Over the years, many of our beloved K-pop idols have stopped making music after the disbandment or hiatus of their groups. Most of these artists, however, have dabbled in the world of K-Drama, which has allowed their fans to see them in a new light. With K-pop girl group members having some of the highest brand reputations in the industry recently, it is not shocking that we often find them announcing their acting debuts. Here are 10 present and former female K-pop idols who have gained immense popularity and support in their acting careers.
1. Arin
In 2020, Arin, also known as Choi Yewon, who is a member of the famous girl group Oh My Girl, made her acting debut in "The World of My 17", a high school romantic comedy. She gained the most attention in her 2021 supporting role as Jin Choyeon in Alchemy of Souls and its second season, Light and Shadow. In 2022, she was awarded the Asia Model Rising Star Award.
2. IU
IU (Lee Jieun) is one of the most famous and successful South Korean musicians. Her songs are known for garnering immense attention in the country. If you are familiar with K-pop, you are bound to know about IU. She is also known for her excellent acting skills. She made her acting debut with Dream High (2011) and since then has starred in countless hits like Moon Lovers, My Mister, and—the most successful to date—Hotel Del Luna. She also earned the KBS Best Actress Award in 2014.
3. Joy
Kim Sooyoung made her debut with Red Velvet in 2014 as the lead rapper of the group. Following her cameo as herself in Descendants of the Sun (2016), she made her acting debut in 2017. Her first casting was as the female lead in The Liar and His Lover. She's a versatile actress who's also played the female leads in Tempted, a much darker drama involving complicated emotions, and Once Upon A Small Town, a bright romantic comedy.
4. Jisoo
Jisoo, or Kim Jisoo, debuted with the popular girl group Blackpink and, since then, has been very famous. Having previously expressed her desire to be an actress, Jisoo made her acting debut in 2021 with Snowdrop. She played the female lead in the drama. Previously, she had also appeared in The Sky Turning Inside Out, Rising Land (2019), but it was a guest role.
5. Seohyun
Seo Joohyun debuted as Seohyun in Girls Generation (SNSD) in 2007. She was the youngest in her group and a lead vocalist. While her acting career really took off after the group went on its extended hiatus in 2017, Seohyun had been a budding name in the K-Drama industry since 2013, starting with smaller roles in series like Passionate Love, The Producers, and Warm and Cozy. Eventually, she acquired leading roles in hit dramas like Jinxed At First (2022), Private Lives (2020), Time (2018), and Bad Thief, Good Thief (2017). She got the KBS Best New Actress award for her role in Jinxed At First.
6. Yoona
Yoona (Im Yoonah) of the popular group SNSD is currently one of the most talked-about idol actresses. Her 2021 couple stage performance of Senorita (Shawn Mendes ft. Camilla Cabello) with 2PM's Junho went viral, and recently she starred with Junho in King The Land. She has always been a well-known and talented actress with various leading roles, such as that in Big Mouth and The K2. She debuted in the MBC show Two Outs in the Ninth Inning in 2007.
7. Kim Sejeong
Previously a member of the hit Produce 101 group, I.O.I, Kim Sejeong is now a soloist with her newest release, Top or Cliff. This is her second title track and first full album as a soloist. She kicked off her acting debut with School 2017. Her notable castings include Today's Webtoon, I Wanna Hear You Sing, and her recent role in Business Proposal. However, she is also famously known for her role as Do Hana in both seasons of The Uncanny Counter.
8. Bae Suzy
Formerly a member of the JYP group Miss A, Bae Suji, or Suzy, made her acting debut with Dream High and won the Best New Actress award for her role. Her most notable hits are While You Were Sleeping and Uncontrollably Fond. She was also recently cast in Start-up (2020) and Anna (2022). She's one of the most popular idol actresses.
9. Lee Hyeri
Following her debut in Girl's Day, Lee Hyeri was quick to rise in popularity. She made her acting debut in Tasty Life (2012) and eventually rose to become the female lead of Reply 1988, which is still a widely popular K-Drama. Later, she also starred in series like My Roommate Is A Kumiho, May I Help You, and recently, Moonshine.
10. Kang Mina
Another I.O.I member, Kang Mina, initially made her debut with Gugudan and its various subgroups. After I.O.I, she made her acting debut with Children of the 20th Century (2017). She gained her first lead role with The History of Walking Upright. Her most notable supporting roles include Kim Yuna in Hotel Del Luna and Nam Hyejoo in Cafe Minamdang. She also starred in the period drama Moonshine.
