It’s Time To Remove “IVE Wonyoung’s Sister” When Talking About Jang Da Ah, Suggests Korean Media

Most K-Drama fans will know that youth dramas and school series often serve as a launchpad for new talent, giving fresh faces a chance to shine in leading roles. Such was the case for Jang Da Ah, who made an unforgettable acting debut in the Tving Original Series Pyramid Game.

Taking on the lead role right from the start, Da Ah broke away from being known simply as the sister of K-Pop superstar IVE‘s Wonyoung, showcasing her acting talent and star power.

In Pyramid Game, Jang breathes life into Baek Ha Rin, the sole A-grade student of Class 2-5 at Baek Yeon Girls’ High School and the mastermind behind the game that pits her against the protagonist, Sung Soo Ji (portrayed by Kim Ji Yeon). Despite Kim Ji Yeon’s steady rise in the acting world since 2017, casting Jang Da Ah in such a crucial role was a bold decision that paid off handsomely.

Her portrayal of Baek Ha Rin was nothing short of remarkable, displaying a depth of emotion and a command of the character that belied her inexperience in leading roles. Her ability to convey a range of emotions — from the vacant despair in the face of scolding by her grandmother to the chilling menace she exhibits while tormenting Myeong Ja Eun — earned her critical acclaim and sent shivers down viewers’ spines.

여기 장다아 표정 진짜 또라이(positive)같고 좋다
눈이 돌았음 pic.twitter.com/AZQmwoBxx8

— 도 (@Dxxo___) February 29, 2024

Korean media and analytics firms have taken note of her performance, with Good Data Corporation ranking Jang third in overall actor buzz for her role in the OTT drama. This is a significant achievement, especially considering the competition from more established names in higher-rated TV dramas.

Queen of Tears’s Kim Ji Won and Kim Soo Hyun ranked first and second, while fourth place went to Cha Eun Woo.

With such a strong start to her career, it’s clear that Da Ah has already stepped out of her sister’s shadow and established herself as a formidable talent in her own right. The buzz surrounding her performance in Pyramid Game suggests that the time has come to recognize Jang not as “IVE Wonyoung’s sister” but as a promising star in the Korean acting scene.