Asian Actresses Who Should Be Household Names by Now

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Streaming services and film festivals have helped talented actors from around the world reach wider audiences. Many Asian actresses, already stars in their own countries, are receiving critical praise. While a few have broken into major international films, many others deserve more recognition in Western media, considering their impressive work. These actresses have the talent and range to lead big international projects and connect with audiences everywhere. This list showcases some of these talented performers, highlighting their diverse roles and award-winning performances.

Kim Tae-ri

Kim Tae-ri first gained recognition for her starring role in the highly praised film ‘The Handmaiden.’ She then moved to television with the historical drama ‘Mr. Sunshine,’ portraying a noblewoman who secretly worked as a fighter for independence. Her performance in ‘Twenty Five Twenty One’ was award-winning, earning her a Best Actress prize at the Baeksang Arts Awards. She consistently takes on demanding roles, as seen in the science fiction film ‘Alienoid.’ Kim Tae-ri is known for the deep emotional connection she brings to her characters, which has earned her international acclaim.

Kim Go-eun

Kim Go-eun first received recognition for her film debut in ‘A Muse,’ earning her several Best New Actress awards. She became a prominent star thanks to the popular fantasy romance ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.’ Her work in the thriller ‘Little Women’ showcased her ability to lead a strong cast in a challenging role. Known for her realistic and heartfelt performances, she brings depth and emotion to every character she plays. Throughout her career, she’s consistently appeared in both popular and critically acclaimed films and series.

Han So-hee

I’ve been so impressed watching Han So-hee’s career take off! It feels like everyone in South Korea was watching ‘The World of the Married’ – it was a huge hit, and she really stood out. What I love is how she doesn’t stick to one type of role. After that, she completely transformed herself for ‘My Name,’ taking on all that action! Then she showed a completely different, softer side in ‘Nevertheless,’ which was lovely. And now ‘Gyeongseong Creature’ – she’s working with some incredible actors! She just has this amazing presence on screen and isn’t afraid to take risks with her roles, which is why she’s become such a big star all over Asia, in my opinion.

Park Eun-bin

Park Eun-bin has been acting since she was a child and has a long list of impressive roles. She became internationally known for playing a lawyer with autism in the hit series ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo.’ Before that, she earned praise for her role as a king disguised as a woman in the historical drama ‘The King’s Affection.’ Park Eun-bin is known for carefully preparing for each role, making subtle changes to her posture and voice to truly become the character. She’s celebrated for her ability to play challenging and unusual characters with both skill and believability.

Bae Doona

Bae Doona is a well-established actress who has achieved success in both South Korea and internationally. Many Western viewers will recognize her from the series ‘Sense8’ and the film ‘Cloud Atlas’. In her home country, she’s known for starring in popular films like ‘The Host’ and the thriller series ‘Stranger’. She’s admired for her understated acting and ability to powerfully express emotions with just a look or gesture. Through working with respected directors worldwide, she continues to be a significant presence in the film industry.

Jeon Do-yeon

Jeon Do-yeon earned the nickname ‘Queen of Cannes’ after winning Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for ‘Secret Sunshine’. Known for her powerful and realistic acting, she’s delivered memorable performances in films like ‘The Housemaid’ and ‘Kill Boksoon’, often playing complicated and troubled characters. This has cemented her status as a film icon. More recently, she surprised audiences with her comedic and romantic skills in the popular series ‘Crash Course in Romance’. Throughout her decades-long career, she’s consistently chosen bold and demanding roles.

Kim Hye-soo

Kim Hye-soo is a highly admired and established actress in South Korea, known for her strong and captivating performances. She’s appeared in many popular movies and TV shows, including the films ‘The Thieves’ and ‘Juvenile Justice,’ and the critically acclaimed crime drama ‘Signal.’ Many consider her performance in ‘Signal’ to be among the best in recent television. She’s celebrated for being able to excel in all kinds of roles, from large-scale action films to smaller, more personal stories. Her long and successful career proves her talent and undeniable screen presence.

Son Ye-jin

Son Ye-jin first became famous as the ‘nation’s first love’ through her roles in popular romantic movies. She then gained international recognition starring in the hit series ‘Crash Landing on You’. She proved her acting skills in the historical drama ‘The Last Princess’, delivering a strong and graceful performance. Throughout her career, she’s received many awards for films like ‘A Moment to Remember’ and ‘The Pirates’. Her captivating personality and ability to portray a wide range of emotions have made her a favorite with audiences worldwide.

Park So-dam

I first noticed Park So-dam in ‘The Priests,’ and I was really impressed! But she truly blew up internationally with ‘Parasite,’ where she played such a clever and memorable character – it’s amazing that film won an Oscar! I’ve also enjoyed her in shows like ‘Record of Youth’ and ‘Cinderella with Four Knights.’ What I really love about her is that she brings something special to every role; she’s incredibly talented and stands out, and it’s exciting to see the different paths she takes with her acting.

Tang Wei

Tang Wei first became well-known internationally for her role in Ang Lee’s film ‘Lust Caution’. She then expanded her career to South Korea, appearing in the highly praised movie ‘Late Autumn’. Her performance in the mystery thriller ‘Decision to Leave’ won her numerous Best Actress awards and established her as a star around the world. She’s celebrated for the subtle power and complexity she brings to her characters. Her skill at working in different film industries and with various languages makes her a truly global talent.

Dilraba Dilmurat

Dilraba Dilmurat is one of China’s biggest stars, famous for her work in hit fantasy dramas like ‘Eternal Love’. She’s incredibly popular on social media and a leading face in fashion and beauty throughout Asia. Recent roles in shows like ‘The Long Ballad’ and ‘You Are My Glory’ have made her even more well-known around the world. People often admire her beautiful appearance and her talent for portraying characters who are both strong and down-to-earth. She’s becoming an even bigger presence in the entertainment world with each new project she takes on.

Zhao Liying

Zhao Liying is a hugely popular and successful actress in China, famous for starring in several hit TV dramas like ‘Legend of Lu Zhen’ and ‘The Journey of Flower’. She’s particularly known for her mature and nuanced performance in the historical drama ‘The Story of Minglan’. A dedicated and hardworking performer, she often plays strong, independent women. Her impact on the Chinese entertainment industry is considerable, and she’s gaining fans around the world.

Yang Mi

Yang Mi has been a well-known actress in China since she was young. She became hugely popular with her roles in the hit dramas ‘Palace’ and ‘Eternal Love’. Beyond acting, she’s also a successful producer and a leading fashion influencer in China. With a long and consistently successful career in both film and television, Yang Mi is now one of Asia’s most influential actresses.

Kathryn Bernardo

Kathryn Bernardo is one of the Philippines’ biggest stars, often called the Queen of Hearts. She’s been in some of the country’s most successful movies ever, including the hit drama ‘The Hows of Us’. She’s successfully moved from playing teen roles to more mature characters, earning praise for films like ‘Hello Love Goodbye’. She has a large and loyal fanbase who support her work in both TV and movies. Her talent and charm have made her incredibly popular in the Philippines and throughout the region.

Dolly de Leon

Dolly de Leon became internationally recognized for her captivating performance in ‘Triangle of Sadness’. She received a BAFTA nomination and awards from top critics for playing a strong and clever worker. Before achieving global success, she had already built a solid career in Filipino theater and independent films. Since then, she’s appeared in international projects like the series ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. Her ability to portray realistic and complex characters has made her a prominent figure in the entertainment world.

Liza Soberano

Liza Soberano is a hugely popular actress in the Philippines, celebrated for both her beauty and talent. She recently made her Hollywood debut in the film ‘Lisa Frankenstein’. Before this, she starred in successful Filipino TV shows like ‘Forevermore’ and ‘Dolce Amore’, and also voiced the main character in the Netflix animated series ‘Trese’. Fans and industry experts are excited to see what she does next as she expands her career internationally.

Rinko Kikuchi

As a huge film fan, I was so thrilled when Rinko Kikuchi made history as the first Japanese actress in half a century to get an Oscar nomination – it was for ‘Babel’, and so well-deserved! Since then, she’s really become a global star, appearing in big films like ‘Pacific Rim’ and ‘The Brothers Bloom’, but she hasn’t forgotten her roots. She continues to work on fantastic Japanese projects, like the indie film ‘Kumiko the Treasure Hunter’. What’s really impressive is her ability to switch seamlessly between English and Japanese, which has allowed her to build such a varied and interesting career. I’ve always been struck by her bravery in choosing roles and her incredible talent for expressing so much emotion with just a look – she doesn’t need a ton of dialogue to completely captivate you.

Hikari Mitsushima

Hikari Mitsushima is a celebrated Japanese actress renowned for her powerful and emotive performances. She first gained widespread recognition for her work in Sion Sono’s four-hour film, ‘Love Exposure’, and has since demonstrated her range in projects like the television series ‘Quartet’ and the film ‘Hara Kiri Death of a Samurai’. Her musical background adds a unique rhythm and energy to her acting. Many consider her one of Japan’s most gifted actresses of her generation.

Nana Komatsu

Nana Komatsu quickly gained recognition with her impressive first film, ‘The World of Kanako,’ winning multiple Best New Actress awards. Since then, she’s appeared in diverse projects, including Martin Scorsese’s international film ‘Silence.’ Roles in the romantic drama ‘Drowning Love’ and ‘Farewell Song’ have solidified her reputation as a talented actress. In addition to acting, Komatsu is a successful model, working with many leading fashion brands. Her captivating screen presence and ability to portray complex emotions make her one of Japan’s most notable contemporary film stars.

Masami Nagasawa

Masami Nagasawa is one of Japan’s most popular actresses, first gaining recognition for her role in ‘Crying Out Love in the Center of the World’. She’s since starred in many successful films, like the ‘Confidence Man JP’ series and ‘Our Little Sister’, proving her range as an actress. Known for seamlessly handling both funny and serious roles, she’s a consistent audience favorite and has received several Japan Academy Film Prizes throughout her career. Her talent and continued success have firmly established her as a major figure in Japanese entertainment.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is a leading actress in India, recognized as one of the country’s highest earners. She represents several luxury brands internationally and has appeared in the Hollywood film ‘xXx Return of Xander Cage’ with Vin Diesel. Padukone is highly praised for her roles in popular Indian films like ‘Padmaavat’ and ‘Piku’, and is known for her strong presence on screen and ability to carry major films. Beyond acting, she’s also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in India.

Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt is now a leading actress in Indian films, gaining recognition both in India and abroad. She received international attention for her performance in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, and recently made her Hollywood debut in the action movie ‘Heart of Stone’ with Gal Gadot. Known for taking on varied and difficult roles, she’s won many awards and built a large fanbase. Audiences and critics appreciate her realistic acting and ability to excel in all kinds of films.

Song Hye-kyo

Song Hye-kyo has been a leading figure in the growth of Korean entertainment – the ‘Hallyu wave’ – for many years. She first became famous through beloved dramas like ‘Autumn in My Heart’ and ‘Full House,’ and recently gained international recognition for her powerful performance in the hit series ‘The Glory.’ This role showed a new, more dramatic range to her acting. She continues to be one of Asia’s most well-known and respected actresses.

Lee Sung-kyung

Lee Sung-kyung started her career as a model and then became a popular actress in South Korea. She’s best known for playing the main character in the hit drama ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo,’ and has also impressed audiences with her work in medical dramas like ‘Dr. Romantic.’ Lee Sung-kyung is admired for her distinctive look and her ability to portray characters with both charm and authenticity. She’s become increasingly popular not only in Asia, but also with fans of Korean dramas around the world.

Kim Ji-won

Kim Ji-won first became well-known for her part in the popular drama ‘Descendants of the Sun’. She continued to impress audiences with leading roles in the romantic comedy ‘Fight for My Way’ and the fantasy series ‘Arthdal Chronicles’. Critics especially loved her realistic performance in ‘My Liberation Notes’, which captured everyday life beautifully. Most recently, she’s seen huge success with the drama ‘Queen of Tears’. What makes Kim Ji-won so talented is her ability to convincingly play characters who are both strong and sensitive.

Park Min-young

Park Min-young is well-known as a romantic comedy star, thanks to her hit roles in shows like ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim’ and ‘Her Private Life’. She’s also proven her acting skills in historical dramas, including ‘Queen for Seven Days’. Viewers around the world love her engaging personality and the natural connection she has with her co-stars. She consistently takes on leading roles in popular shows that perform well on streaming services.

Gong Li

Gong Li is a celebrated actress who helped introduce Chinese films to a global audience. She’s famous for her work with director Zhang Yimou, particularly in films like ‘Raise the Red Lantern,’ and has also appeared in Hollywood movies such as ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ and ‘Miami Vice.’ A highly respected figure in the film world, she has even served as a leading judge at several important international film festivals. Her powerful performances and incredible talent have cemented her place as one of cinema’s most admired actresses.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi became internationally known for her role in the film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.’ She continued her successful career with roles in ‘House of Flying Daggers’ and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha.’ Her performance in ‘The Grandmaster’ won her many Best Actress awards and widespread critical acclaim. She’s also appeared in major Hollywood films like ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters.’ Zhang Ziyi’s ability to excel in both action-packed and dramatic roles has made her a versatile and celebrated actress.

Stephanie Hsu

Stephanie Hsu gained widespread recognition and an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She impressed audiences with her ability to play two very different characters, Joy Wang and Jobu Tupaki, showing off both her comedic skills and acting range. Before this film, Hsu was already well-known on Broadway, appearing in shows like ‘Be More Chill’. She also had a recurring role in the popular series ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. With her energy and talent, Stephanie Hsu is quickly becoming a star to watch in both theater and film.

Ashley Park

Ashley Park is an acclaimed actress, famous for her work in shows like ‘Emily in Paris’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Before television, she made a name for herself on Broadway, including being in the original cast of ‘Mean Girls’. She’s also proven her leading lady status with a role in the comedy film ‘Joy Ride’. Known for her sharp comedic skills and musical abilities, Ashley Park is a rising star in the entertainment world.

Lana Condor

Lana Condor is well-known among younger audiences for her role in the ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ movies. She started her film career with appearances in ‘X-Men Apocalypse’ and ‘Alita Battle Angel’. Beyond acting, Lana is a strong voice for inclusivity and actively participates in charitable work. More recently, she starred in the series ‘Boo Bitch’ and lent her voice to animated films like ‘Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken’. Her down-to-earth personality and captivating performances continue to attract fans worldwide.

Leah Lewis

Leah Lewis is an up-and-coming actress known for her roles in a variety of projects. She first gained recognition starring in the touching film ‘The Half of It,’ and later showed off her acting skills as Georgia Fan in the series ‘Nancy Drew.’ More recently, she voiced the lead character, Ember Lumen, in Pixar’s animated film ‘Elemental.’ A talented singer as well, Leah often shares her music with fans online. Her success in both smaller independent films and large studio productions suggests a bright future ahead.

Lee Young-ae

Lee Young-ae is a celebrated South Korean actress, most famous for her leading role in the popular historical drama ‘Jewel in the Palace.’ This series was a huge success throughout Asia and played a key part in the growth of the Korean wave internationally. She also earned praise for her work in Park Chan-wook’s revenge thriller ‘Lady Vengeance.’ After taking a break from acting, she returned with the series ‘Inspector Koo,’ where she portrayed an unconventional detective. Known for her grace and talent, Lee Young-ae remains a prominent and respected figure in Korean entertainment.

Gong Hyo-jin

Gong Hyo-jin is a leading actress in romantic comedies, thanks to her success in shows like ‘Pasta’ and ‘The Master’s Sun,’ where she’s known for being charming and relatable. She proved her range with the thriller ‘When the Camellia Blooms,’ earning her a major award at the KBS Drama Awards. Beyond acting, she’s a fashion icon who influences trends in South Korea. Ultimately, her ability to connect with viewers through genuine and heartfelt performances is what makes her so popular.

Heart Evangelista

Heart Evangelista is a well-known actress and TV host in the Philippines who has also become a fashion icon around the world. She’s appeared in many popular TV shows, including ‘Mulawin’ and ‘I Left My Heart in Sorsogon.’ In addition to acting, she’s a talented visual artist and frequently attends fashion weeks internationally. Major luxury brands have recognized her impact on the fashion industry, and she continues to showcase Filipino creativity and talent globally through her work.

Sobhita Dhulipala

I’ve been really impressed with Sobhita Dhulipala’s journey. She actually started out in beauty pageants, but quickly proved she was a serious actor. Most people probably first noticed her in ‘Made in Heaven,’ where she was fantastic – she really got the critics talking. Since then, she’s continued to impress, whether it’s in the suspense of ‘The Night Manager’ or the intensity of ‘Monkey Man’. She just has this incredible screen presence and consistently plays these really layered, complex characters. It’s exciting to see her career taking off internationally now, landing some high-profile roles and collaborations.

Radhika Apte

Radhika Apte is an acclaimed Indian actress celebrated for her work in independent films and streaming shows. She became well-known internationally for her performances in ‘Sacred Games’ and ‘Ghoul’. Throughout her career, she’s played diverse characters in films and series across multiple languages, including English and Marathi. Apte is admired for taking on bold, unconventional roles and delivering authentic, believable performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Satomi Ishihara

Satomi Ishihara is a well-known and popular actress in Japan, celebrated for her captivating personality and range. She became a household name thanks to starring roles in successful TV dramas like ‘Rich Man Poor Woman’ and ‘Unnatural’, and proved her ability to handle big-budget films with her appearance in ‘Shin Godzilla’. Throughout her career, she’s received many acting awards and is a common face in Japanese advertising, solidifying her status as a major figure in the Japanese entertainment industry.

Suzu Hirose

Suzu Hirose started her career as a child model and quickly rose to become one of Japan’s leading young actresses. She gained recognition for her performance in Hirokazu Kore-eda’s film ‘Our Little Sister,’ and continued to impress in the drama ‘The Third Murder’ and the series ‘Natsuzora.’ She’s received multiple Japan Academy Film Prizes, proving her versatility and talent. With a natural gift and captivating presence, Suzu Hirose is now a prominent figure in modern Japanese film.

Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran became well-known around the world for playing Rose Tico in the newer ‘Star Wars’ films. She was the first woman of color to have a main role in the series and was praised for her acting. She also voiced the main character in Disney’s animated movie ‘Raya and the Last Dragon,’ and showed off her acting skills in the series ‘Sorry for Your Loss.’ Tran is also a strong voice for having more diversity and representation in Hollywood.

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2026-02-07 20:01