The High School Girl Who Became a Trending Topic After Appearing on 'Genuine Masterpiece' - Choi Ri's Journey from Viral Fame to Rising Actress

From Viral High School Student to Rising Star

In 2013, a simple appearance on KBS's popular antique appraisal show 'Genuine Masterpiece' changed everything for a young high school student named Choi Ri. At just 18 years old, she appeared on the show with her family's treasured inkstone, but it wasn't the antique that captured viewers' attention – it was her elegant beauty, bright smile, and charming dialect that made her an instant internet sensation.

The episode aired during her senior year at Korea National University of Arts High School, where she was majoring in traditional Korean dance. Her appearance was so striking that she immediately became a trending topic on real-time search engines, earning nicknames like 'Genuine Masterpiece High School Girl' and 'Korea National Traditional Arts High School Beauty.' This unexpected fame would become the catalyst for her eventual entry into the entertainment industry, though her path to stardom was anything but straightforward.

What made Choi Ri's appearance so memorable wasn't just her visual appeal, but her genuine, down-to-earth personality that shone through the screen. Viewers were charmed by her natural grace and the way she carried herself with the poise of someone trained in traditional Korean arts. This combination of beauty and cultural sophistication would later become her trademark as an actress.

The Unexpected Path to Acting

Following her viral moment on 'Genuine Masterpiece,' Choi Ri found herself inundated with casting offers from entertainment agencies and film production companies. However, the sudden attention was overwhelming for the teenager who had been focused on pursuing a career in traditional dance. Born in 1995, she had dedicated years to perfecting her craft in Korean traditional dance, and acting had never been part of her original plan.

The turning point came when director Jo Jung-rae visited Korea National University of Arts High School for location scouting for his film 'Duresori.' During this visit, he encountered Choi Ri and was immediately struck by her elegant presence and natural beauty. This chance meeting would prove to be pivotal in her transition from dance student to actress. Director Jo saw something special in her that went beyond her viral fame – he recognized her potential as a serious performer.

Despite the numerous opportunities presenting themselves, Choi Ri remained thoughtful about her career choices. She understood that transitioning from traditional dance to acting would require dedication and hard work. Her background in dance, however, provided her with a strong foundation in physical expression and emotional storytelling, skills that would prove invaluable in her acting career.

Breakthrough Performance in 'The Handmaiden'

Choi Ri's official acting debut came in 2016 with the critically acclaimed film 'The Handmaiden' (originally titled 'Gwihyang' in Korean), directed by Park Chan-wook. In this powerful and emotionally charged film about comfort women during the Japanese occupation, she played the role of Eun-kyung, a shaman character. Despite being her debut performance, Choi Ri's portrayal was remarkably mature and nuanced, demonstrating an emotional depth that surprised both critics and audiences.

The film dealt with sensitive historical subject matter, requiring the young actress to convey complex emotions and trauma. Her background in traditional Korean dance proved to be an asset, as she was able to bring a physicality and spiritual presence to the role that felt authentic and powerful. The performance established her as a serious actress rather than just a viral internet personality, proving that her fame was backed by genuine talent.

'The Handmaiden' was both a commercial and critical success, and Choi Ri's performance was praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance. This debut role set the tone for her career, showing that she was willing to take on challenging and meaningful projects rather than pursuing easy commercial success.

Rising Through Memorable Supporting Roles

After her successful debut, Choi Ri continued to build her career through carefully chosen supporting roles in high-profile productions. One of her most notable appearances was in the mega-hit drama 'Goblin' (2016-2017), where she played Kyung-mi, a character that, while small, left a lasting impression on viewers. Her appearance in this globally popular K-drama introduced her to international audiences and demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside established stars.

She also appeared in the medical drama 'Postpartum Care Center' as Lee Ru-da, showcasing her versatility in contemporary settings. This role allowed her to display her comedic timing and natural charm, proving that her acting range extended beyond the serious dramatic roles she had initially taken on. Her performance in various genres demonstrated her adaptability as an actress and her commitment to developing her craft.

In the historical drama 'Red Single Heart,' Choi Ri took on the role of Jo Yeon-hee, further establishing her ability to excel in period pieces. Her background in traditional Korean arts continued to serve her well in these historical contexts, where her understanding of Korean culture and customs added authenticity to her performances. Each role, though supporting, contributed to building her reputation as a reliable and talented young actress.

Recognition and Awards for Rising Talent

Choi Ri's consistent performances and professional growth have not gone unnoticed by the industry. She has received several awards recognizing her as one of Korea's most promising young talents, including New Actress Awards and Rising Star Awards from various entertainment organizations. These accolades reflect not just her natural talent, but also her dedication to improving her craft and taking on diverse challenging roles.

What sets Choi Ri apart from other young actresses is her thoughtful approach to role selection and her commitment to meaningful storytelling. Rather than pursuing fame for its own sake, she has consistently chosen projects that allow her to grow as an artist and contribute to important cultural conversations. This mature approach to her career has earned her respect from industry veterans and critics alike.

Her awards and recognition also highlight the successful transition she has made from viral internet personality to serious actress. The entertainment industry can be particularly challenging for those who gain fame through non-traditional means, but Choi Ri has proven that with talent, hard work, and smart career choices, it's possible to build a lasting and respected career in acting.

Cultural Impact and International Recognition

Choi Ri's journey from a high school student on a variety show to a recognized actress represents more than just personal success – it reflects the changing landscape of Korean entertainment and the global reach of K-culture. Her story resonates with international fans who have discovered Korean entertainment through various means, showing that talent can emerge from unexpected places and circumstances.

Her background in traditional Korean dance has also made her something of a cultural ambassador, bringing awareness to Korea's traditional arts through her modern acting career. This combination of traditional and contemporary elements in her background makes her particularly appealing to both domestic and international audiences who are interested in authentic Korean culture.

As K-dramas and Korean films continue to gain global popularity, actresses like Choi Ri who embody both traditional Korean values and modern sensibilities are becoming increasingly important cultural figures. Her story demonstrates the organic way that Korean entertainment can produce stars who genuinely represent the culture they come from.

Future Prospects and Continuing Journey

As of 2025, Choi Ri continues to be one of the most watched young actresses in Korean entertainment. Her careful career choices and consistent improvement as a performer suggest a bright future ahead. Industry insiders frequently mention her as one of the actresses to watch, predicting that she will soon transition from supporting roles to leading lady status in major productions.

Her unique background – from viral fame to traditional arts training to serious acting – gives her a distinctive profile in an industry that values both talent and interesting personal stories. This combination of factors positions her well for continued success and potentially international breakthrough roles as Korean content continues to expand globally.

The entertainment industry and fans alike are eager to see what projects Choi Ri will choose next and how she will continue to evolve as an actress. Her journey from that memorable appearance on 'Genuine Masterpiece' to her current status as a rising star serves as an inspiring example of how unexpected opportunities, when combined with talent and hard work, can lead to remarkable success in the competitive world of Korean entertainment.