Korean performers are making an impact in Hollywood, breaking down barriers and gaining worldwide recognition. Their rise in the film and television industry is undeniable, and they're pushing for more diversity and representation. Through their talent and dedication, they're proving that Asian actors have a place in Hollywood. Breaking boundaries in Hollywood's cinematic world are some of the best Korean actors/actresses – Choi Min-Sik of Oldboy and Han Ye-Ri of Minari – which are among the top ten.
1. Choi Min-Sik
Starring in the 2003 film Oldboy as Dae-Su Oh transformed Choi Min-Sik into a renowned name in the Korean film industry. This iconic classic is widely regarded as the ultimate example of contemporary revenge cinema. Min-Sik's immense talent culminated in him making his first appearance in a Hollywood film. Directed by Luc Besson, Lucy featured Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman in leading roles, and Min-Sik played a significant character. Korean Actors are plentiful, but Choi Min-Sik ranks among the top for me personally!
2. Bae Doona
After making her acting debut in Barking Dogs Never Bite, Bong-Joon Ho's first feature film, Bae Doona, rose to fame in the Korean film business. She achieved stardom in the Hollywood television industry by appearing in the renowned Sense 8 Netflix series. Netflix cancelled the show after two seasons, but Bae Doona had already made a name for herself in the business. In the film Cloud Atlas, which starred Tom Hanks and Halle Berry, she made her breakthrough in Hollywood. She also appeared in the Mila Kunis and Eddie Redmayne movie Jupiter Ascending. She will soon be seen in Zack Snyder's Netflix movie Rebel Moon.
3. Ma Dong-Seok
After appearing in the critically acclaimed films Train to Busan and The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil, Ma-Dong Seok, or Don Lee as his admirers prefer to refer to him, shot to fame worldwide. Dong-Seok entered the Hollywood market after becoming well-known in the Korean film industry. He made his screen debut in Chloé Zhao's Marvel feature Eternals. Fans adored his portrayal of the everlasting Gilgamesh despite critics' dissatisfaction with the film. It was revealed that he would also play the title role in The Gangster, The Cop, and the Devil, the Hollywood remake of the same movie.
4. Han Hyo-Joo
After making her broadcast debut in the program Nonstop 5, this stunning Korean actress became well-known throughout her own country. Since then, she has been in many films and TV shows. In the Jason Bourne spinoff series Treadstone, she made her screen debut. The audience loved her incredible acting and her transition into the character. She also did her own action sequences.
5. Lee Byung-Hun
Among the best actors Korea has to offer is Lee Byung-Hun. He’s acted in critically praised films, including I Saw The Devil (co-starred with Choi Min-Sik), A Bittersweet Life, and the well-known Netflix series Squid Game. With G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra, he made his Hollywood debut. Additionally, he appeared in the films Misconduct, The Magnificent Seven, Red 2, Terminator Genisys, and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. He is currently prepared to begin filming the Netflix movie I Believe in a Thing Called Love.
6. Jun Ji-Hyun
One of the most recognizable faces in the Korean cinema business is Jun Ji-Hyun, better known to her fans as Gianna Hyun. After her breakthrough performance in My Sassy Girl, she became famous in Korea. In addition, she was listed as the highest-paid Korean actress in 2022. With the release of Blood: The Last Vampire, she made her Hollywood debut. Although the film did poorly at the box office, both critics and viewers praised her for her performance. She also appeared in the film Snow Flower and The Secret Fan alongside Hugh Jackman.
7. Rain
Ji Hoon Jung, known popularly as Rain, is a famous K-Pop idol and a fantastic actor. He made his acting debut in the tv series Sang Doo! Let's Go to School and his movie debut in I'm a Cyborg, but That's OK. He quickly rose to fame and made his Hollywood debut with the movie Speed Racer (a live-action adaptation of the anime Speed Racer). He has also acted in the film Ninja Assassin and The Prince (alongside Bruce Willis).
8. Claudia Kim
Kim Soo-Hyun, better known by her stage name Claudia Kim, made her film debut in Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron and has since appeared in several Hollywood productions. Although she has appeared in numerous Korean television programs, she has yet to appear in a Korean film. Equals, The Dark Tower, and Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald were among the films she appeared in. She additionally appeared in the popular Netflix series Marco Polo. It was also reported that she would debut in the Korean film The Dinner.
9. Lee Joon-Gi
He does not require an introduction as he is already a well-known Korean actor. After appearing in numerous K-Dramas, Lee Joon-Gi gained notoriety in Korea. He played a pivotal part in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, the series' concluding film, which served as his Hollywood debut. Even his co-star Milla Jovovich applauded his performance, praising his ability to undertake his own stunts. Paul W.S. Anderson, the director, also remarked that he approached Lee Joon-Gi for the part after watching his stunt videos on YouTube.
10. Han Ye-Ri
Han Ye-RI, last but not least. How am I supposed to even begin a list without including Han Ye-Ri? It's incredible that she started her acting career as a small-screen extra before landing the lead role in the Oscar-nominated film Minari. Ye-Ri was nominated for and won many awards for her breakthrough performance in Minari. She also received the Prime Minister's Commendation in 2021 from the South Korean government, which is presented to people who have contributed to the country's art and popular culture.
