Hong Su-zu emerges as a standout talent in Disney+’s 2024 K-drama The Impossible Heir, earning praise for her role as Na Hye-won. Her journey from modeling to leading a high-profile series marks her as a rising star in Korean entertainment.
From Modeling to Acting
Hong Su-zu, born on February 12, 1994, in South Korea, began her career as a model. She worked with major fashion and beauty brands, gaining a strong social media following due to her striking looks.
Her early work included music videos for artists like Colde in 2019’s Loss and EXO’s Chanyeol in SSFW. These roles showcased her screen presence, setting the stage for her acting debut.
Acting Debut in 2020
Hong Su-zu entered the acting world with the 2020 K-drama Lovestruck in the City. She played Hae-na, a character tied to a first-love storyline.
Her performance stood out for its emotional depth, earning positive feedback from viewers. The role marked her as a promising new talent.
Expanding Her Range
In 2021, Hong Su-zu took on a role in the KBS drama special Be;Tween. She portrayed an indie film director, showing her ability to handle diverse characters.
Her performance added to her growing reputation. She continued to appear in music videos, including ones for Lee Hi and Sung Si-kyung, further proving her versatility.
Memorable Role in Sweet Home 2
In 2023, Hong Su-zu appeared in Sweet Home 2 on Netflix as Jin-ah. Despite her limited screen time, her performance left a strong impression.
Fans and critics noted her ability to make even small roles memorable. This role helped her gain more recognition before her big break.
Breakthrough in The Impossible Heir
Hong Su-zu landed her first lead role in The Impossible Heir, a 2024 Disney+ drama also known as Royal Loader. The series, directed by Min Yeon-hong and written by Choi Won, premiered on February 28, 2024, and ran for 12 episodes until April 3, 2024.
She stars as Na Hye-won, a determined woman from a poor background. Na Hye-won aims to escape her past and rise in South Korea’s elite society.
“Hye-won’s ambition is bold, but her intellect and charm make her impossible to dislike. Hong Su-zu’s chic yet down-to-earth vibe was perfect for the role,” said director Min Yeon-hong.
Hong Su-zu prepared intensely for the role. She adjusted her voice tone and focused on fashion and styling to reflect her character’s emotional growth.
The drama follows Kang In-ha (Lee Jun-young), an illegitimate son of the Kangoh Group conglomerate, and his friend Han Tae-oh (Lee Jae-wook). Together with Na Hye-won, they plot to take over the company.
The series blends suspense, drama, and themes of ambition and betrayal. Despite mixed reviews on the plot, Hong Su-zu’s performance drew attention.
Facing Criticism
Hong Su-zu faced harsh criticism for her acting in The Impossible Heir. Some netizens called her performance “emotionless” and “stale,” pointing to her limited experience.
“The hologram gave more emotions than her,” wrote one user.
“Suju’s acting is not equal to her co-stars and her role as Hywon is pivotal to #TheImpossibleHeir. Since she’s lead, she drags the story down,” said another.
“I was excited to watch this drama because of LJW but after seeing her, dropped it immediately. Juz can’t stand her!” commented a viewer.
Online compilations of her scenes spread on platforms like TikTok. Some fans argued the criticism was unfair, noting her rookie status.
“Emg aktingnya hong suzu perlu ditingkatin lagi, tapi menurut sender makin kesini orang orang kritikannya udah diluar batas, nuduh suzu kayak gini gak sopan sih,” posted a user on X.
“Padahal bisa loh ngasih support buat belajar akting lagi daripada komen kayak gini,” they added.
Others highlighted possible misogyny, noting male actors rarely face similar scrutiny. Supporters encouraged her to improve while praising her potential.
Chemistry with Co-Stars
Hong Su-zu worked alongside Lee Jae-wook and Lee Jun-young in The Impossible Heir. Their on-set chemistry was a highlight.
“I found it easy to focus on acting when looking into the eyes of actors Lee Jae-wook and Hong Su-zu. Our on-set chemistry was really good,” said Lee Jun-young.
“I hope viewers will look forward to the synergy among actors of similar ages,” said Hong Su-zu.
Director Min Yeon-hong praised their bond. He noted that script readings at a guesthouse helped them build a comfortable dynamic.
Public and Industry Response
Despite criticism, Hong Su-zu earned praise for her beauty and potential. Fans admired her visuals, comparing her to Park Gyu-young.
“So pretty to take my eyes off the movie, much love and wishing to watch more movie from you Hwaiting!” wrote a fan.
“She is so pretty, love her eyebrows and I think her eyes look a bit like Park Gyu-young’s,” said another.
Her role in The Impossible Heir sparked buzz. Industry watchers see her as a rising star, with some calling her a potential “it-girl” in K-dramas.
Personal Details
Hong Su-zu was born in Seoul, South Korea. She is 31 years old as of 2025. She keeps her personal life private, focusing on her career.
Her social media presence remains strong, though recent comments on her Instagram included criticism. Supporters continue to defend her, urging kindness.
Hong Su-zu is focusing on her acting career after The Impossible Heir. No new projects have been confirmed as of May 5, 2025.
She continues to engage with fans online, sharing updates about her work. Industry insiders expect her to take on more roles to build her skills.
CREDITS: Daum
