Actress Chae Seo-an has captured hearts and critical acclaim alike with her role in the hit Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines”. Yet, her journey is not just a tale of onscreen success; it’s a remarkable story of resilience that took her from factory floors to stardom.
🌟 A Rising Star with a Humble Path
**Born in 1996** and an alumnus of Korea’s prestigious Kookmin University, where she majored in Performing Arts, Chae Seo-an made her debut in 2023 with the drama Police University. Since then, she has steadily climbed the ranks through diverse roles in acclaimed series such as Hellbound, Moonshine, and Pale Moon, alongside films like Carter and Moon Kyung.
Her portrayal of the young version of Mrs. Hak’s wife, Yeong-ran, in When Life Gives You Tangerines in 2025 catapulted her into public consciousness, earning accolades for her **emotionally charged and grounded performance**.
💪 A Hardworking Life Behind the Scenes
Despite her flourishing career, **Chae Seo-an’s** journey took an unexpected turn after filming wrapped in 2023. After her agency contract ended, she took on multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. Her determination to sustain herself speaks volumes about her character. She juggled various roles, from working at a rice cake factory to a cookie factory—an environment she left due to its toll on her skin.
Among her various jobs, Chae Seo-an worked in electronic factories, laboring in research labs affiliated with major conglomerates and assembling products like card readers and door locks. Until recently, she was also part of a **CCTV quality control team**. The sheer diversity of her experiences paints a vivid picture of her resilience and tenacity.
👏 Recognition from IU and New Career Momentum
A turning point in **Chae Seo-an’s** career came when her co-star IU publicly praised her talent. During script readings, **IU** remarked, “Chae Seo-an handled a variety of roles with so much skill and fun that I was impressed and wanted to know more about her.” This notable recognition from an industry titan underscores Chae’s potential and artistry.
After observing her initial nervousness during their shoots, **IU** offered encouragement, later stating, “She expresses herself better when relaxed—I believe she’ll receive a lot more love moving forward.” Such support from a respected figure can be pivotal in any artist’s journey.
📈 A New Chapter Begins
The winds of fortune have shifted in **Chae Seo-an’s** favor as she recently signed an exclusive contract with Blitzway Entertainment, which manages star actors like Ju Ji-hoon. This new partnership is a testament to her budding status in the industry.
Following this progression, she has made appearances in the music video for Jannabi’s latest single “In the Name of Love!”, engaged in fashion campaigns, and broadened her presence across media platforms. Now at **28 years old**, Chae Seo-an confidently declares her ambitions: “I want to become a household name, someone recognized regardless of genre.”
**Chae Seo-an’s** remarkable journey from factory work to Netflix fame exemplifies her grit, humility, and unshaken passion for acting. With industry veterans now rallying behind her, she is on the brink of becoming one of the most compelling **rising actresses** of her generation. Brace yourselves for more from this inspiring talent!
