The Korean entertainment industry is renowned for its multi-talented stars who excel not only in singing and dancing but also in acting. Over the years, several idol-turned-actors and actresses have left a lasting impact on the industry with their exceptional performances. 

The Baeksang Arts Awards, one of South Korea's most prestigious award ceremonies, recognizes outstanding achievements in the fields of television, film, and theater. While it has traditionally been dominated by established actors and actresses, recent years have witnessed the rise of a new trend: idol actors and actresses making their mark in the industry. 

In this article, we will delve into the achievements of Korean idol actors who have not only made successful transitions into acting but have also won accolades at the esteemed Baeksang Arts Awards.

Im Yoon Ah

Im Yoon Ah, known by her stage name, YoonA, debuted as a member of the girl group Girls' Generation and was dubbed the center of "The Nation's Girl Group." But aside from her very successful career as an idol, she eventually transitioned to become an actress as well. In 2008, she landed her first leading role in the drama "You Are My Destiny," with the character Jang Sae Byuk, receiving even wider recognition with viewer ratings of up to 41.5%. This becomes a turning point in her career as she receives the Best New Actress for Television Award during the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards. She also received the Most Popular Actress (Television) Award for her dramas "You Are My Destiny" and "Cinderella Man", Most Popular Actress (Film) Award for the movie "Confidential Assignment" at the Baeksang Arts Awards. She also received multiple acting nominations for her performances in "Confidential Assignment" and "Miracle: Letters to the President".

Lee Jun Ho

Junho, who is prominently known as an excellent actor to many fans, originally debuted as a member of the boy group 2PM and became an idol singer, songwriter, dancer, and composer. After officially debuting as an actor in 2013 in the Korean movie "Cold Eyes", he eventually became active as an actor. He was the first idol-actor to win Best Actor at 2022's Korea PD Awards, Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries at the Apan Star Awards and the first-idol actor to win the Grand Prize (Daesang) for Actor of the Year at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards. Aside from these awards, he also won the Best Actor for Television at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards, in recognition of his amazing portrayal of King Jeongjo in the drama "The Red Sleeve".

Park Jin Young

Jinyoung pursued being an idol and successfully auditioned for JYP Entertainment winning first place at the open audition with fellow trainee and future bandmate Jay B over 10,000 applicants in 2009. He will eventually debut alongside Jay B as a duo called JJ Project in 2012, and, in 2014, as a vocalist of the boy group GOT7. But aside from being a talented idol, he has also given great performances as an actor. In 2012, after six months of acting classes, he first debuted as an actor in the role of Jung Ui Bong in the television drama "Dream High 2". He eventually received different recognitions and accolades, including the Best New Actor (Film) Award for his portrayal in the crime thriller film "A Christmas Carol" during the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards, along with the Most Popular Actor Award.

Bae Suzy

Suzy first auditioned for Mnet Superstar K, which led to her being scouted to become a trainee. After less than a year of training, she eventually became a member of the girl group miss A. While being active as an idol, she made her acting debut in the music teen drama "Dream High". She eventually made her film debut with "Architecture 101", stealing the hearts of many Korean audiences and was hailed as "The Nation's First Love". After her successful film debut, she received the Best New Actress Award at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards for her great acting performance. She also received various nominations from the Baeksang Arts Awards, and also won Most Popular Actress (Film) Award for "The Sound of a Flower" and  Most Popular Actress (Television) Award for "While You Were Sleeping". She has also been hosting the prestigious awards show from 2016 until the most recent in 2023.

D.O.

Doh Kyung Soo, also known as D.O., is a great vocalist of the famous boy group EXO. His interest in singing started back when he was still in primary school and eventually was advised to audition after being scouted in multiple local singing competitions. Aside from being a member of one of Korea's most famous boy groups, he also starred in various television dramas and movies, showcasing his excellent acting skills. He made his acting debut with a supporting role in the movie "Cart" in 2014, and continued starring in more shows after the film. His television drama debut through the drama "It's Okay, That's Love" gained him multiple praises from film and movie critics, and was later nominated for the Best New Actor award at the 51st Baeksang Arts Awards. He also received different nominations and awards such as Most Popular Actor (Film) Award for " Pure Love" and "My Annoying Brother", and Most Popular Actor for "100 Days My Prince".

Jung Eun Ji

Known for her great vocals, Eun Ji debuted in 2011 as a vocalist and member of the idol group Apink after training for only two months with the group. Aside from being an idol, songwriter and radio DJ, she also became active as an actress. She made her acting debut in the coming-of-age drama, Reply 1997 in 2012, as one of the drama's main protagonists. The drama became one of the highest-rated Korean series on cable television, and her performance earned her praises from critics and audiences alike for her genuine and emotional acting. The role won her several awards, including the prestigious 49th Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actress for Television Award.

Uee

Uee is probably one of the living definitions of an all rounder celebrity. Originally, she used to compete as a swimmer and even participated in the Korean National Sports Festival. She then pursued to be an actress, after graduating from Sungkyunkwan University's School of Art, with a degree in Performing Arts, but she first debuted as an idol. She became a member of the girl group After School in 2009 and was the darling of the fans and general public, often topping online search rankings on various Korean websites. In the same year, she made her acting debut in the historical drama, "Queen Seondeok". After several years, she also starred in the romantic-comedy drama series "Ojakgyo Family", earning praise for her natural acting. Her amazing portrayal earned her the Best New Actress (Television) Award during the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards.

T.O.P

T.O.P, popularly known as a member and the lead rapper for the boy band Big Bang was originally invested musically. He first performed as an underground rapper before officially debuting as an idol in 2006 and went on thriving as a member of one of the best-selling groups of all-time in Asia. He became the first Big Bang member to venture into acting, debuting in the drama "I Am Sam". After taking on various roles, he will eventually become part of the star-studded cast of the 2010 South Korean war drama film "71: Into the Fire", where his performance was applauded. It was well-received by critics as well, earning him several Best New Actor awards, including the prestigious 47th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Im Si Wan

Im Si Wan, known famously for his stage name Siwan, debuted in 2010 as an idol and member of the boy group ZE:A. His debut as an actor was through the hit period drama "Moon Embracing the Sun" in 2012. He receives critical acclaim after his lead role in the webtoon adaptation and cable hit drama "Misaeng: Incomplete Life", as Jang Geu Rae, an aspiring professional baduk player who ended up as a contractual worker trying to adapt to Korean corporate culture. The series became a cultural phenomenon and recorded high viewership ratings. Siwan won various awards such as the Best New Actor from the 51st Baeksang Arts Awards.

Yoon Eun Hye

One of the first idol-actresses, Yoon Eun Hye first debuted IN 1999 as a member of first generation girl group, Baby V.O.X. After joining the group, the group received major acclaim with their singles "Get Up" and "Killer" reaching the number one spot on the Korean music charts. She will eventually venture into acting, making her acting debut in romantic comedy "Princess Hours"  became a huge success across Asia and catapulted her to Hallyu stardom. In 2007, she will take on another leading role of a hit drama "Coffee Prince", where she was often mistaken for a guy and will eventually pretend to be male to be able to work in multiple jobs. Her role as Eun Chan will bag her the prestigious Best Actress for Television Award in the 44th Baeksang Arts Awards, becoming the youngest actress ever to win the award. 

The rise of talented idol actors and actresses in South Korea has breathed new life into the industry, challenging the notion that performers and idols cannot transition successfully into acting. The Baeksang Arts Awards have provided a platform to celebrate the accomplishments of these talented individuals who have defied expectations and carved their own path in the acting world. Through their hard work, dedication, and exceptional performances, these idol actors and actresses have proven that talent knows no boundaries and that success can be achieved in multiple artistic domains.