Son Na-eun
A beloved Apink member who gracefully pivoted to acting, building a second successful career as a versatile and sought-after leading lady in Korean dramas.
Born 1994 (age 32)·South Korean actress·Birthday: February 10·Millennials
Biography
Son Na-eun first captured hearts as the visual and vocalist of the cheerful girl group Apink, debuting in 2011 during the peak of K-pop's global ascent. While thriving in the idol world, she quietly nurtured an ambition for acting, taking on supporting roles that hinted at a deeper talent. Her deliberate transition from idol to actress was marked by a breakout role in the 2015 drama 'Second 20s,' where she held her own against veteran actors. This opened the floodgates, leading to leading roles in popular series like 'Cinderella with Four Knights' and the more recent corporate drama 'Agency.' Na-eun has meticulously chosen diverse projects, from romantic comedies to supernatural medical shows like 'Ghost Doctor,' proving her range and work ethic. Her career arc reflects a calculated and successful reinvention, earning her respect in two fiercely competitive Korean entertainment fields.
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.
Son was born in 1994, 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 Son Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Son's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
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
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a member of Apink, one of South Korea's longest-running and most successful girl groups.
- Earned critical acclaim for her leading role in the tvN drama 'Agency' (2023).
- Won the Best New Actress award at the 2015 APAN Star Awards for her role in 'Second 20s'.
Did You Know?
She was a trainee for only about a year before debuting with Apink, a relatively short period.
She is an accomplished painter and has exhibited her artwork.
She graduated from Dongguk University with a degree in Film and Digital Media.
“I want to show different sides of myself through each character.”
