Korean Actors: The Best Stars of Korean Film and Dramas.

The humble and rather reserved Korea is a thing of the past. Today, it is an industry that brings in a lot of money. And the main jewel of this industry can confidently be considered the actors. 

The best Korean actors surprise not only with their talent but also with their charisma. They certainly set new beauty standards. Moreover, Korea has its own list of the best actors. 

The Best Korean Actors

The Korean film industry has become a global phenomenon in recent decades. While Korean dramas and films were mainly popular in Asia in the past, today they are winning the hearts of millions of viewers around the world. This growth happened so fast that many actors became incredibly popular worldwide even without their own involvement.

The tremendous success of Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite', the triumph of the 'Squid Game' series, and the constant interest in new projects from Netflix and Disney+ prove that Korean cinema knows no bounds. Talented actors play an important role here, gaining worldwide popularity with their charismatic roles, honest performances, and professionalism. 

When it comes to the best Korean actors, it is noticeable that most of them have an incredible versatility in their performances. They embody both deep dramatic roles and light comedic characters equally masterfully. Many of them do not limit themselves to dramas but are also actively working in mainstream cinema, winning awards at prestigious festivals.

Today, Korean actors are not just faces of popular dramas but real global brands. They are hired by well-known international companies for advertising campaigns, and their fans organize fan meetings all over the world. Through their diligence, professionalism, and sincerity, they have managed to build real careers amid massive competition. 

Lee Min-ho

Lee Min-ho is a name that almost everyone knows who has watched at least one Korean drama. He became internationally famous after the series 'Boys Over Flowers' (2009) aired, in which he played the role of a charismatic yet aloof boy from a wealthy family. This role alone earned him an army of fans worldwide.

However, Lee Min-ho was not satisfied with just one success. His career includes popular series such as 'City Hunter', 'The Heirs', and 'The King: Eternal Monarch'. He manages to portray both brave heroes and romantic lovers convincingly.

In addition to TV projects, Lee Min-ho has also acted in films. His acting skills continue to evolve, which is evidenced by his increasingly diverse roles. Lee Min-ho is also one of the most successful advertising faces in South Korea, collaborating with brands like Louis Vuitton and Innisfree.

Lee Min-ho's uniqueness lies in his ability to evoke genuine emotions: Each of his characters seems real and close to the audience. He has been one of Korea's most popular actors for over a decade.

Kim Soo-hyun

Kim Soo-hyun is another star who has earned his title as the best actor in South Korea through outstanding performances. His path to fame began with the series 'Dream High' (2011), but the real breakthrough came after the airing of the series 'Moon Embracing the Sun' and 'My Love from the Star'.

Kim Soo-hyun has the amazing ability to convey deep, multi-layered emotions. His characters always have a vivid inner world that captivates the audience's attention. In the drama 'It’s Okay to Not Be Okay', the actor played one of his most challenging roles, portraying a hero who goes through a traumatic past.

Famous for his professionalism, Kim Soo-hyun always prepares meticulously for his roles and dives deep into the psychology of the characters. His acting talent has been repeatedly honored with national awards, and audiences eagerly await every new project he is involved in.

Park Seo-joon

Park Seo-joon is a true icon of modern Korean dramas. His natural charisma, incredible work ethic, and diversity of roles have made him one of the most popular actors not only in Korea but also far beyond its borders.

Starting from humble roles, Park Seo-joon reached the peak of popularity thanks to series like 'She Was Pretty' and 'What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?'. His characters are always a little self-centered but incredibly charming, eliciting smiles and empathy from the audience.

However, the actor does not limit himself to romantic comedies. In the drama 'Itaewon Class', Park Seo-joon convincingly portrayed a young entrepreneur fighting for justice and equality in business. His ability to transform into serious and complex characters opens new dimensions of his talent.

Park Seo-joon is actively developing his film career as well. He is expected to appear in several international projects, further consolidating his position on the world stage.

Jung Seo-min

It is also worth mentioning the talented actresses of this industry. 

Jung Seo-min is an actress who has conquered viewers' hearts with her honesty and exceptional acting depth. She began her journey with supporting roles but quickly became one of the most famous actresses of dramas thanks to hard work.

Her breakthrough came after the series 'Because This Is My First Life', in which she played a young writer seeking her way in life. Jung Seo-min's delicate and moving performance touched the hearts of millions.

She is also known for her roles in projects such as 'A Thousand Kisses' and 'The Sound of Your Heart'. The actress skillfully balances between comedy and drama, creating characters that are quotable.

What is special about Jung Seo-min is her ability to seem very realistic and relatable to every viewer. She is equally convincing in roles as romantic heroines and strong, independent women.

Kim Woo-bin

Kim Woo-bin is an example of a true fighter, both in life and on screen. He began his career as a model, but quickly gained popularity in acting due to his unique style and charisma.

His breakthrough occurred with the series 'School 2013' and 'The Heirs', in which he created charismatic and complex characters. The enormous success came with the drama 'Uncontrollably Fond', where his performance impressed critics and audiences alike.

In 2017, Kim Woo-bin was diagnosed with a severe illness – nasopharyngeal cancer. The actor took a break from his career for several years to undergo treatment. His return in 2022 sparked a wave of support from fans worldwide.

Kim Woo-bin is a symbol of strength, resilience, and true talent. His performances are always marked by deep emotions and incredible sincerity.

Song Joong-ki

Song Joong-ki is one of the most respected actors in Korean cinema, gaining popularity due to his choice of roles and the depth of his acting skills. His name has become synonymous with success after he took on the leading role in the immortal series 'Descendants of the Sun', which aired in many countries and became a true cultural phenomenon.

This series about medical professionals working under wartime conditions brought Song Joong-ki not only popularity but also numerous awards. His character, Captain Yoo Si-jin, became one of the most memorable heroes in the history of the Korean television industry. The actor received international recognition and increased interest in his private life. Song Joong-ki knows how to convey emotional moments with great precision, giving his roles a rich inner world and sincerity.

In addition to series, Song Joong-ki is also actively filming movies. He played the leading role in the drama 'The Battles Without Honor and Humanity', in which his character is a key part of revealing a complex moral dilemma of war. At the same Time, the actor participates in many advertising campaigns, where his charisma and profound personality help further build his brand.

His career impresses with its diversity: he can equally succeed in action films, historical dramas, or romantic comedies. In 2020, Song Joong-ki continued his career with the series 'Vincenzo', in which he played an Italian-Korean man who returns to Korea and becomes a lawyer fighting for justice. The role of this character revealed new dimensions of his talent and helped the actor remain popular with a new generation of viewers.

Lee Jong-suk

Lee Jong-suk is an actor who has gained great popularity due to his ability to touch the hearts of viewers through his talent, charisma, and the diversity of the characters he has created. Known for his roles in series like 'While You Were Sleeping' and 'W: Two Worlds', Lee Jong-suk is considered one of the most talented young actors in Korea.

One of Lee Jong-suk's key features is his ability to combine the qualities of a nice guy with the complexity of the character, making his role incredibly multifaceted. In 'W: Two Worlds', he played a rich yet internally conflicted man, who experiences complex emotions due to the events in a fictional comic world. The role in the series showcased his depth as an actor, capable of conveying complex psychological states.

Lee Jong-suk has also received recognition for his participation in projects such as 'Pinocchio', where he played the role of a journalist faced with moral dilemmas. These roles helped him win the love of millions of fans who appreciate his emotional sincerity and dedication to his work. Lee Jong-suk is also actively working in cinema, and his rapid success in film with the movie 'The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion' further confirms his status as an actor.

Ho Yeon-jung

She is a South Korean actress and model who gained worldwide popularity after the airing of the Netflix series 'Squid Game'. Her debut in this drama was a true breakthrough: the role of Kang Sae-byeok, a defector from North Korea, brought her international recognition, awards, and millions of fans.

Before her acting career, she was a successful model, working with leading fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Marc Jacobs. Jung Ho-yeon impresses not only with her charisma and unique appearance but also with the depth of emotions she can convey on screen. She has become a symbol of a new wave of Korean stars that combine talent, style, and social activity.

Jung Hae-in

Jung Hae-in has become a real discovery for Korean viewers thanks to his ability to play roles where he portrays gentle and vulnerable men capable of deep feelings and thoughts. His role in the series 'Something in the Rain' brought him wide popularity, and his performance has been recognized as one of the best among young Korean actors.

Also known for his participation in series like 'One Spring Night' and 'Lovestruck in the City', Jung Hae-in constantly seeks opportunities to broaden his acting spectrum. His characters are usually gentle and sensitive, allowing viewers maximum emotional closeness to his heroes.

Jung Hae-in also shows remarkable talent in more challenging and dramatic roles, in which he can reveal emotional facets to the audience. His natural charisma and ability to play deep, multi-layered characters have made him a favorite among many fans, and he continues to develop as an actor.

Kim Hae-soo

Kim Hae-soo is a Korean actress who gained popularity due to the versatility of her performances and her ability to play various roles. Her path to fame was not easy, but through her work and dedication, she has earned the title of one of the best actresses in Korea.

Kim Hae-soo gained recognition for her role in the series 'The Queen of Office', where she played an ambitious woman fighting for her place in Korean society. Her acting was highly praised for its ability to convey the complexity of the character and the inner conflicts. After this role, the actress continued her successes in other dramas like 'The Song of You' and 'Into the Darkness'.

In films, Kim Hae-soo continues to reveal the depth of her characters. She confidently plays in both historical dramas and modern projects, making her one of the most versatile actresses in South Korea.