Lim Yoona (Korean: 임윤아; born May 30, 1990), also known mononymously asYoona, is a South Korean singer and actress. After training for five years, she debuted as a member of girl groupGirls' Generation (and later its subgroupGirls' Generation-Oh!GG) in August 2007, which went on to become one of the best-selling artists in South Korea and one of South Korea's most widely known girl groups worldwide. Apart from her group's activities, Lim has participated in varioustelevision dramas, notablyYou Are My Destiny (2008), which marked her career breakthrough and earned her the Best New Actress award at the45th Baeksang Arts Awards.
The success of Lim's music and acting careers have led her to variousCF deals, notably long-term collaboratorInnisfree, and have established her as a topidol-actress ofHallyu.[3]
Lim graduated from Daeyoung High School in 2009.[8] She went on to major intheater studies and graduated fromDongguk University in February 2015, receiving a lifetime achievement award at the graduation ceremony. Her fellow Girls' Generation member,Seohyun, attended the same university.[9][10] She was also chosen as an ambassador for the university in 2014, alongsideApink'sNaeun and actressPark Ha-sun.[11]
In 2002, she was cast in the SM Saturday Open Casting Audition and spent five years "doing nothing but constant training" in singing, dancing and acting.[12] Prior to debuting, Lim was introduced to the public through various appearances in music videos and commercials; she first appeared inTVXQ's "Magic Castle" music video in December 2004.[13]
2007–2015: Debut with Girls' Generation and acting career
She made her official debut as a member ofGirls' Generation in August 2007, becoming the "center" of the group.[12][14] Apart from Girls' Generation's activities, Lim has acted in several television dramas. Her acting career began in 2007 with a minor role in MBC's dramaTwo Outs in the Ninth Inning.[15] She then appeared in MBC'sWoman of Matchless Beauty (2008), and was complimented by veteran actressBae Jong-ok for her cameo performance.[16]
Lim in 2008
In May 2008, Lim was cast her first leading role in KBS's dramaYou Are My Destiny, playing the character Jang Sae-byuk. The drama achieved viewer ratings of up to 41.5%, and Lim received wider public recognition.[12][17] She considered the role a turning point in her career,[18] and won two "Best New Actress" awards at the 2008KBS Drama Awards[19] and 45thBaeksang Arts Awards.[20]
In March 2012, Lim was cast in a lead role alongsideJang Geun Suk in KBS2's dramaLove Rain, a fantasy drama about fate where the offspring of an ill-fated couple who met in the 1970s, meet and fall in love with each other in the modern era.[23][24] Lim played two characters: Yun-hee of the 70s and Ha-na of modern times.[25][26] Although the drama scored low domestic viewership[27] and was criticized for its failure to relate to the viewers,[28] Lim's acting received positive reviews. Yoon Ga-ee of OSEN wrote: "The speed at which her acting is improving is blinding. She has matured to the point where you want to ask, 'When did her acting get so good?' The criticism that trailed behind her duringCinderella Man is now nowhere to be found."[29] Choi In-kyung ofHankook Ilbo said her acting was continuously improving and "Yoona is completely immersed in her character and has now become 'Hana' herself."[30] The drama garnered much positive overseas interest[31][32] and was sold to Japan for $10 million, the second highest price for a KBS drama at the time, partly due to Lim's popularity.[33]
In December 2013, Lim starred alongsideLee Beom-soo in KBS2's romantic comedy dramaPrime Minister & I.[34] Loosely based on the musical filmThe Sound of Music,[35] Lim played Nam Da-jung, a young and stubborn reporter who falls in love with the prime minister. The drama received low ratings but Lim's performance was praised[12][36] and she won an Excellence Award at the2013 KBS Drama Awards for the role.[37]
Lim in 2014
In March 2016, Lim released her first solo single "Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway", a collaboration with the South Korean indie group10cm, as part ofSM Station.[38] The urban-pop song peaked at number 24 onGaon Digital Chart.[39]Fuse described it as "breezy and easy-listening" and complimented how "lovely" Lim delivered the song.[40]
In April 2016, Lim was cast in her debut Chinese dramaGod of War, Zhao Yun, based on the Chinese novelRomance of the Three Kingdoms.[41] She played dual roles–one falls in love with the male lead character but later finds out he killed her father while the other is skilled in martial arts.[42] The drama's viewership ratings peaked at more than 2%, which was described to be "a huge success" relative to China's large population. It also recorded more than 10 billion hits through various online videos sites, reflecting Lim's popularity in China.[43] Following the success, in August 2016, Lim released a Chinese digital mini-album titledBlossom, which contains her renditions of well-known Mandarin songs.[44]
In September 2016, Lim starred intvN's action thrillerThe K2.[45][46] Tired of being typecast with a candy-like image and having always been burdened by the idol-actress prejudice, Lim cast away the public perception and focused on the role as her "personal challenge."[3][47] Her effort gained positive viewers' recognition,[48] and earned her acting acclaim from critics.[1][2][49]
In January 2017, Lim made her film debut in action film,Confidential Assignment.[50] Lim performance was well-received,[51] and she won several awards such as the AFA Next Generation Award at theAsian Film Awards[52] and the Newcomer Award at the Korean Film Shining Star Awards.[53]She then starred in MBC's historical dramaThe King in Love, an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Kim Yi-ryung.[54][55] In September 2017, Lim released her second solo single "When The Wind Blows" as part of SM Station.[56]
Lim in 2018
In 2018, Lim joined the second season ofHyori's Homestay as a new helper.[57] She released her third solo single "To You" at the conclusion of the variety show.[58] In August 2018, a Girls' Generation subgroup namedOh!GG was formed with Lim alongside the four other members who had decided to renew their contracts with SM entertainment; the group released the single "Lil' Touch".[59]
To celebrate her 29th birthday, Lim released her debut extended playA Walk to Remember on May 30, 2019.[60] The EP became the fastest-selling album in its first 24 hours by a female soloist.[61] In July of the same year, Lim starred in the disaster action filmExit alongsideJo Jung-suk.[62] It became the most popular movie of the summer and one of thehighest-grossing films in South Korea by attracting over nine million viewers.[63] Her first leading role earned her several wins and nominations, including her firstBlue Dragon andChunsa Film Art Awards Best Actress nominations, and a Best Actress win at the 1st Asan Chungmugong International Action Film Festival.
In 2023, she was cast as the lead in the romantic-comedy dramaKing the Land alongsideLee Jun-ho.[71] The series ranked number one on theNetflix's Weekly Global Top 10 in non-English TV show category for 3 weeks.[72]
In 2025, she was cast in the lead role in the fantasy romantic television seriesBon Appétit, Your Majesty alongsideLee Chae-min.[73][74] Netflix identified the series as one of its hit titles in its third-quarter 2025 earnings report.[75]Studio Dragon also cited the series as one of the works that contributed to its return to profitability in the third quarter of 2025.[76] In the same year, Lim reunited with director Lee Sang-geun in his second feature filmPretty Crazy.[77][78] She received widespread praise for her performance in this film and it gave her first Best Actress award at the29th Chunsa Film Art Awards[79] and her fourthBest Actress nomination at the46th Blue Dragon Film Awards.[80] Lim also released the digital single "Wish to Wish" on December 19, 2025.[81]
Lim during promotional event forInnisfree in Shanghai in January 2015
Lim has been called a "CF Queen" due to her several television commercial films, and has been a spokesperson for various brands.[82][83]CNN credited her as "one of the household names in the Asia-Pacific region" which has helped Korean beauty brands become popular in China.[84]
Before debuting in 2007, she became a model for the skin care brandClean & Clear and Haitai Beverage's aid drink brand Sunkist Lemonade & Grapefruit Ade.[85] In 2010, she became the first idol to endorse S-Oil, a large South Korean petroleum and refinery company.[86] In 2012, she appeared in at least 20 commercials and was ranked fifth among celebrities with the most commercial appearances by TVCF, South Korea's largest advertisement information site.[87][88] In 2013, she became the first overseas endorser for Alcon Taiwan.[89][90]
In October 2021, she became the first person to be selected as global ambassador for Italian luxury fashion brandMiu Miu.[99] In January 2023, Lim became the global face of the Miu Miu's 2023 Spring Summer collection campaign, alongsideEmma Corrin,Kendall Jenner,Quintessa Swindell,Karolin Wolter, and more.[100] In July 2023, Hong Kong-based luxury jewellery brandQeelin announced her as its brand spokesperson.[101] In October 2023, Lim became the global face of the Qeelin's Wulu 18 Diamond campaign.[102] In December 2023, she became the global face of the Qeelin's Bo Bo Collection campaign alongsideLiu Shishi.[103]
In January 2024, she became the global face of the Qeelin's Wulu Echo Collection campaign.[104] Later in May 2024, she became the global face of the Qeelin's New Yu Yi Collection campaign alongsideLay Zhang.[105] As of August 28, 2024, Lim has been promoted to global brand spokesperson for Qeelin.[106][107] On October 1, 2024, Lim was selected as the brand ambassador for Italian luxury houseValentino, after attending the first show of creative directorAlessandro Michele to present the brand's Spring/Summer 2025 Collection.[108][109][110] On February 27, 2025, Amorepacific's premier beauty brandSulwhasoo appointed Lim as its global brand ambassador.[111]
In 2012, Lim was appointed as the Honorary Ambassador ofJung District, Seoul.[112] In 2014, Lim was appointed as ambassador forUNICEF's campaign, "UNIHERO", which aims to invite people to become heroes for the less fortunate children all around the globe.[113] In 2015, Lim was named promotional ambassador for the National Tax Service. She has also received presidential commendation for having paid her taxes faithfully.[114] In 2016, Lim participated in Crocs' "Come As You Are" campaign as one of the global ambassadors.[115] In 2018, Lim was appointed as a safety ambassador for the Central Council for Safe Culture Campaign, held to pledge safety measures and eradication of dangerous activities such as speeding and illegal parking that prevents the entry of fire trucks.[116]
In 2019, Lim became the first female celebrity to be appointed as an ambassador by theMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and theKorea Tourism Organization.[117][118] Starting September 2019, an advertisement campaign "Imagine Your Korea" was launched to improve Korean tourism awareness and attract more foreign tourists. The advertisements were displayed in countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. It was also displayed inTimes Square every day until January 2021.[119]
As a member of Girls' Generation and a successful actress, Lim has been hailed as a topidol-actress and a prominentSouth Korean figure.[3] Having appeared inCFs even before her Girls' Generation debut, the success of Lim's music and acting careers has led her to individually endorse almost 40 brands internationally, notably long-time collaboratorInnisfree, including ten in 2019 alone.[125] In 2016, Lim was listed byForbes magazine as one of Asia's "30 under 30" most influential celebrities in the category of entertainment and sports.[126] Lim has also distinguished herself by being selected to host for many year-end galas.[127] In particular, she has been the MC of theMBC Gayo Daejejeon for ten consecutive years.[128]
On 30 December 2025, The 10th National Brand Awards introduced Lim Yoona as a representative icon who expanded the global status of K-content through her work encompassing movies and dramas, and highly praised her accumulated influence in various fields. Lim was honored with an award in the "Global Influence of Popular Culture" category. She was recognized for her contributions to promoting Korean culture globally through her active career as an actress and artist.[129]
^abNo, Han-sol (October 12, 2016).[스타포커스] 윤아, '연기돌' 벗고 '연기자'로... '이젠 믿고 보자 임윤아' [Im Yoon-ah shed her acting-idol title and become the real actress...believe in the Im Yoon-ah you see now].TopStarNews (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. RetrievedNovember 20, 2016.
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^Kim, Ji-won (April 20, 2021).박정민X임윤아 '기적', 6월 개봉 확정 [공식] [Park Jung-min x Lim Yoon-ah'miracle' confirmed to be released in June [Official]].Ten Asia (in Korean).Naver.Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. RetrievedApril 24, 2021.
^Kim, Hyun-rok (April 22, 2021).해피뉴이어' 한지민·이동욱→임윤아·이광수 15人 캐스팅..극장·티빙 동시공개 ['Happy New Year' Han Ji-min, Lee Dong-wook → Im Yoon-ah, Lee Kwang-soo 15 cast...].Sport TV News (in Korean).Naver.Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. RetrievedDecember 6, 2021.
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^Lee, Ho-young (December 31, 2022).'킹더랜드' 이준호X임윤아 제동 걸린 사랑...출연자 화제성 여전히 '1위' [Lim Yoon-ah of 'Right Dragon Point' wins 2 awards for Best Acting and Best Couple at '2022 MBC Drama Awards'] (in Korean).iMBC.Archived from the original on May 11, 2024. RetrievedMay 11, 2024.
^Park, Jung-sun (April 20, 2022).이준호·임윤아, 드라마 '킹더랜드' 출연 [Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah to appear in the drama 'King the Land'] (in Korean).JTBC.Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. RetrievedApril 20, 2022 – viaNaver.
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^Yeon Hwi-seon (September 24, 2024).[단독] 임윤아, 장태유 감독 신작 '폭군의 셰프' 출연...'흥행퀸' 쐐기 박나 (종합) [[Exclusive] Im Yoon-ah to appear in director Jang Tae-yoo's new drama 'The Tyrant's Chef'... 'Box Office Queen' to be crowned (Comprehensive)] (in Korean).OSEN. RetrievedJanuary 13, 2025 – viaNaver.
^Hong Se-young (January 24, 2025)."'AV표지 업로더' 하차 '폭군의 셰프' 임윤아·강한나→이채민 캐스팅 완료 [공식]" ['AV cover uploader' leaves 'The Tyrant's Chef' Im Yoon-ah, Kang Han-na → Lee Chae-min casting complete [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Donga. RetrievedJanuary 25, 2025 – viaNaver.
^Jo, Eun-byeol (November 6, 2025).임윤아·추영우의 힘, 스튜디오드래곤 3분기 흑자전환 [The power of Im Yoon-ah and Choo Young-woo helps Studio Dragon turn a profit in the third quarter] (in Korean). Digital Daily. RetrievedNovember 8, 2025 – viaNaver.
^임윤아·김선호, 로코 '2시의 데이트' 캐스팅 [공식] [Lim Yoon-ah, Kim Seon-ho, Rocco's '2 O'Clock Date' Casting [Official]] (in Korean). sports club. September 13, 2021. RetrievedMay 3, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Yoon Hyun-ji (July 7, 2025).임윤아X안보현, 기상천외 악귀 코미디…'악마가 이사왔다' 8월 13일 개봉 [Im Yoon-ah X Ahn Bo-hyun, a strange evil comedy… 'The Devil Has Moved In' to be released on August 13th] (in Korean). Xports News. RetrievedJuly 8, 2025.
^Noh, Kyu-min (December 24, 2025).임윤아, '제29회 춘사국제영화제' 여우주연상..."도전과 변화, 두려움 대신 즐거운 마음" [Im Yoon-ah Wins Best Actress at the 29th Chunsa International Film Festival... "Challenge and Change, Joy Instead of Fear"].News Culture (in Korean). NewsCulture.Archived from the original on December 24, 2025. RetrievedDecember 24, 2025.
^Ahn, So-yoon (November 14, 2025).[청룡영화상] '부부' 현빈♥손예진, 나란히 노미네이트…男女주연상, 초박빙 트로피 레이스 [[Blue Dragon Film Awards] Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress, are in a tight race.].Chosun Media (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 24, 2025. RetrievedDecember 24, 2025.'악마가 이사왔다' 속 선지는 오로지 임윤아만이 소화할 수 있는 캐릭터였다. [Seon-ji in "The Devil Has Moved In" was a character that only Im Yoon-ah could fully embody.]
^Park Eun-kyung (July 16, 2007).'여자 슈주', '소녀시대'로 활짝 ['Female Super Junior', 'Girls' Generation'].Joy News 24 (in Korean).Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 27, 2025.첫 번째 티저 영상으로 공개된 멤버 윤아는 이미 CF와 뮤직비디오를 통해 얼굴을 알렸으며, 현재 클린앤클리어, 썬키스트 레몬에이드&자몽에이드 모델로 활약 중이다. [Member Yoona, who was revealed in the first teaser video, has already become known through CFs and music videos, and is currently working as a model for Clean & Clear and Sunkist Lemonade & Grapefruit Ade.]
^美國潮流丹寧Lee Jeans 邀請亞洲巨星潤娥代言BODY OPTIX™優形丹寧 360°零死角完美塑身 3D翹臀展現迷人曲線 [American fashion denim Lee Jeans invites Asia Mega Star Yoona to endorse BODY OPTIX™ 360° Body Enhancement display mesmerising body shape with a 3D perky bottom].Yahoo Fashion Beauty Editor Group (in Chinese). January 14, 2017.Archived from the original on August 23, 2017. RetrievedJanuary 15, 2017.
^Nast, Condé (July 5, 2023).Yoona潤娥代言Qeelin 揭示當代東方美! [Yoona endorses Qeelin to reveal contemporary oriental beauty!].Vogue Taiwan (in Chinese).Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. RetrievedJuly 6, 2023.
^潤娥升格Qeelin全球代言人 美戴葫蘆吊墜蠻腰、天鵝頸一次露 [Yoona has been promoted to Qeelin's global spokesperson. She wears a gourd pendant to reveal her waist and swan neck.].Nextapple News (in Chinese (Taiwan)). September 19, 2024.Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. RetrievedSeptember 30, 2024.
^임윤아, 발렌티노 새로운 브랜드 앰버서더 발탁 [Im Yoon-ah selected as Valentino's new brand ambassador] (in Korean). Star Today. October 1, 2024.Archived from the original on October 1, 2024. RetrievedOctober 1, 2024 – viaNaver.
^Kim Jin-hee (February 27, 2025).[단독] 소녀시대 윤아, 아모레퍼시픽 '설화수' 새 얼굴 발탁 [[Exclusive] Girls' Generation's Yoona, Amore Pacific's 'Sulwhasoo' New Face] (in Korean). News 1.Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 27, 2025 – viaNaver.아모레퍼시픽(090430) '설화수'가 새로운 글로벌 앰배서더로 가수 겸 배우 임윤아를 발탁했다. [Amorepacific (090430) 'Sulwhasoo' selected singer and actress Im Yoon-ah as its new global ambassador.]
^장우성 (April 9, 2018).소녀시대 윤아, 선행으로 중구 '명예의 전당' 헌액 [Girls' Generation's Yoona, inducted into Jung-gu 'Hall of Fame' for good deeds].Naver (in Korean).News1.Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. RetrievedJanuary 13, 2023.
^강서정 (February 28, 2020).윤아, 코로나19 1억원 기부 "대구경북에 힘 보태고자"[공식] [Yoona, Corona 19 Donation of 100 million won "To help Daegu-Gyeongbuk" [Official]].The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean).OSEN.Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. RetrievedJanuary 13, 2023.
^임윤아, 산불 피해 지역 복구를 위해 1억 원 기부 [Im Yoon-ah donates 100 million won to help recover areas affected by wildfires].Naver (in Korean).Herald Economy. March 28, 2025.Archived from the original on March 28, 2025. RetrievedMarch 28, 2025.
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