The Faces Behind the K-Drama Screen
Whether you're an avid K-drama fan or not, you likely know a few names behind popular hits you've seen pop up on Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming services; the Korean Wave is no joke, after all! But just how many actors and actresses do you know, and can you recognize all the names on this list?
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1. Lee Min-ho
From hit classic Boys Over Flowers to Joseon-era Legend of the Blue Sea, Lee Min-ho is one of Korea's most prized actors. He has taken on more roles in numerous dramas since the favorites of the early 2010s, and has recently worked on dramas like Pachinko and When the Stars Gossip.
2. Gong Yoo
Known best for his roles in Coffee Prince, Goblin (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God), Train to Busan, and Squid Game, Gong Yoo is another household name. And that's no surprise, given his versatility and admirable acting skills.
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3. Song Hye-kyo
If you've watched K-dramas before, you must have seen at least one series starring Song Hye-kyo, or at least have been recommended one. After all, being in popular shows like Full House, Descendants of the Sun, and The Glory means you've definitely at least heard her name once.
4. Kim Tae-ri
Recently the heroine of Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, and also known for her roles in The Handmaiden, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, and Revenant, Kim Tae-ri is another actress you're likely familiar with. She's beloved in Korea as well, having been awarded several awards for her acting, like the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress.
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5. Park Bo-gum
Having starred in hit series like Reply 1988, Love in the Moonlight, Encounter, and most recently, When Life Gives You Tangerines, Park Bo-gum has made waves in the industry. A fun fact: he originally wanted to become a singer-songwriter, but changed his career path when he was told he'd make a great actor. The rest is history!
6. Hyun Bin
Hyun Bin is another seasoned actor in the industry that many fans, old and young, are familiar with. He's acted in dramas like My Lovely Sam Soon, Hyde Jekyll, Me, Secret Garden, Crash Landing on You, and many others.
7. Lee Ji-eun
Lee Ji-eun, known better by her stage name IU, is a singer-songwriter and actress. Though she might be more prominent in the music industry, many fans have also watched her star in popular series, like My Mister, Hotel del Luna, and When Life Gives You Tangerines.
8. Son Ye-jin
If you've watched Crash Landing on You, you've seen Son Ye-jin act alongside her now-husband Hyun Bin. But that's not the only drama she's starred in that's become a hit—she also played lead roles in Alone in Love and Something in the Rain. Her work in early films, such as The Classic and A Moment to Remember, also gained her the title "Nation's First Love."
9. Ji Chang-wook
Whether you've stumbled upon Ji Chang-wook at the recommendation of one of his dramas or you've been a lifelong fan of his handsome face, you'll likely recognize some of the series he's worked on, like Healer, The K2, Suspicious Partner, and Backstreet Rookie. In both action-packed dramas and romance-heavy ones, his charm shines through.
10. Lee Dong-wook
Watched Goblin? Then you've definitely seen Lee Dong-wook in action. He's also been in the hit series Tale of the Nine Tailed, starring alongside Jo Bo-ah and Kim Bum. And if you've been a fan since his early days (My Girl, anyone?), you'll know exactly why he's so beloved in the industry.
11. Kim Ji-won
The queen of Queen of Tears, Kim Ji-won has become a familiar face in the industry. But that drama isn't the only one she owes it to—she's also been in popular series like Descendants of the Sun, Fight for My Way, and My Liberation Notes, all of which show her charming versatility on screen.
12. Park Bo-young
Rising to prominence with hits like Scandal Makers and Oh My Ghost, Park Bo-young earned herself the nickname "Nation's Little Sister" early on in her career and has the face to match it. Plus, her adorable role in Strong Girl Bong-soon is what makes the drama a beloved favorite.
13. Park Hyung-sik
Having debuted as part of a boy-idol group, ZE:A, Park Hyung-sik is now a household name not for his looks or singing, but his acting. Aside from his role in Strong Girl Bong-soon, he's also known for his charming characters in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Happiness, Doctor Slump, and more recently, Buried Hearts.
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14. Park Seo-joon
Whether he's playing a stoic CEO or a goofy best friend, Park Seo-joon knows how to make a role memorable. You might have seen him in series like Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Fight for My Way, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, and international hits Itaewon Class and Parasite. Fun fact: he's also made it into the Marvel universe, playing as Prince Yan in The Marvels!
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15. Park Min-young
Speaking of What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, you probably know Park Min-young, who starred opposite Park Seo-joon in that drama. She's also played roles in other popular series, such as Healer, Her Private Life, Love in Contract, and Marry My Husband.
16. Jun Ji-hyun
Jun Ji-hyun may have risen to fame with My Sassy Girl, but she remains a K-drama legend, thanks to her strong screen presence and striking looks. She's also acted in hits like My Love from the Star and Legend of the Blue Sea. Her prominence has led to her being part of "The Troika" alongside Song Hye-kyo and Kim Tae-hee, due to their beauty, talent, and impact on the Korean entertainment industry.
17. Bae Suzy
A former member of girl-idol group, Miss A, Bae Suzy has made huge waves in the industry with not just her singing, but acting. Her debut came in Dream High, which was followed up by While You Were Sleeping, Vagabond, Start-Up, Anna, and more throughout the years.
18. Kim Go-eun
You might know Kim Go-eun from her role in Goblin, but that wasn't where her fame skyrocketed. She made her acting debut with Eungyo, which earned her several Best New Actress awards shortly after the film's release in 2012. For television series, she's known for her portrayals in Cheese in the Trap, Yumi's Cells, Little Women, and many more.
19. Kim Seon-ho
If you've seen people doing his smile challenge on social media, you'll definitely recognize Kim Seon-ho. His face and adorable, heartwarming grin might be plastered all over the web after playing in the hit series When Life Gives You Tangerines, but his popularity had already come to fruition with his roles in Start-Up and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
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20. Cha Eun-woo
Strikingly handsome, it should make sense that Cha Eun-woo doesn't only capture hearts on screen but through music, too. Part of the boy-idol group Astro, he's also known for his roles in Gangnam Beauty, Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, True Beauty, Island, and A Good Day to Be a Dog.
