Drama fans already have their eyes on her: Who is ethereal rookie actress Seo Seung-min from “Manager Kim: Return to Form”?

Has everyone been talking about this breakout K-drama, whose ratings have soared since its premiere? SBS’s new series “Manager Kim” has aired just two episodes, and its nationwide ratings have already climbed to 15.7%. Not only is So Ji-sub once again taking over social media with his handsome action scenes, the show’s “gorgeous daughter” has also instantly become a trending topic that viewers can’t take their eyes off.

• Related reading: He’s practically the “world’s greatest dad”: So Ji-sub becomes an assassin in Netflix’s “Manager Kim,” which set this year’s highest ratings from its very first episode!

Landing a prime-time role with no acting experience

While watching the show, many viewers have probably wondered who this girl is, playing the only daughter, Kim Min-ji. It turns out this is newcomer actress Seo Seung-min‘s debut project. Making her first appearance opposite a top star may seem like winning the lottery, yet she has won viewers over with her talent.

In the series, she captures the contradictions of a teenage high school girl who depends on her father while wanting to keep her distance from him. Even the stubborn look on her face as she suppresses her hurt after being bullied at school draws viewers right into the scene. Korean media have given her high praise for acting with a steadiness that feels far beyond that of a newcomer.

A hidden gem with 3 million views before her debut

As “Manager Kim” gains popularity, Korean netizens have begun digging up Seo Seung-min’s past. Back in August 2023, she made a surprise appearance on the well-known beauty channel HAEMIN SUNSAENG. That before-and-after makeup video had already surpassed 2 million views, and her fresh, naturally star-like charm won her plenty of fans early on.

Even more interestingly, a 44-second video on her own channel titled “Take Off My Glasses and Let’s Get Comfortable With the Camera” has recently been brought back into the public eye by the algorithm, with total views now surpassing 3.16 million. Many viewers commented in admiration: “That face was born to be a star!”

A father-daughter duo you can’t stop watching

If you haven’t caught up with the buzz yet, “Manager Kim” tells the story of the world’s most ordinary dad, who becomes a dangerous secret agent and sets out on a quest for revenge to get back his only daughter. Along with watching So Ji-sub in action, the father-daughter chemistry between him and Seo Seung-min is one of the show’s most compelling draws.

Korean entertainment has seen a string of standout newcomers over the past two years, and Seo Seung-min’s fresh, unpretentious presence stands out amid the competition. With the story about to reach its climax, add this much-talked-about series to your watchlist for the month.

Beyond this article, here are a few recent stories worth keeping an eye on: