From Seo Min Jung To Bae Yong Joon, K-Drama Actors Who Chose To Retire On Their Own Terms

Famous K-drama actors who retired without being in a scandal or controversy.

By Anadya Narain Updated June 25, 2025 7:59 PM

It is very common for South Korean actors to step away from the spotlight and retire once they are exposed or are embroiled in a scandal or controversy. However, there are a few actors who choose to leave the South Korean entertainment industry for other reasons. From Seo Min Jung to Shim Eun Ha, here are some Korean celebrities who retired from the acting industry on their own terms.

Seo Min Jung

Seo Min Jung is well known for her role on the hit comedy Unstoppable High Kick! In 2006, she shocked fans by retiring in 2007 while her career was at its peak. Min Jung said she made this decision to live a more peaceful life. She married Ahn Sang-hoon, a Korean-American dentist, and moved to New York City.

Shim Eun Ha

Often called ‘Nation’s First Love,’ Shim Eun Ha acted in hit films including The Last Match and Christmas in August. She announced that she wanted a more normal life away from the spotlight when she decided to retire in 2001, at the height of her stardom.

Lee Tae Im

Lee Tae Im starred in hit dramas such as The Lady in Dignity and Don’t Hesitate. She abruptly announced her retirement on social media in 2018, stating that she wanted to have a normal life and was struggling with mental health problems.

Bae Yong Joon

The Winter Sonata actor played a very important part in the rise of the Korean Hallyu Wave. However, in 2011, Yong Joon chose to focus on his business endeavours rather than acting.

Heo Yi Jae

Known as ‘Little Kim Tae-hee,’ Heo Yi Jae left the entertainment industry in 2016. She stated in 2021 that harassment from a married co-star forced her to quit the acting business entirely, despite her departure seeming sudden.

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