Gallup Korea recently surveyed between November 11 and 25, 2024, asking 1,741 individuals aged 13 and older across South Korea (excluding Jeju) to name up to two movie stars who shone brightest this year. The results, based on open-ended responses, revealed that Ma Dong Suk garnered 26.5% of the votes, securing the top spot for the second year in a row.
The Power of the ‘'The Roundup Series'
Ma Dong Seok’s lead role in 'The Roundup Series' has been a key driver of his sustained popularity. The series, inspired by true events, is planned to span eight films, with Ma serving as lead actor, producer, and planner. Since its debut in 2017, the franchise has released its second installment in 2022, its third in 2023, and its fourth this year in 2024. The fifth installment is slated for release in 2026.
Both 'The Roundup 2' and 'The Roundup 3' were the only films of their respective release years to surpass 10 million viewers. This year, 'The Roundup 4' also achieved blockbuster status, sharing its spotlight with The Burial ('Exhuma'), both attracting over 10 million moviegoers. Ma’s portrayal of Detective Ma Seok Do, a relentless force against powerful villains, continues to captivate audiences.
Ma first appeared in Gallup’s 'Actor of the Year' top 10 in 2016 and has remained among the top-ranked actors for eight consecutive years. Notably, he also claimed the number-one spot in 2018 with hits such as Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days and Champion.
Hwang Jung Min Takes Second Place
Hwang Jung Min secured the second spot with 14.2% of the votes. Known for his versatility and prolific career, Hwang showcased his range in diverse roles this year: playing a military commander in '12.12: The Day', a former special agent in the summer comedy-action film 'Mission: Cross', and reprising his iconic role as Detective Seo Do Chul in 'I, the Executioner', a sequel returning after nine years. Hwang, who was ranked first in 2016, has maintained a steady presence in the top 10 for the past decade.
Kim Go Eun’s Breakthrough Performance
Kim Go Eun ranked third with 12.2% of the votes, marking her first appearance in the top 10 and the sole woman on this year’s list. Her standout role as a shaman in the occult mystery 'Exhuma' the year’s highest-grossing film with 11.91 million viewers, demonstrated her range and captivated audiences.
Veteran actor Choi Min Shik claimed fourth place with 11.7%, impressing as a geomancer with 40 years of experience in The Burial. Choi, who topped the 2014 list with his portrayal of Admiral Yi Sun Sin in 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents', continues to hold a place among Korea’s cinematic legends.
A Diverse Top 10
The remaining spots were filled by:
- 5th: Lee Jung Jae (10.0%) for his groundbreaking role as Master Sol, the first Asian Jedi in Disney+’s The Acolyte.
- 6th: Lee Byung Hun (8.3%), celebrated for Concrete Utopia (2023).
- 7th: Song Kang Ho (7.3%), who debuted in his first TV drama Uncle Samsik via Disney+ after a 35-year film career.
- 8th: Jung Woo Sung (5.3%), for his role in Seoul’s Spring.
- 9th: Yoo Hae Jin (5.0%), who starred in The Burial and Dog Days.
- 10th: Son Suk Ku (3.4%), recognized for Comment Army and the experimental short thriller Night Fishing.
Actors receiving more than 1.0% of the vote include Jo Jung Suk (3.1%), Kim Hye Soo (2.9%), Jung Hae In (2.8%), Seol Kyung Gu (1.7%), and Ha Jung Woo (1.6%). Also featured were Kim Soo Hyun, Gong Yoo (1.2% each), Cha Eun Woo, Song Joong Ki, Park Bo Gum, and Youn Yuh Jung (1.1% each), alongside Kim Tae Ri, Lee Do Hyun, Ra Mi Ran, and Ryu Seung Ryong (1.0% each).
This year’s list reflects a remarkable mix of enduring icons and emerging stars, highlighting the rich talent driving Korea’s cinematic success on both domestic and global stages.