The world of Hallyu entertainment is known for its music, dramas, and movies. Many famous Korean stars are gaining recognition worldwide for their singing or acting abilities. Some are good at both. Here is a list of the top 10 Korean celebrities who have succeeded in their singing and acting careers.
1. IU (Lee Ji Eun)
IU has been in the Korean entertainment industry for over fourteen years and is one of the most famous and respected singers in the country, known for her heartfelt ballads. As an actress, IU has starred in well-loved dramas like Moonlovers and Hotel Del Luna. Her talent as an all-rounder entertainer knows no bounds!
2. Bae Suzy
Suzy debuted in 2010 in K-pop girl group Miss A, known for songs like Bad Girl Good Girl and Hush. At the age of seventeen, Suzy debuted as the lead in Dream High and went on to star in other popular K-dramas like While You Were Sleeping, Start-Up, and Uncontrollably Fond. Although Miss A has since disbanded, Suzy occasionally releases music as a soloist.
3. Park Hyung Sik
Hyung Sik debuted in a nine-member boy group ZE:A back in 2010, with songs like Aftereffect and The Ghost of Wind. Now a full-time actor, Hyung Sik has acted in several dramas like Strong Girl Do Bong Soon, where he played a lovely CEO boyfriend and Happiness, where he played a tough detective in love with his best friend. Hyung Sik is on his way to becoming one of the most talented actors in Korea.
4. Doh Kyung Soo
More popularly known as D.O., the main vocalist of the mega-popular idol group EXO, Kyung Soo, has also released a solo album, Empathy, in 2021. He has also gained respect and critical praise in his acting career as a blind martial arts fighter in K-movie, My Annoying Brother, and as a cold crown prince in 100 Days My Prince. You can also see D.O. on the small screen this year in Bad Prosecutor.
5. Im Si Wan
Another member of ZE:A, Im Si Won, made his acting debut with a minor role in the 2012 drama Moon Embracing the Sun as the younger version of the male lead. Now, he is on the rise as an actor with various works under his belt, such as Misaeng, Run On, and Strangers from Hell, proving his ability to portray characters in any genre.
6. Choi Soo Young
The tallest member of Korea's most famous girl group, SNSD (also known as Girls Generation), Soo Young has recently gained popularity as an actress in dramas like Run On as a powerful female CEO and in If You Wish Upon Me as a compassionate nurse.
7. Kim Se Jeong
Se Jeong first gained popularity for her cute mannerisms in the girl group survival show Produce 101, after which she debuted in short-lived idol groups, I. O. I. and Gugudan with songs like Very Very Very and Not That Time. Now, as an actress (and a soloist), Se Jeong has worked in dramas like The Uncanny Counter and internationally-popular, A Business Proposal.
8. Cha Eun Woo
Debuting in 2016 in a five-member K-pop boy group, Astro, Eun Woo is known for his breath-taking visuals and singing ability. Though his talent in acting has been much debated, he has worked in many dramas, such as My ID is Gangnam Beauty and Beauty Inside. We look forward to Eun Woo growing more as an actor and returning stronger in his future works!
9. Rowoon
Ro Woon is the lead vocalist of the K-pop boy group SF9 (Sensational Feeling 9), which debuted in 2016, with popular songs like Good Guy and Now or Never. His acting works include Extraordinary You and Tomorrow with more already lined up. Much like his group name, Ro Woon has a sensational face that is likely to be busy for a long time with his dual jobs!
10. Lim Yoo Na
Another member of Girl's Generation who made it big in the acting world, Yoona, known for her astounding beauty, has worked in popular K-dramas like K2 and Big Mouth and movies like Exit and Confidential Assignment.
