Korean actors so iconic we forgot they used to be idols

A handful of Korean actors have become such talented staples on our screens, we’ve forgotten they used to be idols. Whether they’re still releasing music or not, here’s a list of some of our favourite idols-turned-actors.

Im Yoon-ah (Girls Generation) and Junho (2PM) in King The Land. Image: JTBC.

Park Hyung-sik

Park Hyung-sik in Doctor Slump (2024). Image: Naver TV.

Debuting in 2010 as a member of the boy group ZE:A, Park Hyung-sik has become extremely well-known for his charming performances on-screen. His talents are perhaps best showcased in Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017), which has drawn a large number of fans. From The Heirs (2013) to Doctor Slump (2024), his acting career spans over a decade and shows no signs of slowing down. 

Kwon Na-ra

Kwon Na-ra in The Midnight Studio. Image: Studio Genie. 

Best known for her iconic role in Itaewon Class (2020), Kwon Na-ra’s first major acting role was in Suspicious Partner (2017) where she honed her charismatic and poised acting style. Most recently starring in The Midnight Studio (2024), she debuted as a member of the girl group Hello Venus back in 2012 and has since established a career with impressive acting credits.

Rowoon

Rowoon in Destined With You (2023). Image: JTBC.

One of the youngest actors on this list, Rowoon has already made his presence known in the Korean acting sphere, winning multiple awards for his appearances in the historical dramas The King’s Affection (2021) and The Matchmakers (2023). He decided to leave the boy band SF9 in September 2023 to completely focus on his acting career and recently starred in the fantasy romance series Destined With You (2023).

Bae Suzy

Bae Suzy in Doona! (2023). Image: Netflix.

As a member of Miss A, Bae Suzy was part of one of the most iconic idol groups from K-pop’s second generation, although they eventually disbanded in 2017. She has also had immense success as an actor, starring in iconic K-dramas like While You Were Sleeping (2017) and Start-Up (2020). Making great use of her past experiences, she plays an idol in the series Doona! (2023).

Ok Taec-yeon

Ok Taec-yeon in Vincenzo (2021). Image: Studio Dragon. 

Another member of an iconic second generation group (2PM), Ok Taec-yeon’s acting career has grown from strength-to-strength. From the terrifying antagonist in Vincenzo (2021) to a charming half-vampire in Heartbeat (2023), he flexes his acting abilities in a wide range of exciting roles. 

Kim Se-jeong

Kim Se-jeong in Business Proposal (2022). Image: SBS. 

After debuting in both I.O.I and Gugudan which both eventually disbanded, Kim Se-jeong performed in musicals on stage. She also acted in a couple of dramas before starring in the major Netflix hit Business Proposal (2022), which has propelled her delightful acting career.

Park Ji-hoon

Park Ji-hoon in At a Distance, Spring is Green (2021. Image: IQIYI. 

First appearing on our screens in the second series of Produce 101 and eventually becoming a member of the boy group Wanna One, Park Ji-hoon has turned to acting in addition to his solo singing activities. Appearing in At a Distance, Spring is Green (2021) and Weak Hero Class 1 (2022), his budding acting career has already showcased his diverse acting abilities. 

Im Yoon-ah

Im Yoon-ah in King The Land (2023). Image: JTBC.

By no means the only member of Girls’ Generation to have a successful acting career, Im Yoon-ah made a big splash on our screens starring in Netflix’s King the Land (2023). She has been honing her sophisticated acting skills since her TV debut in 2007 and impressed many people with her role in the action-thriller The K2 (2016).

Cha Eun-woo

Cha Eun-woo in True Beauty (2020). Image: tvN.

Possibly one of the most popular idol-actors at present, Cha Eun-woo’s charming performances have landed him lead roles in multiple iconic dramas. After his debut in ASTRO in 2016, Cha Eun-woo starred in the webtoon-adapted series Gangnam Beauty (2018) and True Beauty (2020). His latest drama Wonderful World (2024) is a thriller which showcases a new dramatic side to his acting.

It seems South Korea is a hub for talented people to flourish in different areas, and the idol to actor pipeline is just one shining example of this. Let us know your favourite double (or even triple) threats in the comments below. 

Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.