Cha Joo-young is enjoying a meteoric rise in popularity following her lead role in the tvN drama, Wonkyung, which concluded recently. Her star power remains strong even after the show's end, cementing her status as one of the most prominent actors in South Korea.
According to a brand reputation analysis conducted between February 13 and March 13, 2025, Cha Joo-young topped the list of actors, surpassing notable male counterparts like Choo Young-woo, Seo Kang-joon, and Ju Ji-hoon. This ranking underscored her significant appeal, as even after Wonkyung concluded on February 11, she continues to attract more attention than many main actors from currently airing dramas.
Cha Joo-young's performance as Hye-jung, a school violence perpetrator in the acclaimed series The Glory, marked a turning point in her career. The role, which showcased her range as an actress, garnered her significant recognition and laid the groundwork for her subsequent success in Wonkyung. Notably, she has effectively erased any association with her previous character, now being praised for her multifaceted portrayal as the titular character in Wonkyung.
One of the key factors behind Cha Joo-young’s sustained popularity is her genuine connection with fans. Recently released short videos of her interacting with fans have sparked considerable interest online, making her a hot topic across social media platforms. These clips demonstrate her willingness to step down from the pedestal of celebrity to engage with her supporters on a personal level.
Among these videos, there are heartwarming scenes of her rushing out to meet fans who waited in the cold and personally hailing cabs for those who needed a ride. The level of support and affection that she displays towards her fans has resonated deeply, resulting in each clip garnering several million views. Collectively, her fan account has reported that the total view count of these clips exceeded 27 million in the last month alone, with individual video views ranging between 2 to 3 million.
Cha Joo-young's engagement with her followers has not only boosted her visibility but has also translated into a significant increase in her social media presence. Recent statistics from Social Blade revealed that her Instagram followers surged by an impressive 270,000 following the conclusion of Wonkyung. This exponential growth reflects her growing brand power and the impact she has on her audience.
Looking ahead, Cha Joo-young is set to make her film debut with Lobby, directed by fellow actor Ha Jung-woo, which is scheduled to hit theaters on April 2, 2025. The film tells the story of a startup executive embarking on a golfing venture linked to a massive national project worth 4 trillion won. In her role as a golf course staff member, Cha Joo-young is expected to deliver another compelling performance, further solidifying her status in the film industry.
Moreover, she will work on another thriller this year titled Sister, where she plays a central character entangled in a kidnapping plot between two criminals and the wealthy daughter they have affected. This film promises to showcase yet another layer of her acting talent, broadening her appeal beyond romantic or melodramatic roles.
In conclusion, Cha Joo-young's impressive trajectory in the entertainment industry is marked not only by successful projects but also by her authentic connection with her fanbase. As she steps into new roles in both television and film, her burgeoning popularity appears sustainable, indicating that the 'Cha Joo-young boom' is far from over.
