Lim Yoona, who simply goes by Yoona on screen and stage, is a singer and actress who quietly rewrote what an idol career could look like in South Korea.
She was born on May 30, 1990 (36 years old), in Seoul, South Korea.
She is the centre and visual of the iconic girl group Girls’ Generation, which debuted in August 2007 and went on to become one of the best-selling and most influential girl groups in the world.
She later joined the group’s subunit Girls’ Generation Oh!GG and released her debut solo EP, A Walk to Remember, in 2019.
Her acting breakthrough came with the KBS drama You Are My Destiny (2008), which earned her the Best New Actress trophy at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards.
She has since starred in The K2 (2016), Confidential Assignment (2017), Exit (2019), Big Mouth (2022), King the Land (2023), and the global hit Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (2025).
Often called the “CF Queen,” she has also become a global ambassador for luxury brands like Miu Miu, Valentino, and Qeelin.
Quick Facts of Lim Yoona
| Full Name | Im Yoon-ah |
| Profession | Singer and Actress |
| Age | 36 years old |
| Date of Birth | May 30, 1990 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Gemini |
| Birthplace | Daerim-dong, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea |
| Current Address | Seoul, South Korea |
| Gender | Female |
| Nicknames | Alligator Yoona, Deer Yoona, Him Yoona |
Lim Yoona Early Life and Education
Lim Yoona was born in Daerim-dong, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea. She grew up in a small family that included her father and her elder sister, who is five years older than her.
Her parents separated when she was young, and she was raised mainly by her father along with her sister. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a singer after listening to the popular Korean girl group S.E.S.
In 2002, she cleared the SM Saturday Open Casting Audition and joined SM Entertainment as a trainee at the age of 12. She trained in singing, dancing, and acting for nearly five years before her debut.
Education
Yoona completed her schooling at Daeyoung High School in Seoul and graduated in 2009.
She later majored in Theatre Studies at Dongguk University and graduated in February 2015. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the university on her graduation day.
| School | Daeyoung High School |
| Alma Mater | Dongguk University |
| Highest Qualification | Graduate (Theatre Studies) |
Lim Yoona Personal Life
Lim Yoona is known for being one of the most private celebrities in the South Korean entertainment industry. She rarely speaks about her personal life and prefers to keep her focus on her work.
Current Relationship
As of now, Yoona is unmarried and reportedly single. She has not publicly confirmed any current relationship.
She has been linked to actor and singer Lee Jun-ho, her co-star from King the Land (2023), as fans noticed strong on-screen chemistry between them. However, both their agencies have officially denied the dating rumours.
Ex-Boyfriend
Yoona was in a confirmed relationship with singer and actor Lee Seung-gi. Their agencies, SM Entertainment and Hook Entertainment, confirmed the news in January 2014, though the couple had reportedly been dating since September 2013.
The two ended their relationship in August 2015, with both agencies citing busy schedules as the reason. They are said to have remained on friendly terms after the breakup.
Parents
Yoona’s parents separated when she was young. Her father raised her and her sister on his own and has been described by Yoona as a calm and considerate person, whom she often refers to as her ideal type of man.
The names and the professions of her parents are yet to be updated.
Siblings
Yoona has one elder sister, Im Yoon-jeong, who is five years older than her. Her sister has stayed away from the public spotlight, and detailed information about her profession is yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Ex-Boyfriend | Lee Seung-gi |
| Parents | Yet to be updated |
| Siblings | Sister: Im Yoon-jeong |
Lim Yoona Career
Lim Yoona has built a career across K-pop, Korean television, and Korean cinema. She is one of the few idol actresses who has stayed at the top for nearly two decades.
Pre-debut and Training Years (2002 to 2007)
In 2002, at the age of 12, Yoona was cast through the SM Saturday Open Casting Audition. She trained at SM Entertainment for almost five years in singing, dancing, and acting.
Before her official debut, she appeared in the music video of TVXQ’s “Magic Castle” in December 2004, along with brand commercials.
Girls’ Generation Debut (2007)
Yoona officially debuted in August 2007 as a member of Girls’ Generation. She was placed as the centre, visual, and a lead dancer of the group.
The group went on to become one of the best-selling girl groups in South Korea, with global hits like “Gee,” “Genie,” and “I Got a Boy.”
Television Acting Debut (2007 to 2008)
Yoona started her acting career in 2007 with a minor role in MBC’s Two Outs in the Ninth Inning.
In 2008, she appeared in a cameo role in MBC’s Woman of Matchless Beauty, Park Jung-geum.
Breakthrough Role (2008 to 2009)
Yoona landed her first leading role in KBS’s daily drama You Are My Destiny (2008), playing Jang Sae-byuk. She starred alongside Park Jae-jung, Lee Ji-hoon, and Gong Hyun-joo.
The drama peaked at 41.6% viewership and earned her the Best New Actress trophy at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards.
Early Drama Lead Roles (2009 to 2013)
In 2009, she starred in MBC’s Cinderella Man opposite Kwon Sang-woo, along with Han Eun-jung and Song Chang-eui.
In 2012, she played dual roles in KBS2’s fantasy romance Love Rain opposite Jang Geun-suk. The drama was sold to Japan for a record price.
In 2013, she headlined KBS2’s romantic comedy Prime Minister and I opposite Lee Beom-soo. Her performance won her an Excellence Award at the 2013 KBS Drama Awards.
Chinese Debut and Image Shift (2016)
In 2016, Yoona made her Chinese drama debut with God of War, Zhao Yun, sharing the screen with Lin Gengxin and Kim Jeong-hoon.
The same year, she shifted her image with tvN’s action thriller The K2, starring opposite Ji Chang-wook, Song Yoon-ah, and Jo Sung-ha.
Film Debut and Continued Drama Work (2017)
In January 2017, Yoona made her film debut with the action comedy Confidential Assignment, alongside Hyun Bin, Yoo Hae-jin, and Kim Joo-hyuk.
Later that year, she returned to dramas with MBC’s historical series The King in Love, starring with Im Si-wan and Hong Jong-hyun.
Solo Music Debut and First Film Lead (2018 to 2019)
In August 2018, Yoona debuted in Girls’ Generation’s subunit Oh!GG along with Taeyeon, Sunny, Hyoyeon, and Yuri.
In May 2019, she released her first solo EP, A Walk to Remember, which peaked at number three on the Gaon Album Chart.
In July 2019, she headlined the disaster action film Exit opposite Jo Jung-suk, along with Ko Du-shim and Park In-hwan. The film attracted over nine million viewers in South Korea.
Continued Acting Across Mediums (2020 to 2021)
In late 2020, Yoona starred in JTBC’s office drama Hush opposite Hwang Jung-min, along with Yoo Sun and Son Byung-ho.
In 2021, she appeared in the film Miracle: Letters to the President with Park Jeong-min, Lee Sung-min, andLee Soo-kyung.
She also appeared in the ensemble film A Year-End Medley with Han Ji-min, Lee Dong-wook, and Lee Kwang-soo.
Major Comebacks in Drama and Film (2022)
In 2022, Yoona starred in MBC’s thriller Big Mouth opposite Lee Jong-suk and Kim Joo-hun, which became a global Disney+ hit.
She also reprised her role in the sequel Confidential Assignment 2: International with Hyun Bin, Yoo Hae-jin, Daniel Henney, and Jin Sun-kyu. The film won her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 58th Grand Bell Awards.
Global Streaming Success (2023)
In 2023, Yoona starred in the romantic comedy King the Land opposite Lee Jun-ho, along with Go Won-hee and Kim Ga-eun.
The series ranked number one on Netflix’s Weekly Global Top 10 in the non-English TV show category for three weeks.
Global Hit and Return to Music (2025)
In 2025, Yoona starred in the fantasy romantic drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty alongside Lee Chae-min, Kang Han-na, and Choi Gwi-hwa.
The series topped Netflix’s non-English Global Top 10 for multiple weeks and earned her the Actress of the Year (TV) award at the Asia Artist Awards.
The same year, she reunited with director Lee Sang-geun for the fantasy comedy film Pretty Crazy (also titled The Devil Has Moved In) opposite Ahn Bo-hyun, with Sung Dong-il and Joo Hyun-young. She won her first Best Actress trophy at the 29th Chunsa Film Art Awards for this role.
On December 19, 2025, Yoona released the digital single “Wish to Wish.”
Recent Work and Upcoming Projects
Recently, Yoona made a special appearance in the Netflix film Husbands in Action, which premiered on June 19, 2026. Her surprise cameo created strong buzz online and sparked talk of a possible sequel role.
Lim Yoona is set to lead the Korean drama Unnatural, the official Korean remake of the popular 2018 Japanese drama of the same name, which originally starred Ishihara Satomi.
In the series, Yoona will play a forensic pathologist working at an unnatural death investigation lab. The drama marks her first crime and medical-genre lead role.
Beyond acting, Yoona continues her brand work as the global ambassador for Qeelin and Italian luxury house Valentino, with new campaigns expected through 2026.
Lim Yoona Awards and Achievements
Lim Yoona has earned wide recognition across television, film, and music. Her biggest acting honours have come from You Are My Destiny, Confidential Assignment, Exit, Big Mouth, Confidential Assignment 2, and most recently Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and Pretty Crazy.
Her Major Wins
- KBS Drama Awards (2008): Won Best New Actress for You Are My Destiny (2008).
- 45th Baeksang Arts Awards (2009): Won Best New Actress (Television) for You Are My Destiny (2008).
- KBS Drama Awards (2013): Won Excellence Award, Actress for Prime Minister and I (2013).
- Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2016): Listed among Asia’s most influential celebrities in entertainment and sports.
- Asian Film Awards (2018): Won AFA Next Generation Award for Confidential Assignment (2017).
- Korean Film Shining Star Awards (2017): Won Newcomer Award for Confidential Assignment (2017).
- 1st Asan Chungmugong International Action Film Festival (2019): Won Best Actress for Exit (2019).
- 58th Grand Bell Awards (2022): Won Best Supporting Actress for Confidential Assignment 2: International (2022).
- 2022 MBC Drama Awards: Won Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries for Big Mouth (2022), and Best Couple Award with Lee Jong-suk.
- Asia Artist Awards (2025): Won Actress of the Year (TV), Best Artist (Actor), and Asia Star Award for Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (2025).
- 29th Chunsa Film Art Awards (2025): Won Best Actress for Pretty Crazy (2025).
- National Brand Awards (2025): Won the Global Influence of Popular Culture honour.
- Visionary Awards (2026): Won 2026 Visionary recognition for Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.
- Brand Customer Loyalty Awards (2026): Won Best Actress, TV Drama for Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.
- Korea First Brand Awards (2026): Won Best Actress (Drama), along with Indonesia’s Choice and Vietnam’s Choice categories.
Her Key Nominations
- 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards (2019): Nominated for Best Actress for Exit (2019).
- Chunsa Film Art Awards (2020): Nominated for Best Actress for Exit (2019).
- 42nd Blue Dragon Film Awards (2021): Nominated for Best Actress for Miracle: Letters to the President (2021).
- 58th Baeksang Arts Awards (2022): Nominated for Best Actress (Film) for Miracle: Letters to the President (2021).
- 43rd Blue Dragon Film Awards (2022): Nominated for Best Actress for Confidential Assignment 2: International (2022).
- 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Actress for Pretty Crazy (2025).
- 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards (2026): Nominated for Best Actress (Television) for Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (2025).
- APAN Star Awards (2025): Nominated for Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries for Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (2025).
Lim Yoona Controversies
Lim Yoona has had a remarkably clean public image and is widely considered one of the most scandal-free celebrities in the Korean entertainment industry. The few issues linked to her name have mostly come from external incidents or one-time public moments.
Karaoke outing with Lee Hyori during COVID-19 (July 2020): On July 1, 2020, Yoona briefly went live on Instagram with senior singer Lee Hyori from a karaoke room in Apgujeong, Seoul. The clip drew backlash as South Korea was still under strict social distancing rules at the time. Yoona posted a handwritten apology the next day, saying she was deeply reflecting on her careless action and apologising to medical workers and the public.
Dating rumours with Lee Jun-ho (2023): During and after King the Land aired in 2023, Yoona was caught in dating rumours with her co-star Lee Jun-ho due to their strong on-screen chemistry. Both SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment officially denied the rumours and confirmed that the two were close colleagues but not in a romantic relationship.
Dating rumours with Lee Jun-ho (2023): During and after King the Land aired in 2023, Yoona was caught in dating rumours with her co-star Lee Jun-ho due to their strong on-screen chemistry. Both SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment officially denied the rumours and confirmed that the two were close colleagues but not in a romantic relationship.
Lim Yoona Net Worth
Lim Yoona’s net worth has not been officially declared by her or her agency. Most figures available online are estimates based on her acting fees, music income, endorsements, and real estate investments.
Her net worth is estimated to be around $20 million to $30 million (approx. ₹189 Crore to ₹283.5 Crore). Her income mainly comes from films, dramas, music royalties, and her many global brand endorsements with names like Miu Miu, Valentino, Estée Lauder, and Qeelin.
She is also known for her smart real estate investments. In 2023, she reportedly sold a Gangnam building for around ₩24.3 billion (about $17.7 million), earning a profit of nearly $11 million from a single property.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $20 million to $30 million (approx. ₹189 Crore to ₹283.5 Crore) |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Lim Yoona Height, Weight and Physical Stats
| Height | In centimetres: 168 cm In meters: 1.68 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 48 kg In lbs: 106 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 32-23-33 inches |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Lim Yoona Social media
Yoona is one of the few celebrities who maintains two separate Instagram accounts to keep her personal and professional life apart.
- @yoona__lim: This is her personal profile. She uses it spontaneously to show her daily life, self-portraits, food, travels, and personal interactions with fellow Girls’ Generation members.
- @limyoona__official: This is her professional archive. It focuses strictly on broadcasting schedules, behind-the-scenes drama, promotions (like for King the Land or Bon Appétit, Your Majesty), and official press photos.
 @yoona__lim@limyoona__official | |
| YouTube |  @limyoona__official |
Interesting Facts about Lim Yoona
- Yoona’s name “Yoon-ah” means “soft beauty” in Korean, which fans say matches her gentle on-screen image perfectly.
- Before her official debut, she appeared in TVXQ’s “Magic Castle” music video in December 2004, which marked her first public screen appearance.
- She has been nicknamed the “CF Queen” for endorsing nearly 40 brands at the same time over her career, including ten brand deals in the year 2019 alone.
- In 2016, Yoona was named one of Forbes Asia’s “30 Under 30” most influential celebrities in entertainment and sports.
- In October 2021, she became the first Asian global ambassador for the Italian luxury fashion brand Miu Miu.
- In October 2024, she was appointed as a brand ambassador for the Italian luxury house Valentino, becoming one of the few Korean stars to represent the fashion brand globally.
- She has a Bichon Frise dog named Rae-O.
- She has openly said she enjoys cooking and would have likely become a chef if she had not become a singer, which made her role in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty feel like a perfect fit.
- In March 2025, Yoona donated ₩100 million (approx. $73,000) to the Community Chest of Korea to help victims of the South Korea wildfires.
FAQs
What is Lim Yoona’s age?
She is 36 years old. She was born on May 30, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea.
What is Lim Yoona famous for?
She is famous as the centre and visual of Girls’ Generation, and for K-dramas like You Are My Destiny (2008), The K2 (2016), Big Mouth (2022), King the Land (2023), and Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (2025).
Who is Lim Yoona’s boyfriend?
She is currently single. She was previously in a public relationship with singer and actor Lee Seung-gi from 2013 to 2015.
Is Yoona dating Lee Jun-ho?
No. Both their agencies have officially denied the dating rumours linking them after King the Land (2023).
What is Lim Yoona’s education?
She studied at Daeyoung High School in Seoul and graduated from Dongguk University with a degree in Theatre Studies in 2015.
How tall is Lim Yoona?
She is 168 cm tall, which is about 5 feet 6 inches.
What awards has Lim Yoona won?
She has won the Baeksang Best New Actress for You Are My Destiny (2008), Best Supporting Actress at the Grand Bell Awards for Confidential Assignment 2 (2022), and the Best Actress trophy at the 29th Chunsa Film Art Awards for Pretty Crazy (2025).
What is Lim Yoona’s real name?
Her real name is Im Yoon-ah, often romanised as Lim Yoona.
