When the casting for Vincenzo was first announced, many raised eyebrows as to who will star opposite Song Joong-ki in his comeback drama. The name Jeon Yeo-bin didn’t ring a bell for many. But now she’s a rising rookie actress on everyone’s radar, oftentimes called a rookie monster due to her versatile acting skills even as a newcomer.

Jeon’s portrayal as the feisty Hong Cha-young might have made her a superstar but the actress has already wowed critics in After My Death—her first-ever lead acting project—which earned her several acting nominations and awards.

In Be Melodramatic, her first K-drama lead role, she bagged a Best New Actress nomination at the Baeksang Arts Awards. This year, Jeon’s movie Night in Paradise was also released on Netflix which catapulted her popularity even further.

Don’t miss: Jeon Yeo-Bin: 10 Things To Know About The ‘Vincenzo’ Actress

Another Squid Game cast member who got their big break this year is Wi Ha-joon. The 30-year-old actor is now one of the newest heartthrobs and many are pinning him for a leading man role. His impressive performance as Hwang Jun-ho definitely made him an actor to watch out for.

Wi has starred in several Korean dramas as a supporting cast member until 2020’s 18 Again and of course, Squid Game. Now, the actor is headlining the iQiyi drama, Bad and Crazy alongside Lee Dong-wook. He’s also poised as the lead for an upcoming 2022 drama, K Project.

Don’t miss: ‘Squid Game’ Earns Three Nominations at the Golden Globes 2022

Han So-hee technically got her big break after starring as Yeo Da-kyung in the highest-rated Korean drama in TV history, The World of the Married but there’s no denying that 2021 is Han So-hee’s year. This year, Han showcased her versatility as an actress. After gaining popularity for playing a mistress, she went for a more youthful look in Netflix’s Nevertheless opposite Song Kang.

After that, she completely transformed herself into an action star, shedding her beautiful image for the action noir drama, My Name where she played an undercover cop. For the series, Han trained for three months and did almost all her stunts which surprised many of her fans and gained her new admirers.

Don’t miss: Exclusive: Han So-Hee Talks Transforming Into an Action Star for Netflix’s ‘My Name’

Tang Joon-sang caught the eye of many after his supporting role in the hit mega K-drama, Crash Landing on You. This year has been good to Tang as he starred in two other Netflix originals. In Move to Heaven, he played a character with Asperger syndrome which earned praises from viewers. He earned a nomination for Best Newcomer in the Asia Content Awards.

This landed him another drama, this time a sports-themed one. In Racket Boys, viewers get to see Tang’s more youthful and playful side.

Don’t miss: 30 Best New Korean Dramas to Binge-Watch in 2021

Ahn Bo-hyun initially wowed audiences with his villain role in Itaewon Class. This year, the actor showcased another side of himself as he took on two leading roles that are equally different from each other: a charming one in Yumi’s Cells and a more action-driven one in My Name.

The 33-year-old actor has played plenty of supporting roles over the years but thanks to the two dramas, he’s finally getting the recognition that’s long overdue.

Don’t miss: 8 Thrilling Facts to Know About Netflix’s ‘My Name’

Go Min-si gained traction for her roles as the “mean girl” and for her supporting roles. But when she starred as Song Kang’s potential love interest in Sweet Home, many started paying attention to her as a leading lady in the making. And soon enough, the actress landed her first lead role opposite her Sweet Home co-star (who played her brother in the series), Lee Do-hyun.

There, Go ditched the typecast and played the kind Myung-hee with grace and power. She also starred in Jirisan, Jun Ji-hyun’s comeback drama. This year, Go also received the Best Newcomer trophy at the Asia Contents Award.

Don’t miss: These Celebrities Rocked the Busan International Film Festival 2021 Red Carpet

It might not be fitting to call Koo Kyo-hwan a breakout star considering that the actor has been raking in acting awards as early as 2018. But among the few Korean dramas that he’s starred in, D.P. certainly introduced him to a wider audience. Now, the drama has been renewed for a second season and while casting hasn’t been confirmed yet, we can expect that Koo will return.

Besides being an actor, Koo is also a talented director, having directed at least seven short films. While Koo is well-known for his work in Korean movies, he’s also been poised for the upcoming K-drama Monstrous in 2022.

Don’t miss: The Cast of ‘D.P.’ Talks About the Netflix K-Drama

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