KB News Desk
News that the child performer featured in the “Baby Shark Dance” video will soon make his solo debut has prompted jokes online from viewers who say they suddenly feel old, highlighting the stark contrast between how he looks now and when he first went viral on YouTube a decade ago.
Similar reactions often follow when once-familiar child stars reappear years later, with their grown-up looks making old memories feel surprisingly distant and reminding many of just how quickly time seems to have passed.
1. Jin Ji-hee
Jin Ji-hee, 27, became a household name at age 10 through the MBC sitcom “High Kick Through the Roof” in 2009. She played a spoiled character named Jung Hae-ri, popularizing the nonsensical insult “bbanggu ttongkku,” which quickly became one of the show’s best-known catchphrases. More than 15 years later, Jin remains active as an actor, appearing in television, film and theater.
2. Seo Shin-ae
Seo Shin-ae, 27, starred alongside Jin in “High Kick Through the Roof” when she was 11. Seo played Shin Shin-ae, a bright, kindhearted girl from a poor family who lived in Hae-ri’s family home and was frequently bullied by Hae-ri. Their contrasting dynamic remains one of the sitcom’s most memorable relationships. Seo continued acting after the sitcom but has largely stayed away from the industry in recent years.
3. Choo Sa-rang
Choo Sarang, 14, first gained nationwide popularity as the daughter of mixed martial artist Choo Sung-hoon on KBS2’s parenting reality show “The Return of Superman.” She joined the program in 2013 when she was 2 and quickly became one of its best-known child actors. Now a teenager, Choo is a student and has begun working as a model, following in the footsteps of her mother, Japanese model Shiho Yano.
4. Yoon Hoo
Yoon Hoo, 19, became one of Korea’s most recognizable celebrity children through the MBC reality show “Where Are We Going, Dad?” in 2013. The son of singer Yoon Min-soo was 6 when the show began and became popular for his friendly personality and love of food. Now a university student, Yoon studies business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the US.
5. Kal So-won
Kal So-won, 19, rose to fame at age 6 after playing Ye-seung in the hit film “Miracle in Cell No. 7” in 2013. Her performance as the devoted daughter of Ryu Seung-ryong’s character made her a prominent child actor. Kal has continued acting and remains active today, taking on increasingly mature roles in television and film.
