
Go A Ra
Info
🙂 Native Name: 고아라 (Go Ara)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: February 11, 1990
🏠 Birth Place: Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
📏 Height: 169 cm (5 ft 6.5 in)
💍 Spouse:Not Married
👶 Children: None
Biography
Go Ara, born on February 11, 1990, in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, showed an early interest in the arts. Encouraged by a friend, she auditioned for SM Entertainment and, in 2003, won the SM Entertainment Teen Model Contest, leading to her signing with the agency.
Her acting debut came in 2003 with the KBS teen drama “Sharp,” where she played the lead role of Lee Ok-rim. The show’s success led to a second season in 2005, further establishing her as a rising star.
In 2013, Go Ara’s career reached new heights with her portrayal of Sung Na-jung in the nostalgic drama “Reply 1994.” The series was both a critical and commercial success, earning her several award nominations and solidifying her status in the industry.
Continuing her momentum, she took on diverse roles in series like “You’re All Surrounded” (2014), “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth” (2016–2017), and “Black” (2017). Her performances showcased her versatility and dedication to her craft, contributing to her enduring popularity in Korean entertainment.
Hobbies
Listening to Music: Go Ara has a deep appreciation for music and often spends her free time exploring various genres.
Playing the Flute: She enjoys playing the flute, showcasing her interest in musical instruments.
Reading: Go Ara is an avid reader, finding joy and relaxation in literature.
Drawing: She has a passion for drawing, often sketching in her leisure time.
Traveling: Go Ara enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures and destinations.
Interests
Fashion: She has a keen interest in fashion, often experimenting with different styles and trends.
Photography: Go Ara enjoys capturing moments through photography, showcasing her creative side.
Culinary Arts: She has an interest in cooking and exploring various cuisines.
Fitness: Go Ara maintains an active lifestyle, incorporating fitness routines into her daily life.
Languages: She is fluent in Japanese and has shown interest in learning other languages.
Facts
Early Start: Go Ara won the SM Entertainment Teen Model Contest in 2003, leading to her debut in the entertainment industry.
Fluency in Japanese: Her proficiency in Japanese led to a role in the Japanese film “Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea” in 2007.
Ambassador Roles: She has served as an ambassador for organizations like Good Neighbors and the Korean Air Force.
Academic Background: Go Ara studied Theater and Film at Chung-Ang University.
Sibling: She has a younger brother named Go Yunseok.
Secrets
Introverted Nature: Despite her public persona, Go Ara is known to be introverted and values her privacy.
Artistic Aspirations: She once considered pursuing a career in fine arts before choosing acting.
Philanthropic Efforts: Go Ara has made anonymous donations to various charities, keeping her contributions private.
Overcoming Stage Fright: Early in her career, she struggled with stage fright but overcame it through dedication.
Personal Journals: She maintains personal journals where she reflects on her experiences and thoughts.
Funny Things
Mischievous Pranks: Go Ara is known among friends for her playful pranks and sense of humor.
Unique Laughter: Her distinctive and hearty laugh often becomes a topic of endearment among colleagues.
Clumsy Moments: She has a tendency to be clumsy, leading to lighthearted and humorous situations on set.
Impersonations: Go Ara enjoys impersonating fellow actors, showcasing her playful side.
Love for Puns: She has a fondness for making puns, often lightening the mood during interviews.
Fears
Heights: Go Ara has a fear of heights, often avoiding high places when possible.
Insects: She is uncomfortable around insects, particularly spiders.
Public Speaking: Despite her acting career, she experiences anxiety when speaking publicly outside of scripted roles.
Deep Water: Go Ara has a fear of deep water and prefers to stay in shallow areas when swimming.
Being Misunderstood: She fears being misunderstood by the public and strives to convey her true self.
News
Starring Role in “The Scandal of Chunhwa” (2025): Go Ara plays Princess Hwa-ri in the historical romance series “The Scandal of Chunhwa,” which premiered on TVING on February 6, 2025.
Agency Transition to King Kong by Starship (2023): In January 2023, Go Ara signed an exclusive contract with King Kong by Starship, joining notable actors like Lee Kwang-soo and Yoo Yeon-seok.
Replacement in “The Love Story of Chunhwa” (2023): After Go Ah-sung’s departure due to health issues, Go Ara was cast as the lead in TVING’s period romance series “The Love Story of Chunhwa,” marking her return to television.
Continued Bond with “Reply 1994” Cast (2023): Go Ara revealed in a June 2023 interview that she maintains a close relationship with her “Reply 1994” co-stars, highlighting their enduring friendship.
Feature in “The Childe” (2023): Go Ara appeared in the action film “The Childe,” portraying a mysterious character named Yoon-joo, showcasing her versatility in different genres.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Go Ara, primarily recognized for her acting career, has also showcased her musical talents on several occasions. In 2012, she contributed two tracks to the soundtrack of the film “Papa,” in which she also starred. The songs “Now” and “Little Girl Dreams” highlighted her vocal abilities and added depth to her character in the movie.
The following year, in 2013, Go Ara lent her voice to the soundtrack of the television series “Reply 1994,” performing the song “Start.” This contribution not only complemented her role in the series but also resonated with fans, further establishing her versatility as an artist.
Beyond her own performances, Go Ara has appeared in several music videos, collaborating with prominent artists. Notably, she featured in TVXQ’s “Hug” (2004) and “Before U Go” (2011), SHINee’s Japanese version of “Juliette” (2011), and Kyuhyun’s “A Million Pieces” (2015). These appearances bridged her acting and musical endeavors, showcasing her adaptability across entertainment mediums.
While Go Ara’s primary focus remains acting, these musical projects underscore her multifaceted talents and her ability to engage audiences through both screen performances and musical contributions.