Is It True? Lee Yeon Hee & Go Ara’s Acting Career Bloomed After Leaving SM Entertainment
From minor roles, Lee Yeon Hee and Go Ara have evolved into being the lead stars of their own works. As they continue to propel their careers after leaving SM Entertainment, here's a glimpse of their journey on how they bloomed in the industry.
Lee Yeon Hee & Go Ara Named as 'Visual Actresses' of SM Entertainment
To recall, Lee Yeon Hee and Go Ara were two of the first celebrities SM Entertainment introduced and were even considered SM's representative visual actresses.
Lee Yeon Hee, who was an SM trainee after winning an award at the SM Youth Best Contest, made her acting debut through "Emperor of the Sea" in 2004.
Go Ara, who gained a title at the same competition in 2003, was quick to start her acting career in the same year through KBS' "Sharp."
Despite their stunning looks, after their debut, they were mainly cast only in roles that highlighted their visuals, which sparked issues about their acting skills.
Since SM Entertainment primarily focused on handling singers, actors did not benefit them at that time. The two celebrities faced challenges while signed under the agency.
After Go Ara finished "Snowflower" and "Heading to the Ground," she worked with SM's idol-turned-actors, which made it difficult for them to show good rapport onscreen. The situation got worse as the series received backlash for its storyline.
Lee Yeon Hee also experienced the same case. Following her performance in "Paradise Ranch" and "A Millionaire's First Love," she did not receive much recognition for her acting abilities.
Go Ara & Lee Yeon Hee's Acting Career Bloomed After Parting Ways With SM Entertainment
In 2016, Go Ara parted ways with SM and partnered with Artist Company.
In January 2023, she signed an exclusive contract with Lee Dong Wook's agency, Starship Entertainment.
Lee Yeon Hee left SM and joined Hyun Bin's company, VAST Entertainment in 2020.
Since they moved to new agencies, the duo has been showing big moves in the industry.
Go Ara impressed the viewers with her remarkable acting in "Hwarang" and "Miss Hammurabi."
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Lee Yeon Hee took her shot in the theater where she debuted in the play "King Lear" in 2021. She delivered a top-tier performance despite the challenging industry of playing dual roles.
In "Welcome to Wedding Hell," the actress also gained praise for her realistic portrayal.
What's Next for Lee Yeon Hee & Go Ara
Lee Yeon Hee has made her return on Disney+'s newly released series "Race." She immediately garnered empathy from the viewers in her character. To fully immerse in her new role, the lead star even cut her hair short.
She mentioned during the drama's media interview that she belatedly enjoys acting both in theater and in dramas. The actress also said that challenges are her driving force and even though she's been in the industry for almost two decades, acting helps her grow in different aspects of her life.
Go Ara, on the other hand, is making her long-awaited silver screen return with "The Childe." It marks her first movie after seven years. She will play the role of Yoon Joo, a mysterious lady who accidentally meets the amateur boxer, Marco.
Expectations for her start to arise as the public have seen her drastic image transformation in the teasers released by the production.
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