The Korean entertainment industry is known for its numerous talents and diverse backgrounds. It may surprise you to learn that some famous Korean actors were athletes, some are there who even almost competed in the Olympics. They were all pretty damn good at whatever they played, whether professionally, in college, or just in high school. These experiences may have contributed to their success later in life. A few actors discovered their vocation after becoming injured during sports, while others had it in their minds all along.
Here is a list of 10 Korean stars who were once athletes, all of whom are superb athletes and have also had their time in the spotlight.
1. Sung Hoon: Swimmer
The actor was a competitive swimmer for 14 years before his debut in the industry. As a swimmer, he achieved record results in many competitions, including a record in the butterfly event at National Swimming Championship. After swimming for the national team, he joined the Olympic team to become a professional swimmer. After sustaining injuries and undergoing a series of surgeries despite his aspiration, he had to give up his dream to become a swimmer.
Watching movies inspired him to become an actor. He achieved success as an actor and landed his first leading role in a drama entitled "New Tales of Gisaeng" in 2011.
2. Song Joong-Ki: Skater
Song Joong-ki aspired to be a speed skater ever since he was a child - a short-track speed skater. For 12 years, from elementary school to high school, he won in many regional meets and competed three times at the National Game, and had even set his sights on the Olympic Games. Injury during his high school career halted his sports career before he could advance further.
In turn, it allowed him to focus on acting classes and schoolwork. His shyness had led to his parents encouraging him to attend acting classes. He put his skill to good use in his dramas, Triple and Vincenzo.
3. Park Bo-Gum: Swimmer
As a child, Bo Gum lacked physical strength, so he began training his strength through swimming. While in high school, he participated in the swimming team. It led to him winning many awards and breaking many records at school. He had always dreamed of becoming a singer, but upon the advice of the agency decided to become an actor after giving up sports.
4. Yoon Doo-Joon: Soccer
Sports have always been Doo-joon passion and dream - specifically soccer. During his school years, he was a member of the national team. However, he chose to put aside that soccer dream because of his family's financial struggles. While he was at university, he got scouted by an entertainment agent. In the hopes of making money, he decided to try it and then became an actor.
As a result of his passion and skill, he earned the nickname “Soccer-dol”. The K-League appointed him honorary ambassador in 2014. He now continues to enjoy his fondness for soccer as part of the celebrity club FC Men.
5. So Ji-Sub:Swimmer
At an early age, the actor trained to become a professional swimmer and joined the national team. At the 1997 Korean Championships, he even won a bronze medal.
Even after becoming an actor one after another, he continued to participate in swimming competitions. Though he's not an athlete anymore, he keeps his body in excellent condition and is devoted to his career.
6. Shin Sung-Rok: Basketball
Sung rok's brother was a basketball player, and so his dream was to become one too. Like many others on this list, his dreams of becoming a basketball star shattered due to his injuries. Although he was disappointed, it was at this point that he decided to pursue a degree in acting in university.
7. Seo Ji-Seok: Runner
When he was in middle school, he specialized in 100m-200m short-distant running. He prepared for joining the national team thanks to his accomplishments in winning four gold medals. Later, an injured Seo Ji-seok accepted a job offer as an actor after meeting a talent agent on the street after meeting a traffic accident.
8. Nam Joo-Hyuk: Basketball
As a child, Nam Joo Hyuk also was an avid athlete. Growing up, he enjoyed playing basketball. During junior high school, he was a member of the basketball team. And wished to become a professional basketball player. Sadly, Nam Joo-hyuk had to give up his dream of becoming a player because of a calf injury, but he still enjoys playing basketball.
9. Ahn Bo-Hyun: Boxer
In high school, he began boxing and became a professional and national athlete. At a national boxing competition, he even won a gold medal. The injury was a common occurrence for him, and he even broke his fingers. After suffering frequent injuries and receiving the disapproval of his parents, he retired from the scene.
His friends recommended that he try to become a model after graduating because of his height. He eventually became an actor after becoming a model.
10. Shin Seung-Ho: Soccer
Before making his debut, Seung Ho had played soccer for 11 years up until sophomore year in college. According to him, he no longer felt happy playing soccer, so he quit the field.
Then he opened his heart to the world of modelling. As a result of being an athlete since he was young, his muscular body made him stand out against the slimmer bodies of most models. In light of his physical appearance, personality, and voice, it was suggested he should become an actor. Due to this, he decided to study acting. He made his screen debut in A-teen as a high school basketball player.
