Category Is Best Actors Turned K-Pop Idols

We all love K-drama and K-pop, right? We’ve talked about idols turned actors who are dominating the acting industry, but did you know that actors turned idols are also a thing? Yes, numerous actors and actresses, especially those who began as child actors, have successfully transitioned into the K-pop industry!

GOT7 Jinyoung

GOT7’s Jinyoung frequently appears on the list of the best idol-turned-actors, but the interesting fact is that he initially started as an actor! He debuted in the second season of the popular music drama “Dream High” in 2011 and later joined JB to debut as an idol in 2012, eventually becoming part of the well-known GOT7 we all love today!

While being active as an idol, he has portrayed younger versions of lead characters, such as Lee Min Ho’s character in “Legend of the Blue Sea,” and played supporting roles in dramas like “When A Man Falls In Love.” Transitioning into one of the best actors of his generation, he has landed leading roles while actively pursuing his career as an idol.

Park Ji Hoon

Not many know that Park Ji Hoon began his career as a child actor! He participated in musicals and had a small role in “Ju Mong, Prince of Legend” and “Il Ji Mae” Alongside his journey in the entertainment industry, Park Ji Hoon pursued becoming an idol, undergoing training under various agencies. His breakthrough came when he joined the second season of MNET’s survival reality show “Produce 101” and secured the second position, leading to his inclusion as an official member of “Wanna One.”

After the disbandment of the group, Park Ji Hoon embarked on his solo career while continuing his path as an actor. He appeared in a historical drama alongside Shin Ye Eun and Ryeoun. Since then, he has taken on lead roles and gained global recognition, especially for his role in “Weak Hero Class 1,” displaying his range and versatility, earning him numerous awards.

STAYC Park Si Eun

If you’ve been a K-drama fan for a while, you must be familiar with Sieun, who portrayed the younger versions of lead characters in several popular K-dramas! She began as a child actress and featured in various dramas such as “Still 17,” “Pride and Prejudice,” and “Queen for Seven Days.”

Si Eun had her first leading role when she starred together with Yoon Chan Young in the school romance drama “Everything and Nothing!” She serves as the main vocalist of her group and made an appearance on the music program “The King of Mask Singer!” She has also received the Best Young Actress award.

SF9 Chani

SF9’s Chani embarked on his career as a child actor in 2011! He appeared in numerous K-dramas like “To The Beautiful You” and “The Innocent Man,” portraying the younger versions of the lead characters. In 2016, he debuted as an idol, becoming a member of SF9! Chani gained widespread recognition for his role as Hwang Woo Joo in the highly acclaimed drama “Sky Castle!” Currently an active member of the group, he continues to participate in K-dramas of different genres like “Jinx” and “Under the Queen’s Umbrella!”

IKON Chan

If you’re a fan of Lee Min Ho, you might recognize IKON’s Chanwoo, who played the younger versions of Lee Min Ho’s characters in both “Boys Over Flowers” and “The Heirs”! Chanwoo initially started as a child actor and transitioned into an idol when he debuted in the YG boy group, iKON, in 2014! Apart from the aforementioned dramas, Chanwoo also portrayed younger versions of the lead characters in shows like “Cain and Abel” and “The Great King Sejong.” Last year, he returned to acting, starring in a 2022 film alongside former Gfriend member Sowon!

Lee Hong Ki

Before making his debut as a member of the band F.T Island, Lee Hong Ki began his career as a child actor in 2002! Following F.T Island’s debut, Hongki actively participated in musicals, showcasing his skills in singing, dancing, and acting! In 2009, he made his acting comeback by portraying the cute and loveable drummer in “You’re Beautiful,” alongside Park Shin Hye and Jang Keun Seuk. Since then, he has portrayed diverse characters in different dramas like “Modern Farmer,” highlighting his versatility as an actor!

Billlie Suhyeon

While preparing to become an idol, Suhyeon made her acting debut in the coming-of-age teen drama “Girls’ Generation 1979!” She is best known for her role in “A-TEEN” as Yeo Bo Ram, the best friend of the main characters. Suhyeon also appeared in “Just Dance.” In 2020, she finally made her debut as an idol in Mystic Story’s girl group, Billie!

Same, I also didn’t expect at first that our favorite idol actors initially started as an actor! Now, let’s watch and support them by watching their shows on KOCOWA+!