If reports are to be believed, then Blackpink’s Jisoo is going to be the female lead in an upcoming zombie-thriller K-drama. Jisoo’s agency YG Entertainment confirmed that the singer has been offered the role and is considering it. The ‘Flowers’ singer made her onscreen debut in a small cameo in The Producers before starring as the lead in the controversial drama Snowdrop.
While selling out stadiums and having millions of fans across the world belt out your songs at the drop of a hat comes like second nature to these K-pop idols, some of our favourites are also adept at stealing the show in TV shows and movies as actors.
It’s not news that K-pop idols are amazingly talented in a lot of fields, be it dancing, singing, or just being outstanding performers onstage. But you’d be surprised to know how many of them excel at tugging at our heartstrings with their performances as actors in popular K-dramas and movies.
Popular solo artist IU has made a name for herself for being one of the most bankable actors in the country. BTS vocalist V, or Kim Taehyung, also tried his hand at acting in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, in a small but impactful role that had many ARMYs excited to see him in more K-dramas in the future.
Jisoo’s fellow Blackpink member Jennie also made waves with her role in the contentious drama The Idol, co-starring Lily-RoseDepp and The Weeknd.
K-Pop Idols Who Are Also Actors
From IU to Red Velvet’s Joy, here are some of our favourite K-pop idols who are also amazing actors…
IU
IU, or Lee Ji-eun, is one of the most popular solo artists in Korea. The singer made her onscreen debut with Dream High, along with other K-pop idols, and went on to achieve a filmography that rivals a seasoned actor. She has starred in dramas like Bel Ami, My Mister, You Are The Best, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and Persona. Her most popular role, however, has been as Jang Man-wol in Hotel Del Luna. She also recently starred in the movie Broker which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received a 12-minute-long standing ovation.
Cha Eun-woo
Astro’s Cha Eun-woo has been a part of some of the most popular K-dramas, like True Beauty, My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, and Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung, and The Best Hit. The singer-songwriter’s latest TV show Island is one of the most-anticipated K-dramas of recent times.
Doh Kyung-soo
Exo’s Doh Kyung-soo, or D.O, has proven his mettle as an actor with dramas of wide-ranging genres, like 100 Days, My Prince, where he played a cold-hearted prince, and It’s Okay That’s Love, where he starred as an emotionally fragile teen.
Park Hyung-sik
Being an idol, it’s no surprise that Park Hyung-sik packs truckloads of charisma that makes him intensely watchable onscreen. The ZE:A member has been part of dramas like Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, The Heirs, and High Society.
Im Yoon-ah
Many members of the iconic girl group Girls’ Generation have went on to become successful actors, including Im Yoon-ah. The beautiful idol has given solid performances in dramas like The K2, The King Loves, Prime Minister and I, and Love Rain.
Bae Suzy
Miss A’s Bae Suzy is one of the most successful idol-actress in the industry. The singer manages to shine in any role she takes on. She has starred in dramas like Start-Up, Vagabond, Dream High, and Uncontrollably Fond.
Park Jinyoung
Got7’s Park Jinyoung started off with small roles in dramas like The Legend of the Blue Sea and This is My Love and ultimately starred as the main lead in popular shows like He Is Psychometric, Yumi’s Cells, and The Devil Judge.
Joy
Park Soo-young, or Joy, of Red Velvet has won several awards for her acting performances. The idol has starred in dramas like The Liar & His Lover, Tempted, and The One And Only. Her most recent drama Once Upon A Small Town has been dubbed as one of the best romantic K-dramas of 2022.
Yook Sung-jae
The BtoB singer managed to stand out in a cast that included Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-wook, and Kim Go-eun in the show Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. Yook Sung-jae has also starred in shows like Mystic Pop-Up Bar, and Who Are You.
Kwon Na-ra
Whether it’s killing it as a member of a girl group or shining as a member of an ensemble cast, Kwon Na-ra of Hello Venus manages to ace it all. The singer-turned-actress has been part of dramas like Itaewon Class, Suspicious Partner, Doctor Prisoner, and Your Honor.
Ok Taec-yeon
The rapper from 2PM is a formidable actor, as he has proven with roles in Save Me, Ghost, and Dream High. His most memorable role has been in the brilliant drama Vincenzo where he *SPOILER ALERT* managed to stun the world as the main villain who is as sinister as he is clever.
Choi Min-ho
The charismatic idol from K-pop group Shinee is an actor worth noting. He has played several memorable roles in shows like Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, My First Time, and To The Beautiful You. His most recent K-drama The Fabulous has been one of the most streamed Korean shows on Netflix.
