In recent years, foreign actors have been carving out a growing presence in Korea’s entertainment industry, from globally acclaimed series like Squid Game to a variety of television programs, films, and web dramas. Their performances not only enrich storytelling with diverse perspectives but also reflect the increasingly international scope of Korean pop culture. Among these rising talents is American actress Carson Allen, who has steadily built her career in Korea over the past decade. Having appeared in hit dramas such as When the Camellia Blooms and So Not Worth It, Allen recently received the Rising Star Actress Award at the 2025 Korea Hallyu Entertainment Awards, marking a milestone in her journey as one of the few foreign performers recognized within the Korean industry.

Honorary Reporter Jasmin Mikolay from Germany conducted a written interview with Carson Allen between September 8 and 14, 2025, to learn more about her career, her experiences as a foreign actress in Korea, and her hopes for the future.
 

-Thank you so much, Ms. Allen, for taking the time to talk to us today. Would you briefly introduce yourself to the readership of Korea.net for those who may not know you or know you only from your K-Drama appearances? 

I first moved to Korea as a young teenager and have been living here for the past 16 years. Growing up acting has always been my greatest passion, but it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to audition for a tvN K-drama in 2016 that I truly saw the possibility of turning that childhood dream into a reality. Since then, I’ve been actively pursuing my career as an actress, receiving training in various acting methods from institutions both in the U.S. and Korea. This has given me a well-rounded understanding of the unique acting styles and expectations in both countries. I’m incredibly grateful to be working in Korean entertainment, and I look forward to continuing to grow and share meaningful stories with audiences here and around the world.     
 

-What was the most challenging part of starting a career in the Korean entertainment industry as a foreign actress?

One of the biggest challenges I faced early in my career in Korean entertainment was being taken seriously as an actor. At the time, there were no professionally trained foreign actors working in Korea, so it was difficult for directors and industry professionals to see me as more than just a “random foreigner”. I often felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove that I was serious about my craft and not just doing it for fun.  However, looking back, I now see that challenge as a double-edged sword. While it was frustrating at the time, the lack of other foreign actors with professional training also allowed me to stand out. Because I was one of the only foreign actors pursuing acting seriously in Korea, my training and dedication brought something unique to the table and that helped me land more significant roles and advance my career much faster than most. 

-You first gained attention in the K-drama When the Camellia Blooms in a small role. Later, you played a bigger role in So Not Worth It. How did your life change through those roles?

Working on When the Camellia Blooms was a transformative experience for me. Sharing the stage with such incredibly talented and respected actors taught me so much, not just about acting, but also about the kind of person and professional I aspire to be, both on and off screen. That drama holds a special place in the hearts of so many Koreans, and even today, I still meet people who tell me it’s their all-time favorite. It was truly an honor and life changing to be part of a project that is now considered a modern classic in Korean television.

With So Not Worth It, everything changed on a global scale for me. It was not only my first lead role, but it was also the first time I felt genuinely seen by audiences from around the world. Although I had appeared in several K-dramas before, this series marked a turning point in terms of visibility and recognition especially outside of Korea. The love and support I received after that show was overwhelming in the best way possible, and it was without a doubt a life-changing moment in my career.
 

-Besides your K-drama appearances, in which other projects have you been active? Can you share some examples such as music videos, commercials, or variety shows? 

Having worked in the Korean entertainment industry for an extensive amount of time, I’ve been fortunate enough to take part in a variety of projects beyond just K-dramas. Some highlights from some of the music video work I have done would include B.A.P’s - Wake Me Up, Zico’s - Anti, and HyunA’s - How’s This?. As someone who grew up loving and watching K-pop as a teenager, appearing in MVs for artists I admired was an incredibly surreal and rewarding experience.

I’ve also had the opportunity to work on several Korean variety shows. One particularly memorable experience was being a panelist for a season of the tvN program Kpop Culture Center. On that show, we got to meet legendary Korean vocalists and then explored their careers learning how they started in the industry and how they have influenced it over time. I gained so much knowledge and new friendships from that show that it will always hold a special place in my heart. 

-Congratulations on receiving the Rising Star Actress Award at the 2025 Korea Hallyu Entertainment Awards! Did you expect to receive this honor, and how did you feel at that moment?

I honestly didn’t expect to win this award. When I was first contacted about the nomination, I felt genuinely shocked and incredibly honored just to be considered. This is my first time receiving an award for something in Korean entertainment, and I still find it hard to fully put into words how I felt in that moment. I have such deep respect for the artists and professionals in this industry. Many of them have inspired me since I first came to Korea as a teenager, so to be recognized in the same industry felt truly surreal and it was a full-circle moment for me as an artist. I firmly believe in hard work, integrity, and constant growth as an artist. Receiving this award definetly has motivated me even more to keep working hard, and I hope that one day, I could possibly receive an award for a role I've acted in. That’s something I’m truly striving for not just for the recognition, but because I want to contribute meaningfully to the industry and craft I admire so deeply. 
 

-Are there specific roles or genres you’re especially drawn to?

Lately, I’ve found myself especially drawn to two genres: romance and fantasy. As I’ve grown older, I’ve been reflecting on the dramas and films that first inspired me to become an actor and most of them fall into those two categories. I’ve always loved a good romance story, the kind that makes you want to fall in love and gives you a thousand butterflies. I think there’s something timeless and emotionally powerful about romance when it’s done well. I also feel that the genre has been a bit underrepresented in recent years, and I’d love to see it make a strong comeback. It’s definitely a dream of mine to work on a project with a heartfelt romantic storyline, something that connects deeply with viewers. And I’d love to be part of a project that future generations can grow up watching just like the ones that inspired me.
 

-What motivates you during tough times in your career?

During the toughest of times in my career, what motivates me most is taking a moment to pause and reflect on where I started. As artists, we often become deeply and emotionally invested in where we think we “should be” constantly striving to do more and the pressures to continue to take on bigger opportunities. But in that drive, it’s easy to forget how far we’ve already come. When I stop and look back on my journey, I’m reminded of all the milestones I’ve reached and how much I’ve already accomplished. Even when things feel challenging, that perspective helps me realize that I’m not failing and I am in fact continuously evolving. And in many ways, I shouldn’t ever feel as though I am failing because I’m already successful in so many ways. That reminder gives me strength to keep going with self love and confidence.
 

-Do you have a ritual or routine that helps you prepare for a role?

I love changing something about my appearance even if it’s a small change whenever I take on a new role. Most often, it’s something to do with my hair, but overall, I always try to present a different look for each character compared to how I appeared in my previous role. For example, in When the Camellia Blooms, I chose to get bangs for the character of Helena, and for So Not Worth It, I went with overgrown dark roots to suit the character of Carson. These small physical changes help me get into character and really support the development process for me emotionally and creatively. I would love to one day work on a historical or period K-drama where my costume and hairstyle would change more drastically. I think that kind of transformation would be incredibly exciting as an actor.
 

-Who are some of the actors or filmmakers who inspire you?

There are so many incredibly talented and inspiring Korean directors I would love to work with, but two in particular come to mind when I saw this question. First, it would be an absolute honor to work with Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho. He’s not only a masterful storyteller, but also a graduate of the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA), which is where I had my first lead role in the student film Matryoshka. He spoke at the graduation film festival that year, and I remember feeling truly inspired by his presence and words. I deeply admire his ability to bridge Korean and global narratives, and I hope he creates another project such as the film Okja, where both Korean and international actors can come together and work on something so unique and special. 
 

Another director I truly admire is Kim Jae-hoon. I first met him while working on the Korean film Emergency Declaration, and I was so honored when he invited me to make a special cameo in his directorial debut in the Netflix original series Trigger that was released this year. He’s incredibly talented, and seeing Trigger’s success only deepened my dream of working with him again in a larger role on a future project. I look up to both of these directors with genuine admiration, and I hope to continue growing as an actress so that I can one day collaborate with artists of their caliber.

-On your social media, you sometimes share personal insights, even former audition tapes and behind-the-scenes experiences. What made you decide to show that side of your journey, and how do fans react?

For a long time, I didn’t focus much on my social media presence largely because of the old stigma that surrounded celebrities on social media in Korea. Until recently, many celebrities and in particular actors were discouraged from being active online, as management companies often preferred to keep their artists' lives private. I even had a meeting years ago with the CEO of a major Korean entertainment company, where he strongly advised me against sharing too much about myself online. He explained that, as an actor, maintaining a sense of mystery was important and that it allowed an audience to fully believe in any role I played. He also shared his perspective from a business standpoint: if an actor such as myself gave away too much of my personal life on social media, I might have fewer interesting stories left to share on variety or talk shows, which could impact my value as a special guest and the overall viewer ratings of the show.

I’m genuinely thankful to K-pop idols who helped shift that perspective and normalize celebrities being active on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Watching them connect with fans in such real, authentic ways gave me the confidence to start sharing more of my own journey from audition tapes and behind-the-scenes moments to fun trends. The way I’m now able to directly connect with my fans online has truly changed me for the better. The love and support I receive from them is incredibly touching, and I feel genuinely grateful every day to have such a kind and encouraging community behind me. 
 

-You studied at Yonsei University in Korea. What was it like balancing your academic life with your acting career?

Balancing a career in entertainment with university life was something I struggled with for many years especially because my major wasn’t directly related to my work in the industry. I studied at Yonsei University, and in Korea, especially at schools like Yonsei, attendance policies are extremely strict. Missing more than three classes could result in an automatic F, which made it almost impossible to commit to a full-time acting schedule while staying enrolled. For that reason, I often attended university for just one semester at a time, then took one or two semesters off to focus on my career. Because of this, most of the classmates I entered university with graduated long before I did, and whenever I would return to school after long breaks, I often didn’t know anyone in my department. In many ways, I feel a little sad that I didn’t get the typical university experience but at the same time, I truly love the work I do, and I wouldn’t change anything about the path I’ve taken. And even though it took me longer than most, I’m proud to say that I graduated last year with my degree in Political Science and International Relations. It was a long journey, but crossing that finish line was incredibly meaningful for me in more ways than one.
 

-Is there a role or an actor/actress you would love to work with in the future?

Although there are so many talented actors and actresses I would love the opportunity to work with, one actor who immediately comes to mind is Woo Do Hwan. I’ve been a fan of his for many years, and I would be thrilled to share the screen with him one day. What I admire most about him as an actor is the chemistry he consistently creates with his co-stars in every performance. He connects so naturally with everyone on screen, no matter the genre or dynamic. That quality really inspires me as an actor, and I hope to one day be recognized in a similar way. My favorite approach to acting is the Meisner method, which emphasizes being fully present with your scene partner. It’s about giving your partner your full attention and reacting truthfully in the moment. Whenever I watch Woo Do Hwan, I get the sense that he does exactly that. He is always present and genuine in all of his performances, which creates powerful, and emotionally grounded scenes. And I hope we would work well together with this kind of shared energy.

-What kinds of roles or projects would you like to take on next?

I would love to take on a role that requires extensive stunt training. I’ve been training and learning stunts here in Korea since 2020, and it would be incredibly rewarding to finally put that training to use in a project. I’m especially drawn to action films that are in sci-fi or non-fiction-inspired stories. I hope to see more Korean films made in the style of Dune, Furiosa, or Alita: Battle Angel stories that are fully immersed in fantasy or futuristic worlds. Being part of a high-concept, action-driven film like that in Korea would be a dream come true.
 

-Do you see yourself exploring work outside of acting, such as directing, producing, or writing? 

I would love to someday work on a project where I’m involved both in front of and behind the camera. I believe there are so many untold stories from the perspective of foreigners growing up in Korea, and it would mean a lot to be able to share those experiences through a project of my own. I have several peers who have written and self-produced theater performances based on their lives as actors in a foreign country, as well as friends developing web dramas that explore everyday life in Korea from a foreigner’s viewpoint. Their courage and creativity have truly inspired me to begin thinking seriously about writing something of my own. I believe everyone has a unique story to tell, and I hope that one day, I’ll have the opportunity to tell mine through a project that reflects my journey and voice, here in Korea.
 

-What advice would you give to aspiring actors who want to build a career abroad?

My advice to aspiring actors who want to build a career abroad is this: don’t wait until you’re in a new country to start your journey especially if that country speaks a different language than your own. Learning the craft of acting is already a challenge, but trying to do it while also adjusting to a new culture and language can be overwhelming and difficult. So start as early as you can. Begin your training now, and gain as much on-camera or on-stage experience as possible while you're still in a familiar environment. Work hard and make mistakes now while you are in the beginning steps of becoming an actor in an environment that is safe and supportive. Then, when you finally arrive in the country you’ve been dreaming about acting in, arrive with confidence in your craft and skills. Show up ready to work and ready to be taken seriously. Be a presence that earns people’s respect and attention from the start and you will do much better in your career.

-Is there anything you want to say to your fans and the readership of Korea.net?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this interview. I hope it gave you a chance to get to know me a little better and maybe even inspired you to chase after your own dreams with hard work and integrity. I promise to continue putting my whole heart and soul into my work as an actor here in Korea, and I truly hope to be part of a project that you’ll love and feel proud to support. Thank you again for all the love and support. It means the world to me! And I love you all!
 

Thank you once again for sharing your story and insights with us. We look forward to seeing your future projects and wish you continued success in your career.
 

Carson Allen’s story highlights both the challenges and triumphs of pursuing an acting career abroad, especially within Korea’s highly competitive entertainment scene. Her dedication, cultural understanding, and artistic growth have made her a trailblazer among foreign actors working in the country today. As Korean entertainment continues to expand its global influence, artists like Allen demonstrate that talent and passion know no borders. With her growing list of accomplishments and unwavering commitment to her craft, Carson Allen is poised to continue inspiring audiences in Korea and around the world.