Nana (entertainer)
A South Korean entertainer who transformed from a chart-topping idol into a respected actress, captivating audiences with her dramatic range.
Born 1991 (age 35)·South Korean singer and actress·Birthday: September 14·Millennials
Biography
Born Im Jin-ah in 1991, Nana stepped into the spotlight as a member of the dynamic girl group After School and its quirky sub-unit Orange Caramel, known for their catchy tunes and colorful concepts. Her striking visuals quickly made her a fashion favorite, but Nana had broader ambitions. She deliberately pivoted to acting, taking on supporting roles to hone her craft. The gamble paid off. She earned critical recognition for her turn as a cunning journalist in the legal drama 'The Good Wife,' a performance that shattered the 'idol actress' stereotype. Nana continued to choose complex characters, from a cold-blooded assassin in 'Kill It' to a vengeful woman in 'Justice,' proving her mettle in gritty, dramatic terrain. Her journey reflects a disciplined reinvention, moving seamlessly from the synchronized world of K-pop to the nuanced demands of television storytelling.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Nana was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Nana Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Nana's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned critical acclaim for her role as Kim Hye-kyung in the Korean adaptation of 'The Good Wife'.
- Debuted as a member of After School, a group known for its unique 'graduation' system and percussive performances.
- Gained popularity as part of the sub-unit Orange Caramel, known for its retro and absurdist music videos.
- Successfully transitioned to a leading actress with starring roles in dramas like 'Kill It' and 'Justice'.
Did You Know?
She was ranked first in the 'Most Beautiful Faces in the World' list by TC Candler in 2014 and 2015.
Nana is an only child and was raised by her mother.
She is a certified pilates instructor.
Before debuting, she worked as a model for online shopping malls.
“I want to be recognized for my acting, not just my image.”
