Tis the year of model-turned-actors! They have been popping up everywhere, dominating our world on-and-off screen with their perfectly structured visuals, slim figures, and fantasy-boyfriend image! These model-turned-actors have achieved the trifecta of becoming the perfect celebrity.
We love them in pictorials and we love them even more on-screen playing our favorite characters. Here are 10 notable model-turned-actors!
Cha Seung Won
As one of the first models to become an actor, Cha Seung Won stands proud and tall amongst all model-actors with his impressive experience as both model and actor, which is why he had to be included in this list. He debuted in 1988 as a model and expanded his line of works to on-screen with the sitcom, 'New York Story,' in 1997. He is currently still acknowledged as one of the top celebrity-models to walk on the runway and an actor with outstanding acting skills.
Past Works: 'City Hall,' 'You're Surrounded,' 'The Greatest Love'
Hong Jong Hyun
As a model, this sculpture-like model debuted in 2007 as a Seoul Collection Show Model. Then, he was first introduced on-screen after taking on a small role in the movie, 'A Frozen Flower,' in 2008. The model slowly made his way into hearts by taking on boyfriend-material roles on various dramas. He is currently in 'We Got Married' as the husband of Girl's Day's Yura, garnering much interest for his gentle yet charming persona.
Past Works: 'Vampire Idol,' 'Dangerous Romance,' 'Mama'
Kim Woo Bin
With his bad boy, misunderstood-boy-who-needs-a-female-touch charms, Kim Woo Bin made his way into our hearts with his appearance in 'White Christmas' (2011). However, this long-legged, perfectly-proportioned man also debuted as a model first in 2009 for the 'Seoul Fashion Week.' He is widely known and loved for his rough-necked and misunderstood characters in all three of his past works listed below.
Past Works: 'School 2013,' 'Gentleman's Dignity,' 'Heirs'
Lee Jong Suk
Lee Jong Suk debuted as a model when he was just 16 years old in 2005/6 and was allegedly the youngest model at the time walking on the 'Seoul Collection Show.' However, it was also revealed that Lee Jong Suk's original passion was acting as he took on the role of snarky and chic celebrity, Sun, in 'Secret Garden' (2010). Currently this model-actor is riding the Hallyu wave without any sign of stopping.
Past Work: 'I Hear Your Voice,' 'Secret Garden,' 'High Kick 3'
Lee Soo Hyuk
This mysterious looking model-turned-actor debuted in 2006 when he stood at designer Jung Wook Jun's 'Lone Costume Fashion Show.' However, he found his true passion behind the camera where he captured our hearts with his deep voice and fantastical figure.
Past Work: 'Shark,' 'High School King,' 'White Christmas'
Song Jae Rim
Song Jae Rim debuted as a model in 2009 with the recommendation from an acquaintance for Panasonic where he was seen dressed as a Korea samurai. With his mischievous smile and mysterious gaze, Song Jae Rim is currently melting the hearts of the viewers with his corny jokes and lines on 'We Got Married' as the husband of actress Kim So Eun.
Past Works: 'Nail Shop Paris,' 'The Moon that Embraces the Sun,' 'Surplus Princess'
Sung Joon
He debuted in 2011 on-screen as a supporting role in the drama, 'White Christmas,' along with other actor-turned-models such as Kim Woo Bin. Then the model ventured into taking on bigger and leading roles, garnering the image of the gentle, shy, and innocent young boy that we know him to be.
Past Works: 'I Need Romance,' 'Discovery of Love,' 'Shut Up, Flower Boy Band'
Kim Young Kwang
Kim Young Kwang has a very big reputation in the fashion world for his outstanding model stance as he debuted in 2006 in the 'Singles Seoul Collection F/W Lone Costume.' His first film appearance was in 2006 in the movie, 'Triple.' With his handsome looks and sharp image, he is able to play contrasting characters from bad boy to a sweet and gentle doctor.
Ahn Jae Hyun
It was recently revealed that this puppy-eyed model-turned-actor decided that he was going to become a model after a car accident as he was lying in the hospital bed. Ahn Jae Hyun debuted as a model in 2009 then made his way onto screen in 2013-14 with the highly sensationalized drama, 'You Who Came From the Stars.' Despite his adorable baby face, the model-actor brings out a different persona when he starts talking in his bass-toned voice.
Past Works: 'You Who Came From the Stars,' 'You're All Surrounded'
Nam Joo Hyuk
Nam Joo Hyuk is both considered a rookie actor and model. However, he has made a significant impact with his appearance in the MV for Akdong Musician's "200%" and "Give Love." Remember that super adorable guy that Soo Hyun falls in love with? That's Nam Joo Hyuk! He is 21 years old and first debuted as a model in 2014 for 'S/S Seoul Collection' before debuting as an actor the same year with 'Surplus Princess.'
Past Works: 'Surplus Princess'
Notable mentions: Song Seung Hun, So Ji Sub, Go So Young, Kang Dong Wan, Lee Min Ki.
Which hunky model-turned-actor is your favorite?
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