You know them for their iconic roles, or simply for their stunning visuals. In both cases, there’s no chance you have missed these popular and handsome faces who have been entertaining (and wowing) us for years in Dramaland.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 Most Popular and Handsome Korean Actors.
For the record, I established the list based on several criteria:
– The career and the most memorable roles these actors had, helping them to rise to stardom
– The fashion style of these icons
– The visuals and overall vibe they give off
Do you agree with the list? Is there another Korean actor you would’ve add? Let me know in the comments below.
10. Ji Chang Wook
Ji Chang Wook is a certified heartthrob of the Korean entertainment industry. His muscular body (that we got the opportunity to see in some dramas) combined with his captivating visuals would make anyone jealous. Ji Chang Wook started to gain recognition and praise in the 2010-11 drama Smile Again for which he won an award. Yet, his popularity really exploded in 2013-2014 as the Emperor in the hit drama Empress Ki, followed by Healer a year later and The K2 the year after. Though his recent dramas don’t satisfy all viewers, there’s no doubt Ji Chang Wook can play different characters, portraying vulnerability and strength with perfection.
9. So Ji Sub
Handsome face and attractive body, So Ji Sub seems to have everything needed to make heads turn. Not only does this 45-year old top star exude charisma and sex appeal, but he is also a talented and versatile artist. Making his breakthrough debut in Sorry, I Love You and What Happened in Bali in 2004, So Ji Sub had to wait 2008 to gain huge popularity thanks to the movie Rough Cut. Later on, he won 3 prizes for his performance: ‘Best Actor’ at the 2008 Critics Choice Awards, and ‘Best New Actor’ at both the 2008 Blue Dragon Film Awards and 45th BaekSang Arts Awards in 2009. After that, So Ji Sub went on to embody iconic characters in Dramaland such as Joo Joong Won in The Master’s Sun, Kim Young Ho in Oh My Venus or Kim Bon in Terius Behind Me, all remaining unforgettable roles.
8. Lee Joon Gi
Despite his current manly looks, Lee Joon Gi rose to stardom by playing the effeminate character of Gong Gil in The King and the Clown in 2005. The movie was not expected to be such a hit, but ended up becoming a huge success. Thanks to that, Lee Joon Gi’s talent was recognized and allowed him to be cast in popular dramas after, such as: Time Between Dog and Wolf, Iljimae, Arang and the Magistrate, Two Weeks or Scholar who Walks the Night. Almost 10 years later, the Hallyu star reinforced his position as an important figure of the South Korean entertainment industry by playing Crown Prince Wang So in the popular drama Moon Lovers. Ever since, the top actor has kept on making noise with excellent pieces like Lawless Lawyer, Flower of Evil or the most recent Again My Life, in which he portrays strong, clever and badass characters. Now aged 40, Lee Joon Gi still amazes fans with his fresh idol looks and his baby face.
7. Song Joong Ki
Song Joong Ki has come a long way since his debut on screen in the popular variety show Running Man. And we are more than happy he made the switch! His popularity exploded back in 2016 thanks to Descendants of the Sun. The drama created a new ‘Hallyu wave’ on the international stage and propelled Song Joong Ki on top of the rankings. The actor is now playing in blockbusters like the recent Space Sweepers that benefits from worldwide exposure on Netflix; as well as in popular dramas on the small screen like Vincenzo. Visually speaking, Song Joong Ki is well-known for his gentle and innocent face, that sometimes contrasts with his most violent roles.
6. Lee Jong Suk
There’s probably no better actor to describe success, popularity and versatility! Known for his outstanding capacity of transforming every drama he plays in into huge hits, Lee Jong Suk is a driving force in Dramaland. I Can Hear Your Voice, Pinocchio, W: Two Worlds, While You Were Sleeping, Romance is a Bonus Book and more recently Big Mouth, there’s not limit to his game. In about a decade, Lee Jong Suk has succeeded in making a name for himself. Plus, he rocks just any outfit he wears. What a sense of style!
5. Lee Min Ho
Raise your hand if you have started watching dramas with Lee Min Ho as the main lead! This amazing actor has been in the industry for more than 15 years and never ceases to amaze us with his new roles. His many successful dramas like Boys over Flowers, Personal Taste, City Hunter, The Heirs, The Legend of the Blue Sea or The King: The Eternal Monarch are proof that Lee Min Ho is as popular as versatile. His most recent role as Koh Han Su in the highly-anticipated adaptation of the novel Pachinko opened new horizons to the 35-year-old Hallyu star, and allowed him to conquer more hearts on other continents. Using his visuals and talent as his main weapons, Lee Min Ho has grown into an unavoidable face of South Korea’s entertainment.
4. Kim Soo Hyun
If I say Dream High, My Love from the Star, The Moon that Embraces the Sun or Psycho, But It’s Okay, I am pretty sure you know who I am referring to. Kim Soo Hyun is one of the most appreciated actors in Dramaland. Hence, his numerous prices throughout the years: ‘Popularity Actor Award’ at the 2011 KBS Drama Awards for Dream High, then the same prize at 2012 MBC Drama Awards for Moon that Embraces the Sun, and the ‘Most Popular Actor’ at the 2014 BaekSang Arts Awards. His versatility and talent paired up with his perfect looks and visuals are surely a reason why Kim Soo Hyun is a must-have in the entertainment industry.
3. Park Seo Joon
‘The King of rom-coms’ definitely deserved a top position in this ranking. Indeed, most of his dramas turn into huge hits such as She Was Pretty, Hwarang, Fight for My Way, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and the 2020 drama Itaewon Class, that gained praise and popularity on Netflix. Park Seo Joon also benefited from a certain exposure on the international scene thanks to his brief appearance in the renowned movie Parasite, but his upcoming role in the Hollywood blockbuster Captain Marvel 2 may just seal the deal for him and propel him to a higher level of popularity around the world. Park Seo Joon has both charisma and charm; he is as perfect in a a casual hoodie as he is in an elegant suit; proving that he can wear it all. Even daring hair-dos (like in Itaewon Class) don’t take away his handsomeness. And don’t get me starting on his cute smile!
2. Hyun Bin
Long before his wedding to top star Son Ye Jin, Hyun Bin was already recognized in the field with movies like A Millionaire’s First Love, The Negotiation or Rampant; and iconic dramas like My Name is Kim Sam Soon back in 2005 and Secret Garden in 2010. Throughout his almost 20 years of career, Hyun Bin has acquired great popularity that literally exploded in 2020 with the hit drama Crash Landing on You. Thanks to that, he was even awarded the ‘Most Popular Actor’ prize at the 56th BaekSang Arts Awards that same year. In terms of visuals, Hyun Bin is a perfect combination of chic, elegance and manhood. Even at 40, the top star still exudes sexiness.
1. Gong Yoo
You’ve probably seen him on the big screen in rom-coms like Finding Mr. Destiny, crime movies like Silenced or even international successes like Train to Busan, demonstrating that Gong Yoo is a star in South Korea. Even his dramas have become huge hits like Coffee Prince or Goblin. His most recent ones Squid Game (where he makes a cameo appearance) and The Silent Sea benefit from an international exposure, as they are produced by Netflix. Now aged 43 (born in 1979), Gong Yoo’s looks and style remain flawless.
Once Upon a Drama 