Cover Suzy has played a range of characters including a K-pop idol and a producer, but her most memorable role remains to be Seo Dal-mi in Start-Up (Photo: IMDB)
Suzy has played a range of characters including a K-pop idol and a producer, but her most memorable role remains to be Seo Dal-mi in Start-Up (Photo: IMDB)
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These performances prove the dedication, talent and sheer versatility of K-pop idols who have ventured into the competitive and high-pressure world of K-dramas
The line between K-pop and K-drama has always been thin, with South Korea’s entertainment industry cultivating multi-talented artists. This crossover is a carefully cultivated tradition. The Korean entertainment system, which is famously (or notoriously) built on rigorous trainee programs, doesn’t just prepare future idols to sing and dance; it shapes them into all-around entertainers, equipped for variety shows, modelling and, of course, acting.
Long before “idol actors” became a pop culture talking point, South Korea’s entertainment giants (the big three: SM, JYP and YG Entertainment) recognised the value of multi-hyphenates. By the early 2000s, K-drama producers began casting idols, initially to draw in their devoted fanbases. But what started as clever marketing quickly evolved into something much more: a proving ground where only the truly capable could survive the harsh scrutiny of critics and the public.
Today, the stigma that once followed “idol actors” is fading fast, thanks to a new generation of performers who’ve transcended their pop roots to deliver emotionally resonant, critically acclaimed roles. Here’s a curated list of K-drama performances by K-pop idols that truly left a mark.
Also read: Who are the biggest players in the K-pop industry?
1. IU in ‘My Mister’ (2018)
IU debuted when she was 15 and quickly became a powerhouse in the music industry as a singer-songwriter. However, her career reached new heights when she showcased her versatility with a defining performance in My Mister. She played a broken woman entangled in debt and emotional isolation and her portrayal was raw, haunting and worlds away from her cheerful pop persona. Critics and audiences praised her remarkable capacity, and the drama’s quiet intensity became a standout in K-drama history.
IU continues to be active in both entertainment fields. She recently aired a concert movie and is starring in two series, The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife and When Life Gives You Tangerines this 2025.
Don't miss: 7 things you might not know about IU
2. D.O. (Do Kyung-soo) in ‘It’s Okay, That’s Love’ (2014)
D.O. was just 19 when he made his global debut as a member of EXO, the renowned boy group that released its first album in 2013. As an actor, he transitioned from brief cameos to a significant role in It’s Okay, That’s Love, portraying a young man living with schizophrenia. His nuanced, empathetic performance surprised both EXO fans and sceptics, earning him praise for portraying mental illness with authenticity and restraint. The drama remains a benchmark for sensitive storytelling, with D.O.’s role standing as one of the most memorable performances by an idol-turned-actor.
D.O. hasn’t turned his back on his acting talents. He’s been in more TV shows and was recently in the film Secret: Untold Melody.
Also read: Exo’s Do Kyung-soo: 10 best looks in celebration of his birthday
3. Suzy in ‘Start-Up’ (2020)
Bae Suzy's singing and acting career started almost around the same time. She debuted with the girl group Miss A in 2010 and starred in Dream High in 2011. She’s had many high-profile drama works, including Uncontrollably Fond (2016) and While You Were Sleeping (2017).
However, her real acting breakthrough came with her performance in Start-Up (2020). As Seo Dal-mi, a young woman navigating the world of tech start-ups, Suzy brought warmth, ambition and vulnerability to the screen, creating a relatable character who resonated with viewers. The show’s commercial success and Suzy’s compelling performance solidified her as a bona fide K-drama leading lady.
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4. Lee Jun-ho in ‘The Red Sleeve‘’ (2021)
2PM’s Lee Jun-ho took home multiple awards for his role as a crown prince in The Red Sleeve, and it’s easy to see why. His intense, emotionally layered portrayal of a ruler torn between love and duty captivated audiences and critics alike and erased any preconceived notions about K-pop idols shifting to acting. The historical drama’s depth and Jun-ho’s impeccable performance made this one of the most talked-about K-dramas of the year.
See more: 5 historical (saeguk) K-drama classics to watch: Hwarang, Mr Queen
5. Jung Eun-ji in ‘Reply 1997‘’ (2012)
Apink’s Jung Eun-ji could have settled for being a K-pop idol. As the main vocalist of her girl group, she possesses perfect pitch and has a vocal range of four octaves and one note. However, she didn't rest on her laurels.
Jung made a stunning acting debut in Reply 1997, where her heartfelt, nostalgic performance as a die-hard K-pop fangirl struck a chord with millions. The drama became a cultural phenomenon, and Eun-ji’s natural, endearing screen presence proved that K-pop idol actors could more than hold their own against seasoned screen veterans. The performance also kicked open many other roles, including That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013) and Lovers of Music (2014).
6. Im Si-wan in ‘Misaeng‘’ (2014)
ZE:A’s Im Si-wan delivered a masterclass in understated acting with Misaeng, portraying a struggling office worker with quiet intensity. The drama’s realistic depiction of corporate life resonated deeply with viewers, and Si-wan’s sensitive, introspective performance earned him widespread acclaim. The Korean Film Council even included him on a list of actors who represent Korea’s movie scene. His seamless transition from singing to acting paved the way for other K-pop idols.
Im has continued to expand his acting skills. After portraying variations of good guys, he switched up his choices by opting for grittier roles, like a con man and an undercover cop. He also played the lead in Hell Is Other People with Lee Dong-wook.
Also read: 8 K-dramas with the weirdest plots
7. Jisoo in ‘Snowdrop’ (2021)
One of the most famous K-pop idols of all time legitimised her skills by switching to drama. BLACKPINK’s Jisoo made her long-awaited acting debut in Snowdrop, where she played a university student caught in a political conspiracy. Despite the initial controversy surrounding the series, Jisoo’s emotional sincerity and screen presence earned praise, with many acknowledging her promising future as a dramatic actress.
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8. V in ‘Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth’ (2016)
BTS’ V made a memorable acting debut in Hwarang, a historical drama about an elite group of young warriors. While the show itself had mixed reviews, V’s portrayal of the free-spirited Han Sung was praised for its charm and playfulness. His ability to balance comedic moments with heartfelt scenes made his performance a standout, even in a star-studded cast that includes Park Seo-joon, Go Ara and fellow idol-actor Park Hyung-sik.
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