big win came with You Are My Destiny in 2008. The show gave her awards and respect in the industry. That was the start of a serious acting career.
Her later projects pushed her into a higher league. Exit (2019) brought in over nine million viewers, an incredible number for any Korean film. Confidential Assignment and its sequel also became box office hits.
These records show that Yoona is not just well-known but also bankable. Her reach goes beyond Korea too. Her Chinese drama God of War, Zhao Yun gave her one of the highest paychecks for a Korean actress at that time.
On television, she still pulls in viewers. Big Mouth in 2022 won its time slot for weeks. King the Land in 2023 went global on Netflix, pushing her name into international headlines again.
She is going on-air for tvN Drama, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. Her long-term contract with SM Entertainment also proves she still carries high value for the company.
Comparing Achievements
When looking at box office and drama success, Yoona’s numbers are far ahead of the rest. She has both critical awards and commercial hits. This puts her at the top of Girls’ Generation members acting careers ranking without debate.
Seohyun follows with strong range and risky choices. She is not as big at the box office, but her projects show she takes acting seriously. Sooyoung has steady work and a wide portfolio, but lacks one defining hit.
Yuri is carving a niche in action dramas and thrillers, with slow but clear growth.
Awards tell the same story. Yoona has the most recognized wins, including her early Best New Actress honors. Yuri received some nominations early on. The others have less confirmed award data, but still enjoy industry recognition.
Financial numbers are less clear, but one fact stands: Yoona’s pay for her Chinese drama was among the highest for a Korean star. No other member has confirmed numbers that match that level.
Where They Stand Now
Yoona and Yuri remain under SM Entertainment. Their careers are supported by the company’s large reach. Seohyun and Sooyoung left SM years ago but still stayed in Girls’ Generation as performers.
The record shows a clear picture. Out of the group, four members have made the shift from idols to serious actresses with visible success. Among them, Yoona leads with power, reach, and influence. The rest continue to build their place in different ways, with careers shaped by both choice and opportunity.
Which Girls' Generation member do you think has the most successful acting career?
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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