Former T-ara Member Ham Eun-jung Balances Drama Stardom and Newlywed Life

Ham Eun-jung, best known as a member of the iconic K-pop group T-ara, is proving her versatility as an actress with a commanding dual performance in MBC's daily drama 'The First Man.' The former idol shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of her character on social media on February 27, captivating fans with her portrayal of the complex Ma Seo-rin.

In her social media post, Ham expressed deep personal attachment to the role, describing Ma Seo-rin as someone who is irresistible even when she is impossible. She reflected on the character's inner loneliness, noting that despite living life on her own terms, Ma Seo-rin carries a persistent sense of emptiness that makes her a sympathetic figure rather than a straightforward antagonist.

A Dual Role That Demands Range

In 'The First Man,' Ham takes on the challenging task of playing twin sisters — the privileged and headstrong Ma Seo-rin and the resilient Oh Jang-mi. The drama's recent episodes have seen Oh Jang-mi assume her sister's identity after a tragic accident leaves Ma Seo-rin unconscious, embarking on a calculated path of revenge against those who wronged her family.

The storyline has kept viewers engaged with its escalating tension. In the latest arc, Oh Jang-mi, disguised as Ma Seo-rin, has been systematically unraveling the schemes of antagonist Chae Hwa-young, played by veteran actress Oh Hyun-kyung. The revenge plot has included confrontations at luxury hotels, corporate boardroom sabotage, and emotionally charged family scenes that showcase Ham's considerable dramatic range.

A New Chapter Off-Screen

Ham's professional success comes alongside a major milestone in her personal life. The actress married acclaimed film director Kim Byung-woo in November 2025, in an intimate private ceremony attended only by close family and friends. The couple reportedly met through film industry circles and kept their relationship private before the wedding announcement.

Kim Byung-woo has established himself as one of Korean cinema's most promising directors. He earned the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best New Director with his debut feature 'The Terror Live,' a gripping thriller. He went on to direct the action film 'PMC: The Bunker' and the highly anticipated fantasy epic 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint.'

Following the wedding, Ham shared a heartfelt message with her fans, revealing that she had balanced drama filming with wedding preparations despite dealing with an unhealed knee injury. She described the ceremony as a day where everything felt like a miracle, made possible by the warmth and generosity of those who attended.

From Idol to Acclaimed Actress

Ham Eun-jung first rose to fame as a member of T-ara, the girl group that dominated K-pop in the early 2010s with infectious dance hits like 'Roly-Poly,' 'Lovey-Dovey,' and 'Number Nine.' The group built a massive international following, particularly in China and Southeast Asia, before members gradually transitioned into individual careers.

Since T-ara's group activities wound down, Ham has steadily built a reputation as a serious actress, taking on increasingly complex roles across television dramas and films. Her current dual performance in 'The First Man' represents her most ambitious acting challenge to date, requiring her to convincingly portray two women with vastly different personalities and motivations within the same scenes.

As the revenge storyline in 'The First Man' intensifies, viewers can expect Ham Eun-jung's nuanced portrayal to remain at the center of the drama's appeal. For longtime T-ara fans, her continued success as an actress paired with her happy marriage marks a fulfilling new chapter for the beloved entertainer.