In the world of entertainment worldwide, the Hallyu Wave, or the Korean Wave, has swept across continents, leaving an indelible mark on cultures and industries worldwide. Korean pop culture, in particular, has found a fervent following in neighboring East Asian countries like China and Japan. Some Korean singers who perform alone have also become popular among fans from China and Japan, even though K-pop groups get a lot of attention. This article delves into the top 10 Korean artists, excluding bands, who have garnered massive fan bases in China and Japan. Here is a list of the Top 10 Korean Artists with big fan bases in China and Japan.
1. Iu (Lee Ji-Eun)
Lee Ji-Eun, known by her stage name IU is a famous Korean singer, songwriter, actor, and composer. Primitively working in the music industry, she has made a name for herself in the acting industry. Some of her famous dramas are Hotel Del Luna and Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Due to her various music hits and shows, she is a household name in China and Japan. Her soulful ballads and diverse music help her connect with people from different countries. Her name means “I and You,” implying people become one through music.
2. Lee Min-Ho
Famous for his roles in shows like Boys Over Flowers, Inheritors, Legend Of The Blue Sea, and King: The Eternal Monarch, Lee Min-Ho is a Korean actor, model, singer, businessman, and creative director. He gained international fame because of her role as Gu Jun-Pyo in Boys Over Flowers. His charm crosses borders garnering him tons of fans. Due to his exceptional acting skills and good looks, he has a dedicated fanbase in China and Japan.
3. Park Shin-Hye
Park Shin-Hye has gathered a big fanbase in East Asia because of her diverse acting skills. She has been named one of the top Hallyu stars due to her success in neighboring countries. Her TV shows "Inheritors" and "You're Beautiful" are very popular in China and Japan.
4. Kim Soo-Hyun
Kim Soo-Hyun is the highest-paid actor in Korea. He got his breakthrough in “My Love From Another Star.” he gained immense popularity because of his diverse acting skills and became a top Hallyu star. He is also a professional bowler because of his love for the game. His acting skills and charismatic personality have earned him a loyal fanbase in China and Japan.
5. Song Hye-Kyo
Famous for her graceful and elegant acting skills, Song Hye-Kyo has established a strong fanbase in East Asia. Song Hye-Kyo’s career consists of continuous hits. Her latest hit was Netflix’s “The Glory.” Her timeless beauty and performances that touch the heart have made her a household name in China and Japan.
6. Gong Yoo
Gong Ji-Cheol goes by “Gong Yoo” professionally. Gong Yoo is a versatile actor known for his roles in “Train to Busan,” “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,” “Coffee Prince,” and “Squid Games.” He is one of the most famous Hallyu stars in the industry. His stage name is a mix of her parents' names, “Gong” from his father’s family and “Yoo” from his mother’s family. Because of his work's gross success, he has a vast fanbase in China and Japan.
7. Jun Ji-Hyun
Famous for "Sassy Girl," Jun Ji-Hyun has collected a lot of fans in East Asia. she got widespread popularity through "My Love From Another Star." Her drama "Sassy Girl" gave the Korean industry an international breakthrough. With extensive experience in various dramatic productions, she has achieved success in the film industry. She wanted to become a flight attendant but was street cast as a model in 1997. Her expressive acting and ethereal looks earned her a big fanbase in China and Japan.
8. Yoo Jae-Suk
Yoo Jae-Suk is a Korean host, comedian, and television personality. He has been nicknamed "MC of the Nation." People chose him as the most famous comedian for five consecutive years. He has hosted shows like Running Man and Infinite Challenge. He is famous for his witty and likable personality in China and Japan.
9. Lee Jong-Suk
Lee Jong-Suk is a famous model and actor in Korea. He is also the youngest male to participate in Seoul Fashion Week. The first time he got recognition was because of his drama "School 2013." The shows that got him internationally famous were "While You Were Sleeping," "Pinnochio," "Romance is a Bonus Book," and "Big Mouth." His compelling acting skills and boyish charms got him a big fanbase in China and Japan.
10. Kim Yuna
Famously known as the “Queen of Ice,” Kim Yuna is a retired South Korean figure skater. Her numerous achievements have garnered her a huge fanbase in China and Korea. She is also an Olympic medalist. She is the first figure skater from Korea to win a medal in ISU Junior Grand Prix. She's the first woman to win a big ice skating championship.
