Kpop idols venturing into acting is not a new thing. Many have established themselves as good actors and made people forget their careers as idols. One genre any actor thinks a lot about working on is a historical or period drama. Here are few idols who took ‘sageuk’ as a challenge and aced it.
1. Kim Tae Hyung
BTS’ ‘V’ took a historical role as his major acting debut project. He acted in ‘Hwarang: The poet warrior youth.’ With other idols and popular actors starring in the show, ‘V’ charmed the viewers with his emotional and cute acting. He also sang an OST for the show.
2. Baekhyun
‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ is popular both for its story and its ensemble cast. Part of this multi-starrer is EXO’s Baekhyun. He played a kind-hearted character and was recognised for his acting among top stars. But just like many other characters of the drama his story too was tragic.
3. Arin
Oh My Girl’s Arin chose to debut with the fantasy historical drama, ‘Alchemy of Souls.’ She was acting with some of the stars of the new generation, but she successfully portrayed the role of the youngest daughter of a troubled, powerful family. Her acting surprised many, and she was appreciated.
4. B1A4 Jinyoung
Jinyoung played the role of a nobleman who is a free spirit in the drama ‘Love in the Moonlight.’ Watching him in the drama, many fans thought that he was a full-fledged actor and not an idol. He succeeded in giving viewers the ‘second-leadsyndrome.’
5. Iu
‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ opened up opportunities for many actors and singer IU is one of them. Though she had established herself as a singer and songwriter, IU’s acting talents weren’t recognised. With this drama she showed people that her acting skills are no joke.
6. Lee Junho
2PM’s Lee Jun Ho starred in the blockbuster historical drama ‘The Red Sleeve,’ a love story between a king and a court lady. He starred as a prince at the beginning of the show and perfectly portrayed the transition to a king in the later episodes. Junho was able to reflect the king’s tragedy on screen.
7. Kwon Yuri
‘Bossam: Steal the Fate’ is one of the highest-rated dramas in Kwon Yuri’s career. The Girls’ Generation member played the role of a widow who gets kidnapped by a strange man. Her acting in the show as a woman struggling to accept her new life and at the same time scared of her past was appreciated.
8. Kim Myung Soo
Better known as Infinte’s ‘L,’ has notably starred in two historical dramas. These are ‘The Emperor: Owner of the Mask’ and ‘Royal Secret Agent.’ He played completely opposite characters in the two dramas. He won many awards and was praised by critics for his acting in ‘The Emperor: Owner of the Mask.’
9. Jung Chae Yeon
The former I.O.I and DIA member starred in the gender swap historical drama ‘King’s Affection.’ She played the daughter of a noble family who falls in love with the princess disguised as the prince. Chae Yeon’s acting in the show made way for more opportunities for her to play the lead.
10. Cha Eun Woo
Astro’s Cha Eun Woo is known for his portrayal of student roles but he got a chance to change this in the drama ‘Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung.’ He played the role of a secret novelist who is a part of the royal family. Cha Eun Woo’s first attempt in a historical drama received praise.
