K-Pop idols are known for their exceptional talents, from angelic vocals to sharp dance moves and compelling stage presence. But some idols take their skills beyond the stage and onto the screen. K-Pop idols have doubled as actors for years, with some loving it so much that it evolved into their full-time job. With some of our favorite idols doubling as actors, we couldn’t help but compile a list of idols who dominate the stage and the screen.
1. Suzy
Bae Suzy’s journey to stardom began at JYP Entertainment in 2010 as a member of Miss A. Miss A rose to fame quickly with their debut song, ” Bad Girl Good Girl.” As their career continued, each member focused on their solo career. Suzy found her niche in acting after starring in the star-studded drama Dream High in January 2011, a little less than a year after debuting with Miss A. Dream High featured idols such as 2PM’s Taecyeon and IU. In December 2011, Suzy won Best New Actress at the KBS Drama Awards. This award was the key that unlocked her success in the acting world, allowing her to smoothly transition into being a full-time actress, where she went on to star in dramas like While You Were Sleeping, Vagabond, and Start-Up.
2. Jin Young – GOT7
Park Jinyoung’s journey also started at JYP Entertainment as a member of a duo with future groupmate JayB called JJ Project in 2012; 2 years later, in 2014, they debuted in GOT7. In 2012, Jinyoung starred in a sequel to Dream High called Dream High 2 alongside his member JayB. It wasn’t until 2019 when Jinyoung secured his first lead role in the drama He’s A Psychometric. Since his first lead role, he’s consistently landed lead roles for numerous dramas such as When My Love Blooms, and The Devil Judge.
3. IU
Working alongside Suzy, IU also made her acting debut in the drama Dream High in 2011. Two years later, IU landed her first starring role in the K-drama, You’re The Best, Lee Soon-shin. Producers were skeptical, giving the lead role to a singer, but IU proved them wrong. Her remarkable acting skills accumulated positive reviews from critics and brought tremendous views to the drama. IU’s impressive acting skills captivated viewers, resulting in her receiving the Best New Actress award at the 2013 KBS Drama Awards. From 2013 to now, IU’s filmography expanded as she starred in popular dramas like Hotel Del Luna. Scheduled for April 26, 2023, the release of IU’s new sports-comedy, Dream, marks another addition to her growing portfolio
4. Rowoon – SF9
SF9’s Rowoon took his stunning visuals from the stage to the screen in 2017. Landing a small role in the drama School 2017, Rowoon graced our TV screens for the first time. It would only take two years before Rowoon landed his first leading role in the romantic comedy Extraordinary You. His performance in Extraordinary You earned Rowoon his first acting award, Best New Actor, at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards. Through his actions, Rowoon shone a spotlight not just on himself but on his group SF9 as well. Although his filmography may be small, his star power shines brightly. He has already worked with industry giants like Netflix, where he starred in their original production Tomorrow, cementing his position as a rising star.
5. Joy – Red Velvet
Joy made a grand entrance into the world of acting, after landing a leading role as her very first acting gig in the drama The Liar and His Lovers. This set the stage for her success as an actress. Her presence in the acting world was sealed after she won the Newcomer Award at the OSEN Cable TV Awards in 2017. A year later, Joy’s rein continued with another lead role in the drama Tempted, receiving multiple nominations like Best New Actress. Joy took a short pause from her acting, but in 2021, she returned to our screens as the second lead in the Netflix drama, The One and Only.
6. Eunwoo – ASTRO
This list wouldn’t be complete without Astro’s Cha Eunwoo. Eunwoo’s superior visuals make him the ideal candidate for a male lead in any drama. Eunwoo’s acting journey started in 2017 as a supporting character in the drama Hit The Top. Eunwoo quickly rose to prominence, transitioning from a supporting character to the lead role, as he played the lead role in the drama My ID is Gangnam Beauty, capturing the attention of enthusiastic K-drama viewers. 2019 gained Eunwoo two awards from his second leading role in the drama Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung, snagging the Excellent Actor Award at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards. Eunwoo shows no signs of slowing down with a drama in the works for 2023.
The Idol-Actors dominate both the stage and screen with ease. Capturing our hearts with every mode of media. We hope to see more of our favorite Idols make their transition to the screen.
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