International Women’s Month isn’t over yet! We acknowledged the multifaceted talents and accomplishments of women across different industries these past few weeks and now let’s take a look at our beloved K-pop idol turned actresses!
These women have taken on the challenge of transitioning from singing and dancing on stage to acting on screen, proving their versatility and range as all-around artists. From portraying complex characters in dramas to starring in blockbuster movies, these K-pop idols turned actresses have shown that they are more than just pretty faces and talented singers!
Seo Hyun Jin
Starting the list with THE Seo Hyun Jin. You may have known her as one of the top actresses in South Korea but did you know that she first debuted as the main vocalist of the SM K-pop girl group, M.I.L.K.?. She’s been in a bunch of popular K-dramas, including “Another Oh Hae Young”, “Dr. Romantic“, and “Love Temperature“, where she received critical acclaim for her outstanding acting skills. Seo Hyun Jin is particularly great at playing characters that have lots of layers, which just goes to show how versatile she is as an actress.
Bae Suzy
Suzy began her career as a member of MissA, a popular K-pop girl group then she went on to become an actress, making her first appearance in the 2011 coming-of-age drama “Dream High“. From then on, Suzy has starred in lots of dramas and movies, like “Big,” “Kangchi, the Beginning,” and “While You Were Sleeping“. Her performances are pretty impressive and she’s won multiple awards from big award-giving groups, proving that she’s the standard of idol-turned-actress in the industry.
Lee Ji Eun (IU)
When it comes to talent, IU will always be on top. She’s a triple threat: singer, songwriter, and actress. IU made her debut as a solo artist in 2008, and she’s been showing off her skills ever since. As an actress, she’s been in some of the most popular K-dramas around, like “Dream High,” “THE Producers,” and “You Are The Best“, and also made her big screen debut in Hirokazu Koreeda’s “Broker.” She has received critical acclaim for her acting skills, and it’s easy to see why – IU’s got range, and she’s able to convey lots of different feelings on screen. It’s clear that no matter what industry she’s in, IU is always going to be a star!
Im Yoon A
Known for her stunning visuals and charismatic stage presence as a member of the popular K-pop group, Girls’ Generation, YoonA is one of the most loved centers and visuals! She made a successful transition to acting, starring in several hit K-dramas and films such as “Prime Minister and I,” “Miracle: Letters to the President” and the popular 2022 K-drama “Big Mouth” which earned her the ‘Top Excellence Acting’ Award at the “2022 MBC Drama Awards.” She is a hard-working and dedicated artist who always strives to give her best performances, making her a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Nana
First made her debut as a member of the K-pop girl group, Orange Caramel, she is known for her stunning visuals and powerful vocal abilities. But Nana’s talents don’t stop there. She’s also become a successful actress, starring in lots of K-dramas like “Into The Ring,” “Kill It,” and “Justice“. Critics have praised her acting, noting how versatile she is and how well she can convey a range of emotions on screen. One of her most iconic roles is Goo Se Ra in “Into the Ring,” which is still one of my all-time favorite K-drama characters. You can see for yourself why that show is one of the best romcoms out there by giving it a watch.
Jung Eun Ji
Eun ji is one of those rare talents who can do it all. She first made a name for herself as a member of Apink, captivating fans with her beautiful voice and charming personality. She then transitioned into a talented actress, appearing in lots of popular dramas and films like “Reply 1997,” “Lovers of Music,” and “Cheer Up!”. Eun ji’s ability to portray a wide range of emotions and convey complex characters has earned her critical acclaim, and she continues to be recognized as a great idol-turned-actress!
Kim Ji Yeon (Bona)
Kim Ji Yeon or more popularly known as Bona of the K-pop girl group, WJSN, is a multi-talented artist who’s known for her stunning looks and captivating presence as the center of WJSN. She’s also become a popular actress, showing off her skills in several K-dramas like “Twenty Five Twenty One,” “Girls’ Generation 1979” and “Your House Helper“. Fans and critics alike have praised her acting, noting how well she can embody her characters and create on-screen chemistry with her co-stars.
And if you’re a fan of Bona, you’ll be excited to know that she has an upcoming historical action comedy-drama called “Joseon Attorney: A Morality” with Woo Do Hwan and Cha Hak Yeon. The show will be premiering on the 31st, and you won’t want to miss it!
Kim Se Jeong
Kim Se Jeong is a former member of the K-pop girl groups Gugudan and IOI. She received a lot of attention when she went on the K-pop survival program “Produce 101” for her powerful vocals and charming personality. Since then, she ventured into acting and has since appeared in several hit K-dramas like “Business Proposal,” “I Wanna Hear Your Song,” and “School 2017“. Her acting skills have been widely praised for their authenticity and emotional depth, allowing viewers to connect with her characters on a personal level.
AND to be honest, there are a lot more I haven’t mentioned in this list but we’ll save that for next time. In the meantime, let’s support our favorite idol actresses by watching their shows on KOCOWA+!
