"2026 Is Our Year" Six Horse-Year Actors Born in 2002

A generational shift is underway. As 2026, the Year of the Red Horse, arrives, actors born in 2002, brimming with fiery energy, are ready to gallop forward. From veterans who have fully shed their child-actor image to rising stars making waves on the global stage, six Horse-Year actors are poised to leave a lasting impression amid the flood of content. We asked these six stars, listed in Korean alphabetical order, about their goals, resolutions, and the words they hope to hear from the public this year.

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◆ Kim Hwan-hee - From "The Wailing" to an 'irreplaceable, trusted actress'

Kim Hwan-hee stunned the nation with her possessed performance in the 2016 film "The Wailing". She has since built a solid filmography through works such as "Student A" and the drama "Here's My Plan". Having shed the 'child actor' label through sheer talent, she now stands at the center of her generation as a representative actress in her 20s, one with many more facets yet to reveal.

Now 25, Kim Hwan-hee shared, "My goal this year is to greet audiences with more diverse sides of myself", expressing her determination to stay active. She added that showing both new and expected sides of herself is her duty as an actress.

The phrase she hopes to hear most: 'an actress with kaleidoscopic charm'. She explained that she wants to become irreplaceable in any role she takes on.

◆ Son Sang-yeon - 'complete youth star' with no military hiatus

Son Sang-yeon captured hearts as team captain Bang Yoon-dam in "Racket Boys", winning Rookie of the Year. By completing his military service early, he has already resolved the biggest concern facing male actors in their 20s. With solid acting seen in "All of Us Are Dead", striking visuals, and the advantage of having served, he is a top 'blue chip' prospect for 2026 productions.

He stated, "I'll work hard to strengthen my position and show people what kind of actor Son Sang-yeon is".

The words he hopes to hear: 'Son Sang-yeon lived diligently'. A short but powerful reflection of his determination to run through 2026 without regrets.

◆ Yoon Sang-hyeon - A "Super Rookie" with infectious energy

Yoon Sang-hyeon brought laughter and vitality to viewers as Grand Prince Muan in "Under the Queen's Umbrella" and showed unique charm in "Doctor Slump". His 182 cm frame, natural comedic acting, and bright energy that disarms viewers are his unmistakable strengths, marking him as a next-generation romantic-comedy prospect.

He shared his resolution: to become 'a slightly better version of myself than yesterday', vowing to give his best every day.

His wish: to become an actor people want to see again.

◆ Cho Jun-young - A versatile talent with visuals and depth

Cho Jun-young debuted in the 2020 drama "Live On" and portrayed a high-school swimmer in the film "A Year-End Medley", capturing youthful first love. Through "All That We Loved", he proved not only his striking visuals but also his delicate emotional acting.

He said, "Since it's the Year of the Horse, I want to run tirelessly like one", expressing his desire to take on new challenges and experience greater emotional range in his acting.

His ultimate goal: to be recognized as an actor with many charms.

◆ Choi Min-young - A 'global pick' recognized by Hollywood first

Choi Min-young first gained attention in "Twenty Five Twenty One" and rose to global fame as Dae in Netflix's U.S. series "XO, Kitty". In the film "Dream Palace", he delivered weighty dramatic acting alongside veteran Kim Sun-young, proving his talent transcends language barriers.

He shared exciting news about returning in "XO, Kitty Season 3" and expressed his intention to continue self-reflection and growth throughout 2026.

The evaluation he hopes to hear: "He seems to be an actor with many faces".

◆ Hong Ye-ji - A next-generation queen across film and TV

Hong Ye-ji made a bold debut with the title role in the 2022 film "2037", instantly capturing critics and audiences. She has since shown stable performances in historical dramas such as "Love Song for Illusion" and "Missing Crown Prince", emerging as a welcome presence amid the shortage of actresses in their 20s.

She stated, "I always aim to work on two projects a year, and since it's the Year of the Red Horse, I'll run forward passionately". Her determination to stay active and communicate with audiences stands out.

She hopes to be known as 'an actress who blends well into diverse fields'. By breaking genre boundaries and becoming a performer who can take on any color like a blank canvas, anticipation is growing for Hong Ye-ji's 2026.

With fiery ambition and diverse talents, these six Horse-Year actors are ready to make 2026 truly their year.