Korean dramas are not just limited to South Korea instead they have a worldwide fan following. The rising popularity of K drama is a great leap for the Korean wave. It has created opportunities for actors and actresses to try their luck in acting and rise to stardom. It has undeniably produced many talented actors. Many actors have risen to stardom after delivering popular K-Dramas. Here is our list of the top 10 Korean actors who rose to stardom after delivering a hit K drama.
10. Hwang In Yeop
In-Yeop has become the new heartthrob in South Korea following the success of his 2020 hit drama, True Beauty, where his acting and talent have been appreciated. Although his previous dramas, The Tale of Nokduin 2019 and 18 Again in 2020 earned him equal praises, however, his portrayal of a secondary lead character 'Hon Seo Junin' in True Beauty, gave him the right momentum to international stardom.
9. Seo In Guk
One of the most loved and promising young actors Seo In Guk is a singer-songwriter turned actor. He rose to stardom after delivering his first lead role in the hit drama Reply 1997, which is being considered to be one of the highest-rated K-dramas in cable television history in South Korea for its excellent script and performances. Reply 1997 was his real breakthrough which opened up opportunities for him to play diverse roles.
8. Nam Joo Hyuk
Nam Joo Hyuk is a model turned actor from Busan, South Korea. He has become the most popular young star of this generation. His career-defining drama which brought him fame and accolades was Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo in 2016, where he portrayed the character of Jung Joon Hyung, a mischievous star swimmer, earned him praises. His recent drama Start-Up in 2020 has also received positive critical responses.
7. Park Bo Gum
Park Bo Gum is one of the few versatile actors in South Korea. He initially wanted to be a singer but changed his career course to try his luck in acting. He got his big break from the drama, Hello Monster in 2015. However, he skyrocketed to stardom after the success of his hit drama, Reply 1988in 2016, followed by his other hit drama, Love in the Moonlight in 2016, which took his acting career to a whole new level.
6. Park Seo Joon
Park Seo Joon first rose to fame as a second lead in the drama, Kill Me, Heal Me. It was however his 2018 successful drama, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim that earned him the title of “Master of Romantic Comedy" which further shaped his acting career. His drama, Itaewon Class, achieved massive success not only in South Korea but worldwide, for its storyline and performances.
5. Song Joong Ki
Joong Ki is a popular household name in South Korea. He has earned the top position among the Hallyu stars. His 2010 successful drama, Sungkyunkwan Scandal, brought him fame and accolades still, his 2016 hit drama, Descendants of the Sun, uplifted his Hallyu status, which kick-started his career and earned him international fame.
4. Joo Ji Hoon
Ji Hoon has earned his place as a top actor in South Korea, with his acting career spanning over 14 years. The Kingdom actor got his breakthrough with the hit drama Princess Hours in 2006, which was a successful drama domestically with a peak rating of 28.3%. Princess Hours is being as a considered significant drama for contributing to the Korean wave worldwide.
3. Lee Min Ho
Lee Min Ho is one of the most popular South Korean actors today who became an overnight sensation after the success of Boys Over Flowers in 2009. He continued to deliver hit dramas like The Heirs, Legend of the Blue Sea, and his recent 2020 hit drama The King: Eternal Monarch.
2. Kim Soo Hyun
One of the most popular and versatile Hallyu stars, Soo Hyun rose to fame after the success of his 2013 drama, My Love from the Stars, which is credited to spark the trends of Korean fashion, makeup, and restaurants worldwide. His recent successful drama, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, has been named by The New York Times as one of ‘The Best International Shows of 2020’.
1. Gong Yoo
Every K-drama fan is well aware of Gong Yoo and his popularity. His carrier was uplifted after his performance in 'Coffee Prince'. However, his career-defining drama which created buzz and sensation, drawing the attention of the world to Korean dramas is his 2016 massive hit drama, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, a.k.a Goblin. The drama won him the Best Actor prize at the 53rdBaeksang Arts Award and has achieved the 2nd highest television ranking in Korean history.
