High-quality films and dramas starring South Korean actors and actresses are popular in South Korea. Korean drama plots are well-known all over the world.
This creates several opportunities for talented Korean actors and actresses to get worldwide recognition. New artists are constantly rising to popularity, and this list includes actors who kick-started their careers with just one role.
Here’s the list of the top 10 actors who rose to fame with a single role.
1. Jang Jin Young
Jung Jin Young is a South Korean actor, record producer, singer, and songwriter. She played Kim Yoon Sung in the hit historical love drama “Love in Moonlight,” a role that catapulted her to fame and praise in the acting world.
2. Go Kyung Pyo
Go Kyung Pyo is a Korean actor and comedian. He made his acting debut in 2010 with the Korean version of “Saturday Night Live.” He rose to fame with his role as Sung Sun Woo in Reply 1988, and he has subsequently appeared in films like Don’t Dare to Dream and Chicago Typewriter.
3. Hwang In Yeop
Hwang In Yeop is a budding actor who made his acting debut in 2017 and has only three years of experience. He was a model before debuting with the web series “Why.” He is most recognized for his role in the TV series: The Tale of Nokdu and 18 Again. His breakout role as Han so Jun in the Korean rom-com True Beauty catapulted him to stardom. As a result of this part, his popularity surged, and he was offered important roles in the upcoming series.
4. Rowoon
Rowoon made his FNC Entertainment debut in 2016 as the lead vocalist, dancer, and visual for the boy band SF9 (Sensational Feeling 9). He began his acting debut in television series with a small supporting part in KBS2’s School 2017. His first major part was on the television series Extraordinary You, which premiered in 2019. Rowoon’s popularity rose after he was cast in the role of Haru, catapulting him into the spotlight. He was nominated for the best couple at the MBC drama awards with co-star Kim Hye Yoon.
5. Jang Ki Yong
Jang Ki Yong (born on August 7, 1992) is a model and an actor from South Korea. He debuted as a model in 2012. He made his acting debut on the television drama “It’s Okay, That’s Love” in 2014. He’s acted in a lot of dramas since then, including “Beautiful Mind,” “Come and Hug Me,” and “Kill It.” He was the male protagonist in the Korean fantasy drama “My roommate is Gumiho,” which sparked his acting career.
6. Ryu Jun-Yeol
Ryu Jun-Yeol is an actor from South Korea. Ryu rose to prominence after playing alongside Lee Hye-Ri, Park Bo-gum, Go Kyung-Pyo, and Lee Dong-Hwi on the hit drama Reply 1988. He received many awards, including the Best New Actor in TV award at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards in 2016. Since then, he has appeared in several big office hit movies.
7. Kim Woo-Bin
Kim Woo-bin, a South Korean model and actor, was born on July 16, 1989. Before getting the role in the television drama White Christmas, he worked as a runway model. He appeared as a supporting character in a few television dramas and was recognized in the drama “School (2013)”. However, it was his part as Choi Young-do in the hit teen drama heirs, in which he co-starred alongside Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye, that catapulted his career.
8. Park Hyung-Sik
Park Hyung-Sik is a South Korean actor, singer, and dancer who goes by the mononym Hyungsik. He is a part of the ZE: A boy band and the ZE: A Five sub-group from South Korea. He’s been a part of many Korean TV dramas, including heirs, Hwarang, Suits, and High Society. His breakout role in the hit Korean drama ‘Strong Woman Do Bong Soon’ catapulted him to fame.
9. Jeon Yeo Bin
Jeon Yeo Bin (born July 26, 1989, in Gangneung, South Korea) is a South Korean actress. In 2015, she made her acting debut with a historical film, “The Treacherous.”. The 31-year-old actress may be a new face to many, as she appeared in a few series, but she has quickly established a name in the mafia drama genre. Jeon Yeo-been, who plays Hong Cha-young in Vincenzo’s series, has risen her to fame.
10. Seo Ye-Ji
Seo Ye-Ji is an actress from South Korea. She began her career as a model for SK Telecom and then moved into acting the following year with the South Korean sitcom “Potato Star.” Her depiction of the lead role as Go Moon Young in the Korean drama ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ skyrocketed her acting career and earned her many attention and opportunities in upcoming Korean dramas.
