The K-drama scene has been enriched by a wave of talented K-pop idols who have successfully transitioned into acting. Their charisma, talent, and dedicated fan bases make them standout stars in both music and television. Now, more and more idols have begun expanding their careers with notable roles, capturing the hearts of many worldwide in an entirely new way. Here’s a look at some of our favorite K-pop idols who have made a mark as actors, along with their most memorable roles:
1. Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO)
Notable Role: My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, True Beauty
Cha Eunwoo first captured hearts as the godlike visual of ASTRO, but with his network drama debut as the leading man in 2018’s My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, he proved himself a true triple-threat talent. In his first of several iconic “stone-cold tsundere” roles, Eunwoo plays an intellectual and wealthy college student who secretly harbors emotional scars from an unhappy home environment. Despite his stoic personality and devastatingly blunt one-liners, he does have a caring side that makes his character particularly multi-dimensional. His good looks and acting skills make Cha Eunwoo a continual fan favorite, showcasing his ability to handle both light-hearted and serious moments with ease.
Watch Eunwoo in MY ID IS GANGNAM BEAUTY on iPOP!
2. Eunji (APINK)
Notable Roles: Miss Night and Day, Reply 1997, Cheer Up!
APINK’s main singer Jung Eunji has proven her versatility throughout her long career, from her critically-acclaimed acting debut in Reply 1997 to her most recent role in Netflix’s Miss Night and Day. One of our favorites is the lively coming-of-age series Cheer Up! where Eunji shines playing a passionate underdog cheerleader, showcasing her vibrant, sassy personality and an acting range as impressive as her vocal range.
Watch Cheer Up on iPOP!
Listen to APINK on iPOP!
3. V (BTS)
Notable Role: Hwarang
ARMYs were thrilled when Kim Taehyung (aka *the* V of BTS) made his acting debut as playful poet-warrior Hansung in the historical drama Hwarang. Truly embodying his role as the maknae of a star-studded cast (including SHINEE Minho, Park Seo-joon and Park Hyung-sik) V’s performance was a delightful blend of goofy charm and emotional depth. His transition from the global music stage to the small screen highlighted his potential as an actor, earning him praise for his expressive performance in this ensemble cast. What type of drama would you want to see Taehyung in next?
4. Park Hyung-sik (ZE:A)
Notable Roles: High Society, Hwarang, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon
Park Hyung-sik is an idol-turned-leading-man whose flourishing acting career has managed to eclipse his k-pop past. Ever since stealing hearts as the charismatic second lead in the chaebol drama High Society in 2015, Hyung-sik’s filmography has been nothing but hits – from starring in Hwarang (alongside BTS’s V!) as a King in disguise to showing off his comic timing as a besotted CEO in Strong Woman Do Bong-soon.
Watch HIGH SOCIETY on iPOP!
5. Joy (Red Velvet)
Notable Roles: Tempted, The Liar and His Lover
Joy has stepped into the acting world with her role in the romantic drama Tempted. Portraying the cunning and complex character of Son Young-jo, she brings a youthful energy to the screen.As she balances her musical career with her growing acting resume, Joy’s transition from idol into drama heroine has been well-received, capturing the attention of both K-pop and K-drama fans.
6. Jisoo (BLACKPINK)
Notable Role: Snowdrop
Jisoo made her acting debut in the highly anticipated drama Snowdrop, playing Eun Young-ro, a student caught in the crossfire of political unrest–and a starcrossed romance. Jisoo's powerful performance has garnered acclaim and showcased her potential as a serious actress, proving that she can shine both on stage and in front of the camera.
Listen to BLACKPINK on iPOP!
7. Jinyoung (GOT7)
Notable Roles: Yumi's Cells, He Is Psychometric, The Devil Judge
GOT7’s Jinyoung kicked off his acting career back in 2016, honing his skills with indie films and supporting characters before taking on his first lead role in 2018’s He Is Psychometric. Since then, he’s showed off his versatility in a variety of genres, from dark courtroom thriller The Devil Judge to quirky rom-com series Yumi's Cells, where his chemistry with lead actress Kim Go-eunbrought an engaging dynamic to the show.
Listen to GOT7 on iPOP!
Best of all? There’s so many more idols that have turned into actors that you can watch today! Some idols we didn’t include in this article are SF9 Rowoon, Bae Suzy, IU, EXO D.O and Suho, Girls’ Generation Yoona, BTOB Sungjae, and so many more. As these incredible talents continue to explore new roles and challenge themselves, we can’t wait to see what more they have to offer in the world of K-Dramas. Tell us, who are your favorite idols turned actors? Share in the comments below!
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allkpop is partnering with iPOP to do a giveaway to celebrate the app launch! 5 lucky winners will win signed albums from some of your favorite k-pop groups.
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- (G)I-DLE 4th mini album - (signed)
- ATEEZ - Zero : Fever pt 2 - (signed)
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- STAYC - asap staydom (signed)
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