It’s time to reshuffle my deck of Idol Actors and choose my Top Four.
My original Fab Four were:
Siwan of ZE:A
He’s been crossed off my list because:
a. none of his recent projects sparked my interest. He has to choose better projects so I can reassess his acting skills.
b. he hasn’t found his niche. I think, because of his good looks, he’s being forced into romcoms, when playing a lone wolf or solitary outsider fits his personality more.
c. his kissing scene gives me a horror flick vibe.
But who knows? I may watch his upcoming drama, “Tracer,” in the future. According to soompi,
“Tracer” is a revenge drama focused on the setting of the National Tax Service. Im Siwan has been offered the role of Hwang Dong Joo, a new team manager of the Seoul Regional Office’s Investigation Bureau. He has handsome looks but a very spiteful tongue.
source: soompi
Do Kyungsoo of EXO
Sorry, I have to retire him because I haven’t watched anything of his since “100 Days: My Prince.” Please pick a project that I like next time, kiddo.
Ok Taecyeon of 2PM
Yeah, I know viewers think his acting is cringe-y (like me).
I retained him on my list all these years primarily because he’s a good guy. But I’m not handing out participation trophy this year when other actor-idols deserve his spot.
To say that I was disappointed after “Secret Royal Inspector and Joy” is an understatement. This kdrama is a facepalmer. The script was trying to do too much, all at the same time, that it came out rubbish.
Yoon Doojoon of Highlight (formerly named Beast)
Inactive. I have to cancel him because he’s been inactive too.
Too bad. I liked him in “Splash Splash Love.”
So buh-bye, my original Fab Four and welcome to my next generation of Fab Four.
1. Park Hyungsik of ZE:A
He didn’t replace his former bandmate, Siwan. He’d only always been on my shortlist. But after “Happiness,” I think he deserves Siwan’s spot. I can’t imagine anybody else playing YiHyung in such a chic, understated manner.
Even when he’s jealous, he looks cool. lol.
It only helps that his image onscreen is an upright man who tries to do his best. He’s Ok Taecyeon’s replacement as Mr. Good Guy.
2. Lee Junho of 2PM
He’s currently in “Red Sleeves.” This guy is probably not much to look at, but he delivers a riveting performance each time. I don’t know how it does it. He embraces any role he takes on that the character fits him like a second skin. He makes acting look so easy.
lol. Can’t he give tips to his old buddy, Ok Taecyeon?
gifs from ami-fidele’s tumblr
3. Park Jin Young of Got7
Just looking at him makes me smile. Although he played a dubious guy, “Bobby,” on “Yumi’s Cells,” I couldn’t help rooting for him.
Even the camera is in love with him. lol.
4. Seo InGuk, winner of “Superstar K1”
It’s easy to forget where his roots are. He began as a singer.
But this is where he is right now. Mr. Intensity.
gifs from kateknowsdramas’ tumblr
This choice is a no-brainer, really. Of all the idol-actors on my past and present list of Fab Four, he’s arguably the best singer and the strongest actor.
Unfortunately, I had to keep him off the list — until now — because of his shady military exemption. He was in the proverbial doghouse for two years, which is roughly the same amount of time had he served in the military.
The other contenders who didn’t make it on my list this year were:
1. Cha Eunwoo of Astroturf
I’m crossing my fingers that he’ll improve in his acting because I can no longer justify my watching his dramas just to ogle at his face. lol.
2. Jung JinYoung of B1A4
He was in “Police University” with Cha TaeHyun and Krystal Jung. I thought he did well.
3. Kim Myungsoo (or L) of Infinite
Poor guy. He was in 2 dramas last year, “Secret Royal Inspector” and “Meow, the Secret Boy,” before he went off to the military this year. But neither of them struck my fancy.
4. Seo Kang Joon of 5urprise
In hindsight, the director in “Cheese in the Trap” did him no favors. I would have been more receptive to his acting if he hadn’t been involved in the controversy. But because of that drama behind the scene, I’m second-guessing whether he’s the best actor for any role he’s playing thereafter….
And I nitpick his acting.
Sigh. Next time, I’ll cut him some slack.
5. Gong Myung of 5urprise
He was a cutie in “Lovers of the Red Sky” and I look forward to his drama after his military service.
6. Kang TaeOh of 5urprise
He did well in “The Tale of Nokdu” and “Doom at Your Service.”
gifs from dazzlingkai’s tumblr
7. Lee Taehwan of 5urprise
I think he’s the youngest (or maknae) of this group, 5urprise.
Question: Why can’t they all appear in one drama?
Answer: Because our minds and hearts can only take in so much male pulchritude. lol.
8. Minho of Shinee
This was the biggest let-down of the year for me. 🙂
9. Jung Yonghwa of CNBlue
I had fun watching “Sell Your Haunted House,” but…
a. I thought Yonghwa was merely acting his persona. I need to see him act convincingly outside his own everyday image.
b. The romantic vibe between the two leads was nowhere to be found.
JYH and Jang Nara were crying very well in this instance. But I don’t feel their lovers’ connection.
Compare it to this scene with Park HyungSik and Han HyoJoo.
lol. It’s that wordless, eye contact that he gave her after he submissively said, “Yes, Noona,” that made the difference. He was teasing her.
10. Rowoon of SF9
Of all the idol-actors, he must have worked the hardest this year. I wish I could have watched him in “She Would Never Know,” but I’m not into noona romances.
As for “The King’s Affection,” you couldn’t pay me to watch his costar, Park Eun Bin after her I’m-better-off-watching-paint-dry performance in “Do You Like Brahms?”
And here’s the obligatory naked torso gif set.
Remember the BoD’s “no nudity clause” theory. If your “oppa” has a built-in naked scene in the drama, then it’s a sign that he hasn’t reached the peak of his acting career. He can’t leverage his name to stipulate no nudity in his contract, and he can’t impress audience with his performance alone. The director and writer are catering to the fangirls to increase the show’s ratings.
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That’s my List of Fab Four Idol-Actors. Who’s on your list?
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Still banned:
Mickey Yoochun
Kim HyunJoong
TOP
@Packmule3 you have very similar taste to me. It does depend on the role s they play that said…
Lee Junho of 2pm – am entranced – have bad long distance crush on him in RSC
Minho of Shinee (agreed re disappointment…) + there is something about what he went through with other members of Shinee that makes him seem deeper…
Park Hyung Sik (although I preferred him more boyish in Strong Woman etc)
Rowoon – gorgeous — don’t care about the plastic surgery… if he is anything like the characters he plays …gorgeous
Park Jin Young of GOT 7 — helped me cope with Yumi’s Cells ending….
Can I count in Song Kang? Smitten
1. I skipped royal inspector but I think Taecyon did a great job in Vincenzo.
2. Junho has always been my number 1. He just drips charisma to me
3. I like rowoons height but ever since I saw his before and after plastic surgery shots he’s completely ruined for me.
4. I planned to submit Bae In hyuk but whoops, he’s not an idol actor
Thank you veeeeery much, @packmule3.
Well, Rowoon’s just purty, right? That gif set made my eyelashes flutter.
I vote for Park Hyung Sik as most improved after military.
Lee Jun Ho as a natural. A pleasant surprise as I’d not seen him before.
Seo In Guk. In that order
Runners up, Dong Myung
Kang Tae Oh.
I should clarify on rowoon—I don’t think he needed the plastic surgery. Now he’s too “fake pretty” to me and Cha eun woo gets my prettiest award.
@birdie007, I agree that Taek did such a good job being evil in Vincenzo that I think I’d cross the street to avoid him.
Ok, I’m one of those that’s not a fan of TaecYeon’s acting. For me, it was noticable in Vincenzo, esp. compared to the higher-acting caliber of the leads. (I was a little ticked that people went after the FL’s acting, but not his, but I’m sure my logic is solid in my reasoning.) We’re watching Secret Royal Inspector & Joy as our family drama, and tbh, if it was just me watching it, I’d drop it. But the legal and societal aspects of it have been good talking points among us.
Park Hyung-Sik is really doing a great job in Happiness. I’m not a zombie thriller type person, but I’m really liking the tone of it. And bc my first drama was Strong Woman DBS, PHS is really my standard for actor evaluations. haha
Siwon actually made it to my top discoveries this year, bc of Run On and Strangers from Hell.
Rowoon’s there too. I wholeheartedly recommend “She Would Never Know.” It’s not much of a noona relationship; they’re only one year apart. (He is his supervisor at work, tho.) Many people dropped it bc of the ML’s behavior, but he apologizes for it twice, both in eps. 3 and 7. Yes, there are aggravating people, but everyone has a redemption arc. It’s a solid watch.
Oh, I totally adhere to your nudity clause theory. However, I thought I’d mention that in One Ordinary Day, Kim Soo-Hyun has a full-body shower scene (no privacy towel a la My Love from the Stars haha).
I need to get going on Red Sleeve Cuff. So many historicals going on now, I want to keep them all straight.
Seo In Gook really nailed his performance in DAYS. I did drop it though, but that had to do with the writing/translations than him.
@packmule3 and @Kate, This is such an absolutely fabulous list for folks like me-olf fogies.It I’d s very useful guide. However@,Kate, these young guys make me feel a little inappropriately Percy because they are do attractive but could easily be my children or grandchildren. So I watch remembering the song gr the musical, The King and I, Hello Young Lovers, to get me back to reality.
From a show biz industry point of view, with every focus group, there’s nothing like the synergy of putting idols in dramas
You get instant ratings. It helps if they can act
In some cases it doesn’t matter.
And from an American perspective think about the movie careers of our older stars like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley as good examples.
@OAL, I am also on the mature side but am giving myself permission to enjoy these guys in dramas. I do understand your concern though!! If there is a discussion of the older K-drama and C-drama stars I wouldn’t be able to offer as many examples but would be up for one. I was thinking of some gorgeous slightly older stars but they didn’t fall into the idol category.
Annyeong,
Thanks @pm3 I agree with your 1, 2, and 3. 💙💚💛💜🧡 Much love to these idol-actors. i think they’re a big improvement to your past fab four 😁
Because of Red Sleeve Cuff, my favourite would be Lee Junho now, he is quite a natural and all the subtle expressions in Red Sleeve Cuff is entrancing. He would still be under not as popular yet? since he had this super 6 or 8 pack(??) bathtub scene.
Park Hyung Sik would be the other, I adored him in SWDBS though I haven’t watched any of his dramas after that. Really wanted to watch Suits but I still have yet to.
Hwarang would be the idol drama you are talking about but I never quite felt like I want to watch it, not sure why.
Too many idol actors in a drama may be too giddy for us 😛 Then again I would be confused as to who to side with.
It’s Lee Junho at no.1 for me and Seo In Guk at no.2. I like the intensity that both can show in their performance. Park Hyung Sik I’ve oy watched in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (for few episodes) and he wasn’t too impressive in that. But I’m willing to give him a chance.
Can I add an idol to watch for in the future: Lee Jun-young from UKISS. He made Imitation watchable, has a beautiful voice (he gets to sing and dance a lot in Imitation). He is currently in Let Me Be Your Knight (which is not great but I blame the material). He played the erratic/violent awol soldier in DP and is supposed to star in a Netflix movie next year which sounds a little racy. There is something really appealing about him and he easily plays older than his actual 24 years.
I must be OLD. The only actors I found hot this year were men who were at least 40: Cha Seung-won (loved him in The Greatest Love, when he was a mere 41–but I still think he’s handsome now in his 50s), So Ji Sub (in My Secret Terrius, when he was 41) and Lee Tae-gon (I’m embarrassed to admit what I watched him in). [Although I do admit that I enjoyed Lee Junho’s bath scene… he looked so–er–strong.]
I’m not attracted to pretty men, especially those with discernable plastic surgery (like Rowoon). I find it distracting, especially in historicals. And (SK) idols, unfortunately, seem more likely to have had some kind of help in that way.
What a fun list @pkml3. This time, your list is the same as mine.
I’d put Seo In Guk and Lee Jun Ho on top of the list together, followed by Park Hyung Shik.
I didn’t mind Park Jin Young in Devil Judge but it was hard for him to not be eclipsed by Ji Sung. At least he held his own.
I liked Ong Sung Wu in At Eighteen. He’s not done much else in acting yet, therefore I guess the jury is still out on whether he is consistently emotive.
The one I’ve not watched for some time, although he has been active, is Lee Seung Gi. Among the older idols… there’s Eric Mun, last seen in The Spies Who Loved Me.
It’s good to reshuffle lists from time to time. I hope, though, that my top 2 can remain way up on my lists.
@GB yes to Ong SeungWoo. Potential is there. He gives me Dylan O’Brien vibes. 😂. I haven’t watched anything of his after Moment of 18.
Aww I am still a fan of KyungSoo. He’s in movies right now. And there’s an upcoming drama as well, so he’s still on my “good idol boy who can act list”.
HyungSik is growing on me. I watched Strong Woman and he wasn’t bad. I tried the Korean Suits and he was believable as the Korean Mike but the Korean guy trying to play Harvey just didn’t cut it for me so I bailed. 😂
Park JinYoung is also on my list. I just like him. Same with Gong Myung. When they come on screen I feel my mummy heart warm up so they’re in. ❤️
JunHo is a yes as well. He just has presence and he always delivers.
Hi, Just adding my choice of boy band member to the acting group. I love Yook Sung-jae of BTob. He just completed his mandatory military service in November. Prior to serving he starred in Mystic Pop Up Bar with Hwang jung-eum and Choi Won-young. He was so charming in that role and I’m looking forward to his return to dramas. He is not hot but boy next door-like.
@nrllee, I just looked up that Ong Seung Woo did 2 more dramas after “At Eighteen/Moment of Eighteen”. More Than Friends (2020) and Would you Like a Cup of Coffee (2021)
I might try More Than Friends (2020) just to see how he does, and I’m in the mood to get through the twists to a maybe successful romance. Strangely, I don’t require happy endings, but that would be nice after all the pessimistic cliff-hangers we’re getting now.
Synopsis from Dramanice:
“Ten years ago, Kyung Woo Yeon was as innocent and carefree as any eighteen year old might be. With dreams and ambitions and a heart ready to love, it was only a matter of time before she fell for someone. And fall she did; for her friend, Lee Soo. Little did she know that at the time, Lee Soo also had a crush on her. Unfortunately a simple misunderstanding kept them from confessing their feelings. A decade later, Woo Yeon still harbors a crush on Lee Soo. Working as a calligrapher, she still keeps in touch with her friend, but has never confessed her feelings for him. Oddly enough, the same could be said for Lee Soo, who is now working as a professional photographer. Though the two have taken turns having a crush on each other for over ten years, misunderstandings and missed timings have continued to keep them from becoming anything more than friends. With feelings ten years in the making, Woo Yeon and Lee Soo begin to realize their feelings for each other are becoming too strong to be kept hidden. Has the time for their confessions finally come or will yet another misunderstanding keep them apart?”
@OAL, I’m still enjoying Yook Sung Jae in our “Goblin” rewatch and I have watched him in “Mystic Pop-up Bar”. I don’t put him up there yet, but he’s not bad.
Someone I’d like to make an honourable mention of, is not really an idol, but he is a singer … that’s Lee Joon Gi. He’s never disappointed me, regardless of genre, even if the shows were just so-so. Since the long ago “My Girl” to “Flower of Evil’, he is eminently watchable.
Because I watch Kdramas with no background in Kpop, I don’t know which actors come from idol groups, male or female. I wonder how their contracts work, since my impression is that the young men and women who go into idol training have limited autonomy. Perhaps if a Kpop group does reach a high level of popularity, its members have more leverage. But it must be difficult for a group to balance rehearsals, recording sessions, and performance tours with filming schedules, especially if several members are involved in different film projects. That’s what management companies are for, I suppose.
Whenever I think of Kpop idols appearing in film, I remember a hilarious scene in…if I remember correctly…Kill Me, Heal Me, when a Kpop idol is auditioning for a film role and doing a cringeworthy recreation of a famous scene from The Admiral: Roaring Currents. I suppose there are many Kpop idols who want to cross over into film and don’t have talent that translates into acting.
My top list idol-actor ~~~💕💕💕
1. SIWAN always be my first favorite for idol-actor.. 🤓 his latest drama “stranger from hell” showed how impressive his acting performance, though its not favorite genre.. but i manage to watch it for him 😂❤️ But again, his upcoming drama tracer is also not my favorite genre.. i still watch it anyway..
Oh forget to mention “run on” its hard to watch it, maybe because the female lead not really match with him.. but i heard its good drama..
2. DO (kyung soo) also one of top idol who can act well. 100 days of my prince is my favorite.
I hear he will make comeback drama soon! “True swordsmanship” as prosecutor..
And i added PARK HYUNG SIK, RO WOON, AND CHA EUN WOO as new comer on my watchlist idol-actor
1. Park hyung sik is one of idol-actor who is good choosing project.. except “suits” drama, i don’t wAtch it.
Happiness is one of my favorite drama at the moment.. his chemistry with han hyo joo is well delivered into viewers heart 🤣❤️
2. Ro woon, i randomly watch 2 his latest drama, “she would never know” and currently airing “the kings affection”
Its not his handsome face that make me fall on him, but HIS VOICE, sound deep and manly for me and he is also very tall guy. Really my type 🤣❤️
But i like him as jung ji un on TKA.. its good drama though! Some ppl have complaint about TKA, but i honestly enjoy every bit of this drama 💕
3. Cha eun woo, is perfect handsome guy who is doing good as teenager roles. I enjoy true beauty…
I wont make complaints about his performance, since i always give idol-actor the benefits of doubt until he take more project.. and grow as an actor..
@kate isn’t song kang is actor? He is not idol.
But if there is a list favorite new comers?
Song kang will be on my top list this year along side with his co star chae jong hyeop in nevertheless and his co star han so hee 🤓
Kalimera Ladies!
When I started watching K-Dramas I didn’t know that some actors were idols first.
So, here is My List!
1. Seo In Guk
I have him first because he impressed me in Doom At Your Service. All of us who were watching it at the time, couldn’t forget his facial expressions at some very specific point in the story.
Also, I read that he was constantly bullied when he started, because he was +80kg and not within the Korean Beauty Standards for an Idol. As a result he suffered bulimia nervosa. I don’t like toxicity at all and he has my sympathy for all those he has been through. Even now he is very conscious of the way he looks and weights. He has a beautiful voice.
2. Park Hyun Shik
I have watched “Strong Woman Do Bong Soo” and he was pretty good. I know he was also impressive in “Hwarang”, but I haven’t watched that yet. Still, in “Happiness” he became my new favorite! The way he says “Chrom” and “Kentsana”?
But mostly the way he portrays his feelings are the new best.
3. Lee JunHo
The “Red Sleeve Cuff” is his only work I have seen so far, but I am pretty impressed by his caliber so far. He is steady and can change his emotions pretty easily. The scene in RSC that made me add him in my list? The way he cried in a specific scene. A friend of mine told me to watch “Rain or Shine”, where he truly shined!
4. SiWan
I really like him. I have only watched “Run On”, but I have seen clips from “Strangers in Hell”. I also know that he was in the hit “Misaeng” and I am waiting to watch his new drama “Tracer” to decide.
In My Radar:
1. Kang Tae Oh. I have seen him in “Run On” and in “Doom At Your Service”.
I just like him, especially his smile. He has potential and I want to see him in more projects in the future.
2. Seo Kang Joon. He was cool in “Are you Human?”, but I haven’t decided yet, since I haven’t watched him in another tv series.
3. Gong Myung. I have spotted him the first time around in “The Bride of Habaek” and I have also seen him in “The Lovers of the Red Sky.” He has potential and he is likeable. I haven’t heard him sing though.
4. Lee Taehwan. I still laugh in that specific scene in “W: Two Worlds Apart” where his bossLee Jong-Suk made him ask Han Hyo Joo something pretty specific.
I have also encountered him, in “What’s wrong with Secretary Kim.”
5. MinHo. I have discovered back in March that he was a member of SHINee and I really like them. He is a rapper, but I like more the voices of ONew and Taemin.
6. Park Jin Young. I know that in the “Devil Judge” was amazing, but I haven’t watched it yet. I have seen him in “Yumi’s Cells”, but I liked Woong more than him.
7. Do Kyungsoo. I have only see him playing in “It’s okay, that’s love” and he is pretty good over there. I don’t have an opinion yet.
Unfortunately, I haven’t watched anything with Ok Taecyeon in it. I have heard that in “Vincenzo” he was pretty good, but I cannot say anything about him.
The Pretty Faces
I have seen pictures of Cha Eunwoo and Rowoon. They are pretty faces indeed. Still, I need them to impress me with something. I do hope they will do in the future!
And then there are actors who can sing!
Like Choi Jin-hyuk, who has an amazing voice! It’s a pity I haven’t seen the “Zompie Detective” yet, I have seen him in “Rugal” though!
Enjoy!
@Cleopatra, thank you for mentioning Choi Jin Hyuk. I liked him so much in Zombie Detective and he sings well in that video you sent.
@Fern,
You are welcome. I really like his voice. It is deep and colourful. Although, I don’t understand what CJH says, I can tune in because of the emotions.
I didn’t know he could sing. I came across this video and I was mesmerized.
@Cleopatra, when you have spare time (if ever!) give Zombie Detective a try. It’s a comedy and he and the FL are so funny. The ending is slightly open – I was hoping for a second season but think it’s not likely. He was good in Mr Queen as well – most of his acting there is his voice as the thoughts of the ‘queen’.
My dear @Fern,
You got me in spare time… LMAO!
After HP2, I cannot watch too many shows. I have paused some and I am watching only some on goings. I am enjoying JOMO in the fullest! Still, If I find time for bingewatching I will give it a try. (Along with Dali, Vincenzo, The Devil Judge, Youth of May, etc…)
I know what you mean. Time seems to have constricted lately. I’m having trouble watching 1 current drama and the 1/week episode of Goblin. I haven’t watched a single (not even a hint) of a Christmas film this year. So strange. There was a list on BBC this morning – not many of the new ones look good.
@Fern,
Unfortunately, it will be Christmas time and then it won’t be. Things are always hectic this time of the year for me. So, I will try to relax as much as I can, whenever I have time. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to be online this Saturday for our Goblin Rewatch Party… 🙁
@Lovebangwon – you are right. I was hoping we could sneak him in because of his ‘idolish’ vibe! haha. Yes, I loved the actors on Nevertheless…
I am so bad at names that I have to Google other mentions aside from PM3’s list. I am not knowledgeable in kpop also to identify them as idols. And if I have not seen them in any dramas, I tend to forget also. Hahaha!
I like Siwan in Misaeng.
PHS is good in Hapiness, although his speaking voice is not as appealing or distinguishable to me. I find that I like deep voices who can read the phone book and I’ll be happy listening. He’s not one of those.
SIG is good in DAYS.
It’s definitely Lee Jun Ho for me. He’s so natural in The Red Sleeve. It surprised me to learn he’s actually an idol. I also like Park Hyung Sik. I totally forgot he came from a boys group too
Yay for Lee Jun Ho, Seo In Guk and Park Jin Young!! My favorite 3 made it to your fab list!!🥰
@Cleopatra, You’ve got great taste. I like Siwan too. He is great in Misaeng, a drama that I am slowly watching because the workplace is so oppressive. Of the idols, he seems to be the most toned down.They don’t make him “pretty”. I like that,am not as keen on flower boys. Seo In Guk was wonderful in Shopaholic King Louis-he played both spoiled and innocent but ultimately was very sweet.
Just also want to tip you off about a YouTube show-the Blogger is ActionKid and he did a program about a Christmas Tree lighting in Astoria, Queens,NYC. This is our most Greek neighborhood in NY and the tree lighting is sponsored by the Greek community. So lots of Greek spoken. The neighborhood also has an Egyptian population.Needless to say the food there is great. It also has a film studio, the Museum of the Moving image, nice parks and was the home of the Steinway piano factory. If you ever get to NYC you’d feel at home there.
Stay well and safe.
@Cleopatra, I love Choi Jin Hyuk. Zombie Detective was a hoot-he was so funny. He also was in Mr. Queen. I adored him in Emergency Couple. I love his voice too. And it goes without saying, he is so handsome.
@Packmule3, even though you’ve retired Do Kyung Soo, since he hasn’t done anything you’ve seen since 2018’s 100 Days My Prince, I hope you give him another chance in the future. The problem is he hasn’t acted in a Kdrama since he was discharged from the military on 25 Jan 2021. The acting projects he picked up post-military were two movies: The Moon, and Unspeakable Secrets. Neither has been released, as far as I can tell.
He’s also devoted a lot of his time and talent since his military service to creating an extended play recording entitled Empathy, which was released 26 July 2021 and went platinum. That album has led him to be nominated for many top awards: Mnet Asian Music Awards (the Awards Ceremony is on 11 Dec): Best Male Artist, Artist of the Year, Album of the Year. For the 2022 Seoul Music Awards he and his album are nominated for Main Prize (Bonsang), K-wave Special Award, and U+Idol Live Best Artist Award. For the 2022 Golden Disc Awards his album, Empathy, is nominated for Album Bonsang. So the boy’s been busy and successful this year, just not with a Kdrama.
Looking at the flip side, D.O. is the only nominee in Mnet’s Best Male Artist category who has main roles in TV/web series and film under his belt (It’s Okay, That’s Love; Hello Monster; Be Positive; My Annoying Brother; Room No. 7, 100 Days My Prince, Swing Kids).
And to give equal time: In this year’s Mnet Best Female Artist category, IU is the only one of the five who has proven her acting chops carrying a lead role (Dream High; You Are the Best!; Bel Ami; The Producers; Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo; My Mister; Hotel Del Luna). On 25 Mar 2021 she released a studio album, entitled Lilac, which went platinum. She also released in 2021 a non-album single, Strawberry Moon, that charted #1 on both Korean music charts, and reached #10 on USA and world charts.
I think it impressive these two can stay atop the idol world while being notable actors.
No one has mentioned Kim Min Jae, most recently of Dali and Cocky Prince. He went through idol training as a rapper and dancer, I believe. Never officially in a group however; kept getting cast in dramas.
I sort of feel that the music and drama fields are so intertwined in Korea. I would think that some companies hire young performers to set them up to go into either field. Hence we get some ‘idols’ who occasionally don’t have all that much musical talent and ‘actors’ who sometimes can’t act as well as they look. But those who can do both – and there seem to be no end of surprise talents – are so incredibly impressive in my eyes.
@Fern, The Korean Entertainment industry also starts people as models, especially the taller men. I think some become models after acting and some before.Lee Jong-suk who is c 6’1″ is an example. So Ji-sub started out as a jeans model but was also a rapper. And successful actors and idols end up being print models but some do runways, particularly for prestige brands. The big deal is that the industry knows how to maximize income by encouraging multi tasking. The agencies know how to maximize income. It appears that actors and idols hit the jackpot when they get b lucrative endorsements.
@OAL, there are so many gifted young people in the industries there.
Soompi had an article about it, but it only scratches the surface:
https://www.soompi.com/article/1495430wpp/8-captivating-korean-actors-who-started-out-as-models
Thanks for posting the model-turned-actor list @Fern! I know more of them than idol actors. My favorites are Nam Joo Hyuk and Lee Jong Suk – they pick good dramas
and are competent actors and very tall. Jang Ki Yung still needs more depth and nuanced acting but he’s an easy watch and I like his voice. I would recognize his voice and NJH, even without their faces.
I did not know that Yumi’s Woong was also a model! He’s good too!
@PM3, do you have a model-actor list?
@AOL – I missed your post above and got excited on the model-actor list. Looks like the topic started with you so thanks! I did not know Jo Ji Sub was one but it’s probably a no-brainer for tall actors to have had modeling careers. Like Jo In Sung, Kim Woo Bin. Although not sure if Lee Min Ho started as one or not.
@Fern, Thank you for the article. I am absolutely hooked on K Dramas and movies. I still watch American and British content as well as some other western content but I spend the bulk of my streaming in Korea. If this pandemic truly becomes an endemic, I’ll be going to Manhattan to Koreatown to get some k drama swag. I have some tee shirts now, including one that says You had me at anneyoung. My circle of friends and family mostly stay with American content. That’s why I love BOD where we have such great conversations on an international level.
@Janey, Woong, Ahn Bo Hyun is so good. He was one of the villains in Itaewon Class and was made to look so gangster-like that his good looks were almost nullified. He is excellent in My Name. I also saw him on I think, I Live Alone, where he showed his decked out camper and survival skills. Apparently the man can cook, sew, fish, clean. He’d be quite a catch…
Hi @Janey, No problem. As long as the discussion happens I’m happy. I love Kim WOO Bin and his relationship with my favorite Shin Min-a. She stood by him through his through his cancer treatments. The two also look great together.
@AOL – now I’m watching Ahn BH I live Alone in YT! LOL! He redecorated his apartment, chose light fixtures, wall panels, etc! He is so cool DIY guy. I’ll look for the camper one. Cheers! Thanks for sharing.
Park Hyung Sik and Lee Jun Ho are my favourites!
I first discovered PHS when watching Hwarang. Netflix then prompted me to watch Strong Girl Bong Soon after. The story line is average for me, but it is due to PHS and Park Bo Young that makes it worth watching. I really like his gaze to his romantic interest in the drama. He displays love – so naturally. He hasn’t disappointed me in Happiness after his break. Who needs grand gesture when you can gift audience some genuine emotions what the characters are going through? (although sliding down the car is pretty cool). I am looking forward to his next drama for sure.
I only know of Lee Jun Ho from TRS and he is a pleasant surprise! He has easily become my favourite and ranked as high as PHS. I like him most at the end of ep 5. Agree there may be nothing to look at (still better than the average guy on the street, but yeah in the competitive the K entertainment industry). The clear diction in the poem exchange, the subtle fear he showed in the confrontation with the king, the injured way he answered that he is putting up with it for the greater good. I thought he delivered very well. He made an emotionally scarred, with a strong desire to change for better, somewhat powerless prince, alive.
Just because they are idols they haven’t done anything that ensure they are good looking. There is no annoying hair flip.
It amazes me how talented they are. Just a quick search in Youtube I can easily found those awesome dances these guys have done.
PHS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0iqz5N17ys
LJH
@Janey, Glad you liked it. I think he also is good to his mother. I hope he ends up with somebody nice who can match him as a homebody. I also think he learned to be so self-sufficient because he didn’t have money. I like this guy a lot. I thought my husband was good-he’s a great father, when we were both working parents, he’d cook dinner for me(I had a later schedule), and he irons, does laundry and vacuums. But Ahn Would make one heck of a husband (not to mention how handsome he is).LOL
Sorry @PM3, we are hijacking but also related topic, we hope!
@AOL – I saw the one clip when he prepared food for his mom when she visited. He prepared pasta but his mom found it salty and was asking for kimchi! LOL! In another clip, he was asked what is his ideal woman is – his top criteria is that the person should be good to her parents. Awww… makes me like him more other than his acting and looks. When he did his camping and Sehun joined him (I realized he’s in Now we are breaking up), he cooks and takes care of his friend. Husband material for sure!
Dear @OAL,
Thank you for saying that I have a good taste. It is a compliment coming from someone like you! <3
I have to check the Blogger you told me. I have heard about Astoria. I know that many Greeks stay over there. We all have someone who has a relative over there.
If I ever come to NY, I will let you know! We can go and eat lunch, if you have time!
Stay well and safe yourself! Komsamida!
@OAL,
I agree with you! Choi Jin Hyuk has something mesmerizing! I have to check more of his work, but as I have said to @Fern, I will give the Zombie Detective a try, when I find time!
@Janey and @OAL, I adored Ahn in Yumi’s Cells – he is absolutely gorgeous and loved the way he came across, his dorky reliable adorable character etc… and to hear about how he is in real life is super.
@Fern, loved Kim Min Jae in Dali and the Cocky Prince and in Do you like Brahms? Very gifted. Funny. And of course gorgeous.
Veering slightly off the idol track to other young actors whom I don’t mind getting many eyefuls of…
@Fern @Kate, Yes Kim Min Jae was great in most of his work (that I watched) and it’s interesting that although he is a rapper, his acting took more centrestage from the beginning. He was not a member of a group as far as I can tell so he’s not exactly from idol territory but from music as well as drama.
The one I’ve been watching again is Ong Seung Wu/Woo who’s got a sweet, understated style that I like.
Another young man (not an idol) who has the most smiley eyes is Lee Won Geun. I realised that I’ve not seen him in ages, since ‘Sassy Go Go’. I may pick up ‘One The Woman’ to see him again.
I will tirelessly recommend my idol biases who are also acting. Namely Lee Sungyeol, Choi Bomin and Bong Jaehyun. 😂
Lee Sungyeol is L (Myungsoo)’s bandmate from Infinite. His notable works are Hi School Love On and that daily drama of his that I unfortunately forgot because I didn’t watch him there. He has an upcoming webdrama and a horror drama but I don’t think I’ll watch either of them.. Hahahaha guess I just look at him as my fave idol.
Choi Bomin of Golden Child. packmule already knew about him. He was in Ateen 2, Melting Me Softly and 18 Again. He is also currently in Shadow Beauty as the male lead. Hope some of you here in BoD watches Shadow Beauty. Please look at my baby fondly haha 😂.
Bong Jaehyun of Golden Child. His work actually hasn’t aired yet. It was a horror series Geodam 2.
Actually Golden Child had their acting stints on their own minimovie and sitcom show. And I think my bias Seungmin is a decent actor. Some members are also doing musicals. I hope acting projects will be given to all of the 10 members but we can’t have everyone acting right huhu.
My wish is for any of my favorite idols from my favorite kpo groups to receive breakthrough acting roles/projects and be recognize by packmule and BoD community. I know that time will come so I’ll wait patiently hihi
Interesting discussion we have here. Recently it is Kim Min Jae for me. Watched some of his rapping clips and I thought he is good. There is also a short clip of him playing the electric piano and singing Moon Crater, a song from Dali and the Cocky Prince, and he sounds sensuous with his deep voice.
Park Hyung Shik also caught my attention for his performance in Happiness but his voice is a little boyish.
One vote here for Kim Min Jae. Loved him in Dali, Do You !Ike rahms and Dr. Romantic 2 where he played a nurse. Did not know he was a rapper. He is another reason why South Korea is an entertainment powerhouse. Love all these multifaceted people. What is also so special is that so many of these talents are so versatile. KMJ proves it by showing serious and comedic chops.
We could have included BTS’s Taehyung (V) back in the year of Hwarang … I don’t know if it is down to this e-conversation but last night I dreamt I had coffee with Taehyung and we had quite a long chat. I was very concerned to let him know that I knew that there is a big age gap between us…haha! Anyway, in the dream, as a result of hanging out with V, I missed a precious one hour appointment to see my Dad who is in hospital. I was relieved when I woke up and realised it was a dream and had plenty of time to visit my Dad. Taehyung isn’t my BTS ‘bias’ and not my type of handsome… but he clearly found his way into my subconscious! I have also had dreams with Song Kang and Ji Chang Wook taking lead roles!
Besides Kim Min-jae, Paul Ahn was also an idol trainee before. He almost debuted alongside Park Jin-young (GOT7).
These are some other idols not mentioned in this thread:
Chansung (2PM)
*What’s Wrong w/ Sec. Kim?
*So I Married an Anti-Fan
*Show Window (ongoing)
Choi Si-won (Super Junior)
*Revolutionary Love
*My Fellow Citizens
*Work Later, Drink Now (recent)
@GMPL,
Oh gosh! Paul Ahn, stage name Ahn HyoSeop, tried out as an idol. It completely slipped my mind. IIRC, the JYP director told him that he should try out acting instead — or something to that effect.
He was in “Lovers of the Red Sky.” 🤦♀️
Choi Down was great in She Was Pretty. I half wanted him to get the girl more in than Park Seo Joon. In that drama he was very charismatic and quirky charming. I also liked that he had that stubble beard look. So many K Drama actors and idols have that baby face soft pretty look that it’s nice to see an actor show more masculine characteristics.
@packmule Haha. I introduced his English name because I want to know if anyone here can recognize him quickly 😅. I don’t know if Hyo-seop was his legal name too. His drama that I watched first was Abyss, then Romantic Doctor 2. He also has a Youtube mini-series with Cha Eun-woo. I did a further research, and he is a legit idol, not just a trainee. It didn’t rose to fame though but the band’s name is called ‘One O One’.
Hello everyone. I am so happy finding a new home here after some toxic years reading soompi and allkpop. Lol. I just finished watching Our beloved and, it has been fun watching the show while having BOD as a reference.
I love Ok Taecyon in Vincenzo. Haven’t tried watching Joy yet. I guess I have no excise to watch Hyungsik now, even if I’m scared of zombie shows.
Welcome @Tina Miranda. I haven’t watched Our Beloved Summer so you must’ve joined us then. Hope to catch you in other future dramas. Happiness wasn’t too bad as a zombie show. I think it was bearable for me (I couldn’t watch Train to Busan or any of the Kingdom series) because there was an overarching message that the writer was trying to convey. It wasn’t just gory for the scare factor.
@nrllee and @ Tina Miranda, My recommendation for zombie dramas for those who don’t like zombies is Zombie Detective with Choi Jin Hyuk, who is generally gorgeous but is made sort of icky looking as a zombie. It is mostly a comedy with some hilarious moments and you’ll never look at BB Cream in the same way again.
As to idol actors, my candidate for most charismatic is now Taec’s counterpart in 2PM, Lee JunHo in The Red Sleeve and Rain or Shine. The man can act, is handsome(not in a flower boy way) and smolders. I’m old but not dead and without being cringe can still appreciate the handsome and talented. I liked Taec in Vincenzo-he has comic chops and his role gave him an excellent way to show off his various talents. Anyway these guys are well worth watching and will be the reasons to watch their future and past projects.