The Korean Hallyu wave is one of the most significant cultural phenomena in the world right now, and even a casual viewer isn't untouched by this. Even someone who doesn’t keep up with the latest Korean trends and news has to admit that the influence of Korean media in the current scene is incomparable. From K-pop to K-dramas, everything Korean is super popular these days. With the surge in popularity of K-drama and K-pop, Korean celebrities are gaining popularity internationally. Some Hallyu stars have more international fans compared to their domestic ones! Check out the top 10 Hallyu Stars with massive international fandoms.
1. Lee Min Ho
If you ask a K-drama fanatic what their first K-drama was, chances are high that "Boys Over Flowers" will be their answer. Lee Min Ho's character as Gu Jun-Pyo in the cult-classic drama was familiar to many fans of the Korean entertainment industry. Min Ho is best known for portraying the stereotypical "rich love interest" in dramas such as Heirs and Legend of the Blue Sea. This image has earned him worldwide recognition. The K-drama adaptation of the book Pachinko starred Min Ho as the occult anti-hero Koh Hansu, a role that received global critical acclaim.
2. Jungkook
Although the boy band BTS is synonymous with K-pop worldwide, member Jungkook’s reputation extends far beyond that. The singer has a dreamy voice with excellent vocals. Jungkook has a lot of English songs in his discography and has collaborated with prominent American artists like Charlie Puth and Jack Harlow. The singer also covers a lot of English songs, which helped him gain popularity and fame all over the world. Being an all-around idol with skills like dancing, rapping, and vocals, Jungkook is the "bias" of many K-pop fans.
3. IU
Before K-pop took off to the world with the help of K-pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK, IU ruled the K-pop sphere. The movie singer-songwriter is known for making relatable tracks that appeal to an extensive demographic, and her tune is globally well-known for its authenticity. The K-pop soloist and actress enjoys remarkable fame in terms of her international fan base, credited to her fulfillment as a singer-songwriter and a veteran actress. Even though her foray into the acting industry was filled with criticism in her early days, she has long tested her talent as an actress. IU has won the Best Actress in Television award twice for her role in My Mister and Hotel Del Luna, which proves her performing expertise. Her reputation and achievement are purely based on her hard work, talent, and humility.
4. Gong Yoo
Gong Yoo is widely known for the drama The Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, also referred to as Goblin, which made him internationally well-known. Affectionately called Ahjussi, Gong Yoo is a favorite of many K-drama lovers. While Goblin is credited with his international fame, his role as a coffee shop supervisor in Coffee Prince established him as a respectable Hallyu superstar, and many K-drama fans flock to watch his earlier dramas. The actor also enjoys huge international fandom for his versatility. From being an adorable Ajhussi in Goblin to playing a responsible father in Train to Busan, the whole 180 in terms of his filmography has made him an international icon. Gong Yoo has tremendous proper visuals, which appeals particularly more to his youthful fans.
5. Song Joong Ki
With his boyish features and incredible charisma, Song Joong Ki is considered one of the top Korean actors in the world. His fascinating performance in Descendants of the Sun made the series a classic drama and garnered insane fame, particularly from the international sphere. Since then, he has ventured into many other K-drama genres. The revenge television series Vincenzo, in which Joong Ki played the titular character, had a high viewership rating at the time of its release and was named the 4th most-watched show worldwide on Netflix.
6. Song Hye Kyo
Known for her unparalleled beauty and charm, Song Hye Kyo is a name that is known almost globally. Years after being out of the limelight, she made her powerful comeback by portraying the vengeful heroine Moon Dong Eun in the series The Glory, which earned her a Baeksang award for Best Television Actress. The series Descendants of the Sun, which made Hye Kyo a global superstar, wasn’t her first brush with success. Since 2011, she’s been a household in the acting industry with many critically acclaimed works under her belt. Subsequent projects established her caliber in Asia and solidified her fame internationally.
7. Park Seo Joon
Park Seo Joon's most famous role was in the series What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim as the haughty CEO Young Joon, a series and character remembered fondly even six years after its release. Secretary Kim was one of the dramas that made its name known on the international spectrum before the Hallyu wave hit. Itaewon class is another notable work of Park, which was far from his usual genre but turned out to be a beloved Netflix series. His popularity became even more widespread when news emerged that he was to star in the Marvel Studios Movie The Marvels alongside famed American actors.
8. Hyun Bin
Hyun Bin became internationally famous for his role as a North Korean army officer in Crash Landing by You. Coincidentally, this drama made a considerable contribution towards developing the romantic connection with his now-wife, Son Ye Jin who co-starred with him in the drama. The couple’s chemistry, both on-screen and off-screen, helped them find their footing on the international pedestal and made Crash Landing on You an all-time favorite K-drama. He is particularly praised for his role in Secret Garden, My Lovely Sam Soon, and Confidential Assignment. His talent as an actor is immense, and so is his fame.
9. Son Ye Jin
In the early years of her career, Son Ye Jin was fondly dubbed as Nation's first love. Twenty years into her career, she is still one of the hottest Korean actresses. Known for her career solidity, Ye Jin delivers back-to-back spectacular performances. The romantic drama Crash Landing on You, in which she played the role of a chaebol heir, became a fan favorite K-drama and made her an international star. Besides her acting skills, Ye Jin is also a generous philanthropist, which many fans find applaudable.
10. Cha Eun Woo
Cha Eun Woo is the face that comes to everyone's mind when the word "Korean celebrity" is uttered. Even a casual viewer seeing Eun Woo for the first time can appreciate his visuals. His visual appeal is one of the reasons behind his international fame. Personality-wise, he is a well-mannered and down-to-earth individual. Eun Woo has garnered international fame both as an actor and a singer. His aloof but loving character in the drama True Beauty earned him major brownie points from his international fans.
