If there is one cute necessity surplus that has not been neglected in this world, that would be having talented Korean actors.
For the thriving K-Drama fan base, followers are blessed with a plethora of Korean drama actors gifting sweet and superb television series.
Keeping career longevity for Korean actors is considered a hard feat owing to its thriving industry. Moreover, maintaining bankable status means almost perfecting your public figure. Hence, being embroiled in a scandal greatly affects an actor. On that premise, the stakes are high to keep the reliability as an artist.
If we group the Korean actors to the generations they belong to, there will be three batches which are predominantly active since the Hallyu breakthrough in early 2000.
We have the 40’s, the 30’s, and the 20’s generation of active Korean actors, who grace the small and big screens in the last few seasons.
Among these batches, the 30-ish to 40-ish actors have built a stable reputation. Consequently, it enables them to compete with the “flower boy” generation of Korean actors housing Park Bo Gum, Lee Jong Suk, Park Hyung Sik, and more.
Interestingly, newer fans of Korean dramas, know of Gong Yoo because of Goblin. Contrary to older fans who loved him because of Coffee Prince. Through this special feature, we pay homage to the magic of enduring Korean actors through the years.
In this list, notable actors who have been reinventing themselves to portray characters that spanned over 10 to 15 years will be featured. Likewise, newer ones will also be highlighted especially those who scored at least three notable Korean dramas. These perennial favorites have portrayed memorable chaebol, doctor, prosecutor, detective, and even supernatural roles with vigor.
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Lee Byung Hun
All In – Iris – Mr. Sunshine
Making his return to the Korean television landscape with acclaimed Mr. Sunshine in 2018, Lee Byung Hun made his fans happy for the long nine years of waiting. The actor, who has over 20 years of successful films under his belt, last worked on the 2009 spy series, Iris.
Cha Seung Won
City Hall – The Greatest Love – Hwajung
Innately adept in varied genres, Cha Seung Won delighted drama fans with his much-awaited drama comeback in top-rating City Hall, one of the seven dramas creatively penned by star writer Kim Eun Sook. His follow-up rom-com has had him worked with popular Hong Sisters, in The Greatest Love. Raking in high numbers and online rave, Cha is a testament of “ajussi appeal” that holds true for married actors who can still weave mesmerizing romantic moments for the audience.
Ji Jin Hee
Dae Jang Geum – Dong Yi – Misty – Undercover
Acknowledged when it comes to historical productions, Ji Jin Hee’s most recent series tackled realistic-themed romance. From Dae Jang Geum to Dong Yi, he made another resounding hit in 2018’s melodrama Misty.
Jang Dong Gun
All About Eve – A Gentleman’s Dignity – Suits – Arthdal Chronicles
When Suits aired last year, I was excited not because of Park Hyung Sik, but because of Jang Dong Gun. The dashing veteran actor has an illustrious career in film and television.
Although rarely gracing the small screen in the last decade, Jang was a household name due to his active TV projects in the ’90s. From iconic romance drama All About Eve, his comeback drama after 12 years proved his swoon-worthy reputation in A Gentleman’s Dignity.
Cho Seung Woo
Horse Doctor – Stranger 1 & 2 – Sisyphus The Myth
Before his recent K-Drama ventures, Cho Seung Woo mostly worked on films. His movies The Classic, Love Phobia, Tazza: The High Rollers, and Inside Men are classic favorites. His portrayals are often acclaimed for smart and immersive depictions.
Song Seung Heon
Autumn In My Heart – My Princess – Black – Dinnermate
Known for his affecting melodrama roles, Song Seung Heon has shifted to hero-centric roles which effectively made use of the deep trench that his acting range can navigate to. His drama portfolio includes an array of genres that the actor has worked on with conviction.
Ji Sung
Save the Last Dance For Me – Kill Me Heal Me – Defendant – Doctor John
Celebrating his 20th year since Kaist, Ji Sung has had a string of well-received dramas which solidified his hitmaker status. He alternates romance and critically-acclaimed projects to boost his artistic value.
Jang Hyuk
Successful Story of a Bright Girl – Fated to Love You – Tree with Deep Roots – Tell Me What You Saw
One of the most accomplished actors who can work well as main or supporting male leads, Jang Hyuk’s acting range also reflects flexibility. From light to comic and serious characters, he can rise to challenge the role given to him.
READ: Two Decades Of Korean Dramas: The Most Memorable K-Drama Stories In The Last 20 Years
So Ji Sub
Phantom – The Master’s Sun – My Secret Terrius
Proving his unwavering charisma, So Ji Sub patiently worked on his top actor status with diligence. The result earned him well-loved dramas that enjoyed impressive ratings and online rave. Moreover, he joins the group of actors who effortlessly drive fan affection in the last 20 years.
Go Soo
Green Rose – Empire of Gold – Flower of the Prison – Missing: The Other Side
Marking a stellar catalog since his resurgence in 2009, Go Soo has been lauded for his sound portrayals in his most recent television series.
Eric Mun
Myungwol the Spy – Discovery of Love – Another Miss Oh
A representative of an actor with idol roots, Shinhwa’s Eric has been delighting drama followers with remarkable romance stories in the last ten years.
Gong Yoo
Hello My Teacher – Coffee Prince – Goblin
Hitting the jackpot with the 2016 hit series Goblin, Gong Yoo easily slips as a recurring favorite loved by different generations of female fans. He has scored lingering knockout series and movies in the last 15 years.
Jo In Sung
What Happened in Bali – That Winter the Wind Blows – It’s Okay That’s Love
Also belonging to the group of actors with balance representation in film and television is Jo In Sung. Carefully choosing projects, his works highlight relatively difficult interpretation of characters which he was able to nail with flying colors.
Cha Tae Hyun
My Sassy Girl – The Producers – Hit The Top – Team Bulldog: Off-Duty Investigation
We met him in the quintessential Korean romance film My Sassy Girl. Since then, he has worked on different roles with hints of comedy. He even crosses over to entertainment shows proving his versatility.
READ: 14 Korean Comedy Dramas That Guarantee Big Smiles & Laughter Spree
Kim Rae Won
Attic Cat – Love Story in Harvard – Doctor Crush – LUCA
When not passionately scouring the waters for a big fish catch, Kim like the rest of his batch mates alternates small and big screen activities. Stringing nine consecutive well-received dramas has said a lot about his star power.
Lee Dong Wook
My Girl – Scent of a Woman – Touch Your Heart – Tale of the Nine-Tailed
Mostly showcasing his presence in the television landscape, Lee Dong Wook extended his reach by engaging in a few variety shows. From his classic rom-com My Girl, he has been the go-to actor for romance-themed stories.
Lee Jin Wook
I Need Romance 2 – Nine – Voice 2 & 3
Lee Jin Wook takes turns between romance and crime series and is lucrative in doing so. His last eight dramas were consistently applauded despite a quick controversy which he was involved with.
Ha Seok Jin
The Legend of the Witch – Drinking Solo – Something About 1 Percent – Your House Helper
Regularly showing off his brainy self on Monday nights at Problematic Man, Ha Suk Jin has a few family drama and sitcom favorites under his belt. His fan service remake of One Percent of Anything is a personal favorite.
Hyun Bin
My Lovely Samsoon – Secret Garden – Memories of the Alhambra – Crash Landing on You
If you are a new K-Drama fan, then you would probably recognize Hyun Bin for his mind-blowing AR journey in Memories of the Alhambra. But for older fans, he is known with classic rom-coms My Lovely Samsoon and Secret Garden. In the last three years prior to his Alhambra comeback, he has been slaying the box office.
Lee Min Ki
Shut Up Flower Boy Band – Because This Is My First Life – The Beauty Inside – Oh My Ladylord
While taking various roles in films, Lee Min Ki has been fairly successful with his romance drama projects.
Ju Ji Hoon
Princess Hours – Mask – Kingdom 1 & 2
Strengthening his film actor value, Joo Ji Hoon landed triple hits last season on the big screen. Crossing over to the small screen, the first season of Netflix series Kingdom has also gained immense rave from fans. Stay tuned for its sequel.
Lee Joon Gi
Il Ji Mae – Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo – Lawless Lawyer – Flower of Evil
Praised for his combat stage presence, Lee Joon Gi immerses impeccably in his roles, gaining a lingering recall for the audience. His association with period and crime dramas speaks about his superb renditions in the aforementioned genres.
Ji Hyun Woo
Invincible Lee Pyung Kang – Queen In Hyun’s Man – Love in Sadness – Love is Annoying But I Hate Being Lonely
After completing his military service, Ji Hyun Woo reflects an overloaded schedule streaking seven dramas in the last five years. Additionally, he has worked across the three big networks and one cable channel for these ventures.
Song Joong Ki
Tree with Deep Roots – Nice guy – Descendants of the Sun – Vincenzo
Currently filming 2019’s highly-anticipated series, Arthdal Chronicles, Song Joong Ki never looked back after the massive hit Descendants Of The Sun. As one of the most in-demand actors, fans clamor to see him actively pursue projects since The Battleship Island.
Choi Jin Hyuk
Emergency Couple – Tunnel – Devilish Joy – Zombie Detective
It took Choi Jin Hyuk seven years of small and supporting roles before he landed his first male lead. Interestingly, he is one actor who seems to have powered his dramas to recognizable popularity.
Namkoong Min
Beautiful Gongshim – Good Manager – Falsify – Doctor Prisoner – Stove League
Charming us with his intellect and unparalleled commitment to his drama roles, Nam Goong Min has been notching hit dramas one after another. His transition from memorable villains to resonating heroes is just worth applauding.
Park Hae Jin
My Love From The Star – Cheese in the Trap – Man To Man – Forest – Kkondae Intern
Combining skills and wit, the actor is unfazed to challenge his acting depth. He goes for roles and stories that only a storytelling actor like him can depict convincingly.
Yoo Ah In
Jang Ok Jung Living in Love – Six Flying Dragons – Chicago Typewriter
Touted as eccentric and talented, Yoo Ah In has built a reputation of opting for emotionally challenging roles that young actors would usually evade. The multi-talented actor portrayed the role of a famed novelist in tvN’s Chicago Typewriter, a complimentary allusion to his real-life freelance writing contributions.
Yoon Shi Yoon
Baker King – Flower Boy Neighbor – Grand Prince – Train
Dong Gu of 1 Night 2 Days may look clumsy as a regular of KBS’ popular variety show, but his dedication to dramas he starred in is always well-felt. Six dramas of six varying genres in the last three years are deemed impressive for the hardworking actor Yoon Shi Yoon.
Lee Seung Gi
My GF is a Gumiho – The King 2 Hearts – A Korean Odyssey – Vagabond – Mouse
Before his television return for Vagabond, the multi-faceted artist actively participated in variety shows and music projects.
Lee Min Ho
Boys Over Flowers – Personal Taste – City Hunter – The Legend of the Blue Sea – The King: Eternal Monarch
One of the very few actors who has acquired a solid drama roster. Lee’s uncanny ability to star in hit K-Dramas is a mixture of getting stellar script along with his dedicated character immersion. Ten years since landing his first male lead in Boys Over Flowers, his succeeding dramas were constantly met with a huge fan following.
Kim Soo Hyun
Dream High – Moon Embracing the Sun – My Love from the Star – It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
In terms of emotional grasp, Kim Soo Hyun has always made his drama characters lingering. Because of that, the audience expects a lot from his selected projects, and he definitely delivers.
Jung Il Woo
49 Days – Flower Boy Ramyun Shop – Cinderella and the Four Knights – Bossam: Steal The Fate
Barely getting off from finishing his alternative military service, Jung Il Woo boards SBS’ period drama Haechi. He consistently proves his versatility by mixing historical dramas and contemporary ones.
Jang Keun Suk
You’re Beautiful – The Royal Gambler – Switch Change the World
Gifting us a television treat as the leader of fictional television band A.N.JELL, Jang is on a mission to portray a variety of characters that will be remotely connected to how he drew his previous roles.
Joo Won
Bridal Mask – Good Doctor – Yong Pal – Alice
In terms of years of experience, Joo Won is the maknae among this set of featured Korean actors. However, it does not mean he is less special. He only needed two supporting roles to get his first starrer. From then on, his succeeding dramas were mostly well-acknowledged. He has yet to appear in a cable network series.
Lee Jong Suk
I Hear Your Voice – W: Two Worlds – While You Were Sleeping – Romance is a Bonus Book
Consistently working on hit projects, Lee Jong Suk knows how to play with his strength and challenges stories that do not bank on the romance aspect. Albeit appearing mostly in romance stories, he made sure all those romance stories are distinct to each other.
Ji Chang Wook
Empress Ki – Healer – Suspicious Partner
The year 2020 marks Ji Chang Wook’s tenth anniversary in securing his very first main lead in Smile Dong Hae. The ensuing ten dramas featured the actor’s versatility to work on an array of themes and genres.
Seo In Guk
Reply 1997 – I Remember You – Squad 38 – The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
There is no Seo In Guk drama that disappoints. Coming from a music artist, it is considered a compliment to see him grow as an actor right before our very eyes.
Park Seo Joon
She Was Pretty – Fight For My Way – What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? – Itaewon Class
Would you believe that Park Seo Joon is the maknae in this featured batch of Korean actors? Park has pressed forward with engaging dramas capitalizing on amusing rom-com stories loved by fans.
Yeon Woo Jin
Marriage Not Dating – My Shy Boys – Queen For Seven Days – Judge vs Judge – Priest – I Wanna Hear Your Song
You can feel when an actor is dedicated to his drama endeavors. So far, Yeon Woo Jin made us feel that passion in his works.
Yoo Seung Ho
Operation Proposal – Remember: War of Son – The Emperor: Owner of the Mask – I’m Not a Robot – Memorist
Successfully transitioning from being a child actor, seeing his growth is truly remarkable. He can switch from light stories to emotional ones effortlessly.
Jung Yong Hwa
You’re Beautiful – Heartstrings – The Package – Sell Your Haunted House
When you look back on all his dramas, you would realize, you enjoyed almost all his portrayals.
Jung Hae In
Prison Playbook – While You Were Sleeping – Something in the Rain – One Spring Night – A Piece of Your Mind
It was hard not to notice Jung Hae In in his supporting roles. Thus, scoring the main leads was inevitable. After convincing us to buy him food, it’s hard not to support him thereafter.
Im Si Wan
Triangle – Misaeng – The King In Love – Strangers from Hell – Run On
Endowed with an impeccable grasp to own his roles, the actor can suit up to complex emotional roles with ease.
Park Hyung Sik
High Society – Hwarang – Strong Woman Do Bong Soon – Suits
Having an ability to draw attention to his characters has been one of Park Hyung Sik’s interesting charms. In his supporting roles, he was given the same love as the main hero to be honest.
Park Bo Gum
Hello Monster – Reply 1988 – Love in the Moonlight – Encounter – Record of Youth
Claiming the badge as one of South Korea’s representative actors, Park Bo Gum has gifted a plethora of amazing stories, and we expect more in the future.
Nam Joo Hyuk
Who Are You: School 2015 – Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo – The Light In Your Eyes – Start-Up
Working his way from youth drama to star-studded series, Nam Joo Hyuk presses on with proving himself worthy of being dubbed as one of the most promising actors of his generation.
Yeo Jin Goo
The Royal Gambler – Circle – The Crowned Clown – Hotel Del Luna – Beyond Evil
If his decorated child actor career will be counted, he is considered a veteran. But of course, we are swooning at his roles as actor Yeo Jin Goo. From period dramas to thrilling stories, we love how he evolved to an artist we foresaw him to be.
Jang Ki Yong
Come and Hug Me – Search: WWW – Born Again – My Roommate is a Gumiho
From small and supporting roles, Jang Ki Yong’s hard work did not go unnoticed. His performances are always tinged with sincerity and distinction.
Seo Kang Jun
Cheese in the Trap – Are You Human? – The Third Charm – Watcher
The idol turned actor has not been vacant in the last five years. Decking two dramas in a year seems also easy for him proving he is currently one of the most bankable actors.
Cha Eun Woo
My ID is Gangnam Beauty – Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung – True Beauty
Synonymous to “prince charming” – Cha Eun Woo appeals to the younger generation, but it does not mean that older noonas are immune to him. He gets a free pass to continue working on romance stories. After all, watching him do anything is literally therapeutic.
There you go, folks! Hope you enjoyed looking back on how much these actors have grown as much as how I felt nostalgic reminiscing their good old classics.
Photos: KBS, SBS, MBC, OCN, Netflix, tvN, jTBC, TV Chosun
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