Idol-turned-actors have consistently proven that they can have the same range and talent as those who originally made their debut as an actor, putting an end to the debate of whether they can be as versatile as actors who first appeared as an actor.
Many prominent award ceremonies, like the Baeksang Arts Awards, the Blue Dragon Film Awards, and others, have recognized and honored various idol actors. Now, let’s get to know the best male idol actors of this generation!
Im Si Wan
Honestly, I really am a huge fan of idol-turned-actor, Lim Si Wan. He debuted as a ZE:A member back in 2010! He’s the kind of actor who will give his all, and we’ve seen it with all of his projects. I also noticed that every character of his becomes memorable thanks to his superb acting and amazing choice of dramas and films. To name a few, I know a lot will remember Ki Seongyeom of “Run On,” Jang Geurae of “Misaeng,” Yoon Jungwoo of “Strangers From Hell,” and Hwang Dong Joo of “Tracer“!
That’s not all, Si Wan is also an actor liked for his image and has been nominated for and won numerous accolades for his portrayal of various roles. Recently, Si Wan has gained a lot of attention and awards for his drama “Tracer” and film “Emergency Declaration”.
Lee Jun Ho
Lee Jun Ho’s portrayal of crown prince Yi San made him THE man of the year in 2022. He first debuted as a member of the JYP boy group 2PM in 2008! He’s the star of the year with endorsements left and right, winning a lot of ‘Best Actor’ nominations, and also has an upcoming drama with Im Yoon A!
His many roles in K-Dramas, including “Good Manager,” “Wok of Love,” and “The Red Sleeve” demonstrated his versatility and range. I can’t wait to see him dominating in 2023 too!
Doh Kyung Soo
Doh Kyung Soo is one of the most loved idol actors who also came from one of the biggest boy groups, EXO! Kyung Soo first showed his acting prowess when he starred in a supporting role in Zo In Sung and Kong Hyo Jin’s “It’s Okay, That’s Love“.
Since then, he’s become well-known for his versatile acting, starring in a wide variety of dramas and films. Currently, he’s starring in the action comedy-drama “Bad Prosecutor” as an eccentric and chaotic Jin Jung, and this is something we haven’t seen from Kyungsoo before!
Lee Seung Gi
Not technically an idol, but did you know that Lee Seung Gi started his career as a singer? He made his debut in 2004, and his debut song became a popular ballad during those times! Lee Seung Gi is a multi-talented person who can do singing, acting, and variety!
The world now recognizes Lee Seung Gi as a superb actor who consistently surprises with his work. Most of us first knew him when he starred in the fantasy romance “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho“. His versatility has been on display in roles as diverse as Jung Bareum of “Mouse” and the recently concluded “The Law Cafe“! At the moment, he is part of the SBS variety show “Master in The House“.
Park Hyung Sik
Another ZE:A member whose talent has been recognized a lot is Park Hyung Sik! Because he strives to differentiate himself as an actor by presenting a new side of himself in each of his projects, he is consistently lauded for his work. Hyung Sik got his start in the industry with supporting roles in films like “The Heirs” before gaining widespread acclaim as the second lead in “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth“!
He’s also great at making on-screen chemistry with his co-stars, especially with Han Hyo Joo in “Happiness” and Park Bo Young in “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon”!
Seo In Guk
Another actor who started as a singer, but is now known as a versatile actor, is Seo In Guk! Did you know that he started in a Mnet singing competition program before he debuted as an actor in 2012? Now, when you think of an incredible actor who possesses both talent and looks, Seo In Guk is one of the actors who comes to mind.
He’s done basically almost every genre from slice of life, romantic comedy, retro, fantasy, action, thriller, and more, so we can see how amazing he is just by looking at his filmography and the different awards and nominations he received!
Yook Sung Jae
Yook Sung Jae might be a rookie actor compared to the ones I mentioned above, but we can’t deny his talent when it comes to acting. Debuted as a member of BTOB in 2012, Sung Jae worked in different supporting roles until he starred as the second lead in “Who Are You?” He also gained immense popularity when he played Deokhwa in the hit fantasy romance “Goblin”!
Now, Sung Jae is currently starring as Lee Seung Cheon in “The Golden Spoon,” and he even got so much better than the last time I saw him in “Mystic Pop-Up Bar”! I”m pretty sure he’ll become bigger in the future!
Yes, I know there are a lot more amazing idol-turned-actors, but we’ll save that for next time! In the meantime, let’s binge-watch the amazing shows of our favorite idol actors on KOCOWA!
